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Understanding FDA-Compliant Label Formats on Food Label Maker

Learn about FDA-compliant label formats, their use cases, and how to choose the right one for your food product packaging.

Updated over a week ago

Food Label Maker provides a variety of FDA-compliant nutrition label formats to meet different packaging needs and product types. Below, we explain each format and its ideal use case to help you select the best option for your food product.

1. Standard FDA Label

Use Case: Most packaged food products

  • This is the most commonly used format for FDA-compliant nutrition labels.

  • It includes Calories, Serving Size, Macronutrients, Vitamins, and Minerals in a clear, structured layout.

  • Ideal for retail food products that require a comprehensive breakdown of nutrients.

2. Tabular FDA Label

Use Case: Small packaging with limited space

  • A compact version of the Standard FDA Label, formatted in a table layout to fit narrower packaging.

  • Often used for bottled beverages, condiments, and small snack packages where space is a concern.

Accessing the Standard FDA Label in the App

To customize the Standard FDA Label, go to the 'Customize Label' tab in the Food Label Maker app. Select the 'USA (FDA)' options and choose 'Standard FDA Label' from the dropdown menu. You can then modify elements like serving size, nutrients, and design layout.

3. Linear FDA Label

Use Case: Very small packaging or single-serve items

  • A single-line format that displays nutrient values in a straight horizontal layout.

  • Suitable for individually wrapped products such as candy bars, gum, or small packets of condiments.

  • Used when space is extremely limited, ensuring essential nutrition details are still present.

Accessing the Tabular FDA Label in the App

For small packaging needs, the Tabular FDA Label is available under the 'Customize Label' tab in the Food Label Maker app. Navigate to 'USA (FDA)' and select this format, which is designed specifically for space-constrained designs.

4. Dual Column FDA Label

Use Case: Products with multiple serving sizes

  • Displays two sets of nutrition facts side by side: per serving and per package.

  • Required for foods that are commonly consumed in one sitting but have multiple servings (e.g., a pint of ice cream, a bag of chips).

  • Helps consumers easily compare nutritional values based on different consumption amounts.

Accessing the Linear FDA Label in the App

Locate the Linear FDA Label by accessing the 'Customize Label' section in the app. Within the 'USA (FDA)' dropdown options, choose the Linear format for single-line label designs suited to individual items with very limited space.

5. Simplified FDA Label

Use Case: Products with minimal nutrient content

  • Designed for foods that contain insignificant amounts of certain nutrients (e.g., very low-fat or sugar-free products).

  • Omits nutrients that fall below a specific FDA threshold.

  • Commonly used for herbal teas, spices, and other minimally processed foods.

Accessing the Dual Column FDA Label in the App

To use the Dual Column FDA Label, head to the 'Customize Label' tab in the app. Look for it under the 'USA (FDA)' dropdown menu and select this format to accommodate multiple serving sizes in your label design.

6. Aggregate FDA Label

Use Case: Multi-variant food packages (variety packs, multi-flavor items)

  • Combines nutrition information for multiple variations of a product within the same package.

  • Often used for snack packs, assorted chocolates, or meal kits where each component has different nutritional values.

  • Ensures compliance by listing each variant’s nutrition facts separately in one label.

Accessing the Simplified FDA Label in the App

The Simplified FDA Label can be found and customized under the 'Customize Label' tab. Simply navigate to the 'USA (FDA)' dropdown and select this option to design labels for products with minimal nutrient content.

Choosing the Right Label Format

Selecting the correct FDA label format depends on:

  • Your product type (single item vs. variety pack)

  • Packaging size (standard vs. small or narrow space)

  • Serving size variations (single vs. multi-serving options)

  • Nutrient content (full disclosure vs. simplified format)

How to Customize Label Formats in the App

Follow these steps to access and personalize label formats seamlessly through the Food Label Maker app:

  1. Access the 'Customize Label' Tab: Navigate to this section to view all available formats.

  2. Locate FDA Labels: Browse the 'USA (FDA)' section to find Standard, Tabular, Linear, and other compliant formats.

  3. Select and Modify: Choose a format, then use the provided tools to update dimensions, serving sizes, and nutrient details to match your product's needs.

Learn More About FDA Label Formats

For a deeper dive into FDA-compliant nutrition labels and when to use each format, check out our detailed guide:
👉 Understanding FDA Nutrition Label Templates

Related Topics

  • How to Set Up Label Printing: A guide to printing customized labels from the Food Label Maker app.

  • Troubleshooting Label Design Issues: Common errors and how to fix them in the 'Customize Label' feature.

Accessing the Aggregate FDA Label in the App

For designing labels for multi-variant food packages, such as variety packs, select the 'Aggregate FDA Label' from the 'USA (FDA)' options in the 'Customize Label' tab. This allows you to integrate separate nutritional facts for each variant.

Need Help? Our platform makes it easy to choose the right FDA-compliant label based on your product’s needs. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to our support team for assistance.

For any questions, refer to the 'Customize Label' tab in the app, the centralized hub for accessing and personalizing FDA-compliant label formats.

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