When checking two food labels for sodium, start by confirming the serving size matches. FDA emphasizes that nutrition labels often list nutrients per single serving, but some packages show per-package values.
Quick Answer
To compare sodium on nutrition labels, first verify both products use the same serving size. Then, check the sodium amount per serving. Finally, use the %DV (percent Daily Value) to gauge relative sodium levels – lower %DV means less sodium per serving.
Why Serving Size Matters Most
The Nutrition Facts label typically lists nutrients per one serving, but some products display per-package values. FDA clarifies that labels may show information for the whole package or per serving, so always confirm the serving size before comparing.
To avoid confusion, look for the serving size listed under 'Serving Size' on the label. The FDA notes that some labels provide per-package values, which can differ significantly from per-serving values.
There are other formats of the label that food manufacturers are permitted to use.
Higher in %DV for Dietary Fiber, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, and Potassium Lower in %DV for Saturated Fat, Sodium, and Added Sugars Example : Look at the amount of sodium in one serving listed on the sample nutrition label.
- Check the 'Serving Size' section to confirm the amount of food per serving.
- The following label-reading skills are intended to make it easier for you to use the Nutrition Facts labels to make quick, informed food decisions to help you choose a healthy diet.
- Note that these colored sections are not on the actual food labels of products you purchase.
- Nutrition Facts Label Variations Many Nutrition Facts labels on the market will be formatted in the same way as the lasagna label that has been used as an example throughout this page.
- General Guide to %DV 5% DV or less of a nutrient per serving is considered low 20% DV or more of a nutrient per serving is considered high More often, choose foods that are.
- The nutrition information listed on the Nutrition Facts label is usually based on one serving of the food; however, some containers may also have information displayed per package.
- If you ate two cups, you would be consuming two servings and two times the calories and nutrients shown on the Nutrition Facts label.
- Some labels will give you information about calories and nutrients for both the whole package and each serving size.
- Article: Consumers' Attitudes and Preferences Towards Ingredients List, Nutrition Information and Health…
- Food labels give you information about the calories, number of servings, and nutrient content of packaged foods.
- About Food Labels Food labels tell you the nutrition facts about the foods you buy.
- If a label says that a food has 100 mg of sodium, this means it has about 250 mg of salt.
- Those numbers are part of the Nutrition Facts label, which tells you what nutrients are inside of food.
How to Read Sodium %DV for Accurate Comparisons
FDA states that 20% DV or more of a nutrient per serving is considered high, while 5% DV or less is considered low. For sodium, this means products with 20% DV or higher are high in sodium, and those with 5% DV or less are low in sodium.
When comparing two products, focus on the %DV for sodium. The FDA recommends using %DV to compare foods, especially when choosing products that are lower in sodium.
- Identify the %DV for sodium on the label – this shows how much sodium per serving relates to your daily limit.
- Products with 20% DV or higher are high in sodium; those with 5% DV or less are low in sodium.
- Use %DV to compare products directly – lower %DV means less sodium per serving.
- Compare Foods : Use %DV to compare food products (remember to make sure the serving size is the same). More often choose products that are higher in nutrients you want to get more of and lower in nutrients you want to get less of.
- Packages with "dual-column" labels let you know how many calories and nutrients you are getting if you eat or drink the entire package at one time.
- Food Labeling: These "Nutrition Facts" labels can help you make smarter food choices and eat a healthy diet.
- But many labels just tell you that information for each serving size.
- Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.
- Reading the labels can help you make healthy choices when you shop and plan meals.
- Use the food labels to help you choose healthier foods.
- What Is the Nutrition Facts Label?: Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Search What is the Nutrition Facts Label?
- The label's percent Daily Value (%DV) section can help you learn how much of each nutrient you are eating and compare what is in different foods.
FAQ
Why do some labels show sodium per package instead of per serving?
Some labels list sodium per package to help you understand total sodium if you eat the whole package. FDA notes that labels may show information for the whole package or per serving, so always check the serving size to avoid misinterpretation.
How do I know if a product has high sodium?
Products with 20% DV or more of sodium per serving are considered high in sodium. FDA states that 20% DV or higher indicates a high sodium content, so check the %DV for sodium to make informed choices.
Primary Sources
- U.S. FDA: How to Use the Nutrition Facts Label
- U.S. FDA: Serving Size on the Nutrition Facts Label
- NIH MedlinePlus: Food Labeling
- NIH MedlinePlus: How to Read Food Labels
- USDA Agricultural Research Service: What Is the Nutrition Facts Label?
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Added Sugars on the Nutrition Facts Label
