Who needs a Nutrition Facts label
Almost all packaged food and drinks sold in the US. Some are exempt:
- Small businesses that stay under the FDA limits and make no nutrition claims
- Foods with almost no nutrients, like plain coffee, tea and most spices
- Food made to eat right away, like at a restaurant or bakery counter
What goes on the label
Calories plus these 14 nutrients, per serving, with a % Daily Value for most of them:
- Calories
- Total fat
- Saturated fat
- Trans fat
- Cholesterol
- Sodium
- Total carbohydrate
- Dietary fiber
- Total sugars
- Added sugars
- Protein
- Vitamin D
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
Serving size
You don't pick your own serving size. It is based on the amount people usually eat, set by the FDA for each type of food, and shown in a household measure plus grams or mL.
- Granola: about 1/2 cup (around 45 g)
- Hot sauce: 1 tsp (5 mL)
- Jam: 1 tbsp (about 20 g)
Rounding
Every number on the label is rounded by fixed rules. Here are the ones you'll use most:
| Nutrient | Very small | Small | Larger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | Under 5 → 0 | Up to 50 → nearest 5 | Over 50 → nearest 10 |
| Fat | Under 0.5 g → 0 | Under 5 g → nearest 0.5 g | 5 g or more → nearest 1 g |
| Sodium | Under 5 mg → 0 | 5–140 mg → nearest 5 | Over 140 mg → nearest 10 |
| Cholesterol | Under 2 mg → 0 | 2–5 mg → "less than 5 mg" | Over 5 mg → nearest 5 |
| Carbs, sugars, fiber, protein | Under 0.5 g → 0 | Under 1 g → "less than 1 g" | 1 g or more → nearest 1 g |
Layout and type size
The label has a fixed look: black on white, thick and thin rules in set places, and a clear type order.
- "Nutrition Facts" is the largest text on the label
- Calories and serving size are bold and large
- Most other text is at least 8 point
- You can't add brand colors, fonts or rounded corners
Label styles
There are several allowed layouts. The standard vertical one fits most packages. Small, wide or multi-serving packages have their own versions.
See every style side by side →Ingredients and allergens
These sit next to the Nutrition Facts panel, not inside it. Both are required on packaged food.
- Ingredients in order of weight, from most to least
- A "Contains" line for any of the 9 major allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy and sesame