Last verified 16 Sep 2026 · Sources
Maybe your package’s usable panel is tall and narrow, or the vertical run is just too short to print every required nutrient straight down in one column. The footnote (or the end of the vitamin and mineral list) can move to the right of the main nutrient column (21 CFR 101.9(d)(11)). That way you don’t have to switch fully to the tabular format.
| Quick facts | Vertical with side-by-side micronutrients |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | 21 CFR 101.9(d)(11)-(d)(12) |
| Allowed when | Continuous vertical space is too short to run the full nutrient list straight down |
| Required when | Never required. Once space runs out entirely, the full tabular display is the alternative. |
| Package area | Any (used when a tall, narrow, or short panel limits vertical run) |
| In the NutriLabels builder | Expert service only (not in the builder) |
When can you use it?
One FDA rule covers what happens “when the label provides insufficient vertical space” to run the full nutrient list in a single column (21 CFR 101.9(d)(11)). Instead of jumping straight to a tabular layout for the whole panel, the rule allows two in-between steps.
First, you can move the standard footnote to the right of the % Daily Value (%DV) column, set off by a line. If space is still short, you can move the remaining vitamins and minerals to the right of the main column, again separated by a line. Only when there still isn’t enough continuous vertical space to fit the panel through potassium does it need to move to a full tabular layout under (j)(13)(ii).
This format sits between “the standard panel fits” and “the panel has to be tabular.” It’s for the in-between case, where most of the column works fine and only the last stretch needs to move sideways.
When do you have to use it?
It’s never required on its own. If your package is short on vertical space, you can choose this side-by-side layout. Or you can go straight to a full tabular layout, or a linear one where you qualify. This layout under 101.9(d)(11) is one of several ways to solve a vertical-space problem, not the only one.
What forces a choice is the physical shape of your label area. Once you confirm the plain vertical column truly won’t fit, you need one of these alternatives. This side-by-side version is usually the smallest change from the familiar vertical panel.
What changes on the panel?
The top of the panel stays in its usual single column. That’s the “Nutrition Facts” title, calories and the core nutrients from total fat through added sugars and protein. Only the material at the bottom moves.
The standard footnote about %DV and the 2,000-calorie diet can move to the right of the %DV column. If that alone doesn’t free up enough room, the vitamins and minerals after protein can run in a second column to the right. A vertical line divides it from the first column. These are two separate clauses. Moving the footnote falls under 101.9(d)(11)(i). Moving the remaining vitamins and minerals (and footnote) when there isn’t enough space below potassium falls under 101.9(d)(11)(ii).
Type size, the required nutrient order and rounding all stay the same as the standard vertical panel. This format changes where the last section sits, not what’s in it or how it’s calculated.
Mistakes to watch for
- Choosing this format for its looks, without first confirming the panel truly can’t fit the full vertical run.
- Moving anything other than the footnote or the end of the vitamin and mineral list to the side column. The option covers only those two parts, not the whole panel.
- Skipping the vertical line between the moved section and the main column. The rule calls for it to keep the two apart.
- Treating this as full tabular and using tabular’s abbreviation list. Only “Vit.” and “Potas.” from that list are allowed here.
- Using this format on a package well over the size where a full standard vertical panel fits easily, when the real problem is something else, like extra claim text taking up space.
Which products usually use it?
This layout tends to show up on packaging where the panel is short from top to bottom, like slim cans or short jar labels. Think spice blends in narrow jars, tea tins, honey squeeze bottles and energy drinks in slim cans. It also shows up on protein bars or granola bars wrappers where the panel is tight from top to bottom, not side to side.
Build your label
This layout depends on space. It needs someone to measure your real panel size and decide where the footnote or vitamin list should move. That judgment call is outside the self-serve builder.
Moving only the last stretch keeps the vertical panel shoppers know, on your slim can or narrow jar. Send us the recipe and we’ll build it for you. The done-for-you label service ($249) handles it, along with every other FDA format your product qualifies for. Delivery is within 5 business days, with two revisions within 30 days of delivery. Order a done-for-you label.
For a product that doesn’t need this format, enter your recipe in the builder and then see your label. Your calories, the claims you qualify for and your allergen line are free, and no credit card is required. The rest of the numbers on your label stay hidden until you buy a Single Product ($29) or the Studio plan ($299 a year). A Single Product unlocks the rest of the numbers on your label in every FDA format your product qualifies for, with the ingredient statement and the allergen declaration. Start your label, or compare the other label formats.
Vertical with side-by-side micronutrients format FAQ
What does "side-by-side micronutrients" mean?
It's a vertical Nutrition Facts panel where some vitamins and minerals move to the right of the main column, set off with a line. They don't all run straight down in one column. That lets the panel fit when it's too short from top to bottom for the full list.
Is this the same as the tabular format?
No. Tabular rearranges the whole panel into rows and columns for small packages under 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii). This format keeps the familiar single-column vertical layout for most of the panel. It only moves the footnote or the end of the vitamin and mineral list sideways.
What triggers eligibility?
A panel where the continuous vertical space won't fit the full nutrient list, before you'd have to fall back to a full tabular layout. It's common on a tall, narrow package or one with a short usable label area.
Can I choose this format just because I prefer how it looks?
It's an option driven by space, not style (21 CFR 101.9(d)(11)). It applies when the vertical column truly won't fit. It's not a default alternative to the standard panel.
Where can I see what this looks like?
FDA's sample labels show the side-by-side display in 21 CFR 101.9(d)(12). The abbreviations "Vit." and "Potas." are allowed on it under 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(B).
Related formats
Tabular dual column, Standard vertical, Tabular, Simplified. See the full all label formats.