Nutrition Facts Label Update

If you’re an avid nutrition facts label reader, you may start to notice some differences in the label you’re currently reading vs. the label you’re used to reading.

Here is a statement from fda.gov:

“On May 20, 2016, the FDA announced the new Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods to reflect new scientific information, including the link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. The new label will make it easier for consumers to make better informed food choices.”

Below is a picture of the old label and the new label, side by side. Do you notice the differences?

I've stumbled upon this new label on a few different products throughout the store.  The picture below is from a KIND fruit and nut bar.  

The differences on this label include:

1.   The serving size and calories per serving are listed in a much larger font size.

2.   Calories from Fat is no longer listed.

3.   Vitamin D and Potassium are now one of the four vitamins/minerals listed with their percent daily values, while Vitamin A and Vitamin Care no longer listed.

4.   Total sugars and Added sugars are now listed under total carbohydrates.

I also noticed the new label on these spiralized vegetables from Nora and Ashley’s. 

The reason behind the changes.

The FDA has been very transparent with their reasoning behind the changes to the label.

“ Added sugars,” in grams and as percent Daily Value, will be included on the label. Scientific data shows that it is difficult to meet nutrient needs while staying within calorie limits if you consume more than 10 percent of your total daily calories from added sugar”

“ The list of nutrients that are required or permitted to be declared is being updated. Vitamin D and potassium will be required on the label. Calcium and iron will continue to be required. Vitamins A and C will no longer be required but can be included on a voluntary basis.

“ While continuing to require “Total Fat,” “Saturated Fat,” and “Trans Fat” on the label, “Calories from Fat” is being removed because research shows the type of fat is more important than the amount.

“ Daily values for nutrients like sodium, dietary fiber and vitamin D are being updated based on newer scientific evidence from the Institute of Medicine and other reports such as the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report, which was used in developing the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Daily values are reference amounts of nutrients to consume or not to exceed and are used to calculate the percent Daily Value (% DV) that manufacturers include on the label. The %DV helps consumers understand the nutrition information in the context of a total daily diet.

You can find these statements and more information about the new label at: https://www.fda.gov/food/guidanceregulation/guidancedocumentsregulatoryinformation/labelingnutrition/ucm385663.htm#formats

According to the FDA, all food manufacturers are required to have this new label updated on their products by July 26, 2019.

As a Dietitian, this new label excites me.  I think all changes made are positive ones.  I am especially pleased to see the addition of “added sugar” to the label.  As nutrition research continues to be published, it’s apparent the link between diets high in added sugars and the increased risk of developing chronic diseases.

For any questions on this new label, be sure to reach out to your West Lakes Hy-Vee Dietitians. 

-Dietitian Natalie