Last verified 21 Sept 2026 · generated from 21 CFR 101.9(b) and 101.12(b) by the NutriLabels serving engine · Sources
Vegetable serving size: a count of pieces, decided by how much one piece weighs. FDA files vegetable under “Fresh, canned, or frozen”, reference amount 85 g for fresh or frozen; 95 g for vacuum packed; 130 g for canned in liquid, cream-style corn, canned or stewed tomatoes, pumpkin, or winter squash. 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 | All other vegetables without sauce: Fresh, canned, or frozen |
| Reference amount (RACC) | 85 g for fresh or frozen; 95 g for vacuum packed; 130 g for canned in liquid, cream-style corn, canned or stewed tomatoes, pumpkin, or winter squash |
| FDA label statement | __ piece(s) (__ g) for large pieces (e.g., Brussels sprouts); __ cup(s) (__ g) for small pieces (e.g., cut corn, green peas); 3 oz (84 g/visual unit of measure) if not measurable by cup |
| Single-serving container | Any package under 170 g (6 oz) is one serving: the whole package is the serving size (21 CFR 101.9(b)(6)). |
| Dual-column panel | Packages holding 170 g–255 g (6 oz–9 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 30 g | 3 pieces (90g) | (A) 50% or less |
| 51 g | 1 piece (51g) (one or two permitted) | (B) more than 50% and less than 67% |
| 85 g | 1 piece (85g) | (C) 67% or more and less than 200% |
| 128 g | 1 piece (128g) | (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 vegetable 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 170 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
frozen vegetables · canned vegetables · corn · green beans · roasted vegetables · mushrooms · stewed tomatoes · pumpkin puree · squash · diced tomatoes · canned tomatoes · peas · carrots · cauliflower rice · riced vegetables · spinach · kale · cut vegetables · veggie tray · zoodles · cactus · nopales: all filed under the same FDA category, so the same serving applies.
Related serving sizes
- Vegetables: a count of pieces, by unit weight (RACC 85 g for fresh or frozen; 95 g for vacuum packed; 130 g for canned in liquid, cream-style corn, canned or stewed tomatoes, pumpkin, or winter squash)
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.