Label check
Why Nutrition Facts percentages do not add to 100
Each percent Daily Value refers to a different nutrient reference amount. Adding the percentages down the column does not produce a score for the food or the share of your daily calories.
This check covers US labels. Start with the exact package and variant you have, then use the steps below. Explore more food checks.
What to look at
- Choose one nutrient row to interpret at a time.
- Read its amount and percent on the same serving basis.
- Compare that row with the same nutrient on another label.
Read this label.
Sodium: 10% DV. Dietary fiber: 15% DV.
Illustrative excerpt · not a real productAdding these to make 25% would not describe any single nutrient or an overall nutrition score. Each percentage has its own reference value.
Why this reading matters
Nutrition Facts amounts refer to the stated serving. Compare equivalent quantities, distinguish a nutrient amount from its percent Daily Value, and account for how many servings you use. US Food and Drug Administration.
What the label cannot settle
Daily Values are general labeling references. They do not establish a personalized target, and a missing percentage does not mean a nutrient is absent.
Put the check to work
Compare the exact words and amounts on your package with the example. If a panel is missing, a photo is unreadable or the manufacturer has not disclosed a detail, keep that detail as unknown. A different flavor, shade or formulation needs its own check.
For the full reading method, use our food label guide.
A useful next check
- Sodium per serving vs the whole soup can
- Comparing fiber when cereal servings differ
- As packaged vs as prepared on Nutrition Facts
Sources read and this label example reviewed on 2026-09-24. Examples are illustrative, not product tests or clinical reviews.
Sources
- How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label US Food and Drug Administration · fda.gov Serving bases, nutrient amounts and percent Daily Values on US food labels.