Sample Nutrition Facts label

Sample Nutrition Facts label
  1. Serving size: Serving sizes are listed in standard measurements, such as cups or pieces. Similar foods usually have similar serving sizes, so you can compare them more easily. The label also includes the number of servings per container to help you calculate the calories and nutrients in the entire package. Be sure to check the serving size against how much you actually eat. If a serving is 16 crackers but you eat 32, that doubles the calories, sugar, fat and other nutrients you eat.
  2. Calories: The number of calories listed shows the calories in one serving of the food. You can use this information to compare similar products and choose the one that is lower in calories or fits in your calorie needs.
  3. Nutrients and Daily Value: The label must list the amounts of total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sugars, protein, vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium that are in one serving. The Daily Value (DV) tells you how close you are to meeting your daily requirements for each nutrient. It's based on a typical 2,000-calorie-a-day diet. The DV can help you track whether you're getting enough — or too much — of all the nutrients you need in a day.
  4. Nutrients to increase: The typical American diet is low in fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium. They're listed on the label to encourage Americans to include more of these important nutrients in their diet.

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2016