We hear the terms “portion” and “serving size” quite often, but do you know the difference between the two?

A portion is the amount of food you choose to eat; this may or may not be equal to the serving size for that food.  Serving sizes are standardized by the FDA but portion sizes are not.  Portion sizes vary from person to person and can be dependent on a number of different factors.

• A serving size is a standardized amount of food.  It is the amount of food that contains the quantity of nutrients listed on the nutrition facts panel.  The NLEA (Nutrition Labeling and Education Act) specifies reference serving amounts that manufacturers use to label their products.  Serving sizes are typically expressed in household measures, such as cups, ounces or pieces, tablespoons, as well as grams.
• Be sure to read labels carefully as some packages may include multiple servings!

For Example
If a food label reads “12 chips = 1 serving,” you may choose to eat a portion of that serving. If you eat 6 chips, you’re eating 1/2 of a serving. If you eat 18 chips, you’re eating 1 1/2 servings.

Back to Sizing Up Portions

Reference: USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion