Consumers

The Nutrition Facts Table

What is the Nutrition Facts table?

The Nutrition Facts table gives you information on the amount of 13 core nutrients and calories in an amount of food. Use this information and the % Daily Value (% DV) to choose and compare food products for a healthier you.

Reading the ingredient list can also help you make better food choices.

Why should you use the Nutrition Facts table?

You can use the Nutrition Facts table to:

• Choose products more easily.
• Compare two products to make better food choices for you and your family.
• Learn about the nutrition information of the foods you eat.
• Better manage special diets.
• Increase or decrease your intake of any nutrient.

Where do you find the Nutrition Facts table?

Almost all pre-packaged foods have a Nutrition Facts table. It looks the same on most foods. This makes it easy to find and easy to read.

Not all foods need to have a Nutrition Facts table. These foods are not required to have a Nutrition Facts table: 

• Fresh vegetables and fruits
• Raw meat and poultry (except when it is ground)
• Raw fish and seafood
• Foods prepared or processed at the store (bakery items, salads, etc)
• Foods that contain very few nutrients such as coffee, tea, herbs and spices
• Alcoholic beverages

Additional resources:

• Interactive tools
• Using the Nutrition Facts table: % Daily Value (Factsheet)
• Interactive Nutrition Label and Quiz
• Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide
• Shopping tips
•  Understanding the Nutrition Label