Fruits & Vegetables
Exercise & Empty Calories
Tips & Tools for Nutrition
Physical Activity
Weight Management
Emotional Health
Tobacco
Risk Factors and Treatment Options
Community Programs
Tools for Clinicians
How to Read the Food Label
(Page 3)
Total carbohydrate
Carbohydrates are found in bread, pasta, rice, cereal, fruit, potatoes, starchy vegetables, and sweets (sugary foods). If you have diabetes, pay attention to total carbohydrate grams per serving, not just the sugar grams.
Dietary fiber
It is important to eat lots of fiber because it can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Aim for 25 to 30 g of fiber per day. It is found in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Sugars
Sugar is included in total carbohydrate grams. Sugar includes both naturally occurring sugar and added sugar.
Protein
Protein is found in both plant and animal foods, including fish, poultry, meat, eggs, beans, tofu, and nuts.
Percent daily value
Daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet. You may eat more or less of each nutrient listed, depending on your calorie needs every day.