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PhrasesFood ShoppingPosso vedere la lista degli ingredienti?
A2

Posso vedere la lista degli ingredienti?

Can I see the list of ingredients?

Pronunciation

POS-so ve-DE-re la LI-sta de-lyi in-gre-DYEN-ti

When to use it

Asking to check the ingredient list on packaged food — for allergies, dietary choices, or curiosity.

What it means

EU regulations require all food sold in Italy to display a full ingredient list (lista degli ingredienti) in Italian, in descending order of quantity. The 14 major allergens must be highlighted (in bold or underlined). Understanding how to read Italian ingredient labels is essential for dietary management.

Variations

Contiene lattosio?

Does it contain lactose?

Checking for lactose — Italy has high lactose intolerance rates

C'è il glutine?

Does it contain gluten?

Essential question for coeliacs

Contiene frutta a guscio?

Does it contain tree nuts?

'Frutta a guscio' covers tree nuts as a group allergen

Mini Dialogue

— Posso vedere la lista degli ingredienti? — Certo — eccola sul retro della confezione. — Contiene lattosio? — Sì — terzo ingrediente dopo farina e uova.

— Can I see the list of ingredients? — Of course — here it is on the back of the packaging. — Does it contain lactose? — Yes — third ingredient after flour and eggs.

Cultural Note

Italy has one of Europe's highest rates of lactose intolerance — studies suggest 50–70% of the adult population has reduced lactase activity. Products labelled 'senza lattosio' (lactose-free) have become a major supermarket category, with brands like Zymil dominating.