What are the nutrients that are required to be on food labels?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Nutrition Facts label underwent its first major update in over 20 years in 2016 to better reflect modern dietary recommendations. This means the list of nutrients that are required to be on food labels has been specifically tailored to address current public health concerns and promote healthier eating habits.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the mandatory macronutrients and micronutrients found on the Nutrition Facts label, clarifying the purpose of each entry. It covers the core components, recent updates, and provides context for making informed dietary choices.

Key Points

Mandatory Macronutrients: Labels must list total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars, and protein.
Required Vitamins and Minerals: Four specific micronutrients—Vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium—are mandatory due to public health significance.
Updated Label Design: The latest FDA food label features bolder calorie and serving size information, with added sugars now listed separately.
Focus on Health Priorities: The mandatory nutrients chosen by the FDA address common dietary imbalances, encouraging higher intake of certain nutrients and lower intake of others.
Voluntary Information: While many nutrients are mandatory, manufacturers can choose to list other vitamins and minerals, especially if they are added to the food.

Core Mandatory Nutrients on the Nutrition Facts Label

The Nutrition Facts label is a standardized panel designed to help consumers make informed food choices. In the United States, regulations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) dictate which nutrients must be declared on this panel. These mandatory entries are primarily categorized into macronutrients and specific micronutrients deemed important for public health. Understanding each component is crucial for effective label reading.

Macronutrients and Related Components

Macronutrients are the cornerstones of the Nutrition Facts label, providing the energy your body needs and forming the bulk of your dietary intake. The mandatory declarations include: Calories, Total Fat (further broken down into Saturated Fat and Trans Fats), Cholesterol, Sodium, Total Carbohydrate (including Dietary Fiber and Total Sugars), Added Sugars, and Protein. Each of these components is listed to help consumers monitor their intake and make choices that align with health recommendations.

Required Vitamins and Minerals

While manufacturers can voluntarily list many vitamins and minerals, the FDA mandates the inclusion of four specific micronutrients on all Nutrition Facts labels: Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, and Potassium. These were selected because many Americans do not get the recommended daily amount from their diet. Vitamin D and Potassium were specifically added to the mandatory list in recent label updates due to their importance for bone health and regulating blood pressure, respectively.

Comparison of Old vs. New Food Labels

The 2016 FDA updates significantly changed the appearance and content of the Nutrition Facts label to improve readability and highlight nutrients with the most significant impact on public health.


Feature	Old Nutrition Facts Label	New Nutrition Facts Label
Serving Size	Font was often small and less prominent.	Serving size is larger and bolder to emphasize its importance.
Calories	Listed in a smaller font.	Features larger, bolder type for easy visibility.
Added Sugars	Not separately listed from total sugars.	A new, distinct line item was added to help consumers distinguish between naturally occurring and added sugars.
Vitamin Declarations	Mandated listing for Vitamin A and C.	These are now voluntary, while Vitamin D and Potassium are mandatory.
Potassium Declaration	Optional, only required if a claim was made.	Now a mandatory nutrient to help address public health concerns.
"Calories from Fat"	Required field.	This was removed as research shows the type of fat is more important than the total amount.
Daily Values (%)	Less prominent.	Updated and better explained to reflect the latest dietary recommendations.

Why These Nutrients are Important

The FDA and other regulatory bodies, such as those in the UK and Canada, establish labeling requirements based on scientific evidence and public health priorities. This ensures consumers receive consistent, reliable nutritional information. Recent updates, particularly the emphasis on Vitamin D, potassium, and added sugars, address prevalent dietary issues in the modern diet. By understanding the Nutrition Facts label, consumers are empowered to make food choices that align with official dietary guidelines for improved long-term health. The FDA provides detailed information on daily values for various nutrients.

Conclusion

The mandatory nutrients on food labels are chosen based on current nutritional science and public health priorities. The Nutrition Facts panel includes essential macronutrients like fats and carbohydrates, alongside required micronutrients such as Vitamin D, calcium, and potassium. The updated label design, including the clear listing of 'Added Sugars', makes it easier for consumers to identify and manage key dietary components. By utilizing the information on the Nutrition Facts panel, individuals can make more informed choices to support their health and wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

'Total Sugars' includes both naturally occurring sugars (like those in fruit or milk) and any sugars added during processing. 'Added Sugars' specifically refers only to sugars and syrups added to the product during its creation.

The FDA removed Vitamin A and C from the mandatory list because current dietary data shows deficiencies are less of a public health concern than inadequate levels of Vitamin D and potassium. Manufacturers can still list them voluntarily.

The Nutrition Facts label includes the Percent Daily Value (%DV). A general guide is that 5% DV or less is considered low, while 20% DV or more is considered high.

Yes, trans fats are still required to be listed on food labels. While the FDA has taken steps to phase them out, the declaration remains mandatory for consumer awareness.

No, while core macronutrients are often similar, regulations can vary significantly by country. For example, the EU mandates different nutrients than the FDA.

Sodium is declared to help consumers monitor their intake. Excessive sodium is linked to high blood pressure, and limiting it is a key dietary recommendation for many.

Most packaged foods regulated by the FDA are required to have a label. However, some foods, such as raw produce and meat, are exempt from certain labeling requirements.