Tag: Typography

While many assume a single, mandated font is used, the U.S. FDA actually does not require a specific font for nutrition labels, instead favoring broad guidelines for readability. However, most manufacturers follow an industry standard, leading many to ask what font they use on nutrition labels. The simple answer is that Helvetica has become the unofficial norm due to its use in FDA examples, though other legible sans-serif typefaces are also permitted.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while no single font is explicitly required, legible sans-serif typefaces like Helvetica are the industry standard for the Nutrition Facts label. This design choice is critical for ensuring consumers can quickly and easily read important nutritional information.

The origins of the term 'pica' in typography can be traced back to the 15th century, though its connection to the magpie is still debated. Many are surprised to learn that in addition to its medical definition, there is an alternative meaning of pica that is fundamental to the world of design and printing. It is a standardized unit of measure that has guided typesetters for centuries, bridging traditional printing with modern digital layouts.