How much fat should a liquid contain to be deemed a low-fat food?

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, to be labeled "low fat," a liquid product must contain no more than 1.5 grams of fat per 100 ml. This specific metric is crucial for both consumers and food manufacturers to understand the nuances behind marketing claims.

Quick Summary

Regulatory bodies worldwide define specific fat content criteria for liquid foods to be labeled 'low fat.' These standards often differ by region, influencing how beverage manufacturers formulate and market their products. Consumers benefit from understanding these regulations to make healthier choices and interpret nutrition labels accurately.

Key Points

Regional Standards: Regulatory bodies like the FDA (U.S.) and European Commission define different fat content limits for liquid foods to be labeled 'low fat'.
European Requirement: A liquid in the EU must contain no more than 1.5 g of fat per 100 ml to be deemed 'low fat'.
FDA Requirement: In the U.S., the standard is based on serving size, with liquids needing 3 g of fat or less per serving to be considered 'low fat'.
Fat-Free vs. Low-Fat: 'Fat-free' liquids must have less than 0.5 g of fat per serving, a much stricter standard than 'low fat'.
Reduced Fat Claims: A 'reduced fat' label only indicates a 25% fat reduction relative to a standard product, not that it is a low-fat item overall.
Importance of Labels: Always check the nutrition label for specifics, including the fat content per serving, to avoid being misled by front-of-package claims.
Consider All Ingredients: Be aware that 'low fat' products may have higher sugar content to compensate for flavor and texture, so the ingredients list is also important.

Understanding the Official Criteria for "Low Fat"

Defining a low-fat food, especially a liquid, is not as straightforward as it might seem. Official criteria are set by regulatory bodies and can differ significantly depending on the country or region. For instance, the European Union and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have different standards for what qualifies as 'low fat'. These guidelines are designed to standardize nutrition claims and prevent misleading information on product packaging.

Global vs. Regional Standards

In Europe, a liquid can carry a 'low fat' claim only if it contains 1.5g of fat or less per 100ml. The standard is slightly different for semi-skimmed milk, which is allowed up to 1.8g of fat per 100ml. In contrast, the FDA's standard in the United States is based on a serving size (known as a RACC, or Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed). A liquid must contain 3 grams of fat or less per RACC to be labeled 'low fat'. This means the same beverage could potentially be labeled differently in different parts of the world based on these regulatory variations.

For consumers, this variance can be confusing. For example, a beverage that meets the FDA's serving-based criteria might not qualify under the EU's 100ml standard if the serving size is large enough to exceed the limit. This highlights the importance of checking both the fat content per serving and per 100ml, which are often displayed side-by-side on nutrition labels in many countries. In Australia and New Zealand, a liquid food must contain less than 1.5% fat to be deemed low-fat. This percentage-based system offers another perspective on measuring fat content.

A Comparison of Low-Fat Liquid Requirements


Region	Low-Fat Requirement (Standard)	Exceptions/Notes
European Union	≤ 1.5 g fat per 100 ml	≤ 1.8 g fat per 100 ml for semi-skimmed milk
United States (FDA)	≤ 3 g fat per RACC (serving size)	RACC can vary per food type; also defines 'fat-free' and 'reduced fat'
Australia / New Zealand	< 1.5% fat (1.5 g per 100 g/ml)	Percentage-based, but functionally similar to EU for liquids
Codex Alimentarius	≤ 1.5 g fat per 100 ml for liquids	International food standards, often used as a benchmark

The Low-Fat Label vs. "Reduced Fat" and "Fat-Free"

The 'low fat' label is only one part of the picture. Two other important claims are 'reduced fat' and 'fat-free,' each with its own set of rules.

Reduced Fat: This claim indicates that a food product contains at least 25% less fat than a standard or reference version of the same product. It is a relative claim, not an absolute one. For instance, a 'reduced-fat' mayonnaise may still be high in fat compared to other food types, even if it has 25% less fat than the regular version.

Fat-Free: This label can be used on liquids that contain less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving. This is the strictest standard and means the fat content is negligible. It's important to remember that 'fat-free' does not necessarily mean 'calorie-free,' as fats can be replaced with other ingredients like sugar to maintain flavor.

Beyond the Label: Reading Nutrition Facts

While official claims provide useful information, a deeper understanding of a food's fat content requires reading the full Nutrition Facts panel. This panel provides a detailed breakdown of the fat content, including total fat, saturated fat, and trans fat per serving. It also gives the percentage of the Daily Value (%DV) for fat, which is based on a 2,000-calorie diet. This can help consumers gauge the impact of a single serving on their overall daily fat intake.

Beyond just the numbers, savvy consumers should also read the ingredients list. Some liquid foods might have their fat content replaced with added sugars to compensate for lost flavor and texture. The ingredients list, ordered by weight, will reveal if sugar or high-fructose corn syrup is a primary component. Reading the entire label allows for the most informed decisions, especially when managing weight or specific health conditions like heart disease.

Common Low-Fat Liquids and Their Criteria

Milk: One of the most common low-fat liquids, low-fat milk (often 1% or 2% milk) is regulated to contain a specific fat percentage. Skim milk is considered fat-free with less than 0.5% fat.
Juice: Most fruit juices without pulp are naturally fat-free, such as filtered apple or cranberry juice.
Soups and Broths: Clear broths and consommés are excellent examples of naturally low-fat liquids. Cream-based soups, however, are typically higher in fat and would not qualify.
Plant-Based Alternatives: Many plant-based milks like almond or soy milk offer low-fat varieties, but it's essential to read the label as the fat content can vary significantly by brand and formulation.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Liquid Fats

Navigating the world of low-fat liquid foods requires more than just glancing at a product's front label. Understanding the specific, regulated criteria—whether based on serving size, volume, or percentage—is essential for making truly informed choices. With different standards globally, always consult the Nutrition Facts panel for accurate fat content information. By scrutinizing labels, distinguishing between 'low fat,' 'reduced fat,' and 'fat-free,' and staying aware of ingredients, consumers can effectively manage their dietary fat intake and align their food choices with their health goals. For more information, check out the American Cancer Society's guide on understanding food labels and terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the fat content threshold. Fat-free liquid products must contain less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving, while low-fat liquids can have up to 3 grams of fat per serving (under FDA rules).

Not necessarily. Sometimes, when fat is removed from a food, sugar or other carbohydrates are added to improve flavor and texture. This can result in a low-fat food that has a similar total calorie count to its full-fat version.

International standards vary by regulatory body. For example, the EU defines 'low fat' for liquids as ≤ 1.5g per 100ml, while the FDA uses a serving-size-based system of ≤ 3g per serving.

Yes, under European regulations, semi-skimmed milk, which can contain up to 1.8g of fat per 100ml, has a specific, higher limit to still qualify for a 'low fat' claim.

For the most accurate information, you should check the product's Nutrition Facts label. This panel provides a detailed breakdown of total fat, saturated fat, and trans fat per serving.

A 'reduced fat' claim is a relative claim that means a product has at least 25% less fat than a comparable standard product. It does not mean the product is necessarily low in fat.

Common examples include fat-free or skim milk, clear broths, fruit juices without pulp, and some plant-based milk alternatives. You must always check the label for the specific fat content.

Understanding these regulations helps consumers interpret food labels accurately, make informed dietary choices, and not be misled by marketing claims, which is crucial for managing health and nutrition goals.