The Core Principle: Customary Consumption
At its heart, the FDA's definition of a serving size is a reflection of real-world eating habits, not a recommendation for a healthy diet. The core principle, as stated by the FDA, is the "amount of food customarily consumed (i.e., typically eaten) in one sitting for that food". This approach ensures that the information on the Nutrition Facts label accurately reflects how people are actually consuming the product, helping consumers make more informed comparisons between similar foods.
The Role of Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACCs)
The foundation for determining serving sizes is the Reference Amount Customarily Consumed (RACC). RACCs are standardized unit amounts set by the FDA for hundreds of food categories, from baked goods to beverages. These values are derived from nationwide food consumption surveys conducted by the USDA and are regularly updated to reflect changes in how Americans eat and drink. Manufacturers use these RACCs as a starting point to calculate the serving size for their specific products.
Common RACC Examples
- Carbonated Beverages: The RACC was updated from 8 ounces to 12 ounces, reflecting how much people typically drink.
- Ice Cream: The RACC changed from 1/2 cup to 2/3 cup, another adjustment based on updated consumption data.
- Baked Goods: The RACC for muffins is 110 grams, which can translate to one or more pieces depending on the product's size.
How Serving Size is Expressed on the Label
Once the serving size is determined, it is expressed on the Nutrition Facts label in a common household measure that is appropriate for the food. This is followed by the metric equivalent in grams (g) or milliliters (mL), providing a precise measurement for consumers.
Examples of Common Household Measures:
- Cup
- Tablespoon
- Teaspoon
- Piece or slice
- Bottle or jar
Single-Serving and Dual-Column Labeling
The FDA has specific regulations for how serving sizes are handled for different container types to prevent misleading consumers. A package that contains less than 200% of the RACC is required to be labeled as a single-serving container. The entire contents of a 20-ounce bottle of soda, for instance, must be labeled as a single serving because it is typically consumed in one sitting, even though the RACC is 12 ounces.
For products that contain more than 200% but could reasonably be consumed in one or multiple sittings, such as a pint of ice cream or a large beverage, manufacturers are now required to use dual-column labeling. This provides nutrition information both "per serving" and "per container" so consumers can easily see the nutritional value of the entire package at a glance.
Serving Size vs. Portion Size: What's the Difference?
It is crucial to distinguish between a serving size and a portion size. While often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, they have very different meanings.
| Aspect | Serving Size | Portion Size |
|---|---|---|
| Defined By | The FDA, based on Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACCs). | The individual consumer; it is the amount of food you choose to eat. |
| Purpose | To provide a consistent, standardized unit for comparing nutritional information across different food products. | To represent the actual amount of food a person puts on their plate and consumes. |
| Basis | Population-wide consumption data, reflecting what people typically eat. | Personal choice, appetite, and dining context (e.g., restaurant vs. home). |
| Fixed or Variable? | Fixed for a given food product, set by the manufacturer according to FDA regulations. | Variable, as it changes with each meal and individual. |
| Example | A can of soup may have a serving size of 1 cup. | You might eat the entire can of soup, making your portion size 2 cups. |
Conclusion
In summary, the FDA defines a serving size not as a health recommendation, but as the amount of food people typically eat in one sitting, based on established Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACCs). This standardized approach, along with labeling rules for single-serving and dual-column packages, helps ensure that consumers receive consistent and realistic nutritional information on packaged foods. By understanding this distinction between a serving size and a personal portion, consumers can make more informed decisions when comparing products and managing their intake.
For further details on federal food labeling regulations, consult the official U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary factor the FDA considers when defining a serving size?
The FDA bases serving sizes on the amount of food people customarily consume, or typically eat, in a single sitting. It is not based on a nutritional recommendation.
What does RACC stand for and how is it related to serving size?
RACC stands for Reference Amount Customarily Consumed. It is a standardized amount of food set by the FDA for different product categories that is used to determine the serving size on the nutrition label.
How does the FDA know how much people typically eat?
The FDA derives RACCs from large-scale, nationwide food consumption surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Why did the serving sizes for things like soda and ice cream change on the nutrition label?
The FDA periodically updates RACCs to reflect changes in how much people typically eat and drink. The reference amount for soda, for instance, increased from 8 to 12 ounces because people's consumption habits changed.
What is a single-serving container according to the FDA?
A single-serving container is a product packaged and sold individually that contains less than 200% of the applicable RACC. For these containers, the entire content must be labeled as a single serving.
What is a dual-column label and when is it required?
A dual-column label shows nutrition information for both a single serving and for the entire package. It is required for certain larger packages that could reasonably be consumed in one or more sittings, such as a pint of ice cream.
Does the serving size on a label tell me how much I should eat?
No, the serving size is not a recommendation for how much you should eat or drink. It is a standardized amount to help you compare the nutritional content of similar foods.
What is the difference between a serving size and a portion size?
A serving size is the standardized amount listed on a food label, while a portion size is the amount of food an individual chooses to eat.
Key Takeaways
- Customary Consumption: The FDA's serving size is based on the average amount of food people typically eat, not a dietary recommendation.
- RACC Foundation: Serving sizes are determined using Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACCs), which are updated by the FDA to reflect changing eating habits.
- Serving vs. Portion: A serving size is a regulatory standard for labeling, whereas a portion size is the amount an individual chooses to consume.
- Standardized Measures: Serving sizes are expressed in common household measurements (e.g., cups, pieces) and metric units (e.g., grams).
- Special Labeling: For products that are single-serving or potentially consumed in one sitting, special labeling rules like single-serving or dual-column formats are applied to provide clearer information.
