What does "Calculated values, not analysed" mean?
If you've seen "Calculated values, not analysed" under a nutrition table, here's what it means.
There are two ways to find out what's in your product:
- Analysed: you send a sample to a lab, and they test it.
- Calculated: you add up the nutrition of each ingredient, using known figures, and adjust for things like cooking.
Canoli does the second. It takes the figures for each ingredient in your recipe, from official food databases or your supplier specs, and works out the totals for you.
Is calculation allowed?
Yes. Food labelling law accepts nutrition values worked out by calculation from known ingredient values, as well as values from lab analysis.
Why it's trustworthy
Canoli keeps a record of where every figure came from, so if a buyer or an auditor asks how you got your numbers, you can show them.
When a lab test helps
Canoli recommends lab analysis before you commit values to pack, and it's especially useful when:
- A claim only just passes. If your product is right on the line for "high protein", natural variation between batches could tip it under.
- Cooking or processing changes the food a lot, in ways standard figures can't fully capture.
- A buyer asks for it. Some retailers want lab results for certain products or claims.
A good approach: use Canoli to develop and refine your recipe quickly, then use lab analysis to confirm the final version.
For more detailed instructions on how Canoli works out your nutrition, subscribe to one of Canoli’s subscription tiers here, and you’ll be able to access our dedicated help pages.
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