FDA 2020 Compliant

Linear Nutrition Label Generator (For Small Packages)

Single-line FDA-approved format for packages under 12 square inches. The most compact nutrition label option for stick packs, small candy, and condiment packets.

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Quick Answer

A linear nutrition facts label condenses all required FDA nutrition information into a single continuous line of text. It's the most compact FDA-approved format and is permitted under 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A) for packages with total label area less than 12 square inches. Common products include stick gum, individual candy bars, condiment packets, single-serve coffee creamers, and mini snack bags. Our free generator produces compliant linear labels with proper nutrient ordering and Daily Value notation in under 3 minutes.

When to Use Linear Format

Your package has less than 12 square inches of total surface area (FDA threshold for linear permissibility).

You sell single-stick gum, individual hard candies, or wrapped chocolates where space is severely constrained.

You package condiment packets, salt/pepper sachets, or single-use coffee creamers.

Even tabular format doesn't fit your package because of width or curvature constraints.

You need to add an address line for "small business exemption" claims while still providing some nutrition info.

Common Products Using Linear Labels

•Stick gum (single piece wrappers)
•Individual hard candy (Jolly Rancher style)
•Mini chocolate bar wrappers (fun-size)
•Coffee creamer and sugar packets (single-serve)
•Salt, pepper, and ketchup packets
•Single-serve butter and margarine pats
•Sample-size sachets and product trial packs
•Pharmacy single-dose powders and sticks

FDA Regulatory Requirements

Under 21 CFR 101.9(j)(13)(ii)(A), packages with less than 12 square inches of total surface area may use linear nutrition facts format. The single line must list nutrients in FDA-prescribed order (calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars, protein, vitamin D, calcium, iron, potassium) with % Daily Values where applicable. The "Nutrition Facts" header and serving size must precede the linear nutrient string. For packages 12-40 sq inches, tabular format is preferred over linear.

How Linear Differs From Standard Vertical

1All nutrient information collapses to a single line — no rows, no columns.
2Nutrients are separated by bullet characters (•) or spaces with each name and value adjacent.
3The standard "% Daily Value" footnote is dropped or moved to a tiny secondary line.
4Minimum font requirement remains 6 points, but readability is the primary constraint.
5Cannot accommodate dual-column requirements — products requiring dual-column must use tabular or vertical instead.
6Bilingual labels are technically permitted but typically impractical due to space; most bilingual products step up to tabular.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the linear format required?

Linear is never strictly required — it's an optional compact format permitted for very small packages. Packages under 12 sq inches MAY use linear; many use tabular instead if width permits. Packages under 1 sq inch may be eligible for FDA small package exemption from nutrition labeling entirely, requiring only manufacturer address.

Do I still need to include % Daily Values in linear format?

Yes. The FDA requires % Daily Values to be included in linear labels for all nutrients where DV applies. The notation is more compact (e.g., "5g (8%)" instead of separate columns) but cannot be omitted.

Can linear labels include vitamin and mineral information?

Yes — linear labels must include all FDA-required mandatory nutrients including Vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium (the four mandatory micronutrients under the 2020 rules). Voluntary additional nutrients can be added if space permits but are not required.

What's the difference between linear and tabular labels?

Tabular keeps a multi-row table structure rotated horizontally — appropriate for packages 12-40 sq inches. Linear collapses everything into a single line — appropriate for packages under 12 sq inches. The FDA prefers tabular when space permits, and linear when even tabular won't fit.

Are linear labels really legible at minimum font sizes?

At 6-point minimum, linear labels are difficult to read at arm's length. The FDA accepts this trade-off for very small packages where no larger format is feasible. Some manufacturers use 7- or 8-point even when 6 is permitted, accepting a slightly larger label area in exchange for usability.

Can I use linear format for cottage food products at farmers markets?

If your state requires nutrition labels on cottage food products AND your packages are small enough to qualify, yes — linear is permitted. However, most cottage food law exemptions allow simpler ingredient-only labels for products sold direct-to-consumer at farmers markets, with full FDA labels only required for retail distribution.

How do I know if my package qualifies for linear format?

Measure the total exterior surface area of your package (including all panels). If the total is less than 12 square inches, linear format is permitted. For a typical rectangular box, measure: (length × width × 2 panels) + (length × height × 2 panels) + (width × height × 2 panels). For irregular shapes, estimate conservatively.

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