Portion Distortion - Handout 2 - Food Guide Pyramid vs. Food Labeling

What is a serving size? Well, that depends! The Food Guide Pyramid has a recommended “serving size” for foods in each of the food groups; food products contain “serving sizes” on the Nutrition Facts label located on the package; and then there is a wide variation in “serving sizes” that you may receive at restaurants. It is no wonder consumers are confused about serving sizes.

In both cases with the Food Guide Pyramid and the food label, the “serving size” is a unit of measure. Serving sizes should not be confused with portions. A “portion” is the amount of a food a person actually eats at one eating occasion.

The eating occasion can be at a restaurant, during a family meal, or for a snack. Portions may be more or less than the servings listed in the Food Guide Pyramid or on the food label. Many factors affect portion sizes including an individual’s age, gender, activity level, appetite and where and when the food is obtained and eaten.

For many food items, the serving size in the Food Guide Pyramid and on the food label are the same, for example, 1/2 cup canned fruit or vegetables. However, some serving sizes differ because the Food Guide Pyramid and the food label serve different purposes. The table below compares the differences.

Food Guide Pyramid vs. Food Label Serving Size – How They Differ
Food Guide Pyramid “Serving Size”	Food Label “Serving Size”
Designed to help consumers select a healthful diet from foods from each food group.	Designed to help consumers compare nutrient information on a number of food products within a category.
Primarily describes serving sizes for single food items such as fruits, vegetables and plain grain products.	Describes mixed dishes such as frozen entrees as well as single food items such as applesauce.
Specifies the amount of food that provides a designated amount of key nutrients. For example, 3/4 cup of juice is a serving of fruit, whereas 1 cup milk is a serving from the milk group.	Specifies the same serving size regardless of the food group in which the food item belongs. For example, a serving of milk is the same as a serving of juice because they belong to the same food product category, “beverages,” regardless of the nutrients they provide.

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2002 Volunteer Leader Training Guide Portion Distortion Food Guide Pyramid “Serving Size” vs. Food Labeling “Serving Size” Handout 2

2002 Volunteer Leader Training Guide
Portion Distortion
Food Guide Pyramid “Serving Size” vs. Food Labeling “Serving Size”
Handout 2