Guides
Food labeling, in plain English
Short, sourced guides to the rules behind your label, written for makers, checked against the regulations they cite.
Do I Need a Nutrition Label?The small-business exemptions that cover most makers, the nutrient-claims trap that voids them, and what your label still must include either way.FDA Nutrition Label RequirementsWhat 21 CFR 101.9 actually requires: mandatory nutrients in order, serving sizes & RACC, exact rounding rules, and the mistakes that get labels rejected.How to Make a Nutrition LabelThe whole process, step by step, from writing your recipe by weight to exporting a print-ready panel with free USDA data. No lab test needed.Serving Size & RACC LookupHow the FDA sets serving sizes, with a searchable reference-amount table for cookies, jam, salsa, granola, and more, plus dual-column rules.The Allergen Statement (Big 9)The two legal ways to declare allergens, correct “Contains” formatting with species named, sesame under the FASTER Act, and “may contain” advisories.The Net Weight StatementDual US/metric declaration, bottom-30% placement, weight vs fluid measure, and the type-size ladder, with correct examples for common products.Font & Type-Size RequirementsThe 8-point minimum inside the panel, prominent Calories, the 1/16-inch rule for the rest of the label, and small-package options.FDA vs USDA LabelsWhich agency governs your product, the meat-percentage thresholds, the famous pizza example, and what changes between the two label regimes.Cottage Food Label Rules by StateEvery state's required home-kitchen disclosure, sales caps, and permit rules, all 50 states + DC, each with a free prefilled label maker.How to Label Your ProductProduct-by-product guides with sample labels: banana bread, cookies, sourdough, jam, salsa, granola, brownies, and hot sauce.