Font Size & Style Guidelines for FDA Nutrition Facts Labels

The Nutrition facts label on food products is an important tool for consumers to make informed decisions about the foods they eat. The Font Style and Size Guideline provides guidance to the industry on how to use fonts on the nutrition facts label in a way that is readable and informative for consumers. This Guideline was developed by the FDA in consultation with experts in the field of human factors and usability, and with input from the public.

The FDA released new guidelines in 2016 on the style and size of fonts to be used on nutrition facts labels. 

What are the specific changes you need to make to your nutrition labels?

Nutrition Facts:

• The font size for “Calories,” “Servings per container,” and the “Serving size” declaration must be at least 10 point font.

• The word “Calories” must be bolded.

• The serving size declaration must be in a larger font size than the rest of the label, and in bold type.

• The number of servings per container must be in a larger font size than the rest of the label, and in bold type.

• The “Nutrition Facts” heading must be in a larger font size than the rest of the label, and in bold type.

• The footnote at the bottom of the label must be in a smaller font size than the rest of the label.

• The % Daily Value (%DV) column must be bolded.

If you’re not sure how to make these changes, one of our experts at Food Label Maker can help you create or update existing nutrition facts labels. They will be able to help you create a label that meets the new FDA requirements.

You should update your nutrition labels as soon as possible to comply with the new FDA regulations. Failure to do so could result in penalties or other enforcement action.

The new guidelines are intended to make Nutrition Facts Labels easier to read and understand. 

The guideline is not mandatory, but the FDA encourages the industry to use it when designing or redesigning nutrition facts labels. The guideline is part of the FDA’s ongoing effort to provide consumers with accurate and useful information on the foods they eat.