Understanding the Nutrition Facts Label: Which of the following nutrients is optional on the food label?

October 31, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the FDA's updated Nutrition Facts label, deficiencies for Vitamins A and C are now considered rare in the general population, making them optional for manufacturers to include. Navigating which of the following nutrients is optional on the food label? is essential for interpreting nutrition data and aligning it with your health goals.

Quick Summary

The Nutrition Facts label lists some nutrients as optional, including Vitamins A and C, based on recent updates from the FDA. Manufacturers can voluntarily include these and other specific fats and minerals, but must list them if a nutrient content claim is made.

Key Points

Vitamins A and C are Optional: The FDA's updated Nutrition Facts label no longer requires manufacturers to list Vitamins A and C, as deficiencies are now uncommon in the general population.
Optional Becomes Mandatory with Claims: If a manufacturer makes a claim on the packaging about an optional nutrient (e.g., "high in Vitamin C"), they are then required to include that nutrient on the label.
Focus on Public Health: The FDA removed some optional nutrients to create more emphasis on nutrients of public health concern, like Vitamin D and potassium, where widespread deficiencies still exist.
Other Optional Nutrients: In addition to Vitamins A and C, other specific fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated), specific fibers, and some B vitamins can also be listed voluntarily.
Use Optional Info for Specific Needs: Consumers can use the optional information to their advantage by seeking out products that list specific vitamins or fats relevant to their individual dietary goals.

Navigating the Modern Nutrition Facts Label

In 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the Nutrition Facts label to reflect current nutrition science and public health needs. These updates changed which nutrients are mandatory and which are optional, highlighting nutrients Americans often lack, such as Vitamin D and Potassium. Understanding this distinction helps consumers interpret nutritional information more effectively.

The Core Difference: Mandatory vs. Optional Nutrients

Mandatory nutrients are those the FDA requires on the label due to their importance for public health, either for consumption to increase or limit. Optional nutrients can be included at the manufacturer's discretion or are less critical for general population health.

Mandatory Nutrients on the Label

The updated label requires the inclusion of several key nutrients, including:

Calories
Total Fat (including saturated and trans fat)
Cholesterol
Sodium
Total Carbohydrate (including dietary fiber and sugars)
Added Sugars
Protein
Vitamin D
Calcium
Iron
Potassium

Which Nutrients are Optional?

Based on updated public health data, several nutrients are now considered optional. The most notable examples are Vitamins A and C, which were previously mandatory.

The list of optional nutrients also includes:

Polyunsaturated Fat
Monounsaturated Fat
Soluble and Insoluble Fiber
Sugar Alcohol
Various B Vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, B12, Folate)
Other Minerals (Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Biotin, Magnesium)

The Strategic Reason Behind Optional Nutrients

The FDA made Vitamins A and C optional because deficiencies are no longer common in the U.S. population. This allows the label to focus on nutrients like Vitamin D and potassium, where deficiencies are still a public health concern. However, if a manufacturer makes a claim about an optional nutrient, such as stating a product is a "good source of Vitamin C," that nutrient must then be listed on the label. This rule ensures that claims are supported by the nutritional information provided.

Using Optional Nutrient Information to Your Advantage

Knowing which nutrients are optional can help consumers make more informed dietary choices. Individuals with specific needs might look for products that voluntarily list certain optional nutrients, while others might focus on the mandatory nutrients related to common health concerns. This allows for a more personalized approach to using the Nutrition Facts label.

Comparison of Mandatory vs. Optional Label Nutrients


Feature	Mandatory Nutrients	Optional Nutrients
Regulatory Basis	Required by FDA based on significant public health concerns.	Included voluntarily by manufacturers, often for marketing or specific dietary claims.
Primary Examples	Calories, Total Fat, Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, Sodium, Added Sugars, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium.	Vitamins A, Vitamin C, Polyunsaturated Fat, Monounsaturated Fat, Soluble Fiber, various B vitamins.
Inclusion Trigger	Always included on the standard Nutrition Facts panel.	Included if a manufacturer chooses to, or if a nutrient content claim is made.
Consumer Focus	Critical for general health monitoring (e.g., limiting sodium, getting enough vitamin D).	Useful for targeted nutritional needs or specific diets (e.g., tracking specific fatty acids).

Conclusion

Understanding which nutrients are optional on the food label, such as Vitamins A and C, is crucial for interpreting nutritional information effectively. The FDA's label updates prioritize nutrients relevant to current public health concerns, while allowing manufacturers flexibility with others. By recognizing the difference between mandatory and optional listings, consumers can better utilize the Nutrition Facts label to support their individual health and dietary goals. For more details on the FDA's guidelines, consult the FDA's official page on label changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FDA made Vitamins A and C optional because population-wide deficiencies in these vitamins are now rare in the United States. This change was part of an effort to refocus the label on nutrients where deficiencies or health concerns are more common, such as Vitamin D and potassium.

No, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are not mandatory. While total fat and saturated fat must be listed, the breakdown into specific types of unsaturated fats is optional for manufacturers unless a specific claim about them is being made on the product packaging.

Yes. Even though Vitamin A is an optional nutrient, the FDA requires it to be listed on the label if a nutrient content claim is made on the packaging (e.g., 'good source of Vitamin A'). This ensures the claim is backed by nutritional data.

The 'Calories from Fat' line was removed because research showed that the type of fat consumed is more important for health than the overall amount. The current label emphasizes saturated and trans fats while making polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats optional.

Most packaged foods in the US must have a Nutrition Facts label. However, there are exceptions, such as for very small packages or foods with insignificant nutritional value (like spices or tea). These exemptions do not apply if a health or nutrition claim is made.

If a manufacturer does not voluntarily list an optional nutrient, that information may not be readily available on the package. Consumers can look for products that do list specific nutrients of interest, check the manufacturer's website for more detailed information, or focus on products known to be rich in those nutrients.

Added sugars were added to the mandatory list because scientific evidence has linked high intake of added sugars with an increased risk of health issues. By differentiating added sugars from naturally occurring sugars, the FDA provides consumers with better information to monitor their intake.