Last verified 21 Sept 2026 · generated from 21 CFR 101.9(b) and 101.12(b) by the NutriLabels serving engine · Sources
Cranberries serving size: a count of pieces, decided by how much one piece weighs. FDA files cranberries under “Fruits used primarily as ingredients, others (cranberries, lemon, lime)”, reference amount 50 g. 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 | Fruits used primarily as ingredients, others (cranberries, lemon, lime) |
| Reference amount (RACC) | 50 g |
| FDA label statement | __ piece(s) (__ g) for large fruits; __ cup(s) (__ g) for small fruits measurable by cup12 |
| Single-serving container | Any package under 100 g (3.5 oz) is one serving. The whole package is the serving size (21 CFR 101.9(b)(6)). |
| Dual-column panel | Packages holding 100 g–150 g (3.5 oz–5.3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 18 g | 3 pieces (54g) | (A) 50% or less |
| 30 g | 1 piece (30g) (one or two permitted) | (B) more than 50% and less than 67% |
| 50 g | 1 piece (50g) | (C) 67% or more and less than 200% |
| 75 g | 1 piece (75g) | (C) 67% or more and less than 200% |
Here is how 21 CFR 101.9(b)(2)(i) sets the count. If one unit is 50% or less of the reference amount, the serving is the number of whole units closest to it. From more than 50% to under 67%, it’s one or two units, your choice. From 67% up to 200%, it’s one unit. From 200% to 300%, it’s the amount closest to the reference amount, with a per-unit column. Enter the weight of one cranberries 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 are written as 1, 1 1/3, 1 1/2, 1 2/3, 2 or 3, and teaspoons as 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 or 2 (21 CFR 101.9(b)(5)(i)). No other steps are allowed.
- A package under 100 g is always one serving. 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
lime · cooking fruit. These are all in the same FDA category, so the same serving applies.
Related serving sizes
- Lemon: a count of pieces, by unit weight (RACC 50 g)
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.