{"dataset":"US Nutrition Label Rules","version":"17.0.0","cfr_snapshot_date":"2026-02-12","source":"FDA 21 CFR 101.9 (Nutrition labeling of food)","url":"https://bettermenu.live/tools/label-formats/standard-vertical/","md_url":"https://bettermenu.live/tools/label-formats/standard-vertical.md","slug":"standard-vertical","format_keys":["standard_vertical"],"name":"Standard vertical","title":"Standard Vertical Nutrition Facts Label","answer":"The default panel for most packaged foods. Use it unless another format applies to your product.","rule":"default","rule_summary":"Default for most foods","citations":[{"cite":"21 CFR 101.9(d)(1)","url":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(1)"},{"cite":"21 CFR 101.9(d)(12)","url":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(12)"}],"in_studio":true,"check":{"condition":"The default if the food is for everyone 4 and older, a vertical panel fits and no extra column is required.","questions":[{"id":"population","question":"Who is the food made for?","options":[{"id":"general","label":"Everyone 4 and older"},{"id":"infants","label":"Infants through 12 months"},{"id":"children","label":"Children 1 through 3"},{"id":"both","label":"Infants and children 1 through 3"},{"id":"pregnant","label":"Pregnant or lactating women"}]},{"id":"label-area","question":"How much of the package can carry printing?","options":[{"id":"under-12","label":"Under 12 sq in"},{"id":"12-40","label":"12 to 40 sq in"},{"id":"over-40","label":"Over 40 sq in"}]},{"id":"claims","question":"Does it make nutrition claims or show nutrition information anywhere?","options":[{"id":"yes","label":"Yes"},{"id":"no","label":"No"}]},{"id":"vertical-space","question":"How tall is the tallest open space for the panel?","options":[{"id":"yes","label":"Under about 3 in"},{"id":"no","label":"About 3 in or more"}]},{"id":"promoted-use","question":"Do you promote it for a use of twice or more, or half or less, its reference amount?","options":[{"id":"yes","label":"Yes"},{"id":"exempt","label":"Yes, but it is a bulk ingredient such as flour, a multipurpose food such as butter, or a multipurpose baking mix"},{"id":"no","label":"No"}]},{"id":"vertical-fits","question":"Does a vertical panel fit on any side?","options":[{"id":"yes","label":"Yes"},{"id":"no","label":"No"}]},{"id":"package-size","question":"How much does one package or one unit hold?","options":[{"id":"package-200-300","label":"Package: 200% to 300%, sold individually"},{"id":"unit-200-300","label":"One unit: 200% to 300%"},{"id":"150-200","label":"Package: over 150%, under 200%"},{"id":"popcorn","label":"Popcorn package: 200% to 300%"},{"id":"varied-weight","label":"Random weight, like cheese: 200% to 300%"},{"id":"raw-produce","label":"Raw fruit, vegetable or seafood: 200% to 300%"},{"id":"other","label":"Something else"}]},{"id":"second-language","question":"Does the label use a second language anywhere?","options":[{"id":"yes","label":"Yes"},{"id":"no","label":"No"}]},{"id":"tabular-fits","question":"Does a regular tabular panel fit on any side?","options":[{"id":"yes","label":"Yes"},{"id":"no","label":"No"}]},{"id":"raw-food","question":"Is it a raw fruit, vegetable or fish with no nutrition claims or other nutrition information?","options":[{"id":"yes","label":"Yes"},{"id":"no","label":"No"}]}],"assumed":[{"question":"promoted-use","answer":"no","text":"no promoted use"},{"question":"second-language","answer":"no","text":"English only"}]},"differs_from_standard":["Every other format starts from this panel. Some change the layout, some add columns and some change the Daily Values."],"callouts":[],"daily_values":[],"all_daily_values":[],"sections":[],"fda_sample_labels":[{"graphic":"er27my16.001","title":"Standard vertical","image":"https://bettermenu.live/tools/label-formats/fda/er27my16.001.png","cite":"21 CFR 101.9(d)(12)","url":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(12)","federal_register":"81 FR 33742","federal_register_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/05/27/2016-11867/food-labeling-revision-of-the-nutrition-and-supplement-facts-labels","values_illustrative":true}],"related":[],"quotes":[{"cite":"21 CFR 101.9(d)(1)","url":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(d)(1)","text":"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.","excerpt":false}],"faq":[{"id":"standard-when","question":"When do I use the standard vertical Nutrition Facts label?","answer":"Use it unless another format applies. Other formats cover small packages, short panels, a package sold individually that holds 200% to 300% of the reference amount, foods for infants, young children or pregnant women, and variety packs.","citations":["21 CFR 101.9(d)(1)"]},{"id":"standard-side-by-side","question":"Can the vitamins and minerals sit side by side?","answer":"Yes. You may list vitamin D and calcium on one line and iron and potassium on the next. That is the side-by-side display.","citations":["21 CFR 101.9(d)(8)"]},{"id":"standard-short-names","question":"Can I shorten nutrient names on a standard vertical panel?","answer":"From FDA’s abbreviation list, only “Vit.” and “Potas.” on a package over 40 sq in, and only on the side-by-side display. A package of 40 sq in or less may use every short name on that list, whatever its display. Any panel may print “Saturated fat” as “Saturated” and “Trans fat” as “Trans”.","citations":["21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(B)","21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)","21 CFR 101.9(c)(2)(i)","21 CFR 101.9(c)(2)(ii)"]},{"id":"standard-min-font","question":"What is the minimum font size for a standard vertical label?","answer":"Nutrient rows 8 pt, “Calories” 16 pt and its number 22 pt, servings per container and serving size 10 pt, and the headings and footnote 6 pt.","citations":["21 CFR 101.9(d)(1)(iii)","21 CFR 101.9(d)(3)(i)","21 CFR 101.9(d)(3)(ii)"]},{"id":"standard-studio","question":"Can BetterMenu make a standard vertical label?","answer":"Yes. BetterMenu Studio works out the per-serving and per-package numbers from your recipe and exports the standard vertical panel.","citations":[]}]}