What's in a Label: A Guide to Kombucha Labeling Requirements

They say what’s on the inside counts, but when it comes to your kombucha, the label can be almost as crucial as the brew itself. 

In the dynamic beverage market, kombucha has emerged as a popular, health-conscious choice among consumers. The fermented tea is known for its high level of probiotics, various health benefits, and, most importantly, its tangy, delightful taste. 

With the rising demand for this effervescent elixir, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of creating effective kombucha labels. Overpromising health benefits or misleading consumers can get you in hot water with regulators and make consumers skeptical.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through kombucha labeling requirements and share some ways you can incorporate branded elements into your labels to help your products stand out.

Why Are Kombucha Labels Important?

Like any food label, Kombucha labels have a broader scope than branding and marketing. They relay important product information to potential customers, like allergen and nutrition info. Providing straightforward and easy-to-understand information helps customers make informed decisions, building strong consumer-brand connections.

A well-designed kombucha label also helps you comply with regulatory authorities like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Compliance with the TTB is only required if your product contains 0.5% or more alcohol by volume. Keep in mind that if your kombucha initially contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume and reaches or exceeds this amount after bottling due to ongoing fermentation, TTB regulations still apply.

Kombucha Labeling Requirements Explained

To stay in the good graces of regulatory authorities and build transparent relationships with consumers, you must include the following information on your kombucha labels:

Brand Identity

We know it might seem obvious, but make sure your label clearly identifies your product as “kombucha” to avoid confusion with other beverages. If your kombucha contains malt, it should be categorized as a “malt beverage.” These will ensure you meet the FDA’s “statement of identity” requirements.

On the other hand, strong branding isn’t a legal requirement, but you want your label to represent who you are. After all, seeing your bottle on the shelf is one of the first interactions a customer has with your company. Incorporate your logo, color palette, and a catchy tagline that encapsulates your brand's personality. Don’t forget to include the name of your manufacturer as well.

Ingredients and Allergy Declarations

When it comes to listing ingredients, transparency is key. Clearly list your product’s ingredients, including any allergens that might be present. As a reminder, you don’t need to list your secret spices unless their base form could be considered a food item on its own (ground ginger, for example) 

Nutrition Label

Make sure your customers have a crystal-clear understanding of what they're enjoying. Your label should precisely showcase the calories, carbohydrates, sugars, and other crucial nutrients in your beverages to keep consumers well-informed about your product's nutritional value.

Net Weight

Don't let your customers feel like they're guessing when it comes to how much kombucha goodness they’re getting. Clearly state the net weight of your product on the front of the label. This information lets consumers compare different brands and sizes to make well-informed purchase decisions.

Health Claims

It’s tempting to scream about the health perks of your brew from the rooftop, but let's not go overboard. Make sure all health claims are backed by publicly available scientific evidence to keep legal hassles at bay and avoid misleading consumers. The FDA also provides guidelines on nutrient content claims (like “high in vitamin C”) in its food labeling guide, so make sure to do your research before making any health claims.

Don’t Forget the Branding!

Now that we’ve nailed down the kombucha labeling requirements from a compliance perspective, it’s time for the fun part — designing your label! Here are some important branding elements to consider:

Color Scheme

Choosing the right color palette is vital in leaving a lasting impression. Use colors that resonate with your brand's values and the emotions you want your customers to feel when they see your product. 

Fonts

Font selection can make or break your label's visual appeal. Select a label font that’s easy to read while aligning with your brand's personality. Whether it's sleek and modern or quirky and fun, make sure it reflects the essence of your product.

Graphics

Make your kombucha label a visual masterpiece by incorporating eye-catching graphics. Think about incorporating clean, minimalist shapes for a sleek and modern brand identity or embracing natural tones like green and brown to give an organic offering an earthy flair.

Make Your Product Stand Out

Innovation often lies in the details, so don't be afraid to experiment. Incorporate unique elements like metallic accents or use glossy labels to give your product that extra oomph and make it stand out on store shelves.

Brew Up Your Custom Kombucha Labels With Stomp

Kombucha labeling isn't just about meeting regulations — it's an art that involves infusing your brand's identity into every inch of the label. By complying with necessary kombucha labeling requirements and infusing your brand’s essence into the design, you can brew up informative, visually appealing labels that help you stand out from the competition. 

Your kombucha deserves the best. Create custom kombucha labels with Stomp today!

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