The FDA requires that serving sizes on nutrition labels be based on Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACC) — standardized amounts for over 150 food product categories. This tool helps you find the right category for your product and calculates the correct serving size declaration for your label.
For full details, see 21 CFR 101.12 (reference amounts) and 21 CFR 101.9(b) (serving size determination).
Key concepts behind FDA serving size regulations
The FDA defines standardized reference amounts for over 150 food product categories in 21 CFR 101.12. These amounts represent the quantity of food typically consumed per eating occasion and are the basis for determining the serving size on your nutrition label.
Products sold as individual pieces — like cookies, slices of bread, or bars — determine their serving size based on how the weight of a single unit compares to the RACC. Depending on the ratio, the serving may be one unit, multiple units, or a fraction of a unit.
Products measured by household units (cups, tablespoons, teaspoons) express their serving size in the appropriate measure. The FDA specifies which increments are valid for each unit type, and the serving size is rounded to the nearest allowed value.
If an entire package is small enough relative to the RACC, the FDA considers it a single-serving container. In that case, the serving size is simply the entire package (e.g., "1 bottle," "1 can," "1 pouch").
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