Are Nutrition Facts Required on My Food Label?

Navigating the complexities of food labeling regulations is essential to maintaining compliance and building consumer trust. One of the most critical components of food labeling is the Nutrition Facts label, but understanding when it is legally required and when it is optional can be challenging.

When Nutrition Facts are Required

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that most packaged foods sold in the U.S. must include a Nutrition Facts label. This requirement applies to a broad range of products, including canned goods, snacks, beverages, frozen foods, and more.

In addition to packaged foods, if your food product is sold to consumers in a retail store —such as bakery items in a grocery store—the Nutrition Facts label is generally required.

It's also important to note that if your product makes specific health claims, such as "low fat" or "high fiber," you must include a Nutrition Facts label to provide the necessary context for those claims.

Chain restaurants with 20 or more locations are also subject to specific regulations. They are required to provide calorie information on menus and menu boards, and additional nutritional information (such as fat and sodium content) must be made available upon request.

When Nutrition Facts Are Optional or Exempt

There are, however, circumstances in which Nutrition Facts labels may be optional or exempt.

SMALL BUSINESSES

If your food business is classified as a small business—defined by the FDA as selling fewer than 100,000 units of a food product annually and having less than $500,000 in gross sales—you may be exempt from providing a Nutrition Facts label.

SMALL PACKAGING

For products packaged in very small containers (with less than 12 square inches of labeling space), a Nutrition Facts label may not be required.

RAW FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

These items are generally exempt unless a nutrient content claim is made.

DELI AND BAKERY ITEMS

If these items are sold directly to consumers from the establishment where they are prepared, they may not require Nutrition Facts labels.

FOODS PREPARED AND SOLD DIRECTLY TO CONSUMERS

Foods prepared and sold directly to consumers for immediate consumption, such as items from a local bakery, farm stand, or restaurant, are typically exempt from Nutrition Facts labeling requirements.

CUSTOM BUTCHERED MEAT

Meat that is custom butchered and packaged for individual customers is also exempt from the nutrition facts labeling requirement.

Voluntary Nutrition Facts

While some businesses may not be required to include Nutrition Facts labels, many choose to do so voluntarily. Offering this information can improve your business transparency and overall public trust.

By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can ensure that your food products meet all legal requirements while providing valuable information to your customers.

Need Assistance with Nutrition Facts?

Understanding the regulations around Nutrition Facts labeling can be complex, but it's vital for ensuring compliance and consumer confidence. If your business needs to develop Nutrition Facts labels or Nutrition Reports for your food products, we can help. We offer numerous Nutrition Analysis services, including Nutrition Facts, 100g Reports, Ingredient Decks and Allergens Disclosures among others. Visit our Nutrition Analysis page to learn more about how we can support your nutrition labeling needs.