Yes — in the United States, ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight as recorded at the time of their use in manufacture, with limited exceptions.
The ingredients list is one of the most important parts of a food label. In the United States, ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight. FDA regulation 21 CFR 101.4(a)(1) requires ingredients to be "listed in descending order of predominance by weight". Ingredients present at 2% or less of the food may be grouped at the end of the list following a statement such as "contains 2% or less of ...".
LabelGuard analyzes your ingredients list for proper ordering and required declarations.
Start Your Compliance CheckFDA regulation 21 CFR 101.4(a)(1) requires ingredients to be "listed in descending order of predominance by weight". Ingredients present at 2% or less of the food may be grouped at the end of the list following a statement such as "contains 2% or less of ...".
No. Under 21 CFR 101.4, ingredients at 2% or less of the food may be listed at the end in any order after a "contains 2% or less of ..." statement, and water added as an ingredient is declared at its added level.
QUID is required when an ingredient is mentioned in the product name or emphasized on the label.
Last updated: 2026-07-20
Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.
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