How to read a Nutrition Facts label in 60 seconds
The Nutrition Facts panel has everything you need to compare foods, if you know where to look. Here's the order that works.
Read it in this order
- Serving size — every number below is for one serving, and the package may hold several.
- Calories — also per serving, so multiply if you'll eat more.
- % Daily Value — 5% or less is low, 20% or more is high. It's the quickest way to compare products.
- Nutrients to limit — saturated fat, sodium and added sugars. Look for a lower %DV.
- Nutrients to get enough of — fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium. Look for a higher %DV.
Or let a scan do the math
Scanning the barcode turns the whole panel into one score, with each nutrient marked by color so you can see which ones are high. It compares per 100 g, which sidesteps the serving-size trap.
FAQ
- What's the difference between total sugars and added sugars?
- Total sugars include those naturally in milk or fruit. Added sugars are put in during processing — they're the ones dietary guidelines suggest limiting.
Scan it before you buy it
Novaz: Food & Cosmetic Scanner scores food and cosmetics from 0 to 100, shows why, and suggests better picks from the same shelf — no ads, no account.
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