Portion vs serving size- what is the difference?
Serving size:
- a measured amount of a food or drink (such as a one slice of bread, or a cup (250ml) of milk),
Portion size:
- is up to the individual
- describes the amount of foods you are consuming in one sitting (i.e. at mealtimes)
- a portion can actually contain multiple servings
You can use this infographic as a guideline to help you in finding what a healthy portion size could look like for you, for the different foods you may consume. Remember, that things such as your level of activity, as well as your age and body size may increase or decrease your portion sizes!
Want an example?
A standard jar of Nutella contains 350g of Nutella. A serving size of Nutella is a tablespoon, so 15g.
1 Nutella jar = about 23 servings.
If you have 3 tablespoons of Nutella, then that is your chosen portion – and that chosen portion contains three servings.
Not sure what a serving looks like in practice? Use this “handy” trick help you estimate what a serving can look like for you!
