August 2023 — 1

What’s in it for you?

What’s on the

Nutrition Facts Label?

In 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated requirements for the 

Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods and drinks. FDA required changes to the 

Nutrition Facts label based on updated scientific information, new nutrition research, 

and input from the public. This was the first major update to the label in over 20 years. 

The refreshed design and updated information make it easier for you to make informed 

food choices that contribute to lifelong healthy eating habits. So, what changed?

Original Label Current Label

The serving size appears in 

large, bold font and some 

serving sizes were updated. 

Calories are displayed in 

large, bold font.

Daily Values were updated.

Added sugars, vitamin 

D, and potassium are 

required on the label. 

Manufacturers must 

declare the amount in 

addition to percent Daily 

Value for vitamins and 

minerals.
August 2023 — 2

1 Serving Sizes Get Real

Servings per container and serving size information appear in large, bold font. Serving 

sizes were also updated to better reflect the amount people typically eat and drink. NOTE: 

The serving size is not a recommendation of how much to eat.

• The nutrition information listed on the Nutrition Facts label is usually based on one 

serving of the food; however, some containers may also have information displayed 

per package.

• One package of food may contain more than one serving.

2 Calories Go Big

Calories are in large and bold 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. Check your calorie needs at https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-plan.

3 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. Most Daily Values for nutrients were updated. 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 was updated to better explain %DV.

4 Nutrients: The Updated List

What information was no longer required on the label?

Calories from fat were 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.
August 2023 — 3

Nutrients: The Updated List (Continued)

What information was added to the label?

Added sugars were 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 were 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 continue to be listed on the label because Americans do not 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.

Learn more about the Nutrition Facts label at: www.FDA.gov/NutritionFactsLabel