Bakery Labels

Bakery labels are adhesive tags or stickers that are used on bakery products for various purposes. They serve as an essential tool for conveying information about the product to the customer. This information can include the name of the product, ingredients, nutritional information, allergen warnings, price, and the bakery’s branding.

Bakery labels can be found on a variety of bakery items such as bread, cakes, pastries, pies, cookies, and more. They are typically designed to be eye-catching and informative, helping to attract customers while also meeting food labelling regulations.

Bakery labels are typically printed on materials that are durable, resistant to various conditions (like moisture and temperature changes), and safe for food packaging. The most common materials include:

Paper Labels: These are the most common and cost-effective option. They can be coated for extra durability and resistance to moisture. However, they may not be as durable as some other options.

Polypropylene (PP) Labels: These are plastic-based labels that are resistant to water, oil, and chemical damage. They are more durable than paper labels and are often used for products that require refrigeration.

Polyethylene (PE) Labels: These are flexible and resistant to water and chemicals. They are often used for squeezable or contoured containers.

Polyester (PET) Labels: These are highly durable and resistant to water, oil, and chemicals. They are often used for products that will be exposed to harsh conditions.

As for adhesives, they are typically designed to be food-safe and comply with regulations for indirect food contact. There are various types of adhesives used, including permanent, removable, freezer-grade, and heat-resistant adhesives, and can also be designed to be permanent, peelable and repositionable depending upon the specific requirements of the product.

Bakery labels serve multiple purposes in the bakery industry, ranging from providing essential product information to enhancing the visual appeal of the product. Here’s a detailed look at their uses:

Product Identification: Bakery labels are used to identify the type of product within the packaging. Whether it’s bread, cakes, cookies, pastries, muffins, cupcakes, pies, donuts, sandwiches, rolls, scones, croissants, baguettes, buns, biscuits, or brownies, a well-designed label helps customers quickly identify the product they are looking for.

Providing Information: Labels are used to provide essential information about the product. This can include the list of ingredients, nutritional information, allergen warnings, and any other information that might be relevant to the consumer. This is particularly important for customers with dietary restrictions or allergies.

Branding: Bakery labels are a key element of a bakery’s branding strategy. They often feature the bakery’s logo, name, and other branding elements, helping to create a consistent image that customers can recognize and associate with quality.

Decorative Purpose: Decorative stickers or labels are used to enhance the visual appeal of the product and its packaging. These can include beautifully designed labels or stickers that add a touch of elegance or fun to the product, making it more attractive to customers.

Pricing: Stickers are often used to display the price of the product. This is particularly common in bakeries where products might not be individually packaged, such as bread loaves, rolls, or pastries displayed in a case.

Sealing Packaging: Stickers are also used to seal packaging, ensuring the product stays fresh and protected. This can also provide a tamper-evident seal, giving customers confidence in the product’s safety.

Promotions and Special Occasions: Labels can also be used to highlight promotions, special offers, or seasonal products. For example, a bakery might use special labels for holiday-themed products or for items that are part of a limited-time promotion.

Food Information Regulations 2014 (FIR): This is the primary legislation that governs food labeling in the UK. It requires that food labels be clear and easy to read, understand, and visible. It also mandates that certain information must always be provided.

Name of the Food: The label must include the name of the food and, in some cases, the name must also include the physical condition of the food or the specific treatment it has undergone (e.g., powdered, refrozen, smoked).

List of Ingredients: All ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight at the time they were used to make the food. This includes additives and certain processing aids.

Allergens: The FIR requires that 14 allergens, including cereals containing gluten, be highlighted in the ingredients list.

Quantitative Ingredient Declaration (QUID): The quantity of certain ingredients or categories of ingredients must be indicated.

Net Quantity: The net quantity of the food must be declared.

Date Marking: The ‘use by’ or ‘best before’ date must be indicated.

Storage Conditions: Any special storage conditions or conditions of use must be indicated.

Name and Address: The name or business name and address of the food business operator under whose name the food is marketed must be indicated.

Country of Origin: If the country of origin or place of provenance of the food is not the UK, this must be indicated.

Instructions for Use: If it would be difficult to make appropriate use of the food without instructions, these must be provided.

Nutrition Declaration: This is mandatory for most pre-packed foods.

In terms of what you aren’t allowed to publish, it’s important to avoid misleading the consumer. This can relate to the characteristics of the food, effects or properties of the food, or by suggesting that the food possesses special characteristics when all similar foods possess such characteristics.

Whether you’re a small artisan bakery or a large commercial operation, we can cater to any quantity, ensuring that you always have the labels you need, when you need them. Our labels come in a variety of sizes and shapes, designed to perfectly fit your range of bakery products, from bread and pastries to cakes and cookies.

But we don’t stop at just providing labels. We understand that the right label can enhance your product’s appeal and reinforce your brand identity. That’s why we offer a bespoke design service, working with you to create labels that reflect your brand’s personality and resonate with your customers.

Our labels are not just functional, but also aesthetically pleasing. We offer a wide range of materials to choose from, ensuring that your labels look and feel premium, enhancing the overall customer experience.