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Nutrition.gov
U.S. Department of Agriculture
  1. Home
  2. Topics
  3. Shopping, Cooking and Meal Planning
  4. Food Labels

Food Labels

Food labels help individuals make healthy choices when buying food in grocery stores or restaurants. Find resources on how to read food labels and food package terminology. 

How to Read a Nutrition Facts Label

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  • Interactive Nutrition Facts Label

    Explore the different parts of the Nutrition Facts Label and ingredient list. See the glossary to learn about unfamiliar terms.

  • What’s on the Nutrition Facts Label

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods and beverages with a fresh design that will make it easier to make informed food choices that contribute to lifelong healthy eating habits.

  • Added Sugars on the Nutrition Facts Label

    Learn the difference between total sugars and added sugars, and discover how the Nutrition Facts Label can help choose foods that are lower in added sugars.

Package Terminology

Meat and Poultry Labeling Terms

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Find USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service's (FSIS) glossary of meat and poultry labeling terms including organic, no hormones and certified.

Read the Glossary

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Crops

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Learn how GMO crops and animal foods are defined and regulated in the United States.

Find Resources

Gluten-Free

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Foods labeled as "gluten-free" and with similar terms such as "without gluten," "free of gluten," and "no gluten" must meet specific criteria established by the FDA.

See the Criteria

Organic

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Learn about organic foods, requirements, and how they are labeled.

Discover the Requirements

Nutrition Education Resources & Materials on Food Labeling

The Nutrition Facts label reflects current scientific information, including the link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. The label makes it easier for individuals to make more informed food choices.

The FDA provides educational materials on the Nutrition Facts Label. Discover resources for health educators and healthcare professionals. Find education materials from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration that make it easy to understand and use the Nutrition Facts Label including:

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