Objectives: Dietary modifications are common treatment strategies for adults with metabolic syndrome, but it is unclear how often these individuals read food labels. The objective of this study was to examine if adults with metabolic syndrome read food labels when buying packaged foods and to determine factors related to label use. Methods: From the database of the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES-V), 1,335 adults with metabolic syndrome and 3,696 those without were selected. Data were analyzed using frequency distributions, $X^2$ test and multiple logistic regression with the SPSS win 18.0 program. Results: Adults with metabolic syndrome read food labels less than individuals without it when they purchase packaged foods(12.5% vs 29.0%). Among those without metabolic syndrome, food label use was significantly higher among participants who were women, younger, educated, and trying to control weight. Conclusions: Strategies to use food label as a diet management tool for metabolic syndrome are needed.