Methodology
How we decode a label
labels.fyi separates four things that product marketing blurs together: what the label says, what the manufacturer claims, what the evidence says, and what we conclude.
01
Label data & observations
Every factual statement about a product traces back to a dated observation: a label photo, a panel transcription or a retailer listing, with who recorded it and when.
When a label changes, we capture the new version and mark the old one as superseded. We never silently overwrite earlier observations; the history is shown on each product page.
We don’t laboratory-test products unless a page says so explicitly and links to the test report. Amounts are as declared by the manufacturer.
02
How we assess claims
Each claim is quoted exactly as printed, then assessed against the label and published evidence using a neutral five-point vocabulary. We don’t give products scores, stars or ratings.
- Supported
- The label or cited evidence supports the claim as worded.
- Partly supported
- Part of the claim is supported; part is not, or it overstates the evidence.
- Needs context
- Broadly consistent with evidence, but depends on who you are and how it is used.
- Limited evidence
- The available research is too limited or inconsistent to support the claim.
- Not verifiable
- Cannot be checked from the label or any source available to us.
Evidence is weighted by type: systematic reviews, meta-analyses and positions of professional bodies over single studies; human studies over animal or lab studies. We avoid disease-treatment framing and never give personal medical advice.
03
Veg status
- Vegetarian
- The label shows the green vegetarian mark and no listed ingredient contradicts it. We never infer vegetarian status from the absence of meat ingredients.
- Non-vegetarian
- The label shows the brown non-vegetarian mark, or lists an animal-derived ingredient such as gelatin.
- Vegan
- The label or brand states the product is vegan and no animal-derived ingredient is listed.
- Veg status unknown
- We could not verify it from the label. We never guess.
Every status includes a written reason and the observation it’s based on. Veg status unknown is a valid, honest answer.
04
How we calculate cost
Prices are dated observations from specific retailers, not live prices. We never present an old price as current: observations older than 30 days are flagged.
- Cost per serving = pack price ÷ servings per pack. If servings aren’t printed, we use pack weight ÷ serving size and say so.
- Cost per 100 g = pack price ÷ pack weight × 100.
- Cost per effective dose = pack price ÷ (servings × amount of the active per serving ÷ reference dose). For example, ₹ per 5 g of creatine.
If an amount is hidden in a proprietary blend, we show the cost as unavailable rather than estimating it.
05
Editorial workflow & review
- 01DraftAn editor transcribes the label from dated photos and records observations.
- 02Fact checkA second person checks every number against the label images and sources.
- 03Dietitian reviewA qualified reviewer checks claims, evidence summaries and health context.
- 04ApprovedOnly approved content can be published.
- 05PublishedThe page goes live with its reviewer and review date.
- 06Needs reviewWhen the review date passes or the label changes, the page is flagged publicly.
Reviewers are named, with their credentials and the review date shown on every page. We never publish reviews attributed to people who didn’t perform them.
06
Affiliate links & commercial relationships
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through them. This never affects how we assess a product.
Commercial links are always labelled on the link itself and marked rel="sponsored". Editorial, affiliate and sponsored content are clearly distinguished. Commercial arrangements are handled separately from claim assessment, and a retailer relationship never changes an assessment.
We don’t accept payment for reviews, rankings or placement in comparisons.
07
Corrections & brand responses
If you find an error, email corrections@labels.fyi with the product and, ideally, a clear photo of the label. Brands can respond with supporting evidence such as a current label or a certificate of analysis.
Accepted corrections are logged in the page’s update history with the date. Brand responses will be shown alongside our assessment, clearly attributed to the brand.
08
Not medical advice
labels.fyi provides general information about product labels and published evidence. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan or personal recommendation. Speak to a doctor or registered dietitian about your own needs.