Nutrition label for baked goods
Many small bakers do not need a Nutrition Facts panel. Some do. It depends on how you sell, how big you are, and what the package says.
The two exemptions that matter
From 21 CFR 101.9(j).
Direct sales: (j)(1)
For food offered by a person who makes direct sales to consumers, with annual gross sales to consumers of not more than $500,000, or annual sales of food to consumers of not more than $50,000. Judged on the most recent 2-year average. No notice to the FDA is needed.
Low volume: (j)(18)
For a 12-month period when you employ fewer than 100 full-time equivalent employees and sell fewer than 100,000 units of that product in the United States. A notice goes to the FDA, with an exception for firms under 10 employees selling under 10,000 total units of a product.
(j)(1) is written for sales made directly to consumers. If you sell wholesale, check whether you fit (j)(18) instead.
When you still need a label
Both exemptions require no nutrition claims. A nutrient content claim such as “low sugar” or “high fiber” brings the rule back.
(j)(1) covers nutrition information “in any context on the label or in labeling or advertising.” Calories in your advertising can count.
If you pass the low-volume limits, (j)(18)(iii) gives 18 months to comply.
Stores and marketplaces may ask for a panel even when the law does not.
Still required with an exemption: the ingredient list and the allergen statement. See our exemption guide. State cottage food laws set their own label rules, and this page covers the federal FDA rule only.
Serving sizes for common bakery items
Reference amounts from 21 CFR 101.12(b), Table 2. You convert them to a household measure, with grams in brackets.
Excluding sweet quick breads.
Also Danish and sweet rolls.
English muffins are in the 55 g row.
Brownies are 40 g.
Lightweight, mediumweight (includes cupcakes), heavyweight. The table defines each.
Pies, cobblers, fruit crisps, turnovers.
Baking loses water
Weigh the whole batch after it comes out of the oven and cools, then enter that weight. BatchFacts divides the recipe’s nutrients across the baked weight. It does not estimate bake loss for you.
Make your bakery label
Free label, no account, no card. Save recipes with Starter, $19 a month or $149 a year.
Sources: 21 CFR 101.9(j) and 21 CFR 101.12(b), eCFR, read Oct 21, 2026. FDA small business exemption guide, content current as of Oct 5, 2026. Check the current rule before you rely on it. This is not legal advice.