ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

The percent daily values on nutrition labels are designed to help consumers do which of the following?

1. Compare products

2. Estimate caloric intake

3. Track dietary habits

4. Identify food allergies

The correct answer is: Compare products

The percent daily values on nutrition labels serve primarily to help consumers compare products. This labeling system provides a framework that indicates how much a serving of a particular food contributes to an overall daily diet based on a 2,000-calorie daily intake. By looking at the percent daily values for various nutrients, consumers can easily assess which product offers higher or lower amounts of specific nutrients compared to another. This feature is useful for making informed choices about which foods align better with their dietary goals, whether it's for reducing sodium intake, increasing fiber, or ensuring adequate vitamin consumption. While tracking dietary habits or estimating caloric intake are important aspects of nutrition, the percent daily values are specifically designed for easy comparisons between similar food items. Identifying food allergies is addressed by ingredient labels rather than the percent daily values, which do not provide information on allergens present in the food. Thus, the correct answer highlights the intended use of these values on nutrition labels for consumer guidance.