Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Definition of Serving size

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Serving size: 1. The portion of food used as a reference on the nutrition label of that food.
2. The recommended portion of food to be eaten.

The National Cancer Institute defines a serving as:

  • One medium-sized fruit (such as apples, oranges, bananas, pears)
  • 1/2 cup of raw, cooked, canned or frozen fruits or vegetables
  • 3/4 cup (6 oz.) of 100% fruit or vegetable juice
  • 1/2 cup cut-up fruit
  • 1/2 cup cooked or canned legumes (such as beans and peas)
  • 1 cup of raw, leafy vegetables (such as lettuce and spinach)
  • 1/4 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, apricots, mango)