Which nutrient is optional on the food label?

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

Since the 2016 FDA update to the Nutrition Facts label, Vitamins A and C are the nutrients for which the question, which nutrient is optional on the food label, is most relevant for manufacturers. Deficiencies in these vitamins are now rare, prompting the regulatory shift.

Quick Summary

Following the 2016 overhaul of the Nutrition Facts label, the FDA transitioned Vitamins A and C from mandatory to optional listings due to decreased public health concerns. Manufacturers can voluntarily include these nutrients on their labels, but it is no longer required for general packaging.

Key Points

Optional Nutrients: The most prominent optional nutrients on the current FDA Nutrition Facts label are Vitamins A and C, primarily due to rare deficiencies in the general population.
Mandatory Nutrients: Following the 2016 update, Vitamin D and potassium became mandatory to address public health concerns regarding underconsumption, alongside other core nutrients like fat, sodium, and carbohydrates.
Voluntary Disclosure: Manufacturers can voluntarily list other vitamins and minerals, as well as more detailed information on fats and fibers, to provide additional nutritional context to consumers.
Claim-Based Requirement: An otherwise optional nutrient must be listed if the manufacturer makes a nutrient content claim about it on the packaging (e.g., claiming a product is 'high in Vitamin C').
Regular Updates: Food labeling regulations are not static; the 2016 changes demonstrate a commitment by the FDA to update information based on evolving nutrition science and public health priorities.
Exemptions Exist: Some food products, like fresh produce and certain single-ingredient items, are exempt from carrying a full Nutrition Facts panel unless a specific nutrition claim is made.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revised the Nutrition Facts label in 2016, leading to several key changes in nutrient reporting. A significant update was making Vitamins A and C optional for declaration. This change was based on public health data showing that deficiencies in these vitamins are now uncommon in the American population. Manufacturers can choose to list these nutrients voluntarily, but it's not a mandatory requirement for most packaged foods.

Understanding the 2016 Food Label Updates

The FDA's revision, the first major update in over 20 years, was prompted by new scientific findings on the link between diet and chronic diseases. The aim was to make nutrition information clearer for consumers. Changes included larger text for calories and serving size, and requiring 'Added Sugars'. The list of mandatory nutrients was also updated to reflect current dietary concerns.

A Closer Look at Optional Nutrients

Manufacturers can choose to list several other nutrients voluntarily. This is often done to highlight specific health benefits or support marketing claims. Examples of optional nutrients include:

Certain fats: While total, saturated, and trans fats are required, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can be listed optionally.
Soluble fiber: Details on soluble fiber can be added, with total dietary fiber being mandatory.
Other carbohydrates: Sugar alcohol and other carbohydrate types can be listed for more detailed information.
Additional vitamins and minerals: Beyond the mandatory Vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium, others like magnesium or zinc can be included voluntarily.

The Contrast: Mandatory vs. Optional Nutrients

To understand the label changes, it's useful to compare mandatory and optional nutrients under current FDA rules. Mandatory nutrients are those the American population often lacks, while optional ones are generally less concerning in terms of deficiency.


Mandatory Nutrients	Previously Mandatory, Now Optional	Other Optional Nutrients
Total Fat, Saturated Fat, Trans Fat	Vitamin A	Polyunsaturated Fat
Cholesterol	Vitamin C	Monounsaturated Fat
Sodium		Soluble Fiber
Total Carbohydrate		Sugar Alcohol
Dietary Fiber		Other vitamins and minerals (e.g., Magnesium)
Total Sugars & Added Sugars
Protein
Vitamin D
Calcium
Iron
Potassium

When an 'Optional' Nutrient Becomes Required

An important exception exists for optional nutrients: they must be listed if a manufacturer makes a nutrient content claim about them. If a product claims to be a "good source of Vitamin C," then Vitamin C's amount and % Daily Value must be shown. This ensures marketing claims are supported by the nutrition panel.

Label Exemptions and the Bigger Picture

Not all foods need a nutrition facts panel. Foods like fresh produce, raw meat, and spices with minimal nutrients are generally exempt. For these, labeling is voluntary unless a specific claim is made. The evolving food label shows the FDA's effort to adapt to new science and public health needs, helping consumers make better dietary choices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vitamins A and C are the nutrients that became optional on the food label after the 2016 FDA update. This change was based on the fact that deficiencies are no longer widespread. Manufacturers can still voluntarily list these and other nutrients, but are only required to do so if a specific nutritional claim is made about them on the packaging. By distinguishing between mandatory and optional nutrients, the food label provides consumers with relevant information for healthier eating habits.

Learn more about the latest FDA requirements for food labeling directly from the source: Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Following the 2016 updates to the Nutrition Facts label, Vitamins A and C became optional nutrients for disclosure. This was because deficiencies in these vitamins became rare in the American population.

The FDA determined that deficiencies of Vitamins A and C were no longer a significant public health concern in the United States, allowing manufacturers the option to omit them from the standard nutrition panel.

Yes, manufacturers can voluntarily declare other nutrients, such as monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, soluble fiber, and other vitamins and minerals, in addition to the mandatory items.

An optional nutrient must be listed if the manufacturer makes a nutrient content claim about it on the product packaging. For example, a claim like 'Good Source of Vitamin C' requires the amount of Vitamin C to be listed.

The 2016 update made Vitamin D and potassium mandatory. The label also continues to require total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, added sugars, and protein.

No, some foods are exempt from mandatory nutrition labeling. This includes fresh produce, raw meat and fish, and products with no significant nutritional value, like coffee or spices.

Yes, manufacturers can voluntarily include the amount and % Daily Value of Vitamins A and C, or other optional nutrients, even if not required. Many choose to do so to highlight the nutritional profile of their product.