You might wonder why supplement facts vs nutrition facts often cause confusion when you check nutrition labels or supplement labels at the store. Many people trust supplement labels or nutrition labels without knowing which nutrients or ingredients must appear on each. This misunderstanding leads you to believe that vitamin-fortified snacks or supplements are healthier than they are, increasing your intention to buy and making it easier to overlook healthier options. If you understand what each label means, you can avoid poor purchasing decisions and spot misleading claims on supplement facts vs nutrition facts panels.
This article is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Key Takeaways
Supplement facts labels appear only on dietary supplements, while nutrition facts panels are on packaged foods and drinks.
Supplement facts list only ingredients present in measurable amounts; nutrition facts list key nutrients even if the amount is zero.
Always check the label title—’Supplement Facts’ means a supplement, ‘Nutrition Facts’ means a food or beverage.
Use % Daily Value (%DV) on labels to understand how much a nutrient in one serving contributes to your daily needs.
Supplement labels may include proprietary blends without exact ingredient amounts; nutrition labels list all ingredients by weight.
FDA regulates both labels but with different rules and enforcement to protect consumers from misleading claims.
Avoid products claiming to cure or treat diseases, as supplements cannot legally make these claims.
Choose products from reputable brands with clear labels and third-party testing to ensure safety and accuracy.
Definitions
Supplement facts
When you pick up a bottle of vitamins or herbal capsules, you will see a supplement facts panel. This panel is the nutrition label required for dietary supplements. The FDA sets strict rules for how supplement labels must look and what they must include. The supplement facts panel must display the title “Supplement Facts” in bold, large letters. The information appears inside a box with clear lines and a single, easy-to-read font. You will find details like serving size, dietary ingredients, amount per serving, and percent daily value. The FDA’s regulations ensure that every dietary supplement facts panel follows the same format, making it easier for you to compare products.
The supplement facts panel only appears on dietary supplements. You will not see it on regular foods or drinks. The FDA’s Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide explains that supplement labels must meet the requirements of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act and the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. These laws help protect you by making sure supplement facts panels are accurate and consistent.
Nutrition facts panel
When you look at packaged foods or drinks, you will find a nutrition facts panel. This label gives you important nutrition information about the food you eat every day. The FDA requires the nutrition facts panel on almost all packaged foods and beverages. The panel shows serving size, servings per container, calories, and nutrients like fat, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. The FDA updated the nutrition facts panel in 2016 to reflect new science and help you make healthier choices.
The nutrition facts panel uses a standard format. You will see the information in a box, usually on the back or side of the package. The panel lists nutrients per serving, and sometimes for the whole package. This makes it easy for you to compare different foods and understand what you are eating. The nutritional facts panel helps you track your intake of calories, sugar, sodium, and other nutrients.
Purpose of each label
You need to know why these labels exist. The supplement facts panel helps you understand what is inside a dietary supplement. It tells you the amount of each ingredient and how much it contributes to your daily needs. This helps you avoid taking too much of a vitamin or mineral.
The nutrition facts panel helps you make smart choices about the foods you eat. It shows you the calories, macronutrients, and key vitamins and minerals in each serving. You can use this information to balance your diet and choose foods that fit your health goals.
Tip: Always check the labels before you buy. The supplement facts panel and nutrition facts panel give you the facts you need to make informed decisions about your health.
Both labels aim to protect you as a consumer. They give you clear, reliable information so you can compare products and avoid misleading claims. When you understand the difference between supplement facts and nutrition facts, you can use nutrition labels and supplement labels to your advantage.
Required information
Supplement facts label
When you look at a supplement facts panel, you see specific details that help you understand what is inside a dietary supplement. The FDA requires several mandatory elements on every supplement facts label:
Net content of the product on the front.
Supplement facts panel in the information section.
List of other ingredients, including allergen declarations.
Name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor.
Serving size
You find the serving size at the top of the supplement facts panel. This tells you how much of the product you should take at one time. The serving size helps you compare different supplements and follow recommended usage.
Dietary ingredients
The supplement facts panel lists only the dietary ingredients present in the product. You see vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, or other substances. If an ingredient is not in the supplement, it does not appear on the label.
Amount per serving
Next to each dietary ingredient, you see the amount per serving. This shows you exactly how much of each nutrient or compound you get in one serving.
% Daily Value
The percent daily value (%DV) tells you how much each ingredient contributes to your daily nutritional needs. You use this information to avoid taking too much or too little of a nutrient.
Note: The supplement facts panel only lists nutrients that are present in measurable amounts. If a nutrient is not included, it means the product does not contain it.
Nutrition facts panel
The nutrition facts panel appears on packaged foods and beverages. The FDA requires several elements to help you make informed choices:
Nutrition facts panel with calories, total fat (including saturated and trans fat), total sugars, added sugars, sodium, dietary fiber, protein, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.
Ingredient list in order by weight.
Allergen information for major allergens.
Name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor.
Net quantity of contents in metric and U.S. units.
Serving size
You see the serving size at the top of the nutrition facts panel. This helps you understand how much food or drink counts as one serving.
Calories and macronutrients
The nutrition facts panel shows calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, carbohydrates, sugars, dietary fiber, and protein. You use these numbers to track your energy and nutrient intake.
Vitamins and minerals
You find vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium listed on every nutrition facts panel. Even if a food contains zero of these nutrients, the panel must show “0” to give you full disclosure.
% Daily Value
The %DV helps you see how much each nutrient in a serving contributes to your daily needs. You use this to compare foods and balance your diet.
Nutrient Amount | Supplement Facts Panel Requirement | Nutrition Facts Panel Requirement |
|---|---|---|
Must list certain nutrients even if the amount is zero. |
Tip: If you want to know whether a product contains a nutrient, check the nutrition facts panel for zero values. The supplement facts panel only shows what is actually present.
Supplement facts vs nutrition facts: main differences
Product types covered
You see supplement facts labels only on dietary supplements. These include vitamins, minerals, herbal products, amino acids, and other substances meant to supplement your diet. U.S. law requires all dietary supplements to display a supplement facts panel. You will not find this label on regular foods or drinks.
Nutrition facts panels appear on conventional food products. This includes packaged snacks, beverages, cereals, frozen meals, and almost any food you buy at the grocery store. The FDA requires nutrition facts panels on nearly all packaged foods and drinks. You use these nutrition labels to compare foods and track your daily intake.
Dietary supplements must use supplement facts labels.
Conventional food products must use nutrition facts panels.
You will not see supplement facts on foods or nutrition facts on supplements.
This clear separation helps you know what type of product you are buying and which rules apply to its label.
Nutrient listing rules
The rules for listing nutrients on supplement facts vs nutrition facts panels differ in several important ways. You need to know these differences to understand what each label tells you.
Aspect | Supplement Facts Panel (Dietary Supplements) | Nutrition Facts Panel (Food Products) |
|---|---|---|
Must list dietary ingredients even if no established RDIs or DRVs | Only list nutrients with established RDIs or DRVs | |
Listing source of dietary ingredient | May list the source of the dietary ingredient | Cannot list the source of dietary ingredients |
Listing part of plant from which ingredient is derived | Must include the part of the plant | Not permitted to list the part of the plant |
Listing nutrients with zero amounts | Not permitted to list nutrients with zero amounts | Required to list nutrients with zero amounts |
Governing FDA regulations | 21 CFR 101.36 | 21 CFR 101.9 |
Supplement labels must list every dietary ingredient present, even if there is no established recommended daily intake (RDI) or daily reference value (DRV). You may also see the source and part of the plant for herbal ingredients, which nutrition labels on foods do not allow. Nutrition facts panels only list nutrients with established RDIs or DRVs, and they cannot show the source or plant part.
Zero values and omissions
You will notice another key difference when you look at supplement facts vs nutrition facts panels: how each handles zero values and omissions.
Supplement facts labels only show nutrients that are present in measurable amounts. If a nutrient is not in the product or is present below the minimum threshold, it does not appear on the label at all.
Nutrition facts panels must list certain nutrients even if the amount is zero. For example, you will see “0g trans fat” or “0mg cholesterol” on many food labels.
FDA guidelines require supplement labels to omit nutrients present at zero or below minimal amounts. For example, if a supplement contains less than 5 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, or 2 milligrams of cholesterol, you will not see these listed. Nutrition labels on foods, however, must declare zero values for key nutrients. This allows you to compare products and make claims like “sugar free” or “low sodium.”
Nutrient | Minimal Amount for Declaration (Supplements) |
|---|---|
Calories | 5 calories |
Total Fat | 0.5 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
Cholesterol | 2 mg |
Sodium | 5 mg |
Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg (2% DV) |
Calcium | 26 mg (2% DV) |
If a supplement contains less than these amounts, you will not see them on the supplement facts panel. Nutrition facts panels on foods, however, will show “0” for these nutrients if they are not present.
Tip: Always check both supplement labels and nutrition labels carefully. The main differences in how they list nutrients and handle zero values can affect your understanding of what you are consuming.
Ingredient transparency
When you read a label, you want to know exactly what you are putting into your body. Ingredient transparency means you can see what is inside a product and how much of each ingredient you get. Supplement facts and nutrition facts panels both aim for transparency, but they follow different rules.
Supplement facts panels give you detailed information about dietary supplements. You see the title “Supplement Facts” at the top, which tells you the product is a supplement. The panel lists all dietary ingredients present in the product. Each ingredient appears with its amount per serving and the percent Daily Value (%DV) when available. If the supplement contains a proprietary blend, you see the total weight of the blend and the ingredients listed in order by weight, but not the exact amount of each ingredient in the blend. This helps protect company formulas but still gives you some insight into what you are taking.
All dietary ingredients must be listed by their common names.
Ingredients appear in descending order of weight.
Proprietary blends show total weight and ingredient order, but not exact amounts for each.
Zero amounts cannot be listed. If a nutrient is not present, it does not appear on the panel.
Supplements must include an FDA disclaimer stating the product has not been evaluated for disease treatment.
Nutrition facts panels focus on foods and beverages. You see a list of nutrients, calories, and % Daily Value for each. The ingredient list appears separately, usually below the panel, and shows all ingredients in order by weight. Nutrition facts panels must list certain nutrients even if the amount is zero, so you get a full picture of what is in your food.
All ingredients must be listed in order by weight in a separate ingredient list.
Nutrition facts panels show calories, macronutrients, and key vitamins and minerals.
Panels must list certain nutrients even if the amount is zero.
Tip: If you want to know every ingredient in a product, check both the panel and the ingredient list. Supplement facts panels focus on active ingredients, while nutrition facts panels give you a broader view of the food’s nutritional content.
Key differences in ingredient transparency:
Feature | Supplement Facts Panel | Nutrition Facts Panel |
|---|---|---|
Ingredient listing location | In the panel (active ingredients); other ingredients listed separately | In a separate ingredient list below the panel |
Proprietary blends | Allowed; must show total weight and order, not exact amounts | Not allowed |
Zero-value nutrients | Omitted | Must be listed as “0” |
FDA disclaimer | Required | Not required |
You can use these differences to spot whether a product is a supplement or a conventional food. This helps you make informed choices and avoid confusion when comparing products.
Regulatory requirements
Oversight for nutrition facts
You rely on nutrition facts labels to give you accurate information about the foods you eat. In the United States, two main agencies oversee these labels: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The FDA regulates most packaged foods, making sure the nutrition facts panel, ingredient list, and allergen labeling follow strict rules. The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) and the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) give the FDA the authority to set these standards. The USDA steps in for meat, poultry, and certain egg products. Both agencies want you to have clear, honest nutrition information so you can make healthy choices. If companies do not follow the rules, the FDA or USDA can issue warnings, fines, or even recall products from stores.
Oversight for supplement facts
You see supplement facts labels on vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. The FDA is the main agency that oversees these labels. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 sets the rules for what must appear on supplement facts panels. The FDA requires companies to follow strict guidelines for how the panel looks, how nutrients are calculated, and how allergens are declared. Unlike food products, dietary supplements do not need premarket approval. The FDA checks for compliance after products reach the market. If a supplement label is wrong or misleading, the FDA can send warning letters or order a recall. Some states, like California, add extra rules, such as Prop 65 warnings for certain ingredients. You should know that monitoring supplement labels can be complex because of these different regulations.
The FDA sets the main rules for supplement facts labels.
The agency enforces good manufacturing practices through inspections.
Companies must notify the FDA about new dietary ingredients before selling them.
State laws may add more requirements.
Compliance and enforcement
You trust labels to be accurate, but strict laws and enforcement keep companies honest. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) of 1938 created the foundation for food and supplement labeling. The NLEA and DSHEA added more rules for nutrition and supplement facts panels. The FDA and USDA have the power to inspect factories, seize products, and issue fines if companies break the rules. They can also take legal action, including court orders and even jail time for serious violations. These agencies use warning letters, recalls, and penalties to make sure labels stay truthful and safe for you.
Note: Always check labels for accuracy. If you have questions about a product, talk to a healthcare professional. This article does not replace medical advice.
Enforcement Tool | Applies to Foods | Applies to Supplements |
|---|---|---|
Factory inspections | ✅ | ✅ |
Product recalls | ✅ | ✅ |
Warning letters | ✅ | ✅ |
Monetary penalties | ✅ | ✅ |
Legal prosecution | ✅ | ✅ |
You can feel confident that strong laws and active oversight protect you when you read nutrition facts or supplement facts labels.
Claims and marketing
Allowed claims for supplements
When you look at supplement labels, you often see statements about what the product can do for your body. The FDA allows certain types of claims on dietary supplements, but each has strict rules. Here is a quick overview:
Description | Regulatory Implication | |
|---|---|---|
Describe how a nutrient or ingredient supports normal body structure or function. | Allowed if not about diseases; must follow labeling rules and include a disclaimer. | |
Health Claims | Link a nutrient to reducing the risk of a disease or health condition. | Allowed only if FDA authorizes the claim. |
Nutrient Content Claims | Describe the amount of a nutrient in the product, such as “high in vitamin C.” | Must meet FDA definitions and criteria. |
Disease Claims | State that a product can diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent a disease. | Not allowed unless FDA authorizes as a health claim; otherwise, the product is regulated as a drug. |
You might see structure/function claims like “Calcium builds strong bones.” These claims focus on how nutrients help your body work. Health claims, such as “calcium and a lower risk of osteoporosis,” need FDA approval. Nutrient content claims, like “high in calcium,” must meet specific standards. Disease claims, such as “treats arthritis,” are not allowed on supplements unless the FDA approves them.
Tip: If you see a supplement claiming to cure or treat a disease, be cautious. This is not allowed under FDA rules.
Allowed claims for foods
Food products with nutrition facts panels also use claims, but the rules differ slightly. You will find three main types:
Claim Category | Description | Examples / Notes |
|---|---|---|
Nutrient Content Claims | Describe the level of a nutrient in the food, either directly or by implication. | “Low sodium,” “reduced fat,” “high in fiber.” |
Health Claims | Link a nutrient to a disease or health condition. | “Calcium and osteoporosis,” “fiber and heart disease.” FDA authorizes 12 such claims and allows qualified claims. |
Structure/Function Claims | Describe how a nutrient affects the body’s structure or function, without mentioning disease. | “Calcium builds strong bones.” No FDA pre-approval needed for conventional foods. |
Qualified health claims appear on some foods. These claims rely on emerging science and must include language that explains the evidence is not conclusive. The FDA reviews these claims and requires clear wording so you understand the level of scientific support.
Disclaimers and restrictions
You need to know that every claim on a supplement or food label must follow strict rules to protect you from misleading information. For supplements, structure/function claims must include a special disclaimer. The label must state:
“This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
This disclaimer must appear in bold, inside a box with a black outline, and use a type size no smaller than 1/16 inch. If a supplement makes more than one claim, the disclaimer changes to plural form. The disclaimer must sit right next to the claim or be linked by a symbol like an asterisk.
All claims—whether on supplements or foods—must be truthful, not misleading, and supported by scientific evidence. If a product makes a nutrient content claim but contains too much fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, or sodium, the label must include a disclosure statement. This statement must be bold, easy to read, and placed right next to the claim.
Note: This article does not provide medical advice. Always talk to a healthcare professional before using supplements or making changes to your diet.
How to read each label
Identifying supplement facts vs nutrition facts
You see many products with nutrition labels, but not all labels are the same. When you want to know how to read nutrition labels, start by looking at the top of the panel. If you see “Supplement Facts” in bold, you are holding a dietary supplement. If you see “Nutrition Facts,” you have a food or beverage. This small detail helps you avoid confusion and tells you which rules apply.
You can also spot the difference by checking the type of information listed. Supplement labels focus on specific nutrients, herbs, or plant parts. Nutrition labels show calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, and standard vitamins and minerals. When you learn how to read nutrition labels, you notice that food products always list calories and macronutrients. Supplement labels may skip these if they are not present.
Tip: Always check the title and the type of information on the panel. This helps you quickly identify if you are looking at a supplement or a food product.
Understanding % Daily Value
When you read nutrition labels, you often see a column called “% Daily Value” or “%DV.” This number shows how much a nutrient in one serving contributes to your daily needs. For example, if a food has 20% DV for calcium, one serving gives you one-fifth of your daily calcium goal.
On nutrition labels, %DV appears for calories, fat, sodium, fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. These numbers help you compare foods and choose options that fit your health goals. When you learn how to read nutrition labels, you use %DV to see if a food is high or low in a nutrient.
Supplement labels also use %DV, but not for every ingredient. Some nutrients in supplements do not have a defined Daily Value. In these cases, you may see a star or a note instead of a number. When you learn how to read nutrition labels and supplement labels, always check the %DV to avoid getting too much or too little of a nutrient.
Note: The %DV is based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your needs may be different. Talk to a healthcare professional for advice.
Spotting key ingredients
When you want to know how to read nutrition labels, you need to look for key ingredients. Nutrition labels for foods list macronutrients like fat, carbohydrates, and protein. They also show standard vitamins and minerals. You find the ingredient list below the panel, with all ingredients in order by weight.
Supplement labels work differently. They must list all active ingredients, but they can use proprietary blends. This means you see the total amount of the blend, but not the exact amount of each ingredient inside it. Supplement labels can also tell you the source of an ingredient, such as “from grass fed cows,” or the part of a plant used, like “root” or “seed.” Nutrition labels do not show this level of detail.
Common ingredients on supplement labels include:
Vitamins (like vitamin C or D)
Minerals (such as calcium or magnesium)
Plant extracts (with the part used, such as root or leaf)
Amino acids
Proprietary blends
On nutrition labels, you usually see:
Calories
Total fat, saturated fat, trans fat
Cholesterol
Sodium
Total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars
Protein
Vitamin D, calcium, iron, potassium
When you learn how to read nutrition labels, always check both the panel and the ingredient list. This helps you spot allergens, added sugars, or artificial ingredients. When you learn how to read supplement labels, look for the source and form of each ingredient. If you see a proprietary blend, remember that the exact amounts of each ingredient may not be listed.
Medical Disclaimer: This article does not provide medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or taking supplements.
Implications for consumers
Choosing products
When you shop for food or supplements, you need to know how to read nutrition labels. Nutrition labels on foods give you clear information about calories, serving size, and nutrients. You can use this information to compare products and pick the best option for your health or performance goals. If you want to improve your performance in sports, you might look at sports nutrition labels to check for protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients.
Dietary supplement labels work differently. You see the supplement facts panel, which lists only the ingredients present in the product. Some dietary supplements use proprietary blends, so you do not know the exact amount of each ingredient. This makes it harder to compare products or judge their effectiveness. You should always check the serving size and ingredient list before you buy a dietary supplement. If you want to avoid allergens or certain additives, look at both the supplement facts and the list of other ingredients.
Tip: Choose products from reputable brands that use third-party testing. This helps you trust the quality and accuracy of the nutrition labels and dietary supplement facts.
Assessing safety
You need to think about safety when you use nutritional supplements or dietary supplements. Nutrition labels on foods follow strict FDA rules. You see all major allergens listed, and you know the serving size is standardized. Dietary supplement labels have unique safety concerns. The table below shows what you should watch for:
Safety Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
Proprietary Blends | You do not see the exact amount of each ingredient. This can lead to taking too much of some. |
Serving Size | Companies set their own serving sizes. These may not match your needs or be safe for everyone. |
Excipients | Non-active ingredients must be safe, but you may not know their effects. |
FDA Oversight | Supplements do not get FDA approval before sale. The FDA checks safety after products reach stores. |
Allergen Labeling | Not all allergens must be listed. You may miss hidden risks. |
Expiration Dates | Not required on supplements. You might use a product past its best quality. |
Label Claims | Some claims do not need FDA approval. Watch for misleading statements. |
Third-Party Certifications | These can show better quality and accurate labels. Look for them on the package. |
If you want to stay safe, always read the full label. Be careful with new dietary supplements or those with many ingredients. If you have allergies or health conditions, talk to a healthcare professional before using any nutritional supplements.
Making informed decisions
You make better choices when you understand how to read nutrition labels and supplement facts. Here are some ways this knowledge helps you:
You see that nutrition labels on foods follow strict FDA rules. You get clear serving sizes, calories, and % Daily Value for nutrients.
You notice that dietary supplement labels have different rules. They list ingredients that may not have daily values and must include disclaimers about FDA evaluation.
You learn that dietary supplements are not regulated for effectiveness or safety like foods or drugs. You need to check the quality, dosage, and source of each ingredient.
You know that supplements cannot claim to cure or treat diseases unless strong science supports the claim. You avoid products with misleading claims.
You use this knowledge to avoid fake or unsafe products. You choose brands with good reputations and third-party certifications. This helps you make safer and more effective choices for your health and performance.
Note: This article does not provide medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or using dietary supplements.
Implications for businesses
Product classification
You must classify your product correctly before you design your labels. If you sell a dietary supplement, you need to use a Supplement Facts panel. Conventional foods require a Nutrition Facts panel. This distinction affects every step of your labeling process.
Dietary supplements must display a Supplement Facts panel, not a Nutrition Facts panel.
You must include the statement of identity, net quantity, ingredient list, and manufacturer information.
Nutrient information appears only if present in measurable amounts above zero.
Claims about ingredients or nutrients must match what you list on your labels.
Aspect | Nutrition Facts Panel (Conventional Food) | Supplement Facts Panel (Dietary Supplement) |
|---|---|---|
Product Type | Conventional foods | Dietary supplements |
Label Required | Nutrition Facts panel | Supplement Facts panel |
Ingredients without established daily values | Not allowed | Must be listed |
Source of ingredient | Not allowed | Allowed to list |
Part of plant ingredient derived from | Not included | Must be included |
Listing zero amounts of nutrients | Often required | Not allowed |
Additional requirements | Standard nutrient info |
If you misclassify your product, you risk misbranding and enforcement actions. The FDA checks your product type, serving size, packaging, and terminology. For example, using words like “beverage” or “drink” signals a conventional food, not a dietary supplement. You must label your product as a dietary supplement if it fits that category.
Labeling compliance
You need to follow strict rules for labeling compliance. The FDA sets different requirements for dietary supplement labels and food labels. For conventional foods, you must declare added sugars and list vitamins and minerals, even at zero amounts. Dietary supplement labels require you to show quantitative amounts of vitamins and minerals at or above 2% of the Reference Daily Intake.
Aspect | Dietary Supplements | Conventional Foods |
|---|---|---|
Ingredients Allowed | Must be dietary ingredients as defined by law; binders and fillers listed separately | Must be GRAS ingredients; limited to mandatory and some voluntary nutrients |
Labeling Panel | Supplement Facts Panel required | Nutrition Facts Panel required |
Ingredient Source Declaration | May list source of dietary ingredient | Cannot list source of dietary ingredient |
Plant Part Declaration | Must specify part of plant and Latin name for botanicals | Not allowed to specify plant part |
Zero Amounts | Cannot list nutrients with zero amounts | Must list zero amounts for mandatory nutrients |
Claims Allowed | Structure-function claims allowed with FDA notification and disclaimer | Structure-function claims limited to nutritive effects; no FDA notification or disclaimer required |
Manufacturing Standards | Subject to stricter CGMPs under 21 CFR Part 111 | Follow general food CGMPs under 21 CFR Part 110 |
Marketing & Labeling | Must avoid marketing that confuses product as beverage; must use ‘Dietary Supplement’ on front label | Use terms like ‘Drink’, ‘Beverage’, ‘Water’ on front label; marketing based on taste/refreshment |
Proprietary Blends | Allowed to list total blend amount only | Must list each ingredient individually |
You must avoid marketing practices that confuse consumers. If you switch between categories or use misleading terms, you risk FDA enforcement. Always check the latest FDA guidance before you finalize your labels.
Avoiding mislabeling
You face several risks if you do not follow labeling rules. Common mislabeling issues include false or misleading labels, unauthorized health claims, and missing disclaimers. The FDA and FTC can issue warning letters, remove products from the market, or impose fines.
You must list serving size, ingredient names, quantities, and percent daily values where applicable.
You cannot make disease treatment claims unless the FDA approves them.
You must include required disclaimers for structure/function claims on dietary supplement labels.
You must avoid listing zero amounts for nutrients on dietary supplement labels.
You must ensure all required information appears on your labels.
Mislabeling Risk Category | Description and Examples |
|---|---|
Nutrient Content Claims | Improper use of percentage levels for ingredients without established daily values (allowed in supplements but not in food products). |
Structure/Function Claims | Missing or incorrect disclaimers; failure to notify FDA within 30 days; claims not evaluated by FDA but must include disclaimers about disease treatment. |
Ingredient Listing | Listing ingredients or plant parts not permitted on nutrition facts panels; including ingredients without established daily values improperly. |
Zero Amounts | Failure to list zero amounts where required on nutrition facts panels (required in food but not in supplements). |
Required Information | Omitting serving size, ingredient quantities, or percent daily values. |
Unauthorized Health Claims | Making health claims without FDA approval, especially disease treatment or prevention claims. |
Labeling Complexity | Confusion due to differences in rules between supplements and foods leading to inadvertent mislabeling. |
Enforcement Risks | Potential FDA warning letters, product removal, and FTC actions for false or misleading claims. |
⚠️ Tip: Always review your labels for accuracy and compliance. Consult regulatory experts if you have questions.
Medical Disclaimer: This article does not provide medical advice. You should consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Common misconceptions
Mislabeling risks
You might think that all labels follow the same rules, but this is not true. Many products get mislabeled because companies do not understand the difference between supplement facts and nutrition facts. If you see a supplement with a nutrition facts panel, you should be cautious. This mistake can lead to legal trouble for businesses and confusion for you as a consumer.
Common mislabeling risks include:
Using the wrong label type for the product
Listing nutrients with zero values on supplement facts panels
Making unauthorized health claims
Omitting required disclaimers
⚠️ Tip: Always check the top of the label. If you see “Supplement Facts,” you know it is a dietary supplement. If you see “Nutrition Facts,” you know it is a food or beverage.
Overlapping categories
Some products seem to fit both categories. For example, you may find a protein bar with added vitamins. Is it a food or a supplement? The answer depends on how the company markets the product and what claims appear on the label. If the product is sold as a snack, it must use a nutrition facts panel. If it is sold as a dietary supplement, it must use a supplement facts panel.
Examples of overlapping products:
Protein powders
Energy drinks
Fortified snack bars
You need to look at the label and the product description. The words “dietary supplement” must appear on supplements. Foods use terms like “snack,” “beverage,” or “meal replacement.” This helps you know which rules apply.
Product Type | Label Used | Key Words on Package |
|---|---|---|
Supplement Facts | “Dietary Supplement” | |
Conventional Food | Nutrition Facts | “Snack,” “Drink,” “Bar” |
Consumer confusion
You may feel confused when you see similar products with different labels. This confusion can lead you to buy the wrong product or misunderstand what you are consuming. Some people believe that supplements are always safer or more effective than foods, but this is not true. Both types have strict rules, but they serve different purposes.
Ways to avoid confusion:
Read the label title and ingredient list
Look for required disclaimers on supplements
Compare serving sizes and % Daily Value
Note: This article does not provide medical advice. Always talk to a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or using supplements.
You can make better choices when you understand these common misconceptions. Always check labels carefully and ask questions if you are unsure.
You now know how supplement facts and nutrition facts panels differ. Supplement facts appear only on dietary supplements and list active ingredients present. Nutrition facts panels show calories, macronutrients, and key vitamins and minerals, even if the amount is zero. These differences help you choose products wisely and avoid misleading claims.
Always check the label title and ingredient list.
Companies must understand their ingredients and monitor public opinion.
Businesses should follow FDA regulations and track changes in nutrition science.
Tip: Review packaging and marketing materials for compliance before launching new products.
This article is for informational purposes only. You should consult a healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
FAQ
What is the main difference between supplement facts and nutrition facts?
You see supplement facts on dietary supplements and nutrition facts on foods. Supplement facts list only present ingredients. Nutrition facts show calories, macronutrients, and key vitamins or minerals, even if the amount is zero.
Can a product have both a supplement facts and a nutrition facts panel?
No, you will not find both panels on one product. Each product must use the correct panel based on its classification as a food or dietary supplement.
Why do some nutrients show as “0” on nutrition facts but not on supplement facts?
Nutrition facts panels must list certain nutrients even if the amount is zero. Supplement facts panels only list nutrients that are present in measurable amounts.
How do I know if a product is a supplement or a food?
Check the top of the label. “Supplement Facts” means it is a dietary supplement. “Nutrition Facts” means it is a food or beverage.
Are proprietary blends safe to use?
Proprietary blends do not show exact amounts for each ingredient. You should use caution and choose reputable brands. If you have health concerns, talk to a healthcare professional.
Can supplements claim to cure diseases?
No, supplements cannot claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases. If you see such claims, be cautious. The FDA does not allow these statements on supplement labels.
What should I look for to ensure label accuracy?
Look for clear serving sizes, ingredient lists, and percent daily values. Choose products from brands that use third-party testing or certifications.
Medical Disclaimer: This FAQ does not provide medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
