You may already be aware that designing a food label takes work; you do, after all, have to consider several critical factors such as your target audience or demographic (including the value they are looking for in a food product), your packaging, the shape and size of your label, and so on. But whilst the process can be tricky, it doesn’t mean that you can’t do it properly. A lot hinges on the right food label, so it pays to be exceedingly careful and have the know-how when it comes to different aspects, such as how to make the food look better (yes, there is such a thing!) and even what materials to use for your label. Here, then, are your top tips for designing a truly effective and attractive food label.
The basic rules
Labelling specialists will readily confirm that a good food label will consider the audience, the brand and company and what it represents, and other essential aspects that contribute to visual appeal, such as the fonts, the typography, the colours, the images, and what-not. You may have already thought of these things, too. But there are other things which you may not be aware of, and these can certainly affect your food label’s effectiveness as well.
- Show off your food
Here’s the thing: any proper food label will already have an image or picture of the actual food itself, usually in the serving size recommendation. But whilst this is important and it can do a lot for the image of your food product in the minds of your audience, one other sure and easy way to entice them with your product is to showcase and show off the actual food. You can do this in a number of ways, as contract labelling specialists like Atwell Labellers confirm. For one, you can use transparent or clear labels, so the food itself is visible through the actual label. Another option would be to use a small label, so you don’t block the beauty and attractiveness of the food inside. You can also make use of labels placed strategically on the packaging so you can ensure the optimum visibility of the product. You can, for instance, place the label to one side or put it so it can only cover a side of the packet, jar, can, or box. Remember this: when you showcase the food’s natural beauty, this is one of the best things you can do because it makes people feel hungry (and it’s why we get hungry watching cooking shows as well).
- Choose your materials wisely
Once you have your prospective label ideas in place, it’s time to choose your label materials. You have several key options in terms of materials, namely plastic, paper, and card. Plastic material is usually clear and transparent, allowing the food to shine through. If you have ever seen a jam jar (and who hasn’t?), then you know exactly what we mean. Paper, on the other hand, is not as transparent as plastic, but it is a good choice if you would like to create packaging which is recyclable, such as herb packets. Labels made of card material are often wrapped around the container of the food so it can display the brand and other important information, and you will normally see this on ready-made food products or ready-made meals. Card labels are great if you want a premium, high-quality feel to your product as well.