You are here:About>Health>Nutrition
About.comNutrition
Food Labels - Learn How to Read Nutrition Facts Labels
In order to make healthy decisions when you shop for foods, you need to understand all the information on food labels. Here's how to read a Nutrition Facts Label:


Do you read the Nutrition Facts food labels when you shop? Since 1994, the FDA has required food labels called Nutrition Facts to be placed on most food packaging. The Nutrition Facts food labels are easy to find, right next to the ingredients list.

Nutrition Facts labels may be formatted vertically or horizontally on some packages and small packages may have abbreviated versions of the Nutrition Facts labels. Most often, you will find vertical Nutrition Facts food labels. For example, this is a food label like one that you would see on a can of condensed chicken noodle soup:




It looks like a lot of information to read and understand all at once, but it really is easy to understand if you look at the Nutrition Facts food label one section at a time. Start with serving information.

Introduction | Serving Information | Calories, Fats, Carbs, & Protein | Vitamins & Minerals | Suggested Daily Requirements


More Nutrition and Nutrition Facts Food Label Resources:
Calorie Need and Nutrition Guides
The Food Label
A Food Labeling Guide
Figuring Out Food Labels
Reading Food Labels
From Shereen Jegtvig,
Your Guide to Nutrition.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Updated: April 9, 2007
Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg
Related Sites

Weight LossLow Carb DietsLow Fat CookingVegetarian Cuisine

 All Topics | Email Article | | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
More from About, Inc.: Calorie Count Plus | UCompareHealthCare
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Corrections | Privacy Policy		©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.