What kind of foods require a nutrition facts label?

Here's a breakdown of which foods require a Nutrition Facts label in the United States:

Foods that *always* require a Nutrition Facts label:

* Packaged foods: This includes almost all processed foods, like cereal, snacks, canned goods, frozen meals, and bottled drinks.

* Foods sold in bulk: This includes things like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and grains sold by weight in stores.

* Single-serving packages: Individual snack packs, single-serving yogurt cups, etc.

Foods that *may* require a Nutrition Facts label:

* Restaurant foods: Restaurants with 20 or more locations are required to provide nutritional information for standard menu items.

* Foods prepared in-store: If a store prepares food for sale (e.g., salads, sandwiches, baked goods) they may need to provide nutritional information.

Foods that *don't* require a Nutrition Facts label:

* Fresh produce: Fruits, vegetables, and whole, uncut herbs are generally exempt.

* Raw meat, poultry, and seafood: These are generally exempt.

* Alcoholic beverages: While nutritional information is often listed, it's not always mandatory.

Key Points:

* FDA regulations: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets the rules for Nutrition Facts labels.

* Exceptions: Some foods may be exempt from labeling requirements based on size, packaging, or type.

* Online availability: Many manufacturers offer online access to nutrition information for their products, even if it's not directly on the packaging.

* "Nutrition" vs. "Ingredient" labels: Note the difference between a Nutrition Facts label, which provides calorie and nutrient information, and a simple ingredient list, which simply lists the components of the food.

If you're unsure about whether a particular food requires a Nutrition Facts label, you can always check with the manufacturer or the store where you purchased it.