What are two types of Daily Values? The difference explained

October 23, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the FDA, the Daily Value (DV) on a Nutrition Facts label is comprised of two distinct components. Understanding what are two types of Daily Values can empower you to make more informed decisions about the packaged foods and supplements you consume daily.

Quick Summary

The two components of the Daily Value are the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for vitamins and minerals and the Daily Reference Value (DRV) for macronutrients and other dietary components. These reference amounts help consumers interpret nutrition information.

Key Points

Two Components: Daily Values on food labels are composed of two main types: Reference Daily Intakes (RDI) and Daily Reference Values (DRV).
RDI for Micronutrients: The RDI provides daily reference levels for essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D, calcium, and iron.
DRV for Macronutrients: The DRV is the daily reference value for macronutrients like total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, protein, and other components like sodium and dietary fiber.
5/20 Rule: A general guideline for interpreting the %DV is that 5% or less is considered low for a nutrient, while 20% or more is considered high.
High vs. Low Goals: For nutrients you need more of (fiber, vitamins), aim for products with a high %DV. For those you want to limit (saturated fat, sodium), choose products with a low %DV.
For a Healthy Population: These reference values are standardized for the general, healthy population and are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Demystifying the Daily Value

When you pick up a packaged food item, the Nutrition Facts label provides a snapshot of its nutritional content. The percentages listed, known as the Percent Daily Value (%DV), are based on a set of reference amounts called Daily Values (DVs). The DVs are not a single, one-size-fits-all number but are instead categorized into two distinct types: the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) and the Daily Reference Value (DRV). These two categories serve as the foundation for the information presented on food and supplement labels, giving consumers a standardized way to compare the nutrient profiles of different products.

The Two Main Components: RDI and DRV

To fully understand the Daily Value, it's essential to break down its two fundamental components. Both RDI and DRV provide a reference point for intake, but they apply to different types of nutrients. RDI focuses on vitamins and minerals, while DRV is for macronutrients like protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Together, they form a comprehensive system for evaluating a food's contribution to your overall diet, based on a 2,000-calorie intake as a general guide.

Reference Daily Intakes (RDIs)

The RDI is a set of daily intake levels established for vitamins and minerals deemed essential for human health. These values, based on the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), represent the amount of a nutrient sufficient to meet the requirements of most healthy individuals. For food labeling purposes, the FDA uses a single value for each nutrient to provide a consistent reference point for the general population.

RDIs cover a wide range of essential micronutrients, including:

Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and the B vitamins like folate and niacin.
Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, and Zinc.

For example, if the Nutrition Facts label shows that a serving of cereal provides 25% of the RDI for Vitamin D, it means that one serving contributes a quarter of the total recommended daily amount of Vitamin D for the average person. This quick reference allows consumers to identify foods that are either high or low in a particular nutrient.

Daily Reference Values (DRVs)

The DRV, on the other hand, is a set of daily intake levels for macronutrients and other dietary components. Unlike RDIs, DRVs are not based on preventing deficiency but rather on promoting overall health and reducing the risk of diet-related diseases. They provide guidance on nutrients that should be consumed in moderation, such as saturated fat and sodium, and those that should be consumed in adequate amounts, like dietary fiber.

DRVs apply to nutrients such as:

Total Fat, Saturated Fat, and Cholesterol.
Sodium.
Total Carbohydrates, including Dietary Fiber and Added Sugars.
Protein (the DRV for protein is used on labels for children under 4 and if a protein claim is made).

For instance, a food with a high %DV for saturated fat signals that it contributes a significant amount towards your daily limit, prompting a choice for a product with a lower percentage if you're watching your intake. The DRVs give consumers the power to make these kinds of balancing trade-offs throughout their day.

RDI vs. DRV Comparison Table

To better illustrate the differences and applications, here is a comparison of RDI and DRV:


Feature	Reference Daily Intake (RDI)	Daily Reference Value (DRV)
Nutrient Type	Vitamins and Minerals	Macronutrients (Fat, Carbs, Protein) and Related Components (Fiber, Cholesterol, Sodium, Added Sugars)
Purpose	To prevent nutrient deficiencies for the average person	To guide intake levels and promote overall health based on dietary goals
Basis	Based on the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)	Based on dietary recommendations for reducing disease risk
Dietary Goal	To get "at least" this amount daily	To get "less than" or "at least" a certain amount daily
Example	Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium	Saturated Fat, Sodium, Dietary Fiber
Target Population	General population (single reference value)	General population (single reference value)

How to Interpret the %DV on a Label

Understanding the distinction between RDI and DRV makes interpreting the %DV much more effective. A low percentage (5% DV or less) indicates the food is not a significant source of that nutrient, while a high percentage (20% DV or more) means it's a good source. This knowledge can help you make strategic choices for your health.

For Nutrients to Get More Of: For nutrients like dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium, you should aim for foods with a high %DV to meet your daily needs.
For Nutrients to Get Less Of: For saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, you should aim for foods with a low %DV to stay within the recommended limits.

By keeping the different goals of RDIs and DRVs in mind, you can navigate the Nutrition Facts label with greater confidence. This allows you to tailor your food choices to your personal dietary needs, whether you are aiming to increase your vitamin intake or reduce your consumption of added sugars.

A Broader Nutritional Context

While RDIs and DRVs provide standardized values for the average person, it is important to remember they are a general guide. Individual needs vary based on age, sex, weight, activity level, and overall health status. For instance, a highly active person may require more protein, while someone with a specific health condition like kidney disease may need a different intake level. A personalized nutrition plan from a healthcare provider or registered dietitian can offer more tailored advice. The Daily Values are a tool to compare products and make general assessments, not a rigid set of rules.

Conclusion

Daily Values are not a single reference number but a combination of two distinct types: the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) and the Daily Reference Value (DRV). The RDI quantifies vitamins and minerals, while the DRV sets reference points for macronutrients and other dietary components. By understanding this crucial distinction, you can better interpret the Percent Daily Value on food labels, allowing you to make more deliberate and healthy choices. This knowledge moves you from simply reading a label to strategically evaluating how each product contributes to your overall nutritional goals. Use the %DV as your guide to identify foods high in desirable nutrients and low in those you want to limit, paving the way for a more balanced and health-conscious diet.

For more information on understanding nutrition labels, consult the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference is the type of nutrient they cover. The RDI provides a reference for vitamins and minerals, while the DRV provides a reference for macronutrients and other dietary components, such as fat, sodium, and fiber.

No, Daily Values are not the same for everyone. They are standardized reference amounts for the general, healthy population, usually based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Individual needs vary based on age, sex, activity level, and health status.

On food labels, RDIs and DRVs are combined under the single term 'Daily Value' (DV). The label displays the Percent Daily Value (%DV) for each nutrient, showing how much a single serving contributes to the total daily reference amount.

A %DV for protein is not required for the general population over four years old because protein intake is generally not a public health concern in the United States. It is only required on labels for infants and children under four or if a protein content claim is made.

A high %DV (20% or more) indicates that a serving of the food is a significant source of that nutrient. For beneficial nutrients like fiber or vitamins, a high %DV is a good thing. For nutrients to limit, like saturated fat, it's a cautionary signal.

No Daily Reference Value has been established for total sugars because total sugar includes both naturally occurring and added sugars, and no specific recommendation has been made for total intake. The focus on labels is on 'Added Sugars', which does have a %DV.

Use the %DV to compare the nutrient content of different products, making sure to note the serving size. Choose items with a higher %DV for nutrients you want more of (e.g., fiber, vitamin D) and a lower %DV for those you want to limit (e.g., saturated fat, sodium).

In the United States, the Daily Values were established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide a single set of reference numbers for nutrients on food labels.