Serving sizes are standardized to make it easier to compare similar foods; they are provided in familiar units, such as cups or pieces, followed by the metric amount, e.g., the number of grams (g). The serving size reflects the amount that people typically eat or drink.

How are servings calculated?

The simplest way to arrive at the correct serving size of a food is to convert the RACC from grams into a household measurement like teaspoons, tablespoons, or cups. A serving of sugar, for example, is the teaspoon equivalent of 4 grams.

How do food servings work?

A serving, or serving size , is the amount of food listed on a product’s Nutrition Facts label, or food label (see Figure 1 below). Different products have different serving sizes. Sizes can be measured in cups, ounces, grams, pieces, slices, or numbers—such as three crackers.