When it comes to designing packaging for food products, companies have almost complete creative control regarding the overall design. However, one of the elements that every company’s packaging MUST have is a Nutrition Facts label (other items include the ingredients list, manufacturer’s name and address, and a statement of identity). Thanks to the FDA (a government agency charged with regulating food, supplements, drugs, etc.) a majority of companies selling a packaged food, beverages, or dietary supplements must include a nutrition label in their design.
While most companies are aware of this long-standing requirement, many may not know that the design of the label has changed as of May 20, 2016. The updated label reflects new scientific information, and stems from a growing concern regarding our nation’s health. So, what’s different about the new label requirements?
Nutrition Facts Label Changes
- Servings Per Container: Moved above Serving Size, larger font
- Serving Size: Larger and bolder font, serving sizes to be based on amount of food people are eating (not should be)
- Calories: Larger font, Calories from Fat removed
- Nutrients, Vitamins, and Minerals:
- Percentage of Daily Value calculations changed
- Added Sugars now required
- Vitamin D and Potassium now required
- Vitamins A and C no longer required
- Gram amount for Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, and Potassium now included
- Footnote: Changed to “*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.”
- Dual Columns: Must show amount of calories and nutrients on per serving and per package basis (for products larger than a single serving)
These changes must be implemented on packaging by June 26, 2018. Companies that earn less than $10 million in food sales annually will need to implement the changes by June 26, 2019.
Obtaining the Correct Nutrition Label Information
Incorrect labeling, ordering of ingredients, font sizes, and other errors in displaying your product’s nutrition information can cause it to be detained by the FDA and your company fined.
In order to avoid any issues with your Nutrition Facts label or ingredients list, have your product manufacturer send you the correct nutrition information directly. Typically, the nutrition facts provided by a manufacturer are already listed in the proper order with the correct specifications on how to accurately display your ingredients. With that said, it is a good practice to cross-check the manufacturer’s information with the FDA’s Food Labeling Guide.
Food Package Design
There are a few things to consider when creating a design for food packaging:
1. The Size of the Nutrition Facts Label
The size of the Nutrition Facts label will vary depending on the size of the package. Any font size is acceptable, as long as it is legible and visible (though 6pt Helvetica is preferred).
2. The Location of the Nutrition Facts Label
The Nutrition Facts label, along with the ingredients list and manufacturer information, can be placed on the front of the package (or the Principal Display Panel) or on the panel directly to the right of the front.
3. The Orientation of the Nutrition Facts Label
The nutrition information can be laid out in the standard vertical format, or horizontally if there is limited vertical space.
4. The Color of the Nutrition Facts Label
The Nutrition Facts Label must be displayed in a single font color (preferably black) against a white or neutral colored background. This allows for contrast and easy legibility.
5. Other Information That Impacts the Design
- The statement of identity (the common name of the food, for example, rice) and net quantity statement of the package must appear on the Principal Display Panel (PDP)
- The statement of identity must be bold, noticeable, and a minimum font size of half of the largest copy on the panel
- The net quantity statement must be displayed within the lower 30% of the PDP
- The ingredients list must have a minimum height of 1/16 inches
Even with the above information, designing an effective product packaging isn’t easy. In addition to Nutrition Facts labels, package designs also need to account for barcodes, certifications, and other important information, all while best positioning your product for the sale. At Green Group Studio, we have extensive experience with package design in a number of industries. To learn more about Green Group Studios Package Design Services, click HERE or call (561) 594-7336.
