Creating a nutrition facts label is about accuracy, compliance, and clarity. Whether you’re selling homemade granola, bottled cold brew, or pre-packed meals, your label needs to meet regulatory standards while giving consumers the information they expect. But figuring out how to make a nutrition facts label from a recipe that checks all the right boxes can feel like a maze of numbers, layouts, and rules.
This guide breaks it down step by step, from compiling nutritional data to formatting it correctly. Businesses packaging products and individuals crafting labels from recipes will learn how to do it legally, efficiently, and without the headache.
Understand Nutrition Label Requirements
Nutrition labels are a legal requirement in many cases. Whether you’re selling homemade goods at a farmers’ market or launching a full-scale food brand, you need to know when a Nutrition Facts label is mandatory, what it must include, and how to keep it compliant.
When Is a Nutrition Label Required?
In the U.S., most packaged foods must have a Nutrition Facts label to comply with FDA regulations. If your product is sold at retail, chances are you need one. However, there are exceptions:
- Small businesses (if selling direct-to-consumer and producing under a certain volume)
- Fresh foods (like raw fruits, vegetables, and seafood)
- Restaurant and bakery items (if not pre-packaged for retail)
If you make nutrition or health claims (e.g., “high in protein” or “low in sugar”), a Nutrition Facts label becomes non-negotiable, even if your product would otherwise be exempt.
What Needs to Be Included?
A Nutrition Facts label follows a standardized format that includes:
- Serving Size (based on realistic consumption)
- Calories per Serving (front and center)
- Macronutrients (total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbs, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars, and protein)
- Micronutrients (vitamin D, calcium, iron, potassium)
- % Daily Values (helps consumers understand how the food fits into their daily diet)
The layout, font size, and spacing are all regulated, so it’s not something you can design freely. Mess it up, and you could be looking at compliance issues, fines, and penalties.
Regulatory Bodies to Know
If you sell in the U.S., the FDA sets the rules. But if you plan to sell internationally, other agencies apply:
- Canada: Health Canada
- Europe: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
- Australia/New Zealand: Food Standards ANZ
Each has its own labeling standards, formats, and required nutrients, so a U.S.-compliant label won’t necessarily work elsewhere.
Compile Nutritional Information
Before you learn how to make a nutrition facts label, you need accurate data. That means breaking down your recipe or product formula into its core nutritional components — without guesswork. Whether you’re making labels for a homemade recipe or a commercial food product, precision matters.
Use a Recipe or Product Formula
If you start with a recipe, the first step is standardizing your ingredients and portion sizes. Inconsistent measurements lead to inaccurate labeling, which can cause compliance issues down the line. Here’s how to do it right:
- Every Ingredient – Include everything, from main components to seasonings and additives.
- Determine Quantity Per Serving – Break the recipe down by weight or volume. Nutritional data is calculated per 100 grams or per serving, so having this info upfront is key.
- Use a Nutrition Database or Software – Instead of crunching numbers by hand, use the USDA’s FoodData Central, the FDA’s Nutrition Labeling Guide, or third-party software to get accurate nutrient values.
- Adjust for Cooking and Processing – Some nutrients change during cooking (water loss, fat absorption, or vitamin degradation). Use established food science resources to adjust accordingly.
For pre-packaged foods, manufacturers often rely on lab testing to get precise values — especially if ingredients vary or don’t exist in standard databases. If your product is unique, outsourcing to a certified food lab might be the best option.
You then need to break down everything that needs to be included as outlined above. Instead of doing this manually, nutrition label generators can streamline the process. By using trusted tools, you reduce errors and ensure your label reflects accurate, legally compliant nutritional data.
Choose the Right Nutrition Label Format
Not all nutrition facts labels look the same. The FDA has specific formats based on your product, serving sizes, and packaging needs. Choosing the right one isn’t about aesthetics — it’s about compliance and making sure consumers get the right information without confusion.
Standard Nutrition Facts Panel
This is the default format for most packaged foods. If you’re selling anything retail — whether it’s a protein bar, a jar of salsa, or a bag of candy — this is probably what you need.
- Required for most products
- Displays full nutritional breakdown, including calories, macronutrients, and % Daily Values
- Follows strict formatting rules (bold calorie count, consistent spacing, etc.)
Simplified Nutrition Label
If your product contains insignificant amounts of multiple nutrients (e.g., coffee, tea, certain spices), you may qualify for the simplified label format.
- Removes unnecessary sections (e.g., if fat, cholesterol, carbs, and fiber are all negligible)
- Still requires listing calories, protein, and key micronutrients
- Only allowed if at least seven mandatory nutrients fall below threshold amounts
Dual-Column Labels
For packages that could reasonably be eaten in one sitting but technically contain multiple servings, the dual-column label is required.
- Example: A large bag of chips that lists both “per serving” and “per package” nutrition info
- Helps consumers make informed choices when portion sizes are flexible
- Mandatory for many multi-serving packaged foods
Small Package Labeling
If your product comes in a tiny package (like a single-serve candy bar or gum pack), you may qualify for a modified label:
- Can use smaller font sizes
- May allow for an abridged version if space is extremely limited
- Still must include core nutritional information
Custom Labels for Unique Packaging
For specialty products — like those sold in multi-unit packaging (variety packs) or products requiring preparation (cake mixes, ramen noodles) — labels may need additional details such as:
- As Prepared vs. As Packaged nutrition values
- Aggregate Labels (combining multiple items in a single package)
- Supplemental Panels for unconventional product shapes
Which Format Do You Need?
Choosing the right label format depends on:
- Your product category (retail food, beverage, specialty items, etc.)
- How it’s consumed (single-serve, multi-serving, prep-required)
- FDA guidelines for packaging size and contents
Format and Design Your Nutrition Facts Label
Once you’ve nailed down the right label format, it’s time to lay it out correctly. The FDA regulates what’s on the label and dictates how it should look. Messing up the font size, spacing, or order of information could land you in non-compliance territory.
Following FDA Guidelines
The nutrition facts label has a standardized format, meaning you can’t take creative liberties with its design. Here’s what you need to know:
- Font and Size Requirements – The FDA mandates specific font styles and sizes to ensure readability.
- Bold and Highlighted Sections – Calories, serving size, and % Daily Value must be easy to spot.
- Mandatory Order of Nutrients – Every label must follow the FDA’s sequence (starting with serving size and calories).
- Black and White or High Contrast – Labels must be legible against the background color of the package.
To make sure your label is 100% compliant, use the FDA’s official formatting templates as a guide.
Labeling Software and Templates
Instead of formatting from scratch, many food businesses use FDA-approved label generators or design software that automatically applies regulations.
If you use a graphic designer, make sure they understand FDA rules — this isn’t a standard branding exercise.
Avoid Common Labeling Mistakes
Here’s where many businesses go wrong:
- Wrong Serving Size – The FDA has standardized portions (e.g., ice cream is 2/3 cup, not 1/2 cup). Always check the official guidelines.
- Missing Added Sugars – Even if your product is naturally sweetened, you must differentiate between total sugars and added sugars.
- Incorrect % Daily Values – These are based on a 2,000-calorie diet, not your best guess.
- Bad Label Placement – The nutrition facts panel must be on the same surface as the ingredient list and easy to read. (Learn how to make ingredient labels.)
Getting these details wrong could mean reprinting costs or, worse, regulatory fines.
Print and Apply Your Labels
Once your nutrition facts label is formatted correctly, it’s time to print and apply it — without smudging, peeling, or violating compliance. A label that’s unreadable, improperly placed, or damaged in transit is as useless as one that’s missing entirely. Here’s how to do it right.
Choose the Right Label Materials
Not all labels hold up under the same conditions. Depending on your packaging and product type, you’ll need materials that can manage moisture, temperature changes, and handling.
The right material ensures your label stays intact from production to purchase.
Professional Printing Services vs. DIY Printing
Should you print in-house or outsource? It depends on your budget, volume, and label complexity.
Professional printing works well for large runs. It offers:
- Precision printing
- Durable materials
DIY printing is great for small batches and flexibility. It:
- Is cost-effective for small businesses
- Works well with inkjet or laser label printers
- Requires high-quality label stock
When printing in-house, make sure your labels are consistent in quality and fully legible. A blurry or misaligned nutrition facts panel won’t pass compliance checks.
We love working with clients of all sizes to ensure their labeling needs are met. Please contact us for more information on flexographic printing services and custom orders.
Proper Label Placement
The FDA requires that nutrition facts labels be easy to find and read. That means you must:
- Place it on the same panel as the ingredient list (not hidden under a flap).
- Ensure proper contrast (light labels on dark backgrounds, and vice versa).
- Avoid awkward curves or edges that distort the text.
If your product has an oddly shaped package (think bottles, stand-up pouches, or flexible wraps), you may need adjusted label sizing or alternate placement to maintain readability.
Final Labeling Check
Before sending your product into the world, double-check that your labels:
- Are legible and properly formatted
- Use durable, regulation-friendly materials
- Are placed correctly on the packaging
With proper printing and application, your labels will look professional, hold up under real-world conditions, and keep your product fully compliant.
Keep Your Labels Up to Date
A nutrition facts label isn’t something you print once and forget. Ingredients change, regulations evolve, and industry standards shift. If your label isn’t accurate, you risk compliance issues, product recalls, or misleading your customers. Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve.
Update Labels When Recipes Change
Even a small tweak to your formula — like swapping an ingredient, adjusting portion sizes, or using a different supplier — can alter the nutritional content. To keep your labels current, you must:
- Recalculate nutrition data when modifying ingredients.
- Test new formulations if processing methods affect nutrient retention.
- Review serving sizes to ensure they still meet FDA standards.
If you market your product with specific claims (e.g., “low sodium” or “good source of fiber”), a minor recipe adjustment could make that claim inaccurate, leading to potential legal headaches.
Stay Compliant with Regulation Updates
The FDA periodically updates labeling requirements, and failing to comply can result in warnings, fines, or product holds. Some key changes over the years:
- 2020: Added Sugars section became mandatory.
- 2021: Dual-column labeling required for certain products.
- Upcoming? Potential adjustments to serving size guidelines and front-of-package labeling.
To avoid compliance issues:
- Monitor FDA updates and industry news.
- Subscribe to food labeling regulatory alerts from sources like the FDA and USDA.
- Audit labels regularly to ensure they meet current requirements.
If selling internationally, check country-specific guidelines since labeling laws vary across borders.
Conduct Periodic Label Reviews
Even if your recipe stays the same, it’s smart to do an annual label audit to catch any potential issues. You should:
- Verify ingredient sourcing (suppliers may change nutritional values).
- Recheck % Daily Values (as recommended intakes evolve).
- Confirm claims like “high protein” or “low sugar” are still accurate.
Outdated labels can lead to consumer confusion, regulatory fines, or damaged brand credibility. A quick check now prevents costly fixes later.
Order Your Labels From Premium Label Supply
Now that you know how to make a nutrition facts label, you’re ready for the next step — getting high-quality labels that look sharp, stay put, and meet compliance standards. Premium Label Supply manufactures professional-grade labels right here in the U.S., so you get top-tier quality without the long wait times. Whatever your needs, we have you covered. Plus, shipping is on us. Order today and get labels that are reliable and hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutrition Facts Labels
Need more information on how to make nutrition facts labels? Read our FAQs for useful tips and insights into the process.
Do I need FDA approval before selling a product with a nutrition facts label?
No, the FDA does not pre-approve nutrition labels before a product goes to market. However, your label must comply with FDA regulations, and you’re responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the nutritional information. If your product is audited or tested, inaccuracies could lead to fines or recalls.
Can I create a nutrition facts label without lab testing?
Yes, many food businesses use FDA-approved nutrition databases or nutrition label software to calculate values without lab testing. However, if your product has complex ingredients or processing methods that alter nutritional content, lab analysis may be necessary for accuracy.
What happens if my product has naturally occurring nutrients that aren’t listed?
Certain nutrients (like some vitamins and minerals) may be present in your product but aren’t required on a nutrition facts label. If you want to highlight them, you can include voluntary nutrition information, but it must be accurate and follow FDA formatting rules.
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