The Truth Behind Food Labels: Decoding Serving Sizes and Calorie Counts

Food labels can be a source of confusion for many consumers. They are filled with numbers, percentages, and terms that may not be immediately clear. One of the most common questions people have is about serving sizes and calorie counts. For example, why does a food label indicate that one serving size is 90 calories, but two servings are 170 calories? Shouldn’t two servings be exactly double the calories of one serving? To understand this, we need to delve into the intricacies of food labeling and how these numbers are determined.

Understanding Serving Sizes

The serving size on a food label is determined by the manufacturer based on what they consider to be a typical portion of that food. This is not necessarily the amount you should eat, but rather a standardized amount that allows you to compare the nutritional content of different foods. The serving size is used as the basis for all the other nutritional information on the label.

Decoding Calorie Counts

Calories are a measure of energy, and the calorie count on a food label tells you how much energy you will get from one serving of that food. However, these numbers are not always exact. The FDA allows a margin of error of up to 20% on calorie counts, which means the actual number of calories could be slightly higher or lower than what is listed on the label.

Why Two Servings Don’t Always Equal Double the Calories

So why does a food label indicate that one serving size is 90 calories, but two servings are 170 calories? This discrepancy is likely due to rounding. The FDA allows manufacturers to round calorie counts to the nearest 10 calories for foods with more than 50 calories per serving. So if a single serving of a food actually contains 85 calories, the manufacturer can round this up to 90 calories on the label. But when you double this to calculate the calories for two servings, you get 170 calories, not 180.

How to Use Food Labels Effectively

• Pay attention to serving sizes. Remember that the nutritional information on the label is based on this amount, and adjust your portion size accordingly if you eat more or less than one serving.

• Look at the total calories per serving. This will give you a rough idea of how much energy you will get from the food, but keep in mind that the actual number could be slightly different due to rounding and the allowed margin of error.

• Consider the other nutritional information on the label, such as fat, sugar, and sodium content. These can also impact your health and should be taken into account when making food choices.

In conclusion, while food labels can be confusing, they are a valuable tool for making informed dietary choices. By understanding how serving sizes and calorie counts are determined, you can use this information to help manage your diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle.