Nutrition labels are one of the best tools you have for making informed food choices, but they can be confusing if you don’t know what to look for. A few key things to focus on can help you cut through the clutter.

Start with the serving size at the top. Everything on the label is based on this amount, and it’s often smaller than what people actually eat in one sitting. If a bag of chips says the serving size is 15 chips but you eat 30, you need to double all the numbers on the label.

Next, look at calories to get a general sense of the energy you’re taking in. But calories alone don’t tell the whole story; where those calories come from matters too.

Focus on a few key nutrients. Fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals are things most people should aim to get more of. Saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars are the ones worth keeping an eye on. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to about 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams for men. You might be surprised how quickly it adds up, especially in foods that don’t taste sweet, like bread, sauces, and yogurt.

The percent Daily Value (%DV) column gives you context. As a general guide, 5% DV or less is considered low, and 20% DV or more is considered high. This can help you quickly assess whether a food is high in something you want to limit or something you want more of.

The ingredient list is also worth a glance. Ingredients are listed in order of weight, so the first few items tell you what the product is mostly made of. Shorter ingredient lists with recognizable items are generally a good sign.

You don’t need to scrutinize every label on every item you buy. But getting comfortable with the basics gives you the power to make choices that align with your health goals.