Last verified 21 Sept 2026 · generated from 21 CFR 101.9(b) and 101.12(b) by the NutriLabels serving engine · Sources
Pasta serving size: a count of pieces, decided by how much one piece weighs. FDA files pasta under “Pastas, plain”, reference amount 140 g prepared; 55 g dry. 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 | Cereals and Other Grain Products: Pastas, plain |
| Reference amount (RACC) | 140 g prepared; 55 g dry |
| FDA label statement | __ cup(s) (__ g); __ piece(s) (__ g) for large pieces (e.g., large shells or lasagna noodles) or 2 oz (56 g/visual unit of measure) for dry bulk products (e.g., spaghetti) |
| Single-serving container | Any package under 280 g (9.9 oz) is one serving: the whole package is the serving size (21 CFR 101.9(b)(6)). |
| Dual-column panel | Packages holding 280 g–420 g (9.9 oz–15 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 49 g | 3 pieces (147g) | (A) 50% or less |
| 84 g | 1 piece (84g) (one or two permitted) | (B) more than 50% and less than 67% |
| 140 g | 1 piece (140g) | (C) 67% or more and less than 200% |
| 210 g | 1 piece (210g) | (C) 67% or more and less than 200% |
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 pasta 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 280 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
spaghetti · macaroni · egg noodles · ramen, dry · lasagna noodles · gnocchi: all filed under the same FDA category, so the same serving applies.
Related serving sizes
- Noodles: a count of pieces, by unit weight (RACC 140 g prepared; 55 g dry)
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.