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CULINARY & NUTRITION GUIDE

How to Read a Nutrition Facts Label: %DV, Kosher U & Supplement Cross Symbols Explained

By Lee Harsh

Learn where macronutrients are located on a food label, what % Daily Value (%DV) means, what the Orthodox Union U symbol stands for, and why Supplement Facts use a cross (†).

1. Where are the macronutrients located on a nutritional label?

On a standard FDA 21 CFR 101.9 Nutrition Facts panel, the three primary macronutrients—Total Fat, Total Carbohydrate, and Protein—are located in the main central section directly below the thick black bar under Calories and above the thick bar that separates the vitamin and mineral footer.

Indented rows beneath a main macronutrient show sub-components: Saturated Fat and Trans Fat are indented under Total Fat, while Dietary Fiber and Total Sugars (plus double-indented Added Sugars) are indented under Total Carbohydrate.

FDA Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts label anatomy chart highlighting serving size, calories, macronutrients, %DV, and symbols.
Every number on an FDA Nutrition Facts panel applies to a single serving size—always check Servings Per Container first.

2. What does DV (% Daily Value) mean on a food label?

The % Daily Value (%DV) column on the right side of a nutrition label tells you what percentage of the recommended daily limit or goal (based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet) is supplied by one serving. Under FDA guidance, 5% DV or less per serving is considered Low, and 20% DV or more per serving is considered High.

  • Total Fat 100% DV = 78g (Saturated Fat 100% DV = 20g).
  • Cholesterol 100% DV = 300mg • Sodium 100% DV = 2,300mg.
  • Total Carbohydrate 100% DV = 275g • Dietary Fiber 100% DV = 28g • Added Sugars 100% DV = 50g.
  • Vitamin D = 20mcg • Calcium = 1,300mg • Iron = 18mg • Potassium = 4,700mg.

3. What does a cross (†) on Supplement Facts and a 'U' (Ⓤ) on food labels mean?

A cross or dagger symbol (†) in the %DV column of a Supplement Facts or Nutrition Facts panel means 'Daily Value not established.' It appears next to botanical extracts, amino acids, probiotics, or trans fat where no official government Reference Daily Intake exists.

A capital letter 'U' inside a circle (Ⓤ) on the front or back of a food package is the hechsher (certification mark) of the Orthodox Union, certifying that the product meets Kosher dietary laws. 'ⓊD' indicates Kosher Dairy.