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What's In Food

Use these resources to learn about nutrients in the foods you eat. Find information on carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and more.

  • FoodData Central

    Look up what’s in the foods that you eat using this system of nutrient databases. 

    • USDA, Agricultural Research Service
  • Carbohydrates

    Read about why carbohydrates are important to the body and how they fit in a healthy diet. Explore types of carbs and examples of high carb and low carb foods.

  • Proteins

    Find how much protein to eat per day, what foods are high in protein, and why protein is important.

  • Fats

    Learn what dietary fats do for the body and how much fat is recommended per day. Look up how much fat is in popular foods, like avocados and eggs.

  • Fiber

    View information on how much fiber you need per day, why fiber is important, and examples of high fiber foods.

  • Food Additives and Compounds

    Find out about food additives...What they are, what they contribute to foods, how they are regulated, and how to identify them in the foods you eat.

  • Phytonutrients

    Learn more about phytonutrients and how they play a role in your overall health. Vegetables and fruits are rich sources of phytonutrients, including antioxidants.

  • Salt and Sodium

    Learn more about salt and sodium in your diet and how it affects your health. Find resources and tips for reducing the amount in your diet while keeping the flavor.

  • Vitamins and Minerals

    Get the facts on vitamins and minerals, from A to Z.

  • Nutrition Information for Raw Fruits, Vegetables and Fish

    Download and print these charts which show nutrition information for the 20 most frequently consumed raw fruits, vegetables, and fish in the United States.

    • HHS, Food and Drug Administration
  • International Food Composition Table/Database Directory

    Find links to International food composition resources, including those from Asia, Africa, Canada, Caribbean, United States, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

    • Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  • Top Searched Foods

    Find resources for nutrient content, recipes, and food safety for the top five food items searched on Nutrition.gov.