Nutrition Facts Label Relay
In relays, teams search a table of real food packages for the product that meets a challenge, such as the least sugar or the most fiber, by reading the Nutrition Facts label. Students learn to compare foods critically while running.
How to play
- Briefing (4 min): how to read a label: serving size, calories, added sugars, sodium, saturated fat, fiber, % Daily Value, and an ingredient list ordered from most to least.
- Teams of 5 line up 15 yards from a table with 20 empty packages (cereal, cookies, yogurt, drinks, sauces).
- The teacher calls a challenge, such as 'the cereal with the least added sugar per serving.' A runner reads labels, picks a package, and brings it back within 60 seconds.
- The team may send another runner to swap it if they think there is a better one. On the whistle, check the answers; a correct pick is worth 2 points.
- Return the packages and call a new challenge: most protein, least sodium, fewer than five ingredients. Eight challenges of 90 seconds (12 min).
- Wrap-up (4 min): teams sort five packages into 'minimally processed' and 'ultra-processed' and explain why.
Rules
- Stay in your lane and slow down before the table to avoid collisions.
- Only one runner per team at the table at a time.
- Put packages back after each challenge.
Variations
Easier
Challenges use only one number: added sugar or sodium.
Standard
Mixed challenges on nutrients and ingredients.
Harder
Challenges combine two conditions, such as less sugar and more fiber.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: serve as the team's official label reader at the table, or move the table closer to the lane.
- Visual impairment: a magnifier or enlarged photos of the labels.
- Math difficulties: a reference chart with key values already marked.
Learning goals
- Interpret the information on a Nutrition Facts label.
- Compare products to choose healthier options.
- Spot ultra-processed foods from their ingredient lists.
Equipment for a class of 25
- empty food packages: 20
- cones: 10
- worksheets: 5
Teacher tip
Ask students to bring clean, empty packages from home a week ahead. Avoid labeling foods as 'good' or 'bad'; talk about how often to eat them.
PatioLab has "Nutrition Facts Label Relay" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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