The new Nutrition Facts Label: what you need to know

The nutrition facts label has been updated by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is the first major update of the label in the last 20 years. This update became necessary based on updated scientific information because nutrition is a dynamic field where new nutrition is on a continual basis as well as input from the public. One of the prominent features of the new nutrition label is that the information is easier for consumers to comprehend in order to enable them to make informed choices that contributes to lifelong healthy eating habits.

Let’s take a closer look at the new features and benefits of the new Nutrition facts label.

1. Servings per product- The new label clearly shows the number of servings in a product and the serving size for the product. When looking at the nutrition facts label, it is important to take a look at the number of servings in the product and the serving size. Therefore, it is important to understand that if double of the serving size is consumed then double of the percentage daily value of the specific nutrient has been consumed.

2. Number of calories per serving – The number of calories per serving is clearly indicated in the new nutrition facts label. This will enable consumers know how much calories is been consumed per serving of a product. For example, if an individual ate an entire product then the total number of calories that individual would have consumed is equal to the total number of servings in the product multiplied by the number of calories per serving size.

3. Percentage contribution from Saturated Fats to the specific product – The nutrition label clearly shows the percentage daily value from saturated fats. The percentage Daily Value (%DV) is the percentage of the Daily Value for each nutrient in a serving of the food. The percentage Daily Value (%DV) are reference amounts of nutrients to consume or not to exceed each day. As a general guide to the percentage Daily Value (%DV); 5% DV or less of a nutrient per serving is considered low while 20% DV or more of a nutrient per serving is considered high.

4. Added Sugars – The new nutrition facts label clearly shows the percentage daily value of added sugars. This is very important to enable consumers make informed choices on the number of added sugars they consume. It is important to understand that added sugars, along with sodium and saturated fats are indicated as nutrients to get less which consumers should pay careful attention to and should be consumed with caution.

5. Dietary Fiber, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron and Potassium are indicated as nutrients to get more of on the new nutrition facts label.

Generally, the new nutrition label is more interactive. The prominent features make it easier for consumers to read and understand the information effectively. The information is product specific which includes the serving size, calories and nutrient information for the product. More people are able to read and understand the new nutrition facts label with ease and consequently helping them make more informed product choices.