It’s not always easy to create a great food label. You have a lot of information to put on a very limited canvas. Here are some common questions and techniques regarding food labeling.

1. Do I always need to include nutrition facts on my labels? 

Not always. For example, fruits and vegetable don’t need to include nutrition facts. However, it’s never a bad idea to include them, especially if you want to portray a certain brand image as a manufacturer of the best, healthy food products.

2. Is there a certain way to label my food packages?

According to the Food and Drug Administration, there are two ways to label packaging. You can place your label statements on the principle display panel, or PCP. Or, if this label isn’t available due to product construction and label design, place specific label statements on the PCP and the rest on the information label.

If you’re ready to make your labels more readable, here’s how:

1. Ask your customers: It’s a good idea to ask your customers for recommendations because they’re the ones picking up your products every day. They may not understand how to design a label, but they know a readable one when they see it.

2. Focus on important material: Food labels are often confusing to read for many reasons. Some include:

• There’s too many colors: Colors can distract customers from what’s important – the product’s contents.
• The language is too difficult to comprehend: Make the language easy enough for children to understand. Childhood obesity is major issue in the U.S., so catering to kids could play a major role in stemming this condition.
• It’s not easy to locate information: Consumers shouldn’t be searching all over a product box or label for the information they need. Don’t hide details! Make it easy to locate.

3. Garner feedback: No food label is complete until you’ve gained feedback from your stakeholders. Remember, your audience is the people reading the labels daily, so reach out to them through surveys or focus groups prior to launching your new product.

There are many things manufacturers need to consider when creating food labels. It’s critical they not only think about how their label design affects their brand but their customers. Make the label easy to read and comprehend.