What Health Claims Can I Legally Make on My Food Product?

As a food business owner, making health claims like "low sodium," "high protein," or "whole grains" on your food product can significantly boost its appeal to health-conscious consumers. However, these claims are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and it's crucial to understand the rules to ensure your food label is both accurate and legally compliant.

 Nutrient Content Claims: What Are They?

Health claims like "low sodium" or "high protein" are known as nutrient content claims. These claims describe the level of a specific nutrient in a food product and must meet strict FDA criteria. Ensuring that your food label accurately reflects these claims is a vital part of the nutrition analysis process.

Here’s an overview of some common nutrient content claims and the FDA’s requirements for each:

"Low Sodium"

• Definition: A food product can be labeled as "low sodium" if it contains 140 milligrams of sodium or less per serving.

• Use: This claim is ideal for food labels on products like soups, snacks, and processed foods where sodium content is a concern.

"Reduced Sodium"

• Definition: To use the "reduced sodium" claim, the food product must contain at least 25% less sodium per serving than the regular version.

• Use: Commonly used when introducing a lower-sodium alternative of an existing product, making it a crucial part of your nutrition analysis.

"High Protein"

• Definition: A "high protein" claim can be made if the food product contains 10 grams of protein or more per serving.

• Use: This is frequently used in nutrition labels for products like protein bars, shakes, and health-focused snacks.

"Good Source of Protein"

• Definition: This claim applies if the food product contains between 5 and 9.9 grams of protein per serving.

• Use: Ideal for food labels on products that contribute to daily protein intake but aren't necessarily high-protein foods.

"Low Fat"

• Definition: A "low fat" claim is permitted if the food product contains 3 grams of fat or less per serving.

• Use: This claim is popular for food labels on dairy products, baked goods, and snacks.

"Reduced Fat"

• Definition: The "reduced fat" claim can be used if the food product contains at least 25% less fat per serving than the regular version.

• Application: Often used on food labels for lower-fat versions of popular products.

“Whole Grain"

• Definition: The FDA generally defines "whole grain" as products where the grain ingredient is whole, including the bran, germ, and endosperm.

• Application: This claim is often featured on food labels for bread, cereal, pasta, and crackers, highlighting the product's nutrition benefits.

"Good Source of Fiber"

• Definition: A food product can claim to be a "good source of fiber" if it contains 2.5 to 4.9 grams of fiber per serving.

• Application: This is commonly used in nutrition labels for cereals, granola bars, and other foods marketed for digestive health.

"Sugar-Free"

• Definition: A "sugar-free" claim can be made if the food product contains less than 0.5 grams of sugars per serving.

• Application: This claim is popular on food labels for products aimed at consumers with dietary restrictions, such as diabetic-friendly snacks and desserts.

"Reduced Sugar"

• Definition: A product labeled as "reduced sugar" must have at least 25% less sugar per serving than the regular version.

• Application: Often found on nutrition labels for beverages, baked goods, and sauces.

Important Considerations for Nutrient Content Claims

When using these nutrient content claims, it's essential to ensure that your food label is accurate and based on a thorough nutrition analysis. Misleading claims can lead to your food product being classified as misbranded by the FDA, resulting in fines, product recalls, and potential damage to your brand’s reputation.

Moreover, your food label must be clear and not confusing to consumers. For instance, if you’re making a "low sodium" claim, the packaging should not simultaneously suggest that the product is indulgent or high in salt content.

Ensuring Compliance with Health Claims

Correctly applying FDA regulations on nutrient content claims is important for maintaining compliance and building consumer trust. If you’re considering adding health claims like "low sodium" or "high protein" to your food product labels, it’s vital to ensure they meet FDA standards.

If you need assistance with nutrition analysis and developing accurate, legally compliant nutrition labels, we can help. Visit our Nutrition Analysis Services page to learn more about how we can support your food business in creating food labels that highlight your product’s health benefits while adhering to regulatory requirements.