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How to Choose the Right Labels and Stickers for Your Food and Drinks packaging

Food packaging designs and labels

When it comes to food and drinks, packaging is just as important as the product itself. Not only does it protect the contents inside, but it also serves as a marketing tool to attract customers. And one of the most crucial elements of food and drinks packaging is the label or sticker.

Adhesive labels and stickers are not just for branding and marketing purposes, they also provide important information about the product, such as ingredients, nutritional value, and expiration date. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of labels and stickers used in the food and drinks industry and explore how to choose the right labels and stickers for your products.

drinks labels gin and kefir

Types of Labels and Stickers

Gold, Silver, and Colour Foils

Gold, silver, and colour foils are popular choices for food and drinks labels and stickers. They add a touch of elegance and luxury to the packaging, making the product stand out on the shelves. These foils are available in various shades and finishes, such as matte, glossy, and holographic, giving you the flexibility to choose the perfect look for your product.

Opaque or Transparent

Opaque labels and stickers are ideal for products that need to be protected from light, such as dairy products and certain types of beverages. They are also great for covering up existing labels or branding on containers. On the other hand, transparent labels and stickers are perfect for showcasing the product inside, such as clear bottles or jars. They are also commonly used for labelling organic or natural products, as they give off a clean and minimalistic look.

Durability and Compliance: Waterproof, UV, and Temperature-Resistant Options

Durability is a key consideration when choosing labels for food and drinks packaging. Labels should withstand various conditions such as moisture, temperature changes, and exposure to sunlight.

Waterproof, UV-resistant, and temperature-resistant labels are essential for products that are refrigerated, frozen, or exposed to sunlight. These labels ensure that the print remains legible and the colours vibrant, enhancing the product's shelf appeal and longevity.

Shelf Life

Shelf life labels are essential for food and drinks products, as they provide important information about the expiration date of the product. These labels are designed to withstand moisture and temperature changes, ensuring that the information remains legible throughout the product’s shelf life.

The best adhesive Drink Label printers in Berkshire

Low Migration Inks and Toners

Low migration inks and toners are used for labels and stickers that come into direct contact with food and drinks. These inks and toners are specially formulated to prevent any harmful chemicals from migrating into the product, ensuring that it remains safe for consumption.

Small and Large Quantities

Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, you need labels and stickers that can accommodate your production needs. Small quantity labels are perfect for small businesses or start-ups that require a smaller number of labels for their products. On the other hand, large quantity labels are ideal for bigger companies that produce a high volume of products and need labels in bulk.

Jam Jar labels, Alain Roux honey labels  and Drinks labels

Why Labels and Stickers are Essential for Food and Drinks Products

Branding and Marketing

Labels and stickers are an essential part of branding and marketing for food and drinks products. They serve as a visual representation of your brand and help customers identify your products on the shelves. A well-designed label or sticker can also attract potential customers and entice them to try your product.

Information and Compliance

As mentioned earlier, labels and stickers provide important information about the product, such as ingredients, nutritional value, and expiration date. This information is crucial for customers, especially those with dietary restrictions or allergies. Labels and stickers also ensure that your product is compliant with food and safety regulations, preventing any legal issues.

Differentiation and Visibility

In a crowded market, it’s essential to differentiate your product from competitors. Labels and stickers can help you achieve this by using unique designs, colours, and finishes. They also make your product more visible on the shelves, making it easier for customers to find and purchase.

Protection and Durability

Labels and stickers not only provide information and branding, but they can also protect the product inside. They can act as a barrier against moisture light, and other external factors that can affect the quality of the product and also as a security seal to prevent tampering. Additionally, labels and stickers are designed to be durable, ensuring that they remain intact throughout the product’s shelf life.

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How to Choose the right adhesive label materials and inks 

Consider Your Product and Packaging

When choosing labels and stickers for your food and drinks products, it’s essential to consider the type of product and packaging. For example, if you have a clear bottle, a transparent label would be the best choice to showcase the product inside. If you have a product that needs to be stored in the freezer, make sure to choose labels with freezer adhesives.

Think About Your Branding and Marketing Goals

Your labels and stickers should align with your branding and marketing goals. If you want to convey a luxurious and high-end image, consider using gold or silver foils. If you want to showcase your product’s vibrant colours, opt for high definition colour labels. Make sure to choose designs and finishes that accurately represent your brand.

Consider Your Production Needs

Whether you need labels in small or large quantities, it’s essential to choose a printing company that can accommodate your production needs. Some companies specialise in small quantity labels, while others can handle bulk orders. At Label-form we can print from as little as 50 labels to millions.

Ask the label experts

At Label-form  we have 60 years experience as one of the UK’s leading independent adhesive label printers and have the depth of knowledge and expertise to help you make the right label choice and avoid costly mistakes. Please get in touch to see how we can help or have a chat with Stewart Serls on 01628 782082.


Label printers in Berkshire: Label-form have been established since 1964 in Maidenhead Berkshire, and are one of the UK's leading label printers for adhesive labels and stickers. We can print your labels in any shape or size with high-resolution printing and specialist finishes and paper, like hot-foil printing, metallic foil labels, embossed printing, holographic foil labels 

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