USA Label Formats: Overview

NutriCalc offers multiple USA Nutrition Facts label formats so you can match the label layout to the product, package size, and nutrition information you need to display. For example, a standard retail package may use a vertical Nutrition Facts panel, while a small package, variety pack, or product with both per-serving and per-container values may require a more specialized format. This article summarizes the available USA label versions and explains when each option is most useful.

USA Label Format Options

The comparison table below focuses on the label formats available in NutriCalc, including standard, side-by-side, tabular, simplified, linear, dual column, and aggregate layouts. Review the “Use this when...” column to narrow your choice based on the packaging scenario, then use the final column to understand how that format presents the nutrition information to the end user.

How to Choose the Correct USA Label Version 

• Start with the product and package type. Standard packages may use a standard USA Nutrition Facts format, while small packages may require a linear or small-package display.
• Use dual column formats when two nutrition presentations are required. For example, use a per serving/per container format when the package needs to show both serving-level and full-container nutrition information.
• Use USDA label formats for applicable regulated products. USDA-style labels provide a simplified presentation commonly used for certain USDA-regulated product categories.
• Review edit options before making manual changes. If a label needs layout or display adjustments, use the available edit, resize, footer, and voluntary nutrient options before exporting.
• Use direct editing carefully. Direct edits can be useful for label presentation needs, but they should be reviewed to ensure the final label remains accurate and appropriate for the product.

USA Label Format Comparison

Standard Vertical

Use this format whenever possible. 

Vertical Side By Side

Use this format to display the vitamins and minerals in two columns to utilize less vertical space. This label is editable following the same procedure as listed above. The dual column section is highlighted below. 

Simplified Display

This format may be used if eight or more if the following nutrients are present in "insignificant amounts", essentially means that he nutrient can be rounded to 0. The nutrients included in this list are: total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars, protein, vitamin D, calcium, iron, or potassium. 
Calories, total fat, carbohydrates, sodium, protein, and any nutrient in significant amounts (including voluntary nutrients) will be displayed on the label. Others will appear in the "Not a significant source of..." in the footnote. This is highlighted below. 

Tabular Format 

This format is appropriate if your food package has less than 3 inches / 7.62 cm of continuous vertical space and cannot accommodate the Standard format. 

Linear Display

This format is designed for small packages, those with less than 40 in² / 260 cm² total surface area available for printing, and cannot accommodate the other formats due to size or shape. 

Dual Column : Per Container

This format must be used when there are 2-3 servings per the Reference Amount Customarily Consumed (RACC) in one container. This may be used voluntarily when there are between 1 and 1½  servings in one container. 

Dual Column: Two Forms

This form may be used to display two columns of nutritional information when the food/product commonly requires preparation prior to consumption. An example could be a vegetable stew, one column for the stew as purchased and a second column for stew with proscuitto. Another example is macaroni and cheese, one column for the product as purchased and the other reflecting the product with added butter and milk. 

Aggregate

Use this form when the product contains two or more individually packaged items intended to be eaten separately and have different nutrition profiles. Examples are multi-pack of single serving bags of different flavors of potato chips, or a gift basket, Each column will display the nutrition information for the different items. To add additional columns, up to five, click on the Manage Columns in the lower right. 

Labeling Exceptions

If the package has less than 12 in² total surface area available for printing, a telephone number or address to obtain nutritional information may be used. 
Note: This is only permitted if there are no claims or other nutrition-based advertising on the package. 

USDA Formats

The Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) is part of the USDA and regulates the labeling of some packaged meat and poultry items. These include: 

• Processed meat and poultry products
• Major cuts of single-ingredient raw meat or poultry products
• Single-ingredient raw meat or poultry products that are sold as ground or chopped

Use the USDA formats when using one or more of the products listed above are included in the recipe. 
Note: The required nutrients and %DV will correspond to the "old" nutrition facts and not the format/nutrients updated in 2016. In most cases, the Simplified Meat format is valid. 

Editing and Customizing USA Labels

In addition to choosing the correct label format, NutriCalc includes options that help you adjust how the USA label is displayed. These settings can help refine the label output without changing the underlying recipe nutrition data unless you intentionally make direct edits.

For additional information about editing USA labels, please refer to this article: USA Labels: Editing