# Nutrition Facts Label Formats: Which One You Need

Most packaged foods use the standard vertical label. Some need another format. A small package may need one. So may a package that holds two to three servings. Foods for infants, young children or pregnant women have their own labels. So do variety packs.

**URL:** https://bettermenu.live/tools/label-formats
**Provider:** BetterMenu (https://bettermenu.live)
**Source:** FDA 21 CFR 101.9, eCFR as of 2026-02-12
**Dataset:** US Nutrition Label Rules v17.0.0
**Price:** Free, no account required.

## How we decide, step by step

Answer every question. More than one can apply, such as a tabular label with two columns.

### 1. Is the food made for infants, children 1 through 3, or pregnant or lactating women?

If yes: Use the label for that group. It takes its %DV from that group’s Daily Values. A label for infants through 12 months shows no %DV for seven nutrients and has no footnote. A food for both infants and children 1 through 3 shows two %DV columns.

Formats: Infants through 12 months, Children 1 through 3, Pregnant or lactating women, Infants and children, two %DV

Sources: [21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(i)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(c)(8)(i)), [21 CFR 101.9(j)(5)(ii)(A)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(5)(ii)(A)), [21 CFR 101.9(j)(5)(iii)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(5)(iii)) (eCFR as of 2026-02-12)

> “For purposes of declaration of percent of Daily Value as provided for in paragraphs (d), (e), and (f) of this section, foods represented or purported to be specifically for infants through 12 months, children 1 through 3 years, pregnant women, and lactating women shall use the RDIs that are specified for the intended group.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(i), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “For foods represented or purported to be specifically for both infants through 12 months of age and children 1 through 3 years of age, the percent of Daily Value shall be presented by separate declarations according to paragraph (e) of this section based on the RDI values for infants through 12 months of age and children 1 through 3 years of age.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(i), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “Such labeling shall not declare a percent Daily Value for saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, dietary fiber, total sugars, or added sugars and shall not include a footnote.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(j)(5)(ii)(A), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “Foods, other than infant formula, represented or purported to be specifically for children 1 through 3 years of age shall include a footnote that states: “*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 1,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.””
> 21 CFR 101.9(j)(5)(iii), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### 2. Does the package have less than 12 square inches for labeling, with no nutrition claims?

If yes: You may leave the panel off. Print an address or phone number where people can get the nutrition information. A nutrition claim or other nutrition information anywhere, including the website or ads, brings the panel back. It can still be small-package tabular or linear, at 6 point type or larger.

Formats: Contact line, no panel

Sources: [21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(i)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(13)(i)), [21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(i)(A)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(13)(i)(A)), [21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(i)(B)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(13)(i)(B)) (eCFR as of 2026-02-12)

> “Foods in small packages that have a total surface area available to bear labeling of less than 12 square inches, Provided, That the labels for these foods bear no nutrition claims or other nutrition information in any context on the label or in labeling or advertising, except as provided in § 101.8(c).”
> 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(i), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “The manufacturer, packer, or distributor shall provide on the label of packages that qualify for and use this exemption an address or telephone number that a consumer can use to obtain the required nutrition information (e.g., “For nutrition information, call 1-800-123-4567”).”
> 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(i)(A), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### 3. Does the package have 40 square inches or less for labeling?

If yes: Under 12 square inches, you may use the small-package tabular or linear label. From 12 to 40 square inches, you may use them only when no vertical or tabular panel fits on any label panel. Use linear only if a tabular label will not fit. Both may use FDA’s short names, such as “Sat fat”.

Formats: Small-package tabular, Linear

Sources: [21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A)), [21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(B)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(13)(ii)(B)) (eCFR as of 2026-02-12)

> “Presenting the required nutrition information in a tabular or, as provided below, linear (i.e., string) fashion rather than in vertical columns if the product has a total surface area available to bear labeling of less than 12 square inches, or if the product has a total surface area available to bear labeling of 40 or less square inches and the package shape or size cannot accommodate a standard vertical column or tabular display on any label panel. Nutrition information may be given in a linear fashion only if the label will not accommodate a tabular display.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### 4. Is there less than about 3 inches of continuous vertical space for the panel?

If yes: You may use the tabular label. It spreads the panel across the package instead of down.

Formats: Tabular

Sources: [21 CFR 101.9(d)(11)(iii)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(11)(iii)) (eCFR as of 2026-02-12)

> “If there is not sufficient continuous vertical space (i.e., approximately 3 in) to accommodate the required components of the nutrition label up to and including the mandatory declaration of potassium, the nutrition label may be presented in a tabular display as shown in the following sample label.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(d)(11)(iii), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### 5. Does one package or one unit hold 200% to 300% of its reference amount?

If yes: Required: a column per serving and a column for the whole package. A separate rule gives a per-unit column when one unit weighs 200% to 300%. Some products are excused, such as those that use the small-package tabular or linear label. A package above 150% and under 200% is one serving, and you may add a column per household measure. If you promote the food for a use that differs from the reference amount by twofold or more, a column for that use is required. Bulk ingredients, multipurpose foods such as eggs or butter, and baking mixes are exempt.

Formats: Dual column, per package, Dual column, per unit, Tabular dual column, Dual column, another basis

Sources: [21 CFR 101.9(b)(12)(i)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(b)(12)(i)), [21 CFR 101.9(b)(12)(i)(A)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(b)(12)(i)(A)), [21 CFR 101.9(b)(2)(i)(D)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(b)(2)(i)(D)), [21 CFR 101.9(b)(6)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(b)(6)), [21 CFR 101.9(b)(11)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(b)(11)) (eCFR as of 2026-02-12)

> “Products that are packaged and sold individually and that contain at least 200 percent and up to and including 300 percent of the applicable reference amount must provide an additional column within the Nutrition Facts label that lists the quantitative amounts and percent Daily Values for the entire package, as well as a column listing the quantitative amounts and percent Daily Values for a serving that is less than the entire package (i.e., the serving size derived from the reference amount).”
> 21 CFR 101.9(b)(12)(i), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “If a unit weighs at least 200 percent and up to and including 300 percent of the applicable reference amount, the serving size shall be the amount that approximates the reference amount. In addition to providing a column within the Nutrition Facts label that lists the quantitative amounts and percent Daily Values per serving size, the manufacturer shall provide a column within the Nutrition Facts label that lists the quantitative amounts and percent Daily Values per individual unit.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(b)(2)(i)(D), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “A product that is packaged and sold individually that contains less than 200 percent of the applicable reference amount must be considered to be a single-serving container, and the entire content of the product must be labeled as one serving.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(b)(6), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “If a product is promoted on the label, labeling, or advertising for a use that differs in quantity by twofold or greater from the use upon which the reference amount in § 101.12(b) was based (e.g., liquid cream substitutes promoted for use with breakfast cereals), the manufacturer shall provide a second column of nutrition information based on the amount customarily consumed in the promoted use, in addition to the nutrition information per serving derived from the reference amount in § 101.12(b), except that nondiscrete bulk products that are used primarily as ingredients (e.g., flour, sweeteners, shortenings, oils), or traditionally used for multipurposes (e.g., eggs, butter, margarine), and multipurpose baking mixes are exempt from this requirement.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(b)(11), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### 6. Is the food prepared before eating, or eaten with another food?

If yes: You may add a column for the food as prepared or as eaten, beside the column as packaged. The label must then name the other ingredients and give the directions.

Formats: Dual column, as prepared

Sources: [21 CFR 101.9(e)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(e)), [21 CFR 101.9(h)(4)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(h)(4)) (eCFR as of 2026-02-12)

> “Nutrition information may be presented for two or more forms of the same food (e.g., both “as purchased” and “as prepared”) or for common combinations of food as provided for in paragraph (h)(4) of this section, for different units (e.g., slices of bread or per 100 grams) as provided for in paragraph (b) of this section, or for two or more groups for which RDIs are established (e.g., both infants through 12 months of age and children 1 through 3 years of age) as shown in paragraph (e)(5) of this section.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(e), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “If a food is commonly combined with other ingredients or is cooked or otherwise prepared before eating, and directions for such combination or preparations are provided, another column of figures may be used to declare nutrition information on the basis of the food as consumed in the format required in paragraph (e) of this section” …
> 21 CFR 101.9(h)(4), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> … “Provided, that, the type and quantity of the other ingredients to be added to the product by the user and the specific method of cooking and other preparation shall be specified prominently on the label.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(h)(4), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### 7. Are eight or more of the 15 core nutrients present in insignificant amounts?

If yes: You may use the simplified format, which lists fewer nutrients. An insignificant amount is one the label can declare as zero, or as less than 1 gram for carbohydrate, fiber and protein. For foods for infants and children 1 through 3, the count is six or more of 12.

Formats: Simplified

Sources: [21 CFR 101.9(f)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)), [21 CFR 101.9(f)(1)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)) (eCFR as of 2026-02-12)

> “The declaration of nutrition information may be presented in the simplified format set forth herein when a food product contains insignificant amounts of eight or more of the following: Calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars, protein, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium; except that for foods intended for infants through 12 months of age and children 1 through 3 years of age to which paragraph (j)(5)(i) of this section applies, nutrition information may be presented in the simplified format when a food product contains insignificant amounts of six or more of the following: Calories, total fat, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars, protein, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(f), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “An “insignificant amount” shall be defined as that amount that allows a declaration of zero in nutrition labeling, except that for total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, and protein, it shall be an amount that allows a declaration of “less than 1 gram.””
> 21 CFR 101.9(f)(1), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### 8. Is it a variety pack, or a container used for different foods of one type?

If yes: You may use an aggregate label, with one column for each food.

Formats: Aggregate

Sources: [21 CFR 101.9(d)(13)(i)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(13)(i)), [21 CFR 101.9(d)(13)(ii)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(13)(ii)) (eCFR as of 2026-02-12)

> “Nutrition labels on the outer label of packages of products that contain two or more separately packaged foods that are intended to be eaten individually (e.g., variety packs of cereals or snack foods) or of packages that are used interchangeably for the same type of food (e.g., round ice cream containers) may use an aggregate display.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(d)(13)(i), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Otherwise

None of these? Use the standard vertical label. Sources: [21 CFR 101.9(d)(1)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(1)), [21 CFR 101.9(d)(12)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(12))

## What are the US Nutrition Facts label formats?

Only the standard vertical label is in BetterMenu Studio today. The other formats are not in Studio yet.

| Format | What it is | When it applies | Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Standard vertical | The familiar panel. Nutrients run down one column with the %DV on the right. | The default. Use it unless another format applies to your product. | [21 CFR 101.9(d)(1)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(1)), [21 CFR 101.9(d)(12)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(12)) |
| Simplified | A shorter panel that lists fewer nutrients. It can end with “Not a significant source of” and the nutrients left off. | Allowed when eight or more of 15 core nutrients are present in insignificant amounts. For foods for infants and children 1 through 3, six or more of 12. | [21 CFR 101.9(f)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)), [21 CFR 101.9(f)(1)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)), [21 CFR 101.9(f)(4)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(4)) |
| Infants through 12 months | A vertical panel with infant Daily Values. It shows no %DV for seven nutrients and has no footnote. | Required for foods made for infants through 12 months, other than infant formula. | [21 CFR 101.9(j)(5)(ii)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(5)(ii)), [21 CFR 101.9(j)(5)(ii)(A)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(5)(ii)(A)), [21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(i)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(c)(8)(i)) |
| Children 1 through 3 | A vertical panel with Daily Values for children 1 through 3. The footnote says 1,000 calories a day. | Required for foods made for children 1 through 3 years. | [21 CFR 101.9(j)(5)(iii)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(5)(iii)), [21 CFR 101.9(d)(9)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(9)), [21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(i)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(c)(8)(i)) |
| Pregnant or lactating women | A vertical panel whose %DV comes from the Daily Values for pregnant and lactating women. | Required for foods made for pregnant or lactating women. | [21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(i)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(c)(8)(i)) |
| Vertical, side by side | A vertical panel that lists vitamin D and calcium on one line and iron and potassium on the next. | Allowed on a vertical panel. The footnote and extra vitamins may move right when there is no room below. | [21 CFR 101.9(d)(8)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(8)), [21 CFR 101.9(d)(11)(i)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(11)(i)), [21 CFR 101.9(d)(11)(ii)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(11)(ii)) |
| Tabular | The panel laid out wide, in columns, instead of tall. | Allowed when the package has less than about 3 inches of continuous vertical space for the panel. | [21 CFR 101.9(d)(11)(iii)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(11)(iii)) |
| Small-package tabular | A compact tabular panel that may use FDA’s short names, such as “Sat fat” and “Total carb”. | Allowed under 12 square inches. Allowed up to 40 square inches when no vertical or tabular panel fits on any label panel. | [21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A)), [21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A)(1)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A)(1)), [21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(B)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(13)(ii)(B)) |
| Linear | The nutrition facts in one running line of text. | Allowed only on a package of 40 square inches or less where a tabular panel will not fit. | [21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A)), [21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A)(2)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A)(2)), [21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(B)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(13)(ii)(B)) |
| Bilingual | English and a second language, as two panels or as one panel with the second language after the English. | Used when 21 CFR 101.15(c)(2) requires a second language. You may use two panels or one. Every required item must be in both languages. | [21 CFR 101.9(d)(14)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(14)) |
| Dual column, per package | Two columns of amounts and %DV. One is per serving and one is for the whole package. | Required when a package sold on its own holds 200% to 300% of the reference amount. Some products are excused. | [21 CFR 101.9(b)(12)(i)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(b)(12)(i)), [21 CFR 101.9(e)(6)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(e)(6)) |
| Dual column, per unit | Two columns. One is per serving and one is per unit, such as one muffin. | Required when one unit weighs 200% to 300% of the reference amount. | [21 CFR 101.9(b)(2)(i)(D)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(b)(2)(i)(D)), [21 CFR 101.9(e)(6)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(e)(6)) |
| Dual column, another basis | A second column per 100 g or 100 mL, per 1 oz or 1 fl oz, per unit, or per cup popped. | Allowed on any label. Required when you promote the food for a use that differs from the reference amount by twofold or more. | [21 CFR 101.9(b)(10)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(b)(10)), [21 CFR 101.9(b)(11)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(b)(11)) |
| Dual column, as prepared | One column for the food as sold and one for the food as prepared or eaten with another food, such as cereal with milk. | Allowed when the food is prepared or combined before eating and the label gives the directions. | [21 CFR 101.9(e)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(e)), [21 CFR 101.9(h)(4)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(h)(4)) |
| Aggregate | One panel with a column for each food, named to the right of “Nutrition Facts”. | Allowed for variety packs of separately packaged foods, and for packages used for different foods of one type. | [21 CFR 101.9(d)(13)(i)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(13)(i)), [21 CFR 101.9(d)(13)(ii)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(13)(ii)) |
| Infants and children, two %DV | One panel with a %DV column for infants and another for children 1 through 3. | Required for a food made for both infants through 12 months and children 1 through 3. | [21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(i)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(c)(8)(i)), [21 CFR 101.9(e)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(e)) |
| Tabular dual column | A tabular panel with per serving and per package, or per unit, columns. | Used when a dual column is required and the package can only fit a tabular panel. | [21 CFR 101.9(e)(6)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(e)(6)), [21 CFR 101.9(e)(6)(ii)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(e)(6)(ii)) |
| Contact line, no panel | No panel. The label gives an address or phone number for nutrition information. | Allowed when the package has less than 12 square inches for labeling and the food makes no nutrition claims anywhere. | [21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(i)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(13)(i)), [21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(i)(A)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(13)(i)(A)) |

## Each format, word for word

### Standard vertical

The default. Use it unless another format applies to your product.

> “Nutrient information specified in paragraph (c) of this section shall be presented on foods in the following format, as shown in paragraph (d)(12) of this section, except on foods where the tabular display is permitted as provided for in paragraph (d)(11) of this section, on which dual columns of nutrition information are declared as provided for in paragraph (e) of this section, on those food products on which the simplified format is required to be used as provided for in paragraph (f) of this section, on foods for infants through 12 months of age and children 1 through 3 years of age as provided for in paragraph (j)(5) of this section, and on foods in small or intermediate-sized packages as provided for in paragraph (j)(13) of this section.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(d)(1), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Simplified

Allowed when eight or more of 15 core nutrients are present in insignificant amounts. For foods for infants and children 1 through 3, six or more of 12.

> “The declaration of nutrition information may be presented in the simplified format set forth herein when a food product contains insignificant amounts of eight or more of the following: Calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars, protein, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium; except that for foods intended for infants through 12 months of age and children 1 through 3 years of age to which paragraph (j)(5)(i) of this section applies, nutrition information may be presented in the simplified format when a food product contains insignificant amounts of six or more of the following: Calories, total fat, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars, protein, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(f), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “An “insignificant amount” shall be defined as that amount that allows a declaration of zero in nutrition labeling, except that for total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, and protein, it shall be an amount that allows a declaration of “less than 1 gram.””
> 21 CFR 101.9(f)(1), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Infants through 12 months

Required for foods made for infants through 12 months, other than infant formula.

> “Such labeling shall not declare a percent Daily Value for saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, dietary fiber, total sugars, or added sugars and shall not include a footnote.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(j)(5)(ii)(A), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “For purposes of declaration of percent of Daily Value as provided for in paragraphs (d), (e), and (f) of this section, foods represented or purported to be specifically for infants through 12 months, children 1 through 3 years, pregnant women, and lactating women shall use the RDIs that are specified for the intended group.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(i), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Children 1 through 3

Required for foods made for children 1 through 3 years.

> “Foods, other than infant formula, represented or purported to be specifically for children 1 through 3 years of age shall include a footnote that states: “*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 1,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.””
> 21 CFR 101.9(j)(5)(iii), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “For purposes of declaration of percent of Daily Value as provided for in paragraphs (d), (e), and (f) of this section, foods represented or purported to be specifically for infants through 12 months, children 1 through 3 years, pregnant women, and lactating women shall use the RDIs that are specified for the intended group.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(i), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Pregnant or lactating women

Required for foods made for pregnant or lactating women.

> “For purposes of declaration of percent of Daily Value as provided for in paragraphs (d), (e), and (f) of this section, foods represented or purported to be specifically for infants through 12 months, children 1 through 3 years, pregnant women, and lactating women shall use the RDIs that are specified for the intended group.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(i), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Vertical, side by side

Allowed on a vertical panel. The footnote and extra vitamins may move right when there is no room below.

> “When listed horizontally in two columns, vitamin D and calcium should be listed on the first line and iron and potassium should be listed on the second line, as shown in paragraph (d)(12) of this section in the side-by-side display.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(d)(8), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Tabular

Allowed when the package has less than about 3 inches of continuous vertical space for the panel.

> “If there is not sufficient continuous vertical space (i.e., approximately 3 in) to accommodate the required components of the nutrition label up to and including the mandatory declaration of potassium, the nutrition label may be presented in a tabular display as shown in the following sample label.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(d)(11)(iii), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Small-package tabular

Allowed under 12 square inches. Allowed up to 40 square inches when no vertical or tabular panel fits on any label panel.

> “Presenting the required nutrition information in a tabular or, as provided below, linear (i.e., string) fashion rather than in vertical columns if the product has a total surface area available to bear labeling of less than 12 square inches, or if the product has a total surface area available to bear labeling of 40 or less square inches and the package shape or size cannot accommodate a standard vertical column or tabular display on any label panel. Nutrition information may be given in a linear fashion only if the label will not accommodate a tabular display.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Linear

Allowed only on a package of 40 square inches or less where a tabular panel will not fit.

> “Presenting the required nutrition information in a tabular or, as provided below, linear (i.e., string) fashion rather than in vertical columns if the product has a total surface area available to bear labeling of less than 12 square inches, or if the product has a total surface area available to bear labeling of 40 or less square inches and the package shape or size cannot accommodate a standard vertical column or tabular display on any label panel. Nutrition information may be given in a linear fashion only if the label will not accommodate a tabular display.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Bilingual

Used when 21 CFR 101.15(c)(2) requires a second language. You may use two panels or one. Every required item must be in both languages.

> “In accordance with § 101.15(c)(2), when nutrition labeling must appear in a second language, the nutrition information may be presented in a separate nutrition label for each language or in one nutrition label with the information in the second language following that in English. Numeric characters that are identical in both languages need not be repeated (e.g., “Protein/Proteinas 2 g”). All required information must be included in both languages.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(d)(14), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Dual column, per package

Required when a package sold on its own holds 200% to 300% of the reference amount. Some products are excused.

> “Products that are packaged and sold individually and that contain at least 200 percent and up to and including 300 percent of the applicable reference amount must provide an additional column within the Nutrition Facts label that lists the quantitative amounts and percent Daily Values for the entire package, as well as a column listing the quantitative amounts and percent Daily Values for a serving that is less than the entire package (i.e., the serving size derived from the reference amount).”
> 21 CFR 101.9(b)(12)(i), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “When dual labeling is presented for a food on a per serving basis and per container basis as required in paragraph (b)(12)(i) of this section or on a per serving basis and per unit basis as required in paragraph (b)(2)(i)(D) of this section, the quantitative information by weight as required in paragraph (d)(7)(i) and the percent Daily Value as required in paragraph (d)(7)(ii) shall be presented in two columns, and the columns shall be separated by vertical lines as shown in the displays in paragraph (e)(6)(i) of this section.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(e)(6), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Dual column, per unit

Required when one unit weighs 200% to 300% of the reference amount.

> “If a unit weighs at least 200 percent and up to and including 300 percent of the applicable reference amount, the serving size shall be the amount that approximates the reference amount. In addition to providing a column within the Nutrition Facts label that lists the quantitative amounts and percent Daily Values per serving size, the manufacturer shall provide a column within the Nutrition Facts label that lists the quantitative amounts and percent Daily Values per individual unit.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(b)(2)(i)(D), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “When dual labeling is presented for a food on a per serving basis and per container basis as required in paragraph (b)(12)(i) of this section or on a per serving basis and per unit basis as required in paragraph (b)(2)(i)(D) of this section, the quantitative information by weight as required in paragraph (d)(7)(i) and the percent Daily Value as required in paragraph (d)(7)(ii) shall be presented in two columns, and the columns shall be separated by vertical lines as shown in the displays in paragraph (e)(6)(i) of this section.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(e)(6), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Dual column, another basis

Allowed on any label. Required when you promote the food for a use that differs from the reference amount by twofold or more.

> “Another column of figures may be used to declare the nutrient and food component information:”
> 21 CFR 101.9(b)(10), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “If a product is promoted on the label, labeling, or advertising for a use that differs in quantity by twofold or greater from the use upon which the reference amount in § 101.12(b) was based (e.g., liquid cream substitutes promoted for use with breakfast cereals), the manufacturer shall provide a second column of nutrition information based on the amount customarily consumed in the promoted use, in addition to the nutrition information per serving derived from the reference amount in § 101.12(b), except that nondiscrete bulk products that are used primarily as ingredients (e.g., flour, sweeteners, shortenings, oils), or traditionally used for multipurposes (e.g., eggs, butter, margarine), and multipurpose baking mixes are exempt from this requirement.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(b)(11), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Dual column, as prepared

Allowed when the food is prepared or combined before eating and the label gives the directions.

> “Nutrition information may be presented for two or more forms of the same food (e.g., both “as purchased” and “as prepared”) or for common combinations of food as provided for in paragraph (h)(4) of this section, for different units (e.g., slices of bread or per 100 grams) as provided for in paragraph (b) of this section, or for two or more groups for which RDIs are established (e.g., both infants through 12 months of age and children 1 through 3 years of age) as shown in paragraph (e)(5) of this section.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(e), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “If a food is commonly combined with other ingredients or is cooked or otherwise prepared before eating, and directions for such combination or preparations are provided, another column of figures may be used to declare nutrition information on the basis of the food as consumed in the format required in paragraph (e) of this section” …
> 21 CFR 101.9(h)(4), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> … “Provided, that, the type and quantity of the other ingredients to be added to the product by the user and the specific method of cooking and other preparation shall be specified prominently on the label.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(h)(4), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Aggregate

Allowed for variety packs of separately packaged foods, and for packages used for different foods of one type.

> “Nutrition labels on the outer label of packages of products that contain two or more separately packaged foods that are intended to be eaten individually (e.g., variety packs of cereals or snack foods) or of packages that are used interchangeably for the same type of food (e.g., round ice cream containers) may use an aggregate display.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(d)(13)(i), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Infants and children, two %DV

Required for a food made for both infants through 12 months and children 1 through 3.

> “For foods represented or purported to be specifically for both infants through 12 months of age and children 1 through 3 years of age, the percent of Daily Value shall be presented by separate declarations according to paragraph (e) of this section based on the RDI values for infants through 12 months of age and children 1 through 3 years of age.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(i), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Tabular dual column

Used when a dual column is required and the package can only fit a tabular panel.

> “When dual labeling is presented for a food on a per serving basis and per container basis as required in paragraph (b)(12)(i) of this section or on a per serving basis and per unit basis as required in paragraph (b)(2)(i)(D) of this section, the quantitative information by weight as required in paragraph (d)(7)(i) and the percent Daily Value as required in paragraph (d)(7)(ii) shall be presented in two columns, and the columns shall be separated by vertical lines as shown in the displays in paragraph (e)(6)(i) of this section.”
> 21 CFR 101.9(e)(6), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

### Contact line, no panel

Allowed when the package has less than 12 square inches for labeling and the food makes no nutrition claims anywhere.

> “Foods in small packages that have a total surface area available to bear labeling of less than 12 square inches, Provided, That the labels for these foods bear no nutrition claims or other nutrition information in any context on the label or in labeling or advertising, except as provided in § 101.8(c).”
> 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(i), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

> “The manufacturer, packer, or distributor shall provide on the label of packages that qualify for and use this exemption an address or telephone number that a consumer can use to obtain the required nutrition information (e.g., “For nutrition information, call 1-800-123-4567”).”
> 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(i)(A), eCFR as of 2026-02-12

## Related rules that are not formats

- A package over 40 square inches whose main panels are full may put the label on any other panel shoppers can see. ([21 CFR 101.9(j)(17)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(17)))
- Separately packaged foods in one outer box use separate labels or one aggregate label. ([21 CFR 101.9(h)(2)(ii)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(h)(2)(ii)))
- Raw fruits, vegetables and fish with no nutrition claims are exempt. FDA points them to its guidelines in 21 CFR 101.45. ([21 CFR 101.9(j)(10)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(j)(10)))
- How FDA tests the numbers on a label is a separate rule. It does not change the format. ([21 CFR 101.9(g)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(g)))

## Frequently asked questions

### Which Nutrition Facts label format do I need?

Most packaged foods use the standard vertical label. Some need another format. A small package may need one. So may a package that holds two to three servings. Foods for infants, young children or pregnant women have their own labels. So do variety packs.

Sources: 21 CFR 101.9(d)(1)

### When is a dual column Nutrition Facts label required?

When a package sold on its own holds 200% to 300% of its reference amount. The label then shows a column per serving and a column for the whole package. A separate rule gives a per-unit column when one unit weighs 200% to 300%.

Sources: 21 CFR 101.9(b)(12)(i), 21 CFR 101.9(b)(2)(i)(D)

### When can I use a tabular Nutrition Facts label?

When the package has less than about 3 inches of continuous vertical space for the panel. Small packages of 40 square inches or less may also use the small-package tabular label.

Sources: 21 CFR 101.9(d)(11)(iii), 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A)(1)

### When can I use a linear Nutrition Facts label?

Only on a package with 40 square inches or less for labeling, and only when a tabular label will not fit.

Sources: 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A), 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A)(2)

### Does a very small package need a Nutrition Facts label?

Not if it has less than 12 square inches for labeling and makes no nutrition claims. It must give an address or phone number where people can get the nutrition information.

Sources: 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(i), 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(i)(A)

### What is the simplified Nutrition Facts format?

A shorter panel for foods with little nutrition. You may use it when eight or more of 15 core nutrients are present in insignificant amounts. It can end with “Not a significant source of” and the nutrients it leaves off.

Sources: 21 CFR 101.9(f), 21 CFR 101.9(f)(4)

### What other rules affect where the label goes?

A package over 40 square inches whose main panels are full may put the label on any other panel shoppers can see. Separately packaged foods in one outer box use separate labels or one aggregate label. Raw fruits, vegetables and fish with no nutrition claims are exempt. FDA points them to its guidelines in 21 CFR 101.45. How FDA tests the numbers on a label is a separate rule. It does not change the format.

Sources: 21 CFR 101.9(j)(17), 21 CFR 101.9(h)(2)(ii), 21 CFR 101.9(j)(10), 21 CFR 101.9(g)

### Can BetterMenu make these label formats?

BetterMenu Studio makes the standard vertical label from your recipe today. The other formats are not in Studio yet. This guide covers all of them, so you know which one your package needs.

## Machine-readable data

Full guide as JSON: https://bettermenu.live/tools/label-formats/data.json

## Access

Visit [https://bettermenu.live/tools/label-formats](https://bettermenu.live/tools/label-formats), no account required.