The Revamped Nutrition Facts Label: Unwrapping the Truth

A Fresh Look at What You’re Eating

Ever wondered what’s really in your favorite store-bought foods? The answer lies on the nutrition facts label, which has recently undergone a much-needed makeover. After 20 years without a major update, the label has been revamped to make it easier for you to understand what you’re putting in your body.

New Guidelines from the FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for determining what appears on the label. Based on new nutrition research and feedback from health professionals and consumers, the agency has introduced several essential changes to make the label more current and useful.

A Bold New Label

The updated nutrition facts label is designed to help you quickly recognize and understand the basics about the food products you buy. With highlighted information and added sections, it’s now harder for food companies to be unclear about serving sizes and ingredients.

Serving Sizes Get a Reality Check

The FDA has updated serving sizes to reflect the amount of food people typically consume, rather than how much they should consume. This means that serving sizes for soft drinks and other products have been increased to more accurately reflect modern eating habits. Additionally, the serving size font is now larger and in bold, making it harder to miss.

Calories Take Center Stage

One of the most notable changes is the prominence of calories on the new label. With larger and bolder text, it’s now impossible to overlook this important information. This is especially useful for those watching their calorie intake, particularly from highly processed foods.

Daily Values Get an Update

Daily Values (DVs) help you understand how much of a particular nutrient a food contains in relation to the recommended daily intake. The FDA has updated the DVs for certain nutrients, reflecting the latest research findings.

What’s Missing and What’s New

The updated label no longer includes total fat and vitamins A and C, as deficiencies in these areas are rare in the U.S. However, food companies can still choose to list these nutrients if they wish. One significant addition is the requirement for products containing added sugars to list the total amount on the label.

Sugar Smarts

With the new label, you can now see exactly how much added sugar is in your favorite foods and drinks. To put this into perspective, 4 grams of sugar equals 1 teaspoon, and the American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to 6 teaspoons per day for women and 9 teaspoons per day for men.

Empowering Consumers

The revamped nutrition facts label is designed to empower consumers to make informed choices about what they’re buying, eating, and drinking. With its bold new design and added information, you’ll be better equipped to take control of your health and wellness.