Information About Nutrition Labels

Understanding the nutrition labels on foods can be tricky, so learn how to read these labels. Knowing exactly what we you put into your body is a key component to a healthy life.

Serving Size

This is the most important number on the food label. It tells you the quantity of this particular food that provides the nutrient amounts listed. If you eat two servings, then you are getting twice the nutrients listed, for better or worse.

Daily Value

This number is how much of the recommended level of a nutrient this food provides. It is based on a 2,000-calorie diet, which is the average recommended caloric intake per day.

Calories

This area provides the number of calories in one serving, and how many of those calories are from fat.

Carbohydrates

This line shows the total carbohydrate amount for one serving. It also has sugar and dietary fiber levels.

Fat

This part of the label states how many grams of fat are found in one serving. It also usually says how much saturated fat it has.

Protein

This section lists the amount of protein found in one serving.

References

Article reviewed by Lori Newhouse Last updated on: Nov 24, 2009

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