The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods and drinks. FDA is requiring changes to the Nutrition Facts label based on updated scientific information, new nutrition research, and input from the public. This is the first major update to the label in over 20 years. The refreshed design and updated information will make it easier for you to make informed food choices that contribute to lifelong healthy eating habits. So, what’s changed?
Original Label vs. New Label
- The serving size now appears in larger, bold font and some serving sizes have been update.
- Calories are not display in larger, bolder font.
- Daily values have been update.
- Added sugars, vitamin D, and potassium are now listed. Manufacturers must declare the amount in addition to percent Daily Value for vitamins and minerals.
Serving Sizes Get Real
Servings per container and serving size information appear in large, bold font. Serving sizes have also been update to better reflect the amount people typically eat and drink today. NOTE: The serving size is not a recommendation of how much to eat.
- The nutrition information listed in the Nutrition Facts label is usually based on one serving of the food; however some containers may also have information display per package.
- One package of food may contain more than one serving.
Calories Go Big
Calories are now in larger and bolder font to make the information easier to find and use.
2,000 calories a day is used as a guide for general nutrition advice. Your calorie needs may be higher or lower depending on your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level. Explore your calorie needs.
The Lows and Highs of % Daily Value
The percent Daily Value (%DV) shows how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a total daily diet. Daily Values for nutrients have been updated, which may make the percent Daily Value higher or lower on the Nutrition Facts label. As a general guide:
- 5% DV or less of a nutrient per serving is considered low.
- 20% DV or more of a nutrient per serving is considered high.
The footnote at the bottom of the label has been updated to better explain %DV.
Nutrients: The Updated List
What information is no longer required on the label?
Calories from fat has been removed because research shows the type of fat consumed is more important than the amount.
Vitamin A and C are no longer required on the label since deficiencies of these vitamins are rare today. These nutrients can be included on a voluntary basis.
Learn more about the new Nutrition Facts label at: www.FDA.gov/NewNutritionFactsLabel
Nutrients: The Updated List (Continued)
What information was added to the label?
Added sugars have been added to the label because consuming too much added sugars can make it hard to meet nutrient needs while staying within calorie limits. Added sugars include sugars that are added during the processing of foods (such as sucrose or dextrose), foods packaged as sweeteners (such as table sugar), sugars from syrups and honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices.
Vitamin D and potassium are no required to be listed on the label because Americans do not always get the recommended amounts. Diets higher in vitamin D and potassium can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and high blood pressure, respectively.
What vitamins and minerals stayed the same?
Calcium and iron will continue to be listed on the label because Americans do no always get the recommended amounts. Diets higher in calcium and iron can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and anemia, respectively.
Make the Label Work for You
Use the label to support your personal dietary needs–choose foods that contain more of the nutrients you want to get more of and less of nutrients you may want to limit.
More often, choose foods that are:
- Higher in dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium.
Lower in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
Choosing healthier foods and beverages can help reduce the risk of developing some health conditions, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and anemia.
