What do the percentages on a food label mean?

The percentages on a food label refer to the Daily Value (DV) for each nutrient in a serving of the food. The DV is a reference amount of nutrients that most healthy adults should aim for each day.

The percentages are based on a 2,000-calorie diet, so if you eat more or less than 2,000 calories per day, you will need to adjust the percentages accordingly.

Here is a general guide to the percentages on a food label:

* 0-4%: Low in that nutrient

* 5-14%: Moderate source of that nutrient

* 15%+: Good source of that nutrient

* 20%+: Excellent source of that nutrient

It is important to note that the percentages on a food label are just a guide. You should also consider the overall nutritional value of the food when making decisions about what to eat. For example, a food that is high in saturated fat and cholesterol but low in nutrients like fiber and vitamins may not be a healthy choice, even if it has a low percentage of Daily Value for those nutrients.

Here are some specific examples of how to interpret the percentages on a food label:

* If a food has 10% DV of fiber, this means that it provides 10% of the recommended daily intake of fiber. If you are looking for a good source of fiber, you should choose foods that have at least 5g of fiber per serving.

* If a food has 20% DV of sugar, this means that it provides 20% of the recommended daily intake of sugar. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to no more than 6 teaspoons per day for women and 9 teaspoons per day for men.

* If a food has 30% DV of fat, this means that it provides 30% of the recommended daily intake of fat. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults get no more than 20-35% of their total calories from fat.

By understanding the percentages on a food label, you can make informed decisions about what to eat and how much to eat.