Nutrition labelling: Overview

Learn how nutrition information on food labels can help you make informed food choices.

What's on a label

Most packaged foods have labels containing nutrition information. This information can help you:

• know what's in your food
• make informed food choices by:
  • comparing and choosing food products more easily
  • avoiding a food product in case of a food allergy or intolerance

  Most food labels must include:

  • a nutrition facts table, which shows:
    • serving size
    • calories and nutrients
    • % daily value (% DV)
    • added sulphites
    • common allergens
    • gluten sources (when present as ingredients or components of ingredients)

    You may also find:

    • nutrition claims on a label, which describe the:
      • amount of a nutrient in a food, such as:
        • low sodium
        • high in fibre
        • A healthy diet rich in a variety of vegetables and fruit may help reduce the risk of some types of cancer
        • sodium
        • sugars
        • saturated fats

        Related links

        • Canada's food guide
        • Food and Drug Regulations
        • Report a food labelling concern
        • Nutrition labelling online course
        • Technical documents on labelling requirements
        • Food allergies and gluten-related disorders