What information is required on FDA nutrition facts labels?

FDA-compliant nutrition facts labels must include: serving size and servings per container, calories per serving, total fat (saturated and trans fat), cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates (dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars), protein, and four key nutrients (Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium) with % Daily Values where applicable.

How do I determine the correct serving size for my food product?

Serving sizes must be based on FDA's Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACC) for your food category, expressed in common household measures like cups, pieces, or ounces. Check FDA's serving size guidelines for your specific food type - for example, bread is 1 slice (28g), cookies are typically 30g, and beverages are 8 fl oz.

Do cottage food producers need nutrition facts labels?

Nutrition facts labels are not always required for cottage food operations, but requirements vary by state. Some states mandate nutrition labels for certain cottage food products, especially those sold at retail or making health claims. Check your state's cottage food laws and consider that many farmer's markets and retailers require nutrition labels even when not legally mandated.

How accurate do the nutrition values need to be on my labels?

FDA requires nutrition facts to be within 20% of the labeled value for most nutrients, including calories, fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. Some vitamins and minerals have tighter tolerances. You must have reasonable basis for your nutrition values through ingredient analysis, lab testing, or FDA-approved databases like USDA FoodData Central.

Can I use OpenLabelMaker for small package nutrition labels?

Yes! OpenLabelMaker supports both standard and small package nutrition facts formats. For packages with less than 12 square inches of available labeling space, you can use the small format with reduced font sizes and modified layout. The tool automatically adjusts sizing to meet FDA requirements for your chosen format.

Nutrition Fact Labels

Create FDA-compliant nutrition fact labels for your food products. Free nutrition label generator for small businesses, cottage food producers, and food entrepreneurs.

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FDA Compliant

Meets all FDA formatting requirements and regulations

Standard Format

Uses official nutrition facts panel layout and typography

Easy Customization

Simple interface for entering nutritional data and allergen info

FDA Nutrition Label Requirements

Serving Information

• Serving size
• Servings per container
• Household measure

Calorie Content

• Total calories per serving
• Large, bold formatting
• Prominence requirements

Macronutrients

• Total fat, saturated fat
• Cholesterol, sodium
• Total carbs, fiber, sugars
• Added sugars, protein

Vitamins & Minerals

• Vitamin D, Calcium
• Iron, Potassium
• % Daily Value

Nutrition Label Font and Size Requirements

Standard Format Requirements

Element	Font Size (pt)	Style
"Nutrition Facts"	20 pt	Bold, Franklin Gothic Heavy
Serving size	11 pt	Bold
"Calories"	11 pt	Bold
Calorie amount	16 pt	Bold
Nutrient names	9 pt	Regular
% Daily Values	9 pt	Regular

Small Package Format

For packages with limited space (<12 square inches), the following modifications are allowed:

• Minimum font size: 6 pt for most text
• "Nutrition Facts": Minimum 10 pt
• Calories amount: Minimum 10 pt
• Linear format may be used if tabular doesn't fit
• Some nutrients may be abbreviated

Note: Small format has additional restrictions and should only be used when standard format won't fit.

Small Business Benefits

Cost Savings: No expensive nutrition analysis software needed
Quick Updates: Easily modify labels when recipes change
Professional Appearance: Build customer trust with compliant labels
Retail Ready: Meet retailer requirements for shelf placement
Multiple Sizes: Create labels for different package sizes at once

Cottage Food Producer Tips

State Requirements: Check if your state requires nutrition labels for cottage foods
Recipe Documentation: Keep detailed records of ingredient weights and measurements
Nutrition Databases: Use USDA food database for accurate ingredient nutrition data
Testing Services: Consider lab testing for high-volume or health-claim products
Farmer's Markets: Many markets require nutrition labels for processed foods

Step-by-Step Label Creation Process

Schritt 1: Gather Nutrition Data

Before creating your label, you'll need accurate nutritional information for your product:

Recipe Analysis: Calculate nutrition based on ingredients and quantities
USDA Database: Use FoodData Central for ingredient nutrition values
Lab Testing: Consider professional analysis for complex products
Software Tools: Nutrition analysis programs can automate calculations
Serving Size: Determine appropriate serving size using FDA guidelines

Schritt 2: Choose Label Format

Select the appropriate nutrition facts format based on your packaging:

Standard Format

Use for packages with at least 12 square inches of space. Vertical tabular layout with all required elements clearly visible.

Small Format

For packages under 12 square inches. May use horizontal layout or smaller fonts with FDA approval.

Schritt 3: Enter Data in OpenLabelMaker

Use our guided interface to input your nutrition information:

Select "Nutrition Facts" template from our food labels category
Enter serving size and servings per container
Input calories and macronutrient values
Add required vitamins and minerals
Include allergen information if applicable
Review for accuracy and completeness

Step 4: Customize and Print

Finalize your label design and prepare for printing:

Adjust label size to fit your packaging
Verify all fonts meet minimum size requirements
Ensure proper contrast and readability
Generate print-ready files for your label printer
Test print on actual label stock before final run

⚠️ Important Compliance Notes

Mandatory Elements

• Serving size in common household measure
• Number of servings per container
• Calories per serving (prominent display)
• Total fat, saturated fat, trans fat
• Cholesterol and sodium content
• Total carbohydrates, dietary fiber
• Total sugars and added sugars
• Protein content
• Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium
• % Daily Values where applicable

Accuracy Requirements

• Nutrient values must be within 20% of labeled amount
• Calories within 20% for most nutrients
• Lower tolerances for some vitamins/minerals
• Documentation required for values used
• Regular testing recommended for consistency
• Update labels when recipes change significantly

Consult with FDA regulations (21 CFR 101) and consider professional nutrition analysis for commercial products.

Common Food Business Applications

Baked Goods

Breads, cookies, cakes, pastries

• Recipe standardization important
• Consider seasonal ingredient variations
• Account for frosting and fillings

Beverages

Juices, smoothies, specialty drinks

• Fluid ounce serving sizes
• Natural vs added sugar distinction
• Vitamin fortification labeling

Preserved Foods

Jams, pickles, sauces, dressings

• Small serving sizes common
• High sodium content considerations
• Sugar content from fruit vs added

Snack Foods

Nuts, trail mix, granola, chips

• Weight-based serving sizes
• Allergen considerations critical
• Fat and calorie density issues

Frozen Foods

Prepared meals, desserts, convenience foods

• Both "as packaged" and "as prepared"
• Micronutrient retention factors
• Multi-serving package labeling

Health Foods

Protein bars, supplements, functional foods

• Enhanced nutrient claims possible
• Additional FDA oversight required
• Lab testing often necessary

Create Professional Nutrition Labels Today

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