We often get the question, when can a simplified label format be used and what is required on the label? As the name implies, this label format is a shortened version of a Nutrition Facts label that is available for products that present enough nutrients in insignificant amounts.

A simplified Nutrition Facts label may be used if at least eight of the nutrients presented in a full format Nutrition Facts label are in insignificant amounts. Based on the new 2016 label format, those nutrients include calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, total sugar, added sugars, protein, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, and Potassium.

There are five core nutrients that must appear on all Nutrition Facts labels, including a simplified label, regardless of amounts present. Those nutrients include calories, total fat, sodium, total carbohydrate, and protein. Any of the other nutrients listed on a full format Nutrition Facts label that are insignificant can be omitted.

A simplified label must include the statement “Not a significant source of___________” that lists all nutrients required by the full format that are present in insignificant amounts when nutrition claims are made, vitamins or minerals are added, or naturally occurring nutrients that are not required on the full format are voluntarily declared.

For more details on using the simplified label format, please refer to the FDA Food Labeling Guide. Follow this link and download the Final Guidance Document. Information on the simplified Nutrition Facts label starts on page 43 of the guide.