When you reach for a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage—be it a NA beer, cold-pressed juice, or seltzer water—the label can tell your potential customers a lot about what they’re about to enjoy. A lot of planning and thought goes into the label artwork, but it can be daunting to feel confident that you have all of the regulatory info included that you need. 

In the United States, labeling for non-alcoholic beverages is guided by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is designed to ensure that your consumers have access to accurate and meaningful information. 

Below, we’ll get into what the required info is for your labels — but always refer to the official FDA documents as this list isn’t exhaustive and updates are often made.

Who’s Involved?

The FDA is the primary regulatory body overseeing food and beverage labeling in the U.S. This includes non-alcoholic beverages, which must adhere to federal standards aimed at protecting consumer health and safety. In addition to the FDA, state and local regulations may also apply, so it’s important for producers to be aware of all relevant rules.

Key Label Requirements

1. Product Identity: The label must clearly state the product’s identity. This means using the common name of the beverage, such as “kombucha” or “cold-pressed juice.” If the product is a blend or has a unique flavor, that should also be indicated.
2. Net Contents: The quantity of the product must be displayed on the label. This is typically measured in fluid ounces or milliliters and should be clearly visible, usually near the bottom of the label. This information allows consumers to know how much they are purchasing.
3. Ingredients List: An accurate list of ingredients is crucial for consumer safety, particularly for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. Ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight, meaning the ingredient that weighs the most is listed first. 
4. Nutritional Information: Most non-alcoholic beverages are required to include a Nutrition Facts panel, which provides details about the beverage’s nutritional content. This includes information on calories, total fat, sodium, carbohydrates, sugars, and protein. The panel must follow specific formatting guidelines set by the FDA to ensure clarity.
5. Allergen Information: If a beverage contains any of the eight major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans), this must be clearly indicated on the label. This is typically done with a statement like “Contains: [allergen].”
6. Manufacturer Information: The label must include the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. This transparency allows consumers to contact the company for more information or if they have concerns about the product.

Extra Labeling Guidelines

Depending on the type of beverage, there may be additional labeling requirements:

• Juice and Juice Drinks: For beverages labeled as juice, there are specific standards regarding the percentage of juice that must be included. For instance, a product labeled as “100% juice” must contain only juice, while a beverage labeled as “juice drink” may contain additional water and sweeteners.
• Dietary and Health Claims: If a beverage makes any health claims (e.g., “low in sugar” or “rich in antioxidants”), those claims must comply with FDA guidelines. These claims should be truthful and not misleading, backed by scientific evidence when necessary.
• Flavoring Agents: If a beverage contains artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners, this must be disclosed on the label. For example, terms like “artificially flavored” or “with natural flavors” help consumers understand the product’s composition.

How Do You Know If Your Label Is Compliant?

Before a non-alcoholic beverage can be sold, it must undergo a review process to ensure compliance with all labeling regulations. While the FDA does not pre-approve labels, companies must ensure that their labels meet all requirements. This often involves checking with legal and regulatory experts to ensure accuracy.

Why Bother?

Adhering to labeling guidelines isn’t just about following the law; it’s also about fostering consumer trust. Accurate and clear labels empower your consumers to make informed choices about what they are drinking. Moreover, non-compliance can lead to serious repercussions, including fines, product recalls, and damage to brand reputation. The last thing you want is to print a run of stunning labels and not be able to use them because of a regulatory infraction!

While labeling regulations may seem like onerous red tape, these regulations not only promote transparency and safety but also enable your consumers to make informed choices about their beverages. Cheers to that!