FDA 21 CFR § 101.9
FDA Nutrition Facts Label Format
Most packaged foods sold in the U.S. must include a Nutrition Facts panel formatted according to FDA specifications. The panel must display calories, serving size, and key nutrients in a standardized layout using the updated 2016 format.
Required Nutrients
The following nutrients must appear on every Nutrition Facts label. The 2016 update added added sugars and vitamin D, and removed vitamins A and C (now voluntary).
CaloriesRequired
Total FatRequired
Saturated FatRequired
Trans FatRequired
CholesterolRequired
SodiumRequired
Total CarbohydrateRequired
Dietary FiberRequired
Total SugarsRequired
Added SugarsRequired
ProteinRequired
Vitamin DRequired
CalciumRequired
IronRequired
PotassiumRequired
Label Layout Options
FDA allows four layout formats depending on your package size and product type. Use the standard vertical format whenever space permits.
Standard Vertical
The default format for most products. Calories are displayed in large bold type at the top.
Simplified Format
For products with very few nutrients to declare. Some mandatory nutrients may be omitted if they are zero.
Linear / Tabular
Allowed for small or oddly shaped packages where the standard format won't fit.
Dual-Column
Required for packages that contain 2–3 servings and could reasonably be consumed in one sitting — e.g. a 20 oz soda.
Key Formatting Rules
- "Nutrition Facts" heading must appear in bold and meet minimum size requirements
- Calories must be in larger type than other nutrient values
- The label must be surrounded by a hairline box
- % Daily Value column must appear on the right side
- The footnote "* The % Daily Value tells you how much..." must appear at the bottom
Common Mistakes
✕
Using the pre-2016 label format — the updated format has been mandatory since January 1, 2020✕
Omitting "Added Sugars," which is a separate required line item below Total Sugars✕
Missing Vitamin D or Potassium, which replaced Vitamins A and C in the 2016 update✕
Not using a dual-column label for packages between 2 and 3 servings that could be consumed in one sitting✕
Incorrect serving size — serving sizes must match FDA Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACC)✕
Skipping the % Daily Value footnote at the bottom of the panel