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New Brewers Association Beer Nutrient Database facilitates compliance with FDA Menu Labeling Requirements for Chain Restaurants

Beginning May 5, 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will require that restaurants with 20 or more units include nutritional information facts for regular menu items, including beer. After consulting with the FDA, the Brewers Association (BA) has developed the Beer Nutrient Database to help small, independent brewery members provide the required information to their retail customers.

Using a robust analytical testing program, the BA has built a database that reflects average nutritional value of nine lesser nutrients (total fat, calories from fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, dietary fiber, sugars, and protein). This database, which currently has 41 styles as defined by the BA Beer Style Guidelines, will expand over time as more analytical testing is conducted.

Calories and carbohydrates can be determined for specific brands using accurate gravity measurements and online calculators developed by the Scandinavian School of Brewing and the Brewers Association. Nutrient values, including calories and carbohydrates, are provided in accordance with the rounding rules in the industry guidance provided by the FDA.

Note: This guidance was not developed to provide voluntary nutrient content statements for the labeling and advertising of beer, per current Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) rulings.

Please direct any questions and comments to technical@brewersassociation.org.