Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about nutrition labeling requirements, FDA regulations, and using our free nutrition label generator.
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Using Our Nutrition Label Maker
Is this nutrition label maker really free?
Yes, completely free. There are no hidden costs, premium tiers, or features locked behind payment. Create unlimited nutrition labels, download in any format, and use for commercial purposes—all without paying anything.
Do I need to create an account to use the generator?
No account is required to create and download labels. Creating an optional free account allows you to save labels for future editing, but it's never mandatory.
What label formats can I create?
Our generator supports all FDA-approved formats: Standard vertical (most common), Tabular/horizontal (for wide packages), Dual-column (per serving and per container), Linear (for very small packages under 12 sq inches), Aggregate (for multi-item packages), and Bilingual English/Spanish.
What file formats can I download?
Labels are available as PNG (high-resolution 300 DPI image file), PDF (print-ready vector format), and Direct print (print directly from browser).
Are there watermarks on downloaded labels?
No. All downloaded labels are watermark-free and ready for commercial use.
Can I edit a label after creating it?
If you download your label, you'll need to recreate it with changes. Creating a free account allows you to save labels and edit them later.
FDA Nutrition Label Requirements
Do I need a nutrition label for my food product?
Most packaged foods sold at retail require nutrition labeling. However, exemptions exist for: Very small businesses (fewer than 100 full-time employees AND fewer than 100,000 units sold annually), Small packages (under 12 square inches with no nutrition claims), Foods with no significant nutrition (plain coffee, tea, most spices), Foods sold for immediate consumption (restaurant meals, though chains with 20+ locations have menu labeling requirements), and Raw produce and seafood (voluntary, though often displayed). Important: Any nutrition claim on packaging or in advertising eliminates exemption eligibility.
What changed in the 2020 FDA label update?
The FDA's 2020 label update introduced significant changes: Added Sugars (now required in grams and %DV), Vitamin D and Potassium (now mandatory), Larger calories (must be displayed in larger, bolder font), Updated Daily Values (reflecting current nutrition science), Realistic serving sizes (based on amounts people actually eat), Vitamins A and C (no longer mandatory as deficiencies are now rare), and 'Calories from Fat' (removed from label). All labels created after January 1, 2021 must use the new format.
What's the difference between FDA and USDA labeling?
FDA regulates approximately 80% of the food supply: produce, dairy, seafood, processed foods, beverages, and dietary supplements. USDA regulates meat (beef, pork, lamb), poultry (chicken, turkey), and processed egg products. Key difference: USDA requires prior label approval before products can be sold. FDA does not pre-approve labels. If your product contains meat or poultry, USDA requirements may apply. Products with minimal meat content (under 3% raw meat or 2% cooked) typically fall under FDA jurisdiction.
What nutrients must be included on a nutrition facts label?
FDA requires these nutrients in this specific order: 1. Calories, 2. Total Fat (with Saturated Fat, Trans Fat indented), 3. Cholesterol, 4. Sodium, 5. Total Carbohydrate (with Dietary Fiber, Total Sugars, Added Sugars indented), 6. Protein, 7. Vitamin D, 8. Calcium, 9. Iron, 10. Potassium. Additional nutrients may be listed voluntarily below potassium.
How do I determine serving size?
Serving sizes must be based on Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACCs)—standardized amounts the FDA defines for each food category based on how much people typically eat. For example: Bread: 50g (about 1 slice), Cookies: 30g, Ice cream: 2/3 cup, Soda: 12 fl oz. Your serving size should reasonably reflect these references. The FDA provides a complete RACC table in 21 CFR 101.12.
How accurate must nutrition label values be?
FDA allows for reasonable variation from labeled values, but products must contain: No more than 120% of declared calories, fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugars. At least 80% of declared fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. For 'less than' claims (e.g., less than 0.5g), actual amounts must be below the threshold.
Compliance and Legal Questions
Can I use calculated values or do I need lab testing?
FDA accepts both methods. Database/calculated values are acceptable for most products. Use reliable nutrient databases (USDA FoodData Central) and calculate values based on your recipe. This approach works well for products with common ingredients, small businesses, and products not making specific nutrient claims. Laboratory analysis provides higher accuracy and may be preferable for products making nutrient content claims ('low sodium,' 'high fiber'), products entering major retail chains (often required by buyers), products with unusual ingredients not in databases, and situations where accuracy is legally critical.
Does using this tool guarantee my label is FDA compliant?
Our generator produces labels in FDA-specified formats with correct structure, nutrient order, and typography. However, compliance depends on the accuracy of values you enter and your product's specific regulatory requirements. For legal compliance questions about your specific product, consult a food regulatory specialist, registered dietitian, or attorney familiar with food law.
What about allergen labeling?
Allergen labeling is separate from the Nutrition Facts panel but equally important. The FDA requires declaration of 9 major allergens: 1. Milk, 2. Eggs, 3. Fish (species must be named), 4. Crustacean shellfish (species must be named), 5. Tree nuts (type must be named), 6. Peanuts, 7. Wheat, 8. Soybeans, 9. Sesame (added in 2023). Allergens must appear in the ingredient list (in parentheses or as a 'Contains' statement) in plain English.
Are cottage food products exempt from nutrition labeling?
It depends on your state. Cottage food laws vary significantly. Many states exempt foods sold directly to consumers at farmers markets or roadside stands. Most cottage food exemptions prohibit online sales or interstate commerce. Once you sell across state lines, federal FDA rules apply. Many retailers require nutrition labels regardless of exemptions. Check your state's cottage food regulations for specific requirements.
What about supplement facts labels?
Dietary supplements use a Supplement Facts panel instead of Nutrition Facts. Key differences include: Different required nutrients and format, can list source ingredients ('calcium from oyster shell'), different rules for proprietary blends, and separate FDA regulations (DSHEA). Our current generator focuses on Nutrition Facts labels. Supplement Facts functionality may be added in future updates.
International Labeling
Can I use these labels in Canada?
No. Canadian labels require: Bilingual format (English and French), different nutrient requirements, different Daily Values, and different formatting specifications. Labels generated by our tool meet US FDA requirements only. Canadian products require labels meeting Health Canada and CFIA specifications.
What about EU labels?
EU nutrition labels differ significantly from US labels: Based on per 100g/100ml (not per serving), 'Energy' shown in both kJ and kcal, 'Salt' instead of 'Sodium', 14 allergens (vs. 9 in US), and different format and typography requirements. For international sales, you'll need separate labels meeting each region's requirements.
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