April 2026 - Vol. 26, No. 7
Hello, readers! While today may be April Fool’s Day, calorie calculations are no joke! Total calories are one of the most familiar and commonly referenced nutrient values on the Nutrition Facts label. Ensuring accurate caloric values is critical for both regulatory compliance and consumer trust, yet calorie calculations are not always straightforward. Today we’re overviewing FDA-approved methods for calculating calories and identifying nuances that can affect the end result. We’re also passing along a hidden gem in the realm of Child Nutrition labeling as we recap our conversation with a school nutrition expert.
In this issue:
- Calorie Count Conundrums
- The Inside Scoop
- Keeping You Current
Warmly,
Melissa Grzybowski, President, Food Consulting Company
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"We are beyond pleased with the nutrition analysis provided by Food Consulting Company. They are extremely responsive with answering any questions we might have and not only finish the work on time but usually finish the work earlier than expected."
– Katee Robertson, SQF Practitioner, Desserts On Us, Inc
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Feature Article
Calorie Count Conundrums
This month’s feature article on calorie calculations is hot off the press, related to recent buzz regarding a protein bar lawsuit. There are five FDA-approved methods for calculating total calories in a product, most of which use specific calorie values for carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Today we’ll overview each of these methods and explain why these calculations may not yield the calorie count you’re expecting.
