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Food labels show us the amount of different nutrients consumed per serving. The Percent Daily Values are listed to show how one serving contributes nutritionally to a 2,000-calorie diet. The servings per container are also included to let you compare what you eat with the serving size of that product. So remember, if the serving size is 1 cup and you eat 2 cups, then you will need to double the numbers on the label.

The Nutrition Facts label lists the calories in one serving of the product. It lists only a few nutrients related to today's most important health issues: total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.

Fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron are listed because people do not eat enough of these every day. You should try to eat at least 100% of the daily value of each of these every day.

Fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, total carbohydrate, fiber, sugars, protein, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron are required on the label. Other nutrients may be listed if the company would like to list them.

Nutrients are substances only found in food that are needed for good health. During digestion, your bloodstream absorbs these nutrients and carries them to every cell in your body. More than 40 nutrients in food are classified into six groups: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. Each nutrient has a specific function and works together for good health.