If you’re a food entrepreneur or just curious about how nutrition facts labels come to life, you’re in the right place! Nutrition facts labels are essential for packaged foods and beverages, providing consumers with important information about what they’re eating. But how do you make one that’s accurate, compliant, and easy to read? Let’s break it down step-by-step in a friendly, straightforward way.
What Is a Nutrition Facts Label and Why Does It Matter?
A Nutrition Facts label is the panel found on most packaged foods that lists the nutritional content per serving. It includes details like calories, fats, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires most packaged foods to have these labels to help consumers make informed choices and manage their diets better.
These labels aren’t just regulatory requirements—they build trust with customers, help you stand out in the market, and can even assist with pricing and cost analysis for your products.
Step 1: Gather Your Nutrition Information
Before you can create a label, you need accurate nutrition data for your product. There are two main ways to get this:
– Lab Analysis: Send your product to a certified lab that will test and provide detailed nutrient information. This is the most accurate method but can be costly.
– Database or Software Analysis: Use nutrition label software or databases that calculate nutrition based on your recipe’s ingredients. This is faster and often more affordable, especially for small businesses.
If you’re using software, you enter your full ingredient list, and the program calculates calories, fats, vitamins, and other nutrients automatically.
Step 2: Understand Serving Size and Serving Per Container
The serving size is a key part of your label. It tells consumers how much of the product the nutrition facts apply to. The FDA provides Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACC) guidelines to help you determine the appropriate serving size based on your product category.
Make sure to include:
– Serving size (in familiar units like cups, pieces, grams)
– Number of servings per container
This helps consumers understand their intake and compare products easily.
Step 3: Choose Your Label Format
Nutrition labels come in different formats. The FDA updated the label design in 2016, so you can choose between the new or old style depending on your product and compliance needs.
Common formats include:
– Vertical Basic (standard)
– Vertical Detailed (tall)
– Horizontal (tabbed)
You can create labels in any of these layouts using free online nutrition label generators or label design software. These tools often let you toggle between label versions and formats.
Step 4: Use a Nutrition Label Generator or Software
To make the process easier, use a nutrition label generator tool. Many free and paid options are available online, such as:
– OnlineLabels’ free Nutrition Label Generator
– ReciPal’s nutrition label software
– Maestro Label Designer
These tools guide you through entering your nutrition data, applying FDA rounding rules, and formatting your label professionally.
Here’s how it generally works:
– Sign up or log in to the tool
– Select “Create a new Nutrition Facts Label”
– Enter your nutrition values (calories, fats, sodium, vitamins, etc.)
– Choose your label format and style
– Preview and finalize your label
You can also customize colors, fonts, and add optional nutrients or ingredient statements if needed.
Step 5: Apply FDA Compliance Rules
The FDA has strict rules on what nutrients must be included and how to round numbers on the label. For example:
– Calories are rounded to the nearest 5 or 10
– Nutrient amounts below certain thresholds may be listed as 0
– Daily values percentages must be calculated based on standard daily intake recommendations
Most label generators automatically apply these rules, but it’s good to double-check to ensure your label is compliant and accurate.
Step 6: Add Your Nutrition Label to Your Product Packaging
Once your label is ready, you have two main options for adding it to your product:
– Print and apply separate nutrition fact stickers: Great if your packaging is already printed or if you want flexibility.
– Incorporate the nutrition facts directly into your product label design: Use label design software to build the nutrition facts panel into your packaging artwork before printing.
Choose the option that best fits your production process and budget.
Tips for Creating Effective Nutrition Facts Labels
– Keep the font clear and readable
– Use contrasting colors for easy visibility
– Double-check all numbers for accuracy
– Include an ingredients list and allergen information if required
– Stay updated with FDA guidelines to ensure ongoing compliance
Nutrition facts labels are more than just a legal requirement—they’re a way to communicate transparency and care for your customers. With the right tools and knowledge, creating your own nutrition label is straightforward and rewarding.
Ready to get started? Gather your nutrition data, pick a label generator, and design a label that makes your product shine on the shelf!
Creating a nutrition facts label is simple when you follow the right steps and use the right tools. It helps your customers make informed choices and boosts your product’s credibility. Start designing your label today and put your best foot forward!