Final answer:
The nutrition label lists a 'serving size,' which indicates the recommended amount of a food item for consumption and provides a basis for all the nutritional information that follows, including calorie content and percent daily values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nutrition label always lists a serving size, which is an amount of food, such as 1 cup of cereal, two cookies, or five pretzels. On a nutrition facts label, the serving size is found at the top and is used as a reference for the amounts of nutrients provided by the food. In addition, the amount of calories per serving is also listed, helping one understand the energy content of each serving of that food item. For example, an image demonstrating calories on food labels (Figure 7.2.1) shows that in the given serving, there are 250 calories. Monitoring the percent daily values (% DV) is crucial, as it guides you in comparing nutrient content of different foods and understanding if a serving of the item contributes a lot or a little to your daily nutritional needs. The nutrition facts label also includes micronutrients percentages and the ingredients list which can assist in making more informed food choices.