The familiar Nutrition Facts label has undergone a significant transformation, with the most important changes appearing in 2020 for large manufacturers and 2021 for smaller companies. This update was driven by new scientific findings linking diet to chronic diseases like obesity and heart disease. By requiring the disclosure of specific nutrients that are of public health significance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) empowered consumers to have a clearer picture of what they are eating. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the specifics of which nutrients are new and what other critical changes were made.
The Shift in Nutrition Science
With mounting evidence on the negative health impacts of certain dietary components, the need for an update to the standard nutrition panel became clear. The FDA used the latest scientific data and dietary recommendations to revamp the label, ensuring it aligned with modern health concerns. Key insights included a greater understanding of how the type of fat consumed is more important than the total amount, and the public health problem posed by excessive added sugar intake.
Why Were the Labels Updated?
The primary goals of the label refresh were to make important information more prominent and to include nutrients relevant to current public health concerns. Key changes involved:
- Highlighting calories: Making the calorie count larger and bolder for better visibility.
- Updating serving sizes: Aligning serving sizes with what people actually eat and drink.
- Removing outdated information: No longer requiring the listing of vitamins A and C.
- Adding new required nutrients: Adding Added Sugars, Vitamin D, and Potassium.
Key Changes: The New Nutrients
The most direct answer to the question, which of the following nutrients is new to the food label, includes three major additions:
Added Sugars: A Crucial Addition
Previously, only "Total Sugars" was listed. The new label explicitly lists "Added Sugars" in grams and as a percent Daily Value (%DV). This change was made because consuming too much added sugar is linked to health problems like obesity and heart disease. The %DV for added sugars helps show how much a serving contributes to the recommended daily maximum of 50 grams.
Vitamin D: Essential for Bone Health
Vitamin D is a nutrient many Americans do not get enough of and is vital for bone health and immune function. The new label adds Vitamin D to address this common deficiency. The actual amount in micrograms (mcg) and the %DV are now required.
Potassium: Key to Blood Pressure
To help address common dietary issues linked to high blood pressure, the FDA added potassium as a required nutrient. The actual amount in milligrams (mg) and the %DV are listed, making it easier to find foods that contribute to healthy blood pressure.
Understanding the New vs. Old Label
The following table outlines some of the most prominent changes between the old and new Nutrition Facts labels.
| Feature | Old Label | New Label |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | Standard font | Larger and bolder font |
| Serving Size | Standard font, based on old data | Larger and bolder font, based on current consumption habits |
| Calories from Fat | Required | Removed |
| Added Sugars | Not included | Included (in grams and %DV) |
| Required Vitamins/Minerals | Vitamins A, C, Calcium, Iron | Vitamin D, Potassium, Calcium, Iron |
| Footnote | Included confusing calorie information | Updated to better explain %DV |
Nutrients Removed from the Label
With the addition of Vitamin D and Potassium, vitamins A and C are no longer required to be listed. This decision was based on data showing that deficiencies in these vitamins are now rare in the U.S. population. Manufacturers can still voluntarily include them.
How to Read the New Label Effectively
The updated label is designed for quicker, more informed decision-making. Here are some tips:
- Start at the top: Look at the serving size and servings per container. Serving sizes are now more realistic.
- Check calories: The larger, bolder calorie count helps you quickly assess energy content.
- Use %DV: Use the percent Daily Value to see how a food fits into your daily diet. A %DV of 5% or less is low, while 20% or more is high.
- Pay attention to Added Sugars: The %DV helps you limit your intake to under 10% of your total daily calories.
- Focus on beneficial nutrients: Look for products higher in fiber, Vitamin D, potassium, calcium, and iron.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
The changes to the Nutrition Facts label represent a major step forward in public health education. By explicitly including added sugars, Vitamin D, and potassium, the FDA has provided consumers with clearer, more relevant information. Understanding which of the following nutrients is new to the food label is about being able to make better food choices for your health. For more details on these changes, visit the FDA's official website.
Beyond the New Nutrients: Other Label Changes
Other format and information changes were made to enhance readability and relevance. This includes an updated footnote explaining %DV more simply. For certain packages with between one and two servings, the label treats the entire package as a single serving. For products like ice cream, a "dual column" label shows both per-serving and per-package information. These updates make the label a more effective tool for promoting public health.
