A Serving Size Is Not a Recommendation

The FDA says the serving size on the Nutrition Facts label is not a recommendation of how much to eat. It reflects the amount people typically eat and drink today, and the nutrition numbers on the label usually describe one serving.

That matters because one package of food may contain more than one serving, the FDA says. Servings per container and serving size now appear in large, bold type so they are easier to spot. Some containers also show information per package, according to the agency.

The serving size change came when the FDA updated the label in 2016, the first major update in over 20 years. The agency says the changes were based on updated scientific information, new nutrition research and input from the public.

A few other numbers help put a serving in context. The FDA says 2,000 calories a day is used as a guide for general nutrition advice, though your needs may be higher or lower depending on age, sex, height, weight and activity level. The percent Daily Value shows how much a nutrient in one serving contributes to a daily diet, and the FDA calls 5% DV or less low and 20% DV or more high.

The update also added a line for added sugars and required vitamin D and potassium on the label, because the FDA says Americans do not always get recommended amounts. Calories from fat was removed, since the agency says the type of fat matters more than the amount. If you have specific dietary needs, a doctor or dietitian can help you use the label well.