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Image of customer looking over label on food container.

Food Labels 101: Everything You Need to Know About Food Labels and Packaging

  | Daniele Smith

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Food labels are more than just stickers on a product—they’re a key part of your brand, providing important information and ensuring your product meets industry regulations. Whether you’re a small food business or a large manufacturer, having the right food labels is crucial for success. At Inovar Packaging Group, we specialize in creating high-quality, compliant, and eye-catching food labels that help your products stand out.

What Makes a Good Food Label?

To create an effective food label, there are a few essential elements you should include:
  • Branding: Your label is often the first thing shoppers notice. A strong brand identity with clear logos, colors, and fonts helps your product catch their eye.
  • Ingredients List: Transparency is key. Consumers want to know what’s in their food, and the FDA requires that ingredients are listed in order from highest to lowest quantity. This helps build trust and keeps your label compliant.
  • Nutritional Information: Many shoppers today pay close attention to nutrition labels. Be sure to include calories, serving sizes, and nutrient details in a way that’s easy to read and understand.
  • Allergen Warnings: Labels should clearly state if the product contains common allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten. This protects consumers and shows you prioritize their safety.
  • Expiration Dates & Batch Codes: These are vital for both food safety and traceability. Expiration dates let consumers know how long the product stays fresh, and batch codes help with recalls or inventory tracking.

Types of Food Labels You Might Need

There are different types of food labels depending on your product and needs:
  • Primary Labels: These are the main labels that display the brand, product name, ingredients, and nutritional info. They’re designed to grab attention while sharing the most important details.
  • Supplementary Labels: These are secondary labels used for additional information, like promotions, recipes, or QR codes that link to websites or social media pages.

Staying Compliant with Food Label Regulations

Following food labeling regulations is critical to avoid fines and protect your brand. The FDA and USDA have specific guidelines on what needs to be included on a food label, such as ingredients, allergens, and nutrition facts. At Inovar Packaging Group, we stay up-to-date on these regulations to ensure that your labels are always compliant.

Sustainable and Recyclable Label Options

Sustainability is a growing concern for both brands and consumers. More people are looking for eco-friendly options, so it’s important to consider the environmental impact of your packaging. At Inovar, we offer sustainable and recyclable label solutions that help you reduce waste without compromising quality.

Why Choose Inovar Packaging Group for Your Food Labels?

At Inovar Packaging Group, we understand the unique challenges of food labeling. We offer customizable label solutions that meet both branding and compliance needs. With our expertise and advanced printing technology, you can trust us to deliver labels that are not only visually appealing but also meet regulatory requirements.
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Creating and producing labels can be overwhelming, but our experts are here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you have a project ready to go, have questions about label applications or materials, or want to learn more about our services, our team is ready to assist you.