What is the difference between nutrition facts and supplement facts?

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, dietary supplements are not required to be approved for safety and effectiveness before being marketed. Understanding what is the difference between nutrition facts and supplement facts is therefore vital for making informed decisions about your health and diet.

Quick Summary

Learn how labels differ for conventional foods and dietary supplements. This guide explains key distinctions in listed ingredients, regulatory oversight, and consumer safety disclaimers.

Key Points

Different Product Types: Nutrition Facts are for conventional foods like cereal, while Supplement Facts are for dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs.
Distinct Regulatory Oversight: Conventional food labels are strictly regulated and pre-approved by the FDA, while supplement manufacturers are responsible for product safety and claims without prior FDA approval.
Varying Ingredient Disclosure: Nutrition Facts require listing individual ingredients and all mandatory nutrients, whereas Supplement Facts can use "proprietary blends" that do not reveal specific ingredient quantities.
Required Disclaimers: Supplement Facts panels must include a specific FDA disclaimer for any structure/function claims, clarifying that the statement has not been evaluated by the FDA.
Source Information: A Supplement Facts label can detail the source of an ingredient and the specific part of a plant used, information not permitted on a Nutrition Facts label.
Mandatory vs. Measurable Nutrients: A Nutrition Facts label must list certain mandatory nutrients, even if the quantity is zero, while a Supplement Facts label can only list nutrients present in measurable amounts.

The labels on food products and dietary supplements, while seemingly similar, provide information based on different regulations. The "Nutrition Facts" panel is found on conventional foods, while the "Supplement Facts" panel is for dietary supplements, such as vitamins and herbs. Understanding the distinctions between these labels is essential for making informed decisions about your diet and the products you consume.

Understanding the Nutrition Facts Label

The Nutrition Facts label, required on most packaged foods since 1994 and updated in 2016, helps consumers make healthier food choices. It is based on standardized serving sizes and often uses a 2,000-calorie daily diet as a reference point.

Key information on this label includes:

Serving Information: Indicates serving size and servings per container.
Mandatory Nutrients: Lists essential nutrients like fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Daily Value (DV): Shows the percentage (%DV) of a nutrient in one serving relative to a daily diet, helping consumers balance their intake.
Ingredient List: Lists ingredients by weight, separate from the nutrition panel.

Decoding the Supplement Facts Label

The Supplement Facts label is specific to dietary supplements and is governed by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. Unlike foods, supplements are not pre-approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness; the manufacturer is responsible for this.

Key features include:

Dietary Ingredients: Lists various ingredients including vitamins, minerals, botanicals, amino acids, and enzymes.
Proprietary Blends: Allows manufacturers to list a blend of ingredients with only the total weight, not individual amounts.
Source and Plant Part: May specify the source of an ingredient (e.g., bovine) or the part of a plant used.
FDA Disclaimer: Required for supplements making structure/function claims, stating the FDA has not evaluated the claim and the product is not intended to treat diseases.

The Critical Difference: Regulation and Oversight

The primary difference lies in regulation. Food labels are strictly regulated under 21 CFR Part 101, with the FDA overseeing nutrient content and claims. Supplement regulation, while including Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) under 21 CFR Part 111, does not require pre-market approval from the FDA. Manufacturers must ensure safety and accuracy before selling, and the FDA takes action against unsafe products after they are on the market.

Nutrition Facts vs. Supplement Facts: A Detailed Comparison


Feature	Nutrition Facts	Supplement Facts
Product Type	Conventional packaged foods and beverages.	Dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, botanicals, etc..
Regulatory Oversight	Heavily regulated, with manufacturers needing to follow specific rules for content and claims (e.g., 21 CFR Part 101).	Governed by DSHEA. Manufacturers are responsible for safety and accuracy; FDA acts after products are on the market.
Ingredient Listing	Lists mandatory and voluntary nutrients like fats, protein, and vitamins. Ingredients are in descending order by weight in a separate list.	Lists dietary ingredients, which can include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids.
Source Disclosure	Cannot list the source of a dietary ingredient (e.g., "collagen from grass-fed cows").	May list the source of a dietary ingredient (e.g., "hydrolyzed collagen from bovine hide").
Zero Amounts	Must list mandatory nutrients, even if the amount is zero.	Cannot list "zero" amounts of nutrients; they must be present in measurable quantities to be included.
Proprietary Blends	Not allowed. Each ingredient must be listed separately.	May list ingredients in a "proprietary blend," disclosing only the total amount of the blend.
Claims	Structure/function claims focus on nutritive value and do not require an FDA disclaimer.	Can include structure/function claims for both nutritive and non-nutritive effects, but must include an FDA disclaimer.

The Nuances of Label Information

Additional points to consider when reading labels include:

Ingredient Source and Plant Part: Supplement labels may provide more detail on ingredient origins than food labels.
Nutrient Values: Daily Values are often based on a standard diet and may not suit individual needs; consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially for supplements.
Claims and Disclaimers: The FDA disclaimer on supplement claims is a key indicator that the claims are not FDA-reviewed.
Proprietary Blends: The lack of specific ingredient amounts in supplement blends can make evaluating individual components difficult, which is not permitted for food products.
Consumer Responsibility: Due to less upfront regulation for supplements, consumers should research ingredients and consider third-party certifications.

Conclusion: Making Informed Dietary Choices

Distinguishing between nutrition facts and supplement facts is vital for understanding product regulation and making informed decisions. Nutrition facts on foods offer standardized, heavily regulated information, while supplement facts operate under different rules with less pre-market regulatory oversight.

Always carefully read both labels, paying attention to serving sizes, nutrient values, and any claims or disclaimers. When choosing supplements, research ingredients, look for reputable manufacturers with cGMPs, and consider third-party certifications. Consulting a healthcare professional before taking new supplements is also recommended to ensure they align with your health needs. Being a knowledgeable consumer is key to navigating nutritional products for a healthier lifestyle.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for your specific dietary and nutritional needs. For more information on reading labels, visit the FDA guide on nutrition labels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, which establishes standards for manufacturing, labeling, and quality control. However, unlike conventional foods or drugs, supplements are not pre-approved for safety or effectiveness before they are sold to the public.

A proprietary blend is a mix of ingredients listed on a Supplement Facts label for which the manufacturer is only required to disclose the total weight of the blend, not the specific amount of each individual ingredient. This differs from food labels, which must list every ingredient and its quantity.

Supplements that make structure/function claims, such as affecting a normal body function (e.g., 'supports immune health'), must include a disclaimer mandated by the FDA. This disclaimer states that the claim has not been evaluated by the FDA and that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The % Daily Value (%DV) indicates how much a nutrient in one serving contributes to a total daily diet, typically based on a 2,000-calorie intake. Both Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts panels use %DV, but the reference amounts and the list of nutrients can differ, with supplements sometimes containing much higher percentages.

A key difference in labeling rules is that a Supplement Facts panel cannot list "zero" amounts for nutrients. It only lists nutrients that are present in measurable quantities within the product.

Being aware of the ingredient source on a supplement label is important, especially for those with allergies or specific dietary preferences. Unlike conventional food labels, a supplement label may specify the source (e.g., animal or plant) or the part of a botanical used (e.g., root, leaf).

Because the FDA does not pre-approve supplements, consumers are encouraged to be vigilant. Look for third-party quality certifications on the label from organizations like NSF or USP. Always research the manufacturer's reputation, and consult a healthcare provider to ensure the supplement is appropriate for your needs.