A Refreshed Design for Better Readability
One of the most noticeable changes to the nutrition facts label is its updated design, which emphasizes key information for easier consumer access. The calories per serving, serving size, and servings per container are all displayed in a larger, bolder font, making them easier to spot at a glance. This visual hierarchy is intended to guide consumers toward the most critical information needed to manage their intake.
Updated Serving Sizes Reflect Reality
Serving sizes on the new label are now based on what Americans actually eat, rather than what they should eat, a major departure from the prior regulations. For example, the official serving size for ice cream increased and the serving size for soda also increased to reflect modern consumption patterns. This change gives a more realistic picture of the nutrition information for the amount of food or drink typically consumed.
- Dual-Column Labels: Some products, like a large bottle of soda or a pint of ice cream, that might be consumed in one sitting but contain more than one serving, now feature a "dual-column" label. This format shows both "per serving" and "per package" nutrition information, making it simple for consumers to see the nutritional impact of eating or drinking the entire container.
The Addition of 'Added Sugars'
A critical change in the new format is the inclusion of a line for "Added Sugars," listed in both grams and as a percent Daily Value (%DV). This change was made in response to scientific evidence supporting limits on calorie intake from added sugars. It helps consumers differentiate between sugars naturally found in foods and those added during processing. Excessive intake of added sugars is linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases.
Revised Required Nutrients
The list of required vitamins and minerals has also been updated. Vitamin D and potassium are now required on the label because many Americans do not get enough of them. Vitamins A and C are no longer mandatory as deficiencies are now rare. For mandatory vitamins and minerals, the label also lists the actual amount in milligrams or micrograms, in addition to the %DV.
A New Footnote for Better Explanation
The footnote at the bottom of the new label has been updated to better explain the meaning of the % Daily Value. {Link: The FDA website https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/changes-nutrition-facts-label}
Comparison: Old vs. New Nutrition Label Format
| Feature | Old Label Format (pre-2020) | New Label Format (post-2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size & Calories | Standard font size and formatting. | Larger and bolder font for quicker visibility. |
| Serving Size Calculation | Based on consumption habits from 1993. | Updated to reflect actual modern consumption patterns. |
| 'Calories from Fat' | Included to help assess fat's calorie contribution. | Removed; focus shifted to the type of fat consumed. |
| Sugars | Only listed "Total Sugars." | "Total Sugars" and a separate, indented line for "Added Sugars". |
| Required Nutrients | Vitamins A and C were mandatory; actual amounts not required. | Vitamins D and Potassium are now mandatory; {Link: The FDA website https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/changes-nutrition-facts-label}. Actual amounts (mg/mcg) for required vitamins/minerals are listed. |
| Footnote | Vague explanation of %DV and 2,000-calorie diet. | Clearer explanation of %DV and its role in a daily diet. |
| Packaging | Standard single-serving format for most items. | Dual-column labels for packages that might be consumed in one or multiple sittings. |
How to Interpret the New Label
Reading the new label is more straightforward, but understanding the key sections remains important for informed food choices.
- Start at the Top: Look at the updated serving size and servings per container first.
- Check Calories: The prominent, bolded calorie count indicates the total calories for a single serving.
- Use % Daily Value: The %DV helps you determine if a serving of food is high or low in a specific nutrient. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
- Pay Attention to Added Sugars: This new line item helps you identify products with added sugar.
- Examine Nutrients: Keep an eye on potassium and vitamin D, as many Americans don't consume enough of these. You can also use the absolute amount to help with tracking your intake.
The Impact of the New Label
Since its full implementation, the new label has aimed to provide consumers with more relevant information that aligns with modern scientific consensus on diet-related diseases. By highlighting calories and added sugars, it encourages consumers to be more aware of their intake. The industry has also responded, with some manufacturers reformulating products. While debate exists on its overall effectiveness, the changes represent a step toward improving public health through better-informed consumer choices.
Conclusion
The FDA's updated nutrition facts label is a major overhaul designed to align with modern nutritional science and improve public health. By refreshing the design, updating serving sizes, and requiring information on added sugars, Vitamin D, and potassium, the FDA has created a more informative tool for consumers. Understanding and using this new format empowers individuals to make more informed food decisions and contribute to a healthier diet, reflecting the link between nutrition and chronic disease. For more details on the specific changes, visit the official {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/changes-nutrition-facts-label}
