If you’re launching a food product, having a nutrition label is essential. Not only is it required by the FDA, but it also helps your customers make informed choices. Nutrition labels provide critical information, including serving sizes, calorie counts, and key nutrients.
However, many people don’t realize that a nutrition label is different from a food label, which covers additional details, like ingredients and storage instructions.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to create a nutrition label step by step. You’ll also learn about the best label materials for different types of products and the main differences between food and nutrition labels. For those needing more detail on FDA requirements, check out the FDA Food Labeling Guide.
Food Labels vs. Nutrition Labels: What’s the Difference?
Before we go into the specifics of creating a nutrition label, it’s important to understand how it differs from a food label.
Food labels: generally includes broader information about the product, such as ingredients, allergens, storage instructions, shelf life, and certifications (like “organic” or “non-GMO”).
Nutrition labels: focus specifically on the nutritional content of the product, including serving size, calories, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and % Daily Values. While the food label offers a complete picture of what’s inside the package, the nutrition label zooms in on health-related data.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Nutrition Label
Creating a nutrition label might seem complicated, but it becomes easier when you break it down into steps.
Step 1: Determine the Nutritional Content
To create an accurate nutrition label, you’ll need detailed nutritional information. Many brands choose to conduct a laboratory analysis to measure calories, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, and fiber.
Lab testing provides precise data and ensures compliance with FDA standards. If a lab test isn’t feasible, you can use online nutritional calculators for estimates, though they may not be as reliable.
Step 2: Format the Nutrition Label According to FDA Guidelines
The FDA has specific requirements for the format, layout, and order of nutrients. Essential components of a nutrition label include the serving size, calorie count, total fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, sugars, protein, and % Daily Values.
To meet FDA standards, ensure your label displays these details in the correct order and with readable font sizes. You’ll want to list serving size at the top, followed by calories, and then nutrient amounts in a set order. For further guidance, the FDA Food Labeling Guide provides specifics on layout, font requirements, and nutrient order.
Step 3: Choose the Right Material for Your Label
Selecting the right label material is crucial to ensure durability and readability. Here are some options:
- White BOPP is a popular choice for nutrition labels due to its water and oil resistance, making it ideal for products stored in fridges or frequently handled.
- Clear BOPP is perfect for a more minimalist look, allowing the product to show through transparent packaging.
- Vinyl labels are known for their scratch resistance and are best suited for products that face rough handling or exposure to different environments.
- Eco-friendly materials like recycled paper or compostable options are increasingly popular, especially for brands focusing on sustainability. These materials align well with natural or organic products.
When choosing a material, consider how your product will be stored and handled, as well as the overall look you want to achieve.
Legal Requirements for Nutrition Labels
The FDA has specific regulations in place to ensure that nutrition labels are consistent and easy for consumers to understand. Here are a few key legal requirements:
- Accuracy is essential; the nutritional data on your label should be as precise as possible. The FDA recommends lab analysis for the most reliable data, though smaller brands may use online calculators if necessary.
- Placement is also regulated—the nutrition label should be on a visible part of the packaging, typically the back or side.
- Font size and layout must meet FDA standards as well.
For more in-depth information, refer to the FDA Food Labeling Guide, which covers all aspects of compliance, from nutrient requirements to acceptable label designs.
Tips for Designing an Effective Nutrition Label
Creating a nutrition label isn’t just about listing numbers; it also needs to be easy to read and visually appealing. Here are some tips to help you design a professional, user-friendly label:
- Keep it simple by avoiding unnecessary details that could clutter the label. Choose a clean, readable font that aligns with your brand but is easy on the eyes.
- Color contrast is another important consideration; black text on a white or light-colored background is ideal for readability. This is especially important if you’re using clear labels, where the background may be more complex.
- Finally, test-print a sample label before placing a full order. This will help you catch any design issues and ensure that the text is clear and meets FDA guidelines.
Prefer to leave the design to the experts? Take advantage of our graphic design services, and we’ll create eye-catching labels for your products in no time.
Custom Labels for Your Food Products
Need help creating the perfect nutrition label for your product? At Wizard Labels, we specialize in custom labels that bring your brand to life.
We offer a range of durable options, including white BOPP, clear BOPP, and eco-friendly materials that suit any type of food packaging. Whether you need labels for bottles, jars, or flexible packaging, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to get started with high-quality labels that make your product stand out!