FDA Nutrition Labeling Requirements in 2026: What Food Brands Need to Know

FDA nutrition labeling regulations have evolved significantly over the past decade, and 2026 brings new considerations for food brands. Whether you're launching a new product or updating existing labels, understanding the current requirements—and what's changed recently—is essential. This guide breaks down FDA rules in plain language so you can ensure your labels meet all requirements without confusion.

Current FDA Nutrition Labeling Requirements Overview

The FDA requires nearly all packaged foods to display a Nutrition Facts label. This requirement applies to:

• Products intended for retail sale
• Foods with labels claiming any nutrient content or health benefits
• Most imported foods
• Certain bulk foods and restaurant items (with exemptions)

The Nutrition Facts panel must include mandatory nutrients in a specific format, with accurate serving sizes and clearly legible fonts. The purpose is clear: consumers deserve transparent information about what they're eating.

Recent Changes: What's Already in Effect

Added Sugars Declaration

One of the most significant recent changes is the mandatory declaration of added sugars on the Nutrition Facts label. Added sugars (also called free sugars) refer to syrups, honey, and sugars added during manufacturing—distinct from naturally occurring sugars in fruit or dairy.

Why does this matter? Research shows excessive added sugar intake is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health concerns. The FDA created a separate Daily Value for added sugars (50 grams per day on a 2,000-calorie diet) to help consumers make informed choices.

If your product contains any added sugars, you must declare the amount. This includes sugars from:

• Honey and syrups
• High-fructose corn syrup
• Concentrated fruit juices used as sweeteners
• Cane juice and other added sweeteners

Updated Daily Values (DVs)

The FDA periodically updates Daily Values to reflect current nutritional science. Recent updates include:

• Sodium: Reduced from 2,400 mg to 2,300 mg per day
• Dietary fiber: Increased from 25 g to 28 g per day
• Potassium: Added as a required nutrient on the label (1,400 mg per day)
• Vitamin D: Reference value updated based on new nutrient adequacy standards

These changes affect the percent Daily Value (% DV) calculations on your label, so review your labels if they haven't been updated recently.

New Serving Sizes

The FDA updated serving size requirements to reflect what people actually eat today, not portion sizes from decades past. For example:

• Soft drinks: 20 oz (was 8 oz)
• Pasta: 56 grams (was 56 grams, but the amount per serving changed)
• Granola bars: 30 grams (updated from various sizes)

If you haven't reviewed your serving sizes in several years, now is the time. Your serving size should align with the Reference Amount Customarily Consumed (RACC) and reflect realistic consumption patterns.

Small Business Exemptions and Reduced Requirements

The FDA recognizes that meeting requirements can be challenging for smaller operations. If you meet specific criteria, you may qualify for exemptions or simplified labeling:

Qualified facilities (small businesses with less than $1 million in annual food sales) may use:

• Simplified nutrition information based on USDA databases
• Alternate label formats (condensed layouts)
• Reduced testing and laboratory fees

However, exemptions don't mean no label—it means you follow different procedures to create one. You must still provide accurate, truthful information.

To qualify, your facility typically must:

• Employ fewer than 100 full-time equivalent employees
• Have annual food sales below the current threshold
• Meet other FDA criteria for your specific product type

Check with the FDA or a food regulatory consultant to determine if your brand qualifies.

Dietary Fiber: Classification and Claims

The FDA has clarified rules around dietary fiber declarations. Not all sources of fiber count equally:

Recognized fiber sources include:

• Naturally occurring fiber (whole grains, fruits, vegetables)
• Approved isolated fibers (inulin, psyllium husk, cellulose)
• Certain resistant starches

Non-approved sources (like polydextrose or sugar alcohols in some contexts) may not be declared as dietary fiber, though they still affect calorie calculations.

If your product includes added fiber, verify that your fiber source meets FDA recognition. This affects both your label accuracy and your ability to make fiber-related health claims.

Front-of-Package Labeling Proposals

While not yet mandated federally, many states and retailers are pushing for front-of-package (FOP) labeling systems. These include:

• Nutrient warning labels: Highlight high sodium, sugar, or saturated fat
• Positive highlight labels: Emphasize beneficial nutrients like fiber or protein
• Scoring systems: Rate products on overall nutritional quality

Currently, front-of-package labeling is voluntary for most brands, but California and several other states have considered legislation. Stay informed about labeling trends in your target markets, especially if you sell across state lines.

The industry is watching these developments closely. Some major brands have adopted FOP systems voluntarily; others are waiting for clear federal guidance.

Other Important Labeling Rules to Remember

Allergen declarations: The "Big 8" allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy) must be clearly declared on every product. Allergen labeling has become stricter over time, with zero tolerance for mislabeling.

Claims substantiation: Any nutrient claim ("good source of fiber"), health claim ("supports bone health"), or structure-function claim must be backed by evidence. The FDA scrutinizes these carefully.

Font sizes and contrast: Your Nutrition Facts panel must be legible. Minimum font size is 6 points (8 points for very small packages). Text must contrast clearly with the background.

Bilingual labels: If selling in both English and Spanish-speaking markets, bilingual labels are common. Format requirements apply to both languages.

How to Ensure Your Labels Meet Requirements

Step 1: Review your current labels against the latest FDA guidelines.

Step 2: Verify your serving sizes align with current RACCs. If you haven't checked in 2+ years, it's time.

Step 3: Confirm your nutritional data reflects recent DV updates, especially for sodium, potassium, and fiber.

Step 4: Check for any nutrient claims and ensure they're substantiated with credible research.

Step 5: Test print your labels at actual size and confirm legibility.

Step 6: Review allergen declarations and ensure accuracy.

For detailed, step-by-step instructions on creating labels from scratch, see our guide on how to create an FDA Nutrition Facts label.

What's On the Horizon

The FDA continues to monitor emerging science and consumer needs. Areas to watch include:

• Microplastics disclosure: Possible future labeling requirements
• Environmental impact labels: Unlikely at federal level soon, but state-level activity is growing
• Plant-based product standards: Clearer definitions and labeling for alternative proteins

None of these are mandatory today, but staying informed helps you adapt proactively rather than reactively.

Stay Ahead of Labeling Changes

FDA requirements change periodically, and it's easy to fall behind if you're juggling multiple products. Maintaining accurate labels isn't just about avoiding fines—it's about building consumer trust and ensuring your brand operates with integrity.

If you're managing multiple product formulations and need to update labels to reflect new regulations, consider using a food formulation tool that stays current with FDA requirements. Tools like Fond automatically incorporate rule changes and flag outdated information so you can focus on your recipes.

Ready to audit your labels against 2026 requirements? Check out our waitlist to see how Fond helps brands stay ahead of regulatory changes while maintaining recipe accuracy and consistency.

For common mistakes to avoid when labeling food products, read our companion article on common nutrition label mistakes.