The Daily Values table
These are the FDA Daily Values for a 2,000-calorie diet, applicable to adults and children 4 years and older. They are the reference amounts the label's %DV is calculated against, and the same values NutriFactsHub uses across its food data.
| Nutrient | Daily Value |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 78 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Cholesterol | 300 mg |
| Sodium | 2300 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 275 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 28 g |
| Added Sugars | 50 g |
| Protein | 50 g |
| Vitamin D | 20 mcg |
| Calcium | 1300 mg |
| Iron | 18 mg |
| Potassium | 4700 mg |
| Vitamin C | 90 mg |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 900 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 15 mg |
| Vitamin K | 120 mcg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 1.2 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 1.3 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 16 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 1.7 mg |
| Folate (DFE) | 400 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.4 mcg |
| Magnesium | 420 mg |
| Phosphorus | 1250 mg |
| Zinc | 11 mg |
| Copper | 0.9 mg |
| Manganese | 2.3 mg |
| Selenium | 55 mcg |
On a label, 5% DV or less is low and 20% DV or more is high for any given nutrient.
DRV and RDI: two sets, one label
Behind the single 'Daily Value' label sit two regulatory sets. Daily Reference Values (DRVs) cover the energy-related macronutrients and components — total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sodium, potassium, protein, and added sugars. Reference Daily Intakes (RDIs) cover the vitamins and minerals. On the label, both are simply shown as a percent under the heading '% Daily Value.'
The table above is the single set for adults and children 4 and older. The FDA defines separate values for infants under 1, children 1–3, and pregnant or lactating people; foods marketed specifically to those groups use the figures for that group.
What the 2016 update changed
The 2016 redesign refreshed the Daily Values to reflect newer science (the Dietary Guidelines and Institute of Medicine reports). The notable changes:
- Added sugars got a brand-new Daily Value of 50 g.
- Sodium dropped from 2,400 mg to 2,300 mg.
- Dietary fiber rose from 25 g to 28 g.
- Vitamin D moved to 20 mcg, and the label now shows it in mcg rather than IU.
- Vitamin D and potassium became mandatory on the label; vitamins A and C became voluntary.
These updates are why an older label and a current one can show a different %DV for the same food, even when the food itself hasn't changed.
Daily Values are a general reference, not a personal target
The Daily Values are a single, fixed reference for the general population — they are not personalized. Your own needs vary with age, sex, body size, activity, and health, and may be higher or lower. The %DV exists to compare foods and gauge 'a lot' versus 'a little,' not to set your individual goal. To estimate your own numbers, use the TDEE calculator for calories and the macro calculator for protein, carbs, and fat.