What do Daily Values indicate on food labels?

Daily Values on food labels serve as a guide to help consumers understand the proportion of essential nutrients they are getting from a serving of food in relation to the daily recommended intake for an average person. These values reflect dietary reference intakes, expressed as a percentage, allowing individuals to see how much of various nutrients—such as fats, sugars, vitamins, and minerals—they are consuming in the context of a total daily diet.

This information is particularly useful for individuals managing specific dietary needs, as it provides a quick reference for assessing how a particular food item fits into their daily nutritional goals.

Understanding Daily Values is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet, as they aid consumers in making informed choices about their food intake, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition while avoiding excesses that may lead to health issues.