Fiber on Nutrition Facts Labels
Get the scoop on soluble and insoluble fiber on Nutrition Facts labels.
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
by Monica Reinagel, M.S., L.D./N.
Q. Does the amount of fiber listed on the nutrition facts label include both soluble and insoluble fiber?
Answer. Yes. Nutrition Facts labels show the total amount of fiber per serving. Although they aren’t required to, manufacturers can offer additional information about how much of the fiber is soluble or insoluble. (For more about the difference, see this episode on soluble and insoluble fiber.) When labels list separate values for soluble and/or insoluble fiber, those numbers are included in the total fiber, not in addition to it.
The label on this package of rolled oats, for example, shows 27 grams of carbohydrates. Of that 27 grams, 4 grams are fiber, 1 gram is sugar. The remaining 22 grams are, by process of elimination, starch. The label also tells us that of those 4 grams of fiber, 2 grams are soluble and 2 grams are insoluble. (If they had only listed one of these, we could do the math to determine the other.)
Related: Phantom Carbohydrates
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.