FDA’s Nutrition Facts Fonts: What Printers Must Follow

When it comes to printing Nutrition Facts labels, the FDA has strict guidelines, especially regarding typography, font style, size, and overall readability. These rules aren’t just for compliance—they’re designed to ensure that consumers can easily read and understand the nutritional information on food products.

Whether you're a small business or a large manufacturer, adhering to these font standards is essential for staying clear with regulatory bodies and building customer trust. But with so many label printers, how do you ensure your labels meet the FDA's stringent font requirements?

In this blog, we'll explain exactly what the FDA requires regarding Nutrition Facts fonts and how you can easily implement these standards with the right printer. Let's dive in and make sure your labels are not only compliant but also clear and effective for your customers!

What Are FDA Nutrition Label Requirements?

The FDA requires Nutrition Facts labels to be clear, easy to read, and standardized across products. Here’s a breakdown of the font guidelines:

• Single Type Style: The FDA mandates a simple, easy-to-read type style for all Nutrition Facts labels.

• Helvetica Font: Helvetica is the industry standard for food labels due to its clarity and legibility.

• Font Size Variations: Different font sizes are used for various sections of the label:

  • "Nutrition Facts" Title: Must be in a larger, bold font for clear visibility.

  • "Calories" and "Serving Size": These key sections are displayed in larger, bolder fonts to draw attention.

  • Other Sections: The rest of the nutritional information follows with smaller font sizes, maintaining readability without overcrowding the label.

This structured approach ensures that your Nutrition Facts label is both compliant and consumer-friendly.

Font Specifications for Nutrition Facts Labels

The FDA's updated Nutrition Facts label regulations aren’t just about compliance—they're about making the Nutrition Facts panel clearer and more accessible to consumers. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes to font sizes and their impact on your labels:

1. Servings per Container

Gone are the days of squinting to see how many servings are in a container. The new regulations require the "Servings per Container" font to be bold and no smaller than 10 points. This simple change makes it easy for consumers to quickly identify their consumption, enabling better portion control and more informed decisions.

2. Nutrition Facts

The title “Nutrition Facts” is now in a bolder, larger font to ensure it stands out immediately on the label. This makes it easier for consumers to spot the section and jump straight to the essential nutritional details, enhancing the overall label’s readability and usability.

3. Serving Size + Serving Size Amount

Both the “Serving Size” and its corresponding “Amount per Serving” are now prominently displayed with bold text no smaller than 10 points. This shift ensures consumers can quickly assess the quantity they’re consuming, helping them make healthier dietary choices by understanding the actual serving size they’re dealing with.

4. Amount Per Serving

The “Amount per Serving” section is more critical than ever. With updated font guidelines, it’s clearer than before, ensuring consumers can easily read how much of each nutrient they’re getting per serving. This change boosts understanding of calories, sugars, and fiber, empowering people to make healthier choices confidently.

5. Calories

Calories are often the first thing consumers look for when making food choices, which is why the FDA has made them more prominent than ever. The new guidelines dictate a bold font of at least 16 points for standard packaging, making it impossible to miss. For smaller packaging, the font must still be no smaller than 10 points, ensuring clarity on any product size.

6. %DV Heading

The % Daily Value (%DV) heading now takes center stage, helping consumers understand how a particular nutrient fits into their daily diet. With a bold, clear font like Helvetica Black, the %DV is now easier to read, guiding consumers towards healthier food decisions by promoting nutrient awareness.

7. Nutrients and %DV Value

The %DV is a powerful tool for consumers, helping them understand how each nutrient contributes to their daily intake. Thanks to these new guidelines, nutrients and their %DV values are displayed in a simple way to read and comprehend, allowing individuals to evaluate their food choices based on their nutritional needs quickly.

8. Footnote

The footnote section has also seen updates. These provide essential context for %DV, ensuring consumers understand their daily nutritional requirements. The footnote is now prominently displayed using Helvetica Regular in bold to ensure critical information stands out and contributes to informed, health-conscious decisions.

Label Size and Format

Label size and format play a pivotal role in ensuring that consumers can easily access and understand the information on FDA nutrition labels. Here's what you need to learn about its size and format:

• Label Size: Determined by packaging size; larger packages need more prominent labels for visibility.

• Preferred Format: FDA recommends a linear or vertical format for clear, logical flow.

• Alternative Layouts: If compliant, tabular or horizontal formats are allowed for specific packaging.

• Consistency: Format should maintain readability and ensure easy access to key information.

3 Best VIPColor Printer to Choose for Nutrition Facts Font

Choosing the right printer is crucial for printing high-quality, compliant nutrition labels. When catering to various nutritional facts' font styles and sizes, a range of VIPColor label printers is available. Let's check out the three printers below:

1. VIPColor VP550

The VIPColor VP550 is an industrial inkjet label printer offering high-quality prints for FDA-compliant nutrition labels. It's designed for businesses requiring precision and reliability, especially in large label formats.

Key Features:

• High Print Resolution (1,600 x 1,600 dpi): Produces detailed, sharp images and text, ensuring clarity and compliance with FDA standards.

• Print Speed (Up to 8 inches per second): This is an efficient printing speed, allowing quick turnaround for medium-volume production runs.

• Enhanced Water-Resistant Dye Inks: Offers durability, ensuring your labels stand up to moisture, smudging, and environmental factors.

• Wide Media Compatibility (2" to 8.5" Width): Handles a variety of label sizes and materials, including glossy, matte, and synthetic labels.

Pros:

• High-resolution output ensures FDA-compliant label clarity.

• Durable, water-resistant prints are perfect for labels exposed to moisture.

• Large ink tanks reduce the frequency of ink replacements.

• Uses 5 large ink cartridges, and each cartridge is 200ml, has CMYKK, two black and one cyan, yellow and magenta

• Versatile media compatibility fits various business needs.

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost compared to basic printers.

• Larger footprint requires more space in production areas.

• Print speed may be slower for high-volume needs.

• Limited to a maximum print width of 8.5 inches.

2. VIPColor VP610

The VIPColor VP610 offers superior printing capabilities and faster speeds, making it ideal for businesses that require precision and efficiency for FDA-compliant nutrition label printing.

Key Features:

• High Print Resolution (1,600 x 1,600 dpi): Ensures crisp and clear text and images for precise, high-quality nutrition facts labels.

• Fast Print Speed (Up to 12 inches per second): High-speed printing allows large production runs without compromising quality.

• Standard Dye Inks: Delivers vibrant color prints, though not as water-resistant as enhanced inks.

• Media Compatibility (2" to 8.5" Width): Can handle a wide variety of label materials and sizes, giving you flexibility in your label production.

Pros:

• Fast print speeds increase productivity for medium-volume printing.

• Accurate text reproduction ensures FDA font compliance.

• Uses 5 large cartridges, and each is 250ml CMYKK.

• Compact design fits in a variety of workspaces.

Cons:

• Standard dye inks may not be water-resistant enough for all label applications.

• It may not be ideal for labels exposed to moisture.

• Slower speeds for extremely high-volume runs.

• Higher cost than some entry-level printers.

3. VIPColor VP660

The VIPColor VP660 is perfect for businesses seeking high-quality, FDA-compliant nutrition labels with quick print speeds. It combines excellent print precision with the ability to print water-resistant labels for various applications.

Key Features:

• High Print Resolution (1,600 x 1,600 dpi): Delivers crisp, detailed labels with accurate colors and fonts that meet FDA requirements.

• Fast Print Speed (Up to 12 inches per second): Speeds up production with efficient printing, making it ideal for high-volume printing.

• Enhanced Water-Resistant Dye Inks: Ensures durability, making it perfect for products exposed to moisture or rough handling.

• Media Compatibility (2" to 8.5" Width): Can print on various materials, providing flexibility for different label sizes and finishes.

Pros:

• High-resolution output ensures precise label printing.

• Fast printing speeds make it efficient for high-volume jobs.

• Water-resistant inks ensure durability even in challenging environments.

• Has 5 large ink cartridges, each is 250ml CMYKK.

Cons:

• Higher initial investment compared to more basic models.

• Requires more space due to its larger size.

• Not the best choice for ultra-high-volume printing needs.

• The maximum print width of 8.5 inches may not suit larger label requirements.

Print FDA-Ready Nutrition Labels with OmegaBrand

At OmegaBrand, we provide top-of-the-line VIPColor printers that make printing FDA-compliant nutrition labels a breeze. Whether you need high-speed precision or water-resistant durability, our printers always deliver crisp, clear labels.

We offer the perfect solution for any business size with models like the VP550, VP610, and VP660. Our printers are designed to meet FDA guidelines, ensuring your labels are always accurate and compliant.

Trust OmegaBrand to provide the best VIPColor printers for your nutrition label needs. We combine speed, quality, and reliability to help you effortlessly produce professional, FDA-ready labels. Contact us today to enquire/buy our printers.

Conclusion

Getting the FDA’s Nutrition Facts Fonts right isn’t just about ticking boxes—it's about making nutrition information clear on food items and empowering consumers to make better choices. When labels are easy to read and follow, they turn a simple food product into a transparent, informed decision for the buyer.

By following the FDA’s font guidelines and using the correct printer technology, manufacturers are not just complying—they’re taking a stand in promoting healthier eating habits and helping consumers make more informed food choices. 

This is your chance to impact what people put on their plates, one perfectly printed label at a time. Let’s make nutrition simple and accessible for all!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the smallest font size allowed on nutrition labels?

The FDA mandates that the smallest font size on nutrition labels be at least 6 points to ensure readability. This requirement applies to all mandatory information, including serving sizes and nutrient content, to help consumers make informed choices about their food.

Can the Nutrition Facts label be printed as a sticker?

Yes, the updated nutrition facts labels can be printed as stickers, provided they adhere to FDA guidelines. The sticker must maintain legibility and include all required information, such as serving size, %DV, and nutrient details, to ensure compliance with regulations.

How do you handle labeling for multi-ingredient and multi-pack products?

For multi-ingredient and multi-pack products, ensure each ingredient is listed accurately with corresponding amounts per serving. Clearly state the %DV for nutrients and include any necessary footnotes to clarify labeling requirements, adhering strictly to FDA guidelines. This enhances transparency and compliance.

Are there any exemptions for small businesses regarding Nutrition Facts labeling?

Yes, small businesses are eligible for some exemptions from nutrition facts labeling requirements under specific conditions. These include retailers with gross annual food sales amounting to $50,000 or less, or total annual sales under $500,000, given they make no nutrient content claims.