Honey Label Requirements
What “Required” Really Means
If you're bottling golden goodness straight from the hive, your honey label has to do more than just look sweet. It needs to cover your legal bases, tell your story, and not get you into hot water with regulators or retailers. Whether you’re slinging jars at the farmers market, shipping across state lines, or just making sure Aunt Barb doesn’t report you to the local health department—this guide’s got you covered.
We’ve broken down exactly what the law says, what’s optional but helpful, and what changes based on how and where you sell. So grab a spoon, dip into the details, and get your honey labels squared away.
Minimum Legal Requirements (a.k.a. What You Need to Not Get Fined at the Farmers Market)
Labeling your honey for direct sales? You don’t need a law degree—just four things that absolutely must be on your label if you’re selling pure honey directly to customers (think: farmers markets, roadside stands, your cousin’s gift shop):
- Product Name: The word “Honey” has to be right on the front. Not just in a logo. Not hidden in swirly font. Just good old-fashioned “Honey.”
- Net Weight: You’ve got to list both U.S. and metric (like 8 oz / 227 g). It’s the actual weight of the honey, not the jar, and it needs to be on the front panel.
- Contact Info: Include your name and address. If someone else bottled it for you, say “Packed for” or “Distributed by.” Website and phone? Nice to have. Not required.
- Infant Warning: Say it with us: “Do not feed honey to infants under 12 months of age.” Not required everywhere, but recommended basically everywhere. Just do it.
And that’s the minimum legal label for direct-to-consumer honey. Simple, right?
Selling Online, in Retail Stores, or Across State Lines?
Now things get stickier. Once you sell beyond your local bubble—like online, across state lines, or to retailers—you’ll likely need a few more things on that label:
- Nutrition Facts Panel: If you make any kind of health claim (“Great source of energy!”), the FDA wants the full panel.
- Ingredient List: Only needed if it’s not 100% honey. Cinnamon honey? Ginger-infused? You’ve gotta list it all.
- Honey Grade & Color: Using a USDA grade like “Grade A Amber”? Then you’re required to meet their standards and name the color too.
- Country of Origin: Required if your honey is imported. Optional (but helpful) if you’re local.
- Barcode & Batch Info: Retailers need a barcode to scan, and batch info helps with traceability (in case things go sideways).
Quick Comparison: What’s Required Based on Where You Sell
If you’re a chart person (bless you), here’s a side-by-side of what’s required where:
| Labeling Element | Direct Local Sales | Online or Retail Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Net Weight | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Contact Info | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Infant Warning | ✅ Strongly Advised | ✅ Strongly Advised |
| Nutrition Facts | ❌ Not Needed | ✅ If you make claims |
| Ingredient List | ❌ Not Needed | ✅ If flavored |
| Honey Grade & Color | ❌ Optional | ✅ If claimed |
| Country of Origin | ❌ Optional | ✅ If imported |
| Barcode | ❌ Not Needed | ✅ For retail |
Don’t Skip Your State’s Rules
Federal labeling laws are one thing—but each state has its own rules about producing and selling food (even honey). Some have relaxed “cottage food” laws. Others want inspections, permits, or commercial kitchen setups. So before you start printing labels, check in with your state’s Department of Agriculture or health department.
Bottom line: If you're selling local and direct, keep it simple and legal. If you're going bigger—online or in stores—make sure your labels level up too. Sweet success tastes even better when it's 100% compliant.
Want the Honey Labeling Requirements in One Handy File?
If scrolling makes your eyes buzz, we’ve got you. Download our one-page honey labeling checklist and keep it nearby when you’re designing your jars, updating your labels, or just double-checking that “Clover” claim.
Stick it on your fridge. Toss it in your market bag. Give a copy to your label guy. It’s everything we’ve covered here, minus the bee puns.
