Food Labels

To fully understand and use the information in the Food Guide Pyramid you need to understand how to read the nutrition labels on foods. An example of a food label is shown in Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2. How to Read a Food Label

Serving size reflects the typical amount of the food that many people eat.

The list of nutrients displays the amount in one serving of the food.

Ingredients are listed from the most to the least abundant items found in the food.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 8 fl oz (240 ml) Servings Per Container 8

Amount Per Serving

Calories 100 Calories from Fat 20

<fe Daily Value*

Total Fat 2.5g	4%
Saturated Fat 1.5g	8%
Cholesterol 10mg	3%
Sodium 130mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate 12g	4%
Dietary Fiber Og	0%

Sugars 11 g

Protein 8g

Vitamin A 10%

Vitamin С 4%

Iron 0%

Calcium 30%

Vitamin D 25%

' Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:

______ Calories 2,000 2,500

Total Fat Less than 65g 80g

Sat Fat Less than 20g 25g

Cholesterol Less than 300mg 300mg Sodium Less than 2,400mg 2,400mg Total Carbohydrate 300g 375g

Dietary Fiber 25g 30g

The % Daily ' Values are based on a 2,000 kcal diet. Use the number to compare the amount of nutrients found in various foods.

Percentage of the daily vitamin and mineral

recommendation that is met in one serving of the food.

Ingredients: Lowfat milk, Vitamin A palmitate, Vitamin D₃