Glossary

Added sugars are sugars added during processing, preparation, or packaging and are included within total sugars.

Calcium is a mineral required on most U.S. Nutrition Facts labels and shown with percent Daily Value.

Carrageenan is a seaweed-derived ingredient commonly used to thicken, stabilize, or improve texture in foods and drinks.

Citric acid is an acid commonly used to add tartness, adjust acidity, or help preserve quality in packaged foods.

Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate listed under total carbohydrate on the Nutrition Facts label.

Enriched flour is refined flour with certain nutrients added back after processing.

High fructose corn syrup is a corn-derived sweetener used in many packaged foods and drinks.

Iron is a mineral required on most U.S. Nutrition Facts labels and shown with percent Daily Value.

Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate ingredient made from starch and commonly used for bulk, texture, or flavor distribution.

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a flavor enhancer used to add savory umami flavor to foods.

Natural flavors are flavoring ingredients derived from plant or animal sources and used mainly to add or enhance flavor.

Potassium is a mineral required on most U.S. Nutrition Facts labels and shown with percent Daily Value.

Serving size is the amount of food used as the basis for the nutrition numbers on a Nutrition Facts label.

Sodium is a nutrient listed in milligrams on the Nutrition Facts label and is often useful when comparing packaged foods.

Sodium benzoate is a preservative commonly used to help protect acidic foods and drinks from spoilage.

Soy lecithin is an emulsifier made from soy that helps ingredients blend together or stay evenly mixed.

Total sugars include all sugars in a food, including naturally occurring sugars and added sugars.

Vitamin D is a nutrient required on most U.S. Nutrition Facts labels and helps the body absorb calcium.

Whole grain means the grain ingredient includes the bran, germ, and endosperm of the grain.

Xanthan gum is a food gum commonly used to thicken, stabilize, or improve texture in packaged foods.