Lown Cardiovascular Research Foundation

How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Center for Food and Applied Nutrition
June 2000, Updated July 2003 and November 2004

• The Nutrition Facts Panel - An Overview
• The Serving Size
• Calories (and Calories from Fat)
• The Nutrients: How Much?
• Understanding the Footnote
• How the Daily Values (DV) Relate to the %DVs
• The Percent Daily Value (%DV)
• Quick Guide to %DV
• Nutrients With a %DV but No Weight Listed - Spotlight on Calcium
• Nutrients Without a %DV: Trans Fats, Protein, and Sugars

People look at food labels for different reasons. But whatever the reason, many consumers would like to know how to use this information more effectively and easily. The following label-building skills are intended to make it easier for you to use nutrition labels to make quick, informed food choices that contribute to a healthy diet.

To learn how to accurately read a food facts label, click the article links above.