In recent years, the iconic Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods has received its most significant overhaul in over two decades, spearheaded by the FDA. These updates were driven by new scientific evidence linking diet and chronic diseases, as well as a more accurate understanding of modern eating habits. While the overall look is familiar, several key modifications aim to make labels clearer and more informative for consumers. Knowing what are the three main things that have changed on food labels can significantly empower you to make healthier food choices for yourself and your family.
The Shift to Realistic Serving Sizes
Perhaps the most noticeable change is the update to how serving sizes are defined and displayed. The FDA now requires serving sizes to be based on what people actually eat, not what they theoretically should eat, reflecting modern consumption patterns.
Why the change to serving sizes?
Serving sizes, previously based on outdated data, are now adjusted to be more realistic based on current consumption. Examples include updated serving sizes for ice cream and soda. This change helps consumers accurately assess their caloric and nutritional intake.
Bigger, bolder, and dual-column labels
Text for "Servings Per Container" and "Serving Size" is now larger and bolder. {Link: FDA https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/changes-nutrition-facts-label}. Larger multi-serving packages may feature a dual-column label showing nutrition for both a single serving and the entire package.
The Inclusion of Added Sugars
Another major update is the new line item for "Added Sugars." Previously, labels only listed "Total Sugars," which included both naturally occurring and added sugars. The new label provides greater transparency.
Differentiating from total sugars
The new label clearly separates naturally occurring sugars from those added during processing. Added sugars are ingredients like sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup. This distinction is important as diets high in added sugars can make it difficult to meet nutrient needs within calorie limits. Dietary guidelines recommend limiting calories from added sugars.
Empowering consumers for better health
Highlighting added sugars increases consumer awareness and helps individuals control their intake, which is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases. This change may also encourage manufacturers to reduce added sugars in products.
Required and Updated Nutrients
The third primary change involves the list of required nutrients, updated based on public health priorities and national dietary studies.
New required nutrients
The label now mandates the declaration of Vitamin D and Potassium, including both milligrams and percentage of daily value. These nutrients are often lacking in American diets and are vital for bone health and blood pressure.
Removed nutrients
Vitamin A and Vitamin C are no longer required on the label, as deficiencies are less common. Manufacturers can include them voluntarily.
Actual amounts and Daily Values
The actual amount in milligrams or micrograms is now listed for Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, and Potassium, in addition to the % Daily Value. This provides a clearer understanding of nutrient intake.
Comparing the Old vs. New Nutrition Facts Label
To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of key features between the old and updated food labels.
| Feature | Old Label | New Label |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Calories, serving size, and nutrients were uniformly sized | "Calories," "servings per container," and "Serving size" are larger and bolder. |
| Serving Size | Based on what people should eat, using outdated consumption data from the 1990s. | Based on more current, realistic consumption amounts. |
| Added Sugars | Not separately listed; included in "Total Sugars". | A separate line item, "Includes Added Sugars," is required. |
| Required Nutrients | Required to list Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron. | Requires Vitamin D, Potassium, Calcium, and Iron. |
| Nutrient Values | Only the % Daily Value was required for vitamins and minerals. | Requires the actual amount (mg/mcg) along with % Daily Value for key nutrients. |
| Calories from Fat | Included a line for "Calories from Fat". | {Link: FDA https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/changes-nutrition-facts-label}. |
| Footnote | A longer, less clear explanation of Daily Value. | A simplified, clearer definition of Daily Value. |
Other Notable Changes and Impacts
Beyond the three main areas, other changes further refine the label for enhanced consumer readability. The font size for calories has been significantly increased. {Link: FDA https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/changes-nutrition-facts-label}. The footnote explaining the % Daily Value has also been revised for clarity. These changes provide a more transparent tool for public health. For more comprehensive information, you can consult the official FDA resources on this topic. Learn more about Nutrition Facts label changes directly from the FDA.
Conclusion: A Clearer Path to Healthier Decisions
The updated food labels, with their new focus on realistic serving sizes, the transparency of added sugars, and a more relevant list of nutrients, represent a significant stride in public health policy. By providing clearer and more up-to-date information, the changes empower consumers to make smarter food choices that better align with modern dietary recommendations. {Link: FDA https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/changes-nutrition-facts-label}
