Crosspost from our neighbors on /ck/ & /fit/
nyti.ms/1XFkL2p
1. The serving sizes now reflect what people currently eat — rather than whatever the companies decide seems reasonable. So serving sizes that were equivalent to only a few chips might now reflect the whole package.
2. The total calorie count is now highlighted in huge letters rather than being in the same type size as the other nutrition information.
3. Added sugars, a completely new category is important given recent updates to the dietary guidelines urging Americans to cut down on sugars that come from processed foods such as cakes and cookies. Added sugars are measured in both grams and as a percent daily value.
4. For some food products that could be consumed in multiple sittings — or in one single swoop if you really have the munchies — there will now be two columns to indicate the per-serving and per-package calorie and nutrition information that will save you from doing some math. This will include items like that pint of Ben & Jerry’s. Packages or containers that are between one and two servings — such as 20-ounce bottles of sodas — will now be labeled as one serving.
5. Sodium and dietary fiber. The percent daily values for sodium, dietary fiber and vitamin D will change for many foods based on the new 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans that call for up to 28 grams a day (up from 25).
6. In the past, labels only had the percent daily values for vitamin D and potassium, but they’ll now also show the gram amount.
7. Vitamins A and C will no longer be required on labels, since deficiencies of these vitamins are rare nowadays.
8. Based on research that shows the type of fat is more important than the amount, the “Calories from Fat” line will disappear. However, “Total Fat,” and the subcategories “Saturated Fat,” and “Trans Fat” will still be required.
Most manufacturers will be required to have the new labels in place by July 26, 2018.
