Why are serving sizes standarized among similar products?

Answer 1

One reason serving sizes are standardized (example: 1 cup) is to make it easy for consumers to compare foods before buying. Image you have $5.00 and you buy macaroni, expecting 4 cups within the package, with a 1 cup serving size. But when you get home, you take a measuring cup and find that the expected "1 cup serving" is more like 1/2 cup instead. Wouldn't you feel cheated?

More so, though, serving size is standardized among similar products so that a comsumer can check the calories and various nutrients listed for "one serving". Let's say you buy cereal. Each says a serving is 1/2 cup (you don't count the milk or anything you add to the bowl). But Product A says calories are 250, and Product B lists 330 calories. That's a big difference if you are counting calories or need to lose weight. You look further at the ingredients and one manufacturer lists sodium 20 grams; a different product lists 35 grams. Again, 15 grams is a big difference and the extra sodium can have negative health consequences, even if the cereal is supposed to be good for health.

Discrepancies like this have come more and more to the attention of the FDA which requires truthful labeling on packages. Most wise consumers often read labels and do food ingredient comparisons to make sure they buy not only the best product, but the best for their health and money spent.