Last verified 21 Sept 2026 · generated from 21 CFR 101.9(b) and 101.12(b) by the NutriLabels serving engine · Sources
Spices serving size: a count of pieces, decided by how much one piece weighs. FDA files spices under “Spices, herbs (other than dietary supplements)”, reference amount 1/4 tsp or 0.5 g if not measurable by teaspoon. Because it is sold in discrete units, 21 CFR 101.9(b)(2)(i) bands the serving on one unit’s weight against that reference amount rather than naming a cup or spoon measure.
The declaration
| FDA category | Miscellaneous: Spices, herbs (other than dietary supplements) |
| Reference amount (RACC) | 1/4 tsp or 0.5 g if not measurable by teaspoon |
| FDA label statement | 1/4 tsp (__ g); __ piece(s) (__ g) if not measurable by teaspoons (e.g., bay leaf) |
| Single-serving container | Any package under 1 g (0 oz) is one serving: the whole package is the serving size (21 CFR 101.9(b)(6)). |
| Dual-column panel | Packages holding 1 g–2 g (0 oz–0.1 oz) must show a second column for the whole package (21 CFR 101.9(b)(12)). |
How the count is decided
| If one piece weighs | The serving is | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 0 g | n/a | |
| 0 g | n/a | |
| 1 g | 1 piece (1g) | (D) at least 200% and up to 300% |
| 1 g | 1 piece (1g) | (D) at least 200% and up to 300% |
The bands in 21 CFR 101.9(b)(2)(i): a unit at 50% or less of the reference amount → the number of whole units closest to it; more than 50% but under 67% → one or two units, your choice; 67% up to 200% → one unit; 200–300% → the amount closest to the reference amount, with a per-unit column. Enter the weight of one spices in the app and it applies the band for you.
What this means for your label
- Cups are written in 1/4- or 1/3-cup steps; tablespoons as 1, 1 1/3, 1 1/2, 1 2/3, 2 or 3; teaspoons as 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 or 2 (21 CFR 101.9(b)(5)(i)). Any other increment is not permitted.
- A package under 1 g is one serving no matter what: the panel reads “1 serving per container” and the serving size is the whole package.
- All the nutrient values on the panel are per this serving, rounded by 21 CFR 101.9(c). Change the serving and every number changes with it.
Free to build and preview. The print-ready label is $29 for one product, with the serving size, ingredient statement and allergen declaration worked out from the regulation.
Also covers
spice blend · dry rub · rub · herbs · dried herbs · seasoning blend · everything bagel seasoning · chile powder · chili powder · red chile powder · paprika · cinnamon · pepper · black pepper · curry powder · garlic powder · italian seasoning · lemon pepper · bbq rub · steak seasoning · za’atar · furikake: all filed under the same FDA category, so the same serving applies.
Related serving sizes
- Spice: a count of pieces, by unit weight (RACC 1/4 tsp or 0.5 g if not measurable by teaspoon)
Sources
- 21 CFR 101.12: Reference amounts customarily consumed per eating occasion (Table 2).
- 21 CFR 101.9(b), serving size: (b)(2) the three procedures, (b)(5) how the measure is written, (b)(6) single-serving containers, (b)(8) servings per container, (b)(12) dual column.