Nutrition Label Gets a Much Needed Makeover

​You may have started to notice that the Nutrition Facts Label, found on the back of food packaging, appears different. That’s because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published new rules for the label back in 2016. These rules are finally coming into effect. All food manufactures must change their label by January of 2021. This is the biggest makeover since the Nutrition Facts Label’s inception in 1993.
What are some of the new changes?

• Serving sizes have been updated to reflect more REALISTIC portion sizes and depict what people are actually eating and drinking.
  • Old label, “You’re trying to tell me, I’m only supposed to eat ½ cup of ice cream?”
  • New label, “2/3 cup of ice cream is a more realistic portion.”
• New fun & fresh design. The type size for “Calories” and “Serving size” are bigger and bolder making it easier for people to read and navigate.
•  Have you noticed the extra section under Total Sugars? ADDED SUGAR must be noted on the label. Added Sugars include table sugar, sugar from honey, syrups, and concentrated fruit or vegetable juices. It is recommended to aim for 10% or less of your total calorie intake to be from added sugar.
• Daily percent values of different micronutrients are shown. Vitamin A and C are no longer required to be shown on the label because nutrition deficiencies of these vitamins are rare among Americans today. Vitamin D and potassium are now required on the label because evidence shows many Americans do not consume enough of these nutrients.

Overall, the new design and requirements will help you make more informed food choices that encouraged healthy eating habits. If you want to learn more about the Nutrition Facts Label changes, see resources provided below.
Resources:
Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label
FDA New and Improved Nutrition Facts Label
Side-By-Side Comparison of New vs. Old Label
Written By:
Gabrielle Vandergriff, RDN



Recipe of the Week - Drop the Beet 😊
 
Beet and Goat Cheese Quinoa Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients
1/2 cup dry quinoa
1 cup cold water
1 T olive oil
2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup cooked, diced beets
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
Directions
1. To prepare the quinoa, place in a small to medium saucepan and add water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, until all the water is absorbed.
2. Transfer cooked quinoa to a large bowl and let it cool. Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss to coat the quinoa.
3. Add beets and goat cheese and fold into the quinoa mixture. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Nutrient Analysis per serving
Calories: 218; Total fat: 12 g; Sat fat: 5 g; Cholesterol: 27 mg; Sodium: 354 mg; Total carbohydrate: 19 g; Sugars: 3 g; Dietary fiber: 2 g; Protein: 10 g
— Recipe by Jessica Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN, culinary nutrition expert and recipe developer. Find more of her recipes at JessicaLevinson.com.

---