Frequently Asked Questions
About the labels
Is the label "FDA approved"?
No, and no label is. FDA doesn't approve Nutrition Facts labels or label software. FactsReady applies the rules in 21 CFR 101.9 (food) and 101.36 (supplements), but you, as the manufacturer, are responsible for the label's accuracy. See the disclaimer.
Which format do you make?
The current Nutrition Facts format from FDA's 2016 rule. It became mandatory on January 1, 2020 for manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual food sales, and January 1, 2021 for smaller ones. The vertical layout follows 21 CFR 101.9(d) and Appendix B to Part 101.
For packages holding 200–300% of the reference amount, the tool makes the required two-column label: per serving and per container, or per serving and per unit (101.9(b)(12)(i), (b)(2)(i)(D)).
Where do the nutrient numbers come from?
From the ingredient data you choose:
- USDA FoodData Central, the public-domain USDA food composition database.
- Or values you type in from supplier spec sheets or lab reports.
We add the ingredients up, divide by your finished batch weight, and scale to the serving size. We don't apply nutrient-loss factors for cooking.
How accurate is that?
It is a calculated estimate, not a lab result. FDA allows manufacturers to choose their data source. It also says manufacturers who use ingredient databases "should be assured of the accuracy of the databases and validate the resulting calculations" against laboratory analysis, and that they are responsible for the values (FDA, A Food Labeling Guide, N37).
USDA FoodData Central is not an FDA-accepted nutrition labeling database under 21 CFR 101.9(g)(8).
Why do you suggest generic ingredients over branded ones?
FoodData Central's "Branded" entries are calculated from the rounded numbers on other companies' labels. USDA notes that a zero on a label stays zero in its data, even if the food contains a small amount. "Foundation" and "SR Legacy" entries are usually better starting points.
How are calories calculated?
4 calories per gram of protein, 4 per gram of total carbohydrate and 9 per gram of fat. These factors are applied to the unrounded amounts per serving, which is one of the methods allowed by 21 CFR 101.9(c)(1)(i)(B).
How does rounding work?
Each nutrient has its own steps. For example, sodium is rounded to the nearest 5 mg up to 140 mg, and to the nearest 10 mg above that. See the full rounding rules table. The check sheet shows the unrounded value and the rule used for every line.
Do you handle added sugars?
Yes. You tag each ingredient as added sugar, not added sugar, or partly added. The label shows "Includes X g Added Sugars," and the check sheet lists the tagged ingredients. FDA requires records of added sugars when a food has both natural and added sugars (21 CFR 101.9(g)(10)(iv)).
Pure single-ingredient honey, maple syrup, other sugars and syrups have a special rule, which the tool doesn't handle yet. They don't need the "Includes X g Added Sugars" line, but must still show the added-sugars %DV (FDA guidance, June 2019).
Can I show vitamin D in IU?
Yes, as an option, in parentheses after the mcg amount. FDA's conversion is 1 mcg = 40 IU.
What isn't supported yet?
The tool flags these rather than drawing an incorrect label:
- tabular, linear and small-package formats
- the simplified format
- infant, toddler, and pregnancy/lactation labels
- "as prepared" columns
- voluntary nutrients such as vitamin C or monounsaturated fat
- nutrient content and health claims, and protein %DV
- horizontal labels
- Canadian labels.
Does FDA require the new front-of-package "Nutrition Info" box?
No. FDA proposed it in January 2025 (90 FR 5426). As of October 22, 2026 it is still a proposal, and no final rule has been published in the Federal Register.
About your business
Do I even need a nutrition label?
Maybe not. Small retailers and low-volume products can be exempt, but any nutrition claim cancels the exemption. See Do I need a nutrition label?
Does an exemption cover allergen labeling?
No. Major food allergen labeling still applies. See allergen labeling.
I make supplements. Which tool do I use?
The Supplement Facts label maker. Supplements follow 21 CFR 101.36, with whole-percent %DV, "† Daily Value not established" and proprietary blends.
About buying
How much does it cost?
Previews are free. The print-ready files cost $12 per label, as a one-time payment. See pricing.
What do I get?
- A high-resolution SVG and a vector PDF of the label, with fonts embedded.
- A compliance check sheet PDF.
What counts as "one label"?
The checkout is for the inputs you paid for. For 7 days afterward, the same browser can change those inputs and download the new files. After 7 days, a change is a new purchase.
Can I download it again?
Yes. For 7 days the same browser can edit and download. For 30 days you can re-download the same label, including from another browser if you still have the project file (.json).
Do I need an account?
No. Payment is handled by Stripe, and we don't run user accounts.
What if something goes wrong?
See the refund policy, or contact hello@factsready.com.
What data do you keep?
Very little. See the privacy policy.