Nutrition Facts vs. Supplement Facts – What’s the Difference?

When it comes to making informed decisions about what we eat or supplement with, product labels play a critical role. Whether you're picking up a box of cereal, a protein shake, or a bottle of multivitamins, the information on the back of the package tells you what you're actually putting into your body. Two of the most common types of labels you'll encounter are the Nutrition Facts Panel and the Supplement Facts Panel—but despite how similar they look at first glance, they serve very different purposes.

Many consumers are understandably confused by these labels. Is one better than the other? Why do some products list calories and others don’t? What exactly is a proprietary blend—and why is it only found in supplements? These are common questions that can make healthy choices feel more complicated than they need to be.

This blog post will walk you through the clear differences between Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts labels. You'll learn what each one is used for, how to read them, and why the distinction matters—especially if you're concerned about ingredient quality, transparency, or health outcomes. By the end, you'll be better equipped to decode labels and make smarter choices at the grocery store or supplement aisle.

What Is the Nutrition Facts Panel?

The Nutrition Facts Panel is a standardized label found on nearly all packaged food products sold in the United States. Designed to give consumers transparent, science-based information about what's in their food, it’s one of the most familiar and widely used tools for making informed dietary decisions. Whether you're looking at a can of soup, a loaf of bread, a frozen dinner, or a bottle of orange juice, chances are the product includes a Nutrition Facts Panel right on the package—usually on the back or side.

What’s The Purpose?

The Nutrition Facts Panel is essentially a snapshot of a food’s nutrient content. It tells you how many calories you’re consuming per serving and provides detailed information on macronutrients like fat, carbohydrates, and protein, as well as key vitamins and minerals. The primary goal is to help consumers make healthier choices and better manage their intake of critical nutrients like saturated fat, added sugars, sodium, and fiber.

First introduced in the early 1990s, the Nutrition Facts Panel was created in response to growing concerns about diet-related diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Today, it serves as a critical component of nutrition education, public health efforts, and even dietary planning.

Our Field Of Greens Superfood powder includes a detailed Nutrition Facts Profile; thanks to the inclusion of real food ingredients and not mere extracts. This results in superior potency and efficacy for the consumer, and is the core of what we believe in.

Where Is The NFP Found?

The Nutrition Facts label is required on almost all conventional food items, which include:

1. Packaged snacks (chips, crackers, cookies)

2. Canned goods (soups, vegetables, fruits)

3. Beverages (sodas, juices, milk)

4. Frozen meals and entrees

5. Breads, pastas, and cereals

6. Dairy products like cheese and yogurt

7. Meats and meat substitutes (when processed or packaged)

8. Food supplements (such as Field Of Greens powder)

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw meats are often exempt unless they are packaged for retail with nutrition claims (e.g., “low fat” or “high in fiber”), in which case labeling may be voluntary or required by specific rules.

What’s Included in the Panel?

The Nutrition Facts Panel is standardized in format and always includes the following elements:

1. Serving Size

This indicates how much of the food constitutes one serving. It’s based on the amount people typically consume in one sitting, not necessarily the recommended amount. The serving size also determines how all the nutritional data is calculated.

2. Calories

This is the amount of energy in one serving of the food. It’s listed prominently at the top of the panel to help consumers manage daily energy intake.

3. Macronutrients

These include:

1. Total Fat – with subcategories like saturated fat and trans fat

2. Cholesterol

3. Sodium

4. Total Carbohydrate – which may be broken down into dietary fiber, total sugars, and added sugars

5. Protein

Each of these is presented in grams (g) or milligrams (mg) per serving, along with its corresponding % Daily Value (%DV), which helps consumers understand how much a nutrient contributes to their total daily intake.

4. Micronutrients (Vitamins and Minerals)

The FDA requires labels to list certain vitamins and minerals that are critical to public health, even if these values are negligible. Currently, these are:

1. Vitamin D

2. Calcium

3. Iron

4. Potassium

Previously, labels were required to show vitamins A and C, but they are no longer mandatory unless the manufacturer makes a claim or adds them to the food.

5. % Daily Values (%DV)

These percentages are based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet and show how much one serving of the food contributes to the recommended daily intake of each nutrient. This helps consumers determine if a product is high or low in a specific nutrient. For example:

1. 5% DV or less = low

2. 20% DV or more = high

What Is the Supplement Facts Panel?

The Supplement Facts Panel is the label required on all dietary supplement products sold in the United States. At first glance, it may look very similar to the Nutrition Facts label found on food packaging. 

However, this panel serves a distinctly different purpose and follows a separate regulatory path. While the Nutrition Facts label is designed to inform consumers about the nutrient content of foods, the Supplement Facts label provides a breakdown of active ingredients found in dietary supplements—including vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other non-food compounds.

Understanding what the Supplement Facts Panel includes—and what it doesn’t—is key to making safe and informed decisions when purchasing supplements.

What’s The Purpose of The SFP?

The Supplement Facts Panel is a standardized format used to disclose the amount and type of dietary ingredients contained in a supplement. This includes both essential nutrients (like vitamin D, calcium, or iron) and non-essential compounds such as botanical extracts, enzymes, probiotics, or amino acids.

Its primary purpose is to inform you of:

• What active ingredients are included
  

• How much of each ingredient is in a single serving
  

• Whether those amounts meet a certain percent of the Daily Value (%DV)
  

• Other ingredients used in the formulation, such as binders, fillers, and flavorings

Unlike food products, dietary supplements are not intended to provide complete nutrition. Instead, they are used to supplement the diet—filling nutritional gaps, supporting specific health functions, or delivering concentrated doses of nutrients that would be difficult to obtain through food alone.

Where Can You Find The SFP?

You’ll find a Supplement Facts Panel on a wide range of products including:

• Multivitamins and multiminerals
  

• Protein powders and shakes
  

• Herbal supplements (e.g., ginseng, ashwagandha, milk thistle)
  

• Omega-3 and fish oil capsules
  

• Creatine, BCAAs, and other sports nutrition products
  

• Probiotics and digestive enzymes
  

• Melatonin or sleep aids
  

• Pre-workout and energy boosters
  

Essentially, if the product is marketed as a supplement and is not a conventional food, it must display a Supplement Facts Panel—not a Nutrition Facts label.

It Is Regulated Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA)

The Supplement Facts Panel is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under a different set of rules than conventional food. Specifically, it falls under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA).

This act legally defines dietary supplements and outlines how they must be labeled, manufactured, and marketed. Unlike conventional foods and pharmaceuticals, supplements are not required to be FDA-approved before going to market. However, companies are responsible for ensuring their products are safe, their labeling is truthful and not misleading, and that they follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

DSHEA also allows dietary supplement manufacturers to:

• Use structure/function claims (e.g., "supports immune health")
  

• Avoid making disease-treatment claims (e.g., “cures arthritis” is not allowed)
  

• Include ingredients like herbs and botanicals that don’t appear on food labels
  

This legal distinction allows for a broader variety of ingredients and claims, but also puts more responsibility on you as the consumer to evaluate the product's credibility.

What’s Included in the Supplement Facts Panel?

Though the format is similar to the Nutrition Facts label, there are important differences in what is displayed and how.

1. Serving Size

Like food labels, supplement panels list the serving size. However, this is determined by the manufacturer, not by a standardized system like RACCs (Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed) used in food labeling. This means two products with similar ingredients may list very different serving sizes, making direct comparison difficult.

2. Active Ingredients

This is the core of the label. It includes:

• The name of each dietary ingredient
  

• The amount per serving, usually in milligrams (mg), micrograms (mcg), or International Units (IU)
  

• The % Daily Value (%DV), where applicable
  

Notably, not all ingredients have established Daily Values. In these cases, you’ll often see a “†” symbol indicating that no %DV has been set.

Commonly listed ingredients include:

• Vitamins (e.g., Vitamin C, Vitamin B12)
  

• Minerals (e.g., Zinc, Magnesium)
  

• Amino acids (e.g., L-glutamine, L-arginine)
  

• Botanicals (e.g., turmeric extract, echinacea)
  

• Other substances (e.g., melatonin, CoQ10, collagen peptides)
  
  

3. Proprietary Blends

One of the more controversial features of the Supplement Facts panel is the use of proprietary blends—a labeling strategy that is not allowed on Nutrition Facts panels and is exclusive to dietary supplements. These blends have raised ongoing concerns about transparency, dosing, and consumer trust.

Why They Exist

A proprietary blend is a group of ingredients listed under a single heading, with only the total amount of the blend disclosed, rather than the individual dosages of each ingredient. For example, a supplement might contain a “Metabolic Boost Complex – 1,000 mg” that includes green tea extract, caffeine, cayenne pepper, and L-carnitine—but it won’t tell you how much of each is actually in the product.

Manufacturers use proprietary blends primarily to:

• Protect their formulas from competitors who might try to copy the exact ratios
  

• Emphasize brand uniqueness in a saturated supplement market
  

• Allow flexibility with ingredient amounts, sometimes saving on cost
  

While this might make sense from a business perspective, it creates challenges for consumers trying to make informed decisions.

Transparency Concerns

For people carefully managing their health, proprietary blends present a significant blind spot:

• You can’t tell if an ingredient is underdosed (which is common)
  

• You can’t tell if you’re consuming too much of a stimulant or active compound
  

• You don’t know if the expensive ingredient advertised on the front label is only included in a “sprinkle” amount
  

This lack of clarity can be dangerous. For example, blends containing multiple stimulants (e.g., caffeine, yohimbine, synephrine) may cause heart palpitations, anxiety, or high blood pressure—especially if their exact quantities aren’t disclosed.

Unlike the Nutrition Facts label, which requires precise listing of nutrient quantities, Supplement Facts with proprietary blends may hide behind vague descriptions, limiting your ability to evaluate efficacy or safety.

4. Other Ingredients

Below the main Supplement Facts box, you'll typically see a list of “Other Ingredients.” These may include:

• Capsules (gelatin, cellulose)
  

• Fillers (maltodextrin, rice flour)
  

• Binders and anti-caking agents (magnesium stearate, silica)
  

• Flavorings, colorants, and preservatives
  

These are not considered active ingredients but are required to be disclosed because they are part of the supplement’s final form.

Key Differences at a Glance

Nutrition Facts Panel

• Found on conventional food products (e.g., cereal, juice, frozen meals)
  

• Serving sizes based on FDA-defined standards (RACCs)
  

• Ingredients are typically whole foods or minimally processed
  

• Includes information on:
  

• Calories
  

• Total fat, saturated fat, trans fat
  

• Cholesterol
  

• Sodium
  

• Total carbohydrates, fiber, total and added sugars
  

• Protein
  

• Essential vitamins and minerals (e.g., Vitamin D, calcium, iron, potassium)
  

• Uses a uniform black-and-white box layout regulated by the FDA
  

• Proprietary blends are not permitted—each nutrient and amount must be clearly listed
  

Supplement Facts Panel

• Found on dietary supplements (e.g., multivitamins, herbal extracts, protein powders)
  

• Serving sizes are set by the manufacturer, not standardized
  

• Often includes extracts, isolates, or synthesized ingredients
  

• Lists only the active dietary ingredients, not full nutritional content
  

• May include %DV for vitamins/minerals if available
  

• Often excludes calories or macronutrients unless relevant
  

• Uses a format similar to Nutrition Facts but may include disclaimers or additional info
  

• Proprietary blends are allowed—multiple ingredients can be grouped with only a total weight listed, not individual dosages

Key Advantages of the Nutrition Facts Label

For anyone striving to make healthier, more informed choices at the grocery store, the Nutrition Facts label offers several distinct advantages over the Supplement Facts label. It’s not just about compliance with federal regulations—it’s about giving consumers a complete picture of what they’re eating. 

From the presence of whole ingredients to the ease of tracking macronutrients, this label format has been specifically designed to support everyday dietary decisions. Let’s explore its key strengths.

Real, Whole Ingredients

Perhaps the most valuable feature of the Nutrition Facts label is that it typically appears on real, whole food products. These are items that are either unprocessed or only minimally processed, such as canned beans, yogurt, whole-grain bread, or fresh juice.

Unlike many supplements, which are made from isolated or synthetic compounds, foods governed under the Nutrition Facts label tend to deliver full-spectrum nutrition—meaning you get the nutrient plus all the supporting compounds that come with it naturally. This is why we're so proud of Field Of Greens, and why millions of people use it as their go-to superfood powder.

For example, a serving of spinach on a frozen meal label doesn’t just list “iron” as a nutrient. It brings along fiber, magnesium, folate, vitamin K, and various plant antioxidants. That’s the beauty of whole food: it’s nutritionally complex in a way supplements can’t easily replicate.

In contrast, supplements listing iron may contain only “ferrous sulfate” or “iron glycinate” in isolation—potentially effective, but lacking the natural synergy of food-based nutrients.

Fewer Isolated Compounds

When you eat a conventional food with a Nutrition Facts label, you’re consuming ingredients that are, for the most part, recognizable and complete. The FDA requires food manufacturers to list all ingredients used in a product. That means you can often tell whether a product is based on real food sources or heavily reliant on ultra-processed additives.

More importantly, Nutrition Facts–bearing products don’t typically include:

• Lab-made nutrient isolates (e.g., isolated B12 or synthetic vitamin E)
  

• Botanical extracts
  

• Proprietary blends with undisclosed quantities
  

This means you’re much less likely to unknowingly ingest high-potency compounds or unfamiliar additives when choosing foods with Nutrition Facts panels. Whole foods are generally safer and gentler on the body, especially for sensitive individuals or those who may react to large doses of isolated nutrients.

Better Nutrient Synergy

A well-documented benefit of whole food consumption is nutrient synergy—the way natural compounds in food work together to boost bioavailability and absorption. The Nutrition Facts label represents foods that provide these built-in co-factors naturally.

Consider citrus fruits: when you consume an orange, you get vitamin C along with bioflavonoids, fiber, potassium, and other phytonutrients that enhance the overall absorption and effectiveness of the vitamin C. Compare that to a supplement that contains 500 mg of ascorbic acid with no co-factors. While the dosage may seem higher, it doesn't necessarily mean it’s more effective in your body.

Other examples include:

• Iron in meat or legumes being absorbed better when vitamin C–rich vegetables are also present
  

• Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K being absorbed more efficiently when consumed with healthy fats found in the same meal
  

This natural package deal is something supplements struggle to replicate, and it’s why many nutrition experts still emphasize “food first” when it comes to meeting nutrient needs.

Easier to Track Calories and Macros

If you're someone who counts calories, monitors macronutrients (like carbs, protein, and fat), or follows a specific diet like keto, paleo, or IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros), the Nutrition Facts label is invaluable.

By law, it must include:

• Total calories
  

• Total fat (and breakdown into saturated and trans fats)
  

• Cholesterol
  

• Sodium
  

• Total carbohydrates (with details for fiber and added sugars)
  

• Protein
  

These metrics help consumers:

• Compare portion sizes between brands
  

• Manage daily caloric intake
  

• Adjust carbohydrate or fat levels for weight loss or muscle gain
  

• Identify hidden sugars or unhealthy fat content
  

Supplement labels, by contrast, often omit calorie and macronutrient data, unless it’s directly relevant to the product (e.g., protein powders or meal replacement shakes). This makes it harder for users to fit supplements into their broader nutrition plan, especially if they are trying to balance total intake for the day.

Also, foods with Nutrition Facts labels provide a more accurate representation of dietary contribution, meaning it’s easier to log them in nutrition tracking apps or journals.

Designed for General Wellness

Another important point: products that carry the Nutrition Facts label are often intended for daily, long-term consumption—and that intention is reflected in the way the information is presented. They provide a balanced mix of macronutrients and micronutrients for sustaining energy, building muscle, supporting immunity, and more.

Supplements, on the other hand, are formulated for specific outcomes like joint support, improved sleep, or boosting immune function. They’re not usually designed to be foundational nutrition, but rather to fill gaps or target concerns temporarily.

For that reason, Nutrition Facts products better support holistic, ongoing health when used as the cornerstone of a diet, whereas supplements are often best viewed as short-term or conditional tools.

Whole Food vs. Synthetic or Concentrated Choices

When you eat food that carries a Nutrition Facts label—say, oatmeal or a bag of mixed vegetables—you’re usually consuming real, unaltered ingredients. These foods contain fiber, enzymes, and phytonutrients that aren’t listed individually on the label but still offer major benefits.

Contrast this with supplements:

• Vitamin C from food (with co-factors like bioflavonoids) vs. synthetic ascorbic acid
  

• Iron in beef or lentils vs. ferrous sulfate in a capsule
  

• Omega-3 from salmon vs. a fish oil capsule that may oxidize over time
  

While synthetic nutrients can still be effective, bioavailability and absorption may differ, and side effects may be more pronounced. Plus, most people don’t need high doses of nutrients daily unless advised by a healthcare provider.

When in doubt, whole food wins for daily nourishment, while supplements should be used purposefully.

Watchout for Overuse and “Megadosing”

Another issue with Supplement Facts products is megadosing—where a single serving can provide many times the Daily Value (%DV) of a nutrient. While this can be beneficial in some situations (like correcting a deficiency), chronic high intake can lead to:

• Fat-soluble vitamin toxicity (e.g., vitamin A, D, E, K)
  

• Mineral imbalance (e.g., too much zinc blocking copper absorption)
  

• Hormonal disruption or digestive issues
  

Since Nutrition Facts labels typically reflect naturally occurring nutrient levels, it’s harder to accidentally consume excessive amounts. This makes food-based nutrition safer for the general public over long periods.

The Bottom Line: Use Both Wisely

There’s no need to take an extreme position. Most people benefit from using products with both label types:

• Use products with Nutrition Facts to form your nutritional base: meals, snacks, whole foods, and real food supplements like Field Of Greens.
  

• Use Supplement Facts sparingly and strategically for gaps, convenience, or health goals
  

The key is to be informed, read carefully, and never assume more is better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a product have both a Nutrition Facts and a Supplement Facts label?

No, a product cannot have both labels on the same package. The FDA requires that a product be classified as either a conventional food (which uses a Nutrition Facts label) or a dietary supplement (which uses a Supplement Facts label)—not both. 

This prevents confusion and ensures that regulatory requirements are applied appropriately. However, some foods fortified with vitamins and minerals (like energy bars or protein drinks) may look like supplements but are still categorized as conventional foods and will carry a Nutrition Facts label.

2. Why do some supplements not list %DV for certain nutrients?

Under FDA guidelines, manufacturers are not required to list %DV for ingredients that don’t have an established Daily Value, such as botanical extracts, enzymes, proprietary compounds, or amino acid blends. This often happens with performance-focused or herbal products. If you see “†” instead of a %DV, it simply means there is no official recommended intake for that specific ingredient—not that it’s unsafe or unimportant. It’s up to you (or your healthcare provider) to determine whether those ingredients are appropriate for your needs.

3. Are Nutrition Facts labels always accurate?

Generally, yes—but there is a legally allowed margin of error. The FDA permits up to 20% variance in the actual nutrient content compared to what's declared on the label. This means a food labeled as containing 10 grams of protein may actually contain anywhere between 8 and 12 grams. While this isn't usually a big deal for the average consumer, athletes, diabetics, or those on strict diets may want to account for this margin when tracking macros or nutrients.

4. How do I know if a supplement is safe if it doesn’t need FDA approval?

Unlike conventional foods, dietary supplements do not require FDA approval before being sold. This places the burden of safety largely on the manufacturer. However, reputable supplement companies often use third-party certifications to build consumer trust. Look for seals from:

• USP (United States Pharmacopeia)
  

• NSF Certified for Sport
  

• Informed Choice
   These labels indicate the product has been tested for quality, purity, and potency. Also, beware of exaggerated claims like “cures all,” “works instantly,” or “no side effects”—these are red flags.
  

5. Why do Nutrition Facts panels always include calories, but some supplements don’t?

That’s because calories are a required disclosure on the Nutrition Facts panel, but not necessarily on Supplement Facts labels—unless the supplement contributes a significant amount of calories (e.g., protein powders, meal replacement shakes). Capsules, tablets, or liquids that contain only active compounds like herbs or vitamins may have negligible caloric content, so they may not list calories at all. If you're calorie-counting and using supplements regularly, be sure to check for this, especially in powdered or liquid formats.