Last verified 21 Sept 2026 · generated from 21 CFR 101.9(b) and 101.12(b) by the NutriLabels serving engine · Sources
Salt serving size: a count of pieces, decided by how much one piece weighs. FDA files salt under “Salt, salt substitutes, seasoning salts (e.g., garlic salt)”, reference amount 1/4 tsp. 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: Salt, salt substitutes, seasoning salts (e.g., garlic salt) |
| Reference amount (RACC) | 1/4 tsp |
| FDA label statement | 1/4 tsp (__ g); __ piece(s) (__ g) for discrete pieces (e.g., individually packaged products) |
How the count is decided
| If one piece weighs | The serving is | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 11 g | 1 piece (11g) | above 300% |
| 18 g | 1 piece (18g) | above 300% |
| 30 g | 1 piece (30g) | above 300% |
| 45 g | 1 piece (45g) | above 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 salt 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.
- 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
garlic salt · flavored salt · finishing salt · smoked salt · salt substitute · chile salt · everything seasoning salt: all filed under the same FDA category, so the same serving applies.
Related serving sizes
- Seasoning salt: a count of pieces, by unit weight (RACC 1/4 tsp)
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.