What's In a Label: A Guide to Tea Label Requirements

You want your tea to stand out on store shelves with a stunning label design that reflects your brand’s personality. At the same time, your tea labels need to include all the important details about your product. But who says you can’t have both?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll uncover tea label importance, explore labeling needs for various tea types, and share design tips and compliance essentials. Whether you're a seasoned tea maker or a fresh startup, get ready to brew a wealth of knowledge about tea label requirements. 

Why are Tea Labels Important?

While labels should be eye-catching, your tea label serves as a vital source of truth for consumers. By offering detailed info about the tea's origin, ingredients, and precise brewing instructions, tea labels help ensure regulatory compliance, transparency, and customer satisfaction.

While tea labels convey essential dietary and manufacturing information for transparency purposes, they also reflect your brand identity. It’s important that your labels reflect a balance of these priorities, providing vital information while still pitching your product.

Tea Label Requirements Explained

Tea labeling requirements are vital to steep in transparency and brew consumer safety. Here are the key elements every label must include:

Product Name and Brand Identity

Think of your product name and brand identity as your tea’s introduction to the world. Both elements should be distinct and engaging to mirror the essence of your unique brews!

List of Ingredients and Allergen Declarations

It’s important to provide a thorough breakdown of the ingredients in your tea blend and whether the product contains caffeine. Remember that when it comes to spices, any ingredient that could be considered a food item by itself (ginger) must be listed individually. Don’t forget to disclose any allergens as well. 

Net Weight and Quantity

Tea lovers want to know what they're getting. Include the product’s net weight and quantity to give shoppers the full picture.

Country of Origin and Manufacturer Details

Every tea has a story, and it starts with where it comes from. Build trust with customers by clearly displaying the origin and manufacturer details on every label. If your tea is certified fair trade, you should also include the fair trade logo. 

Disclaimers

The FDA requires that packaged teas include a statement that their products are dietary supplements and a disclaimer that they’re not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent diseases. Don’t forget to include this important detail!

What are the Labeling Requirements for Different Tea Types?

Different teas, different rules. Here's a glimpse into the unique requirements for labeling various tea types:

Herbal Teas and Botanical Ingredients

In addition to general labeling requirements, labels for herbal teas and teas with botanical ingredients need to include the botanical names of each plant included in the brew. You also need to tell customers which part of the plant your ingredients came from (root vs. leaves, for example) and disclose any known health risks associated with it.

Flavored Teas and Artificial vs. Natural Flavorings

Flavored teas are where creativity flourishes. Artificial and natural flavorings can give your brew that extra zing of spice or balance a sour note with sweetness. Just be upfront about what type of deliciousness you’re stirring in. Spell out the details and make sure your labeling practices are aligned with the FDA’s legally defined categories. If it's the added kind, go for "artificial flavor" or "artificially flavored." If it's all-natural, opt for "natural flavor" or "made with natural flavors."

Specialty Blends

If every tea blend is a work of art, then a specialty blend is a rare masterpiece. Use concise and specific language that distinguishes the tea’s specialty status, including its specific ingredients and unique flavors. 

Tea Label and Packaging Design Considerations

Crafting label designs is like brewing a perfect cup of tea — an art that requires precision and creativity. Here are some things to consider when designing a custom tea label:

Label Size

Like picking the right teacup, you need a label size that accommodates essential details without overwhelming the overall design of your packaging.

Legibility

While it’s fun to play with fancy fonts, your tea label should use one that's clear and readable. Avoid intricately designed or too-small fonts that might leave consumers squinting.

Placement

Keep important details like the product’s name and allergens front and center on your label so they’re visible at a glance.

Branding Elements

Infuse your labels with elements that showcase your brand's values and personality. Choose fonts and colors that resonate with your identity to craft a visually appealing and cohesive look.

3 Tips for Ensuring Tea Label Compliance

You can never be too careful when it comes to safety and compliance. Keep these tips in mind to create labels that are as compliant as your tea is delicious!

Stay Updated With Changing Regulations

Regulations tend to change like the seasons. Stay aware of FDA labeling standards and regulations to keep those labels in line with current rules.

Seek Professional Guidance and Consult Experts

Navigating regulations can be as tricky as steeping the perfect cup, so don’t “chai” to do it alone. Reach out to experts who understand the intricate nuances of tea label requirements.

Conduct Internal Audits and Quality Control Checks

Quality checks ensure your label is serving the right blend of information, and regular audits help maintain compliance and consistency. When you stay on top of these quality checks, your customers can enjoy their tea without worry.

Design Your Custom Tea Labels With Stomp

Armed with insights into tea labeling regulations, design, and differentiation, you're now equipped to navigate tea label requirements like a pro. Stomp’s design tool is here to help you create labels that marry compliance with eye-catching appeal, ensuring your tea stands out on store shelves.  

Ready to steep your creativity into tea labels? Elevate your tea's packaging today with Stomp's custom tea products.

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