How to Choose the Right Label Material for Food & Beverage Packaging
Your label is your brand’s first impression. The right material keeps it beautiful and intact through refrigeration, moisture, handling, and shipping—so your product shines on the shelf and survives real-world conditions.
In this guide
1) Understand the Product Environment
Different products live in different conditions. Specify where your package will be filled, stored, shipped, and used:
- Refrigerated & Frozen: Condensation and cold demand films (e.g., BOPP, PET) with freezer-grade adhesive.
- Wet or Oily: Sauces, dressings, and juice containers benefit from waterproof films and laminates.
- Dry Goods: Cereals, snacks, and baking mixes often succeed with coated paper labels.
- Beverages: Bottles and cans face moisture and handling—film labels perform best, especially for ice buckets.
Pro tip: Note the surface energy and texture (glass, HDPE, PET, PP, varnished carton). Curved or rough surfaces may need high-tack adhesives.
2) Paper vs. Film Materials
Paper Labels
- Cost-effective and highly printable for vibrant branding
- Best for dry, room-temperature items
- Add gloss or matte coating for durability and scuff resistance
Film Labels (BOPP, PET, Vinyl, PE)
- Moisture, oil, and tear resistant—ideal for refrigeration and ice baths
- Great for squeezable packaging (condiments, yogurt)
- Delivers a premium, modern look
3) Choosing the Right Adhesive
- Permanent: Standard for retail food & beverage.
- Removable: Promo labels or reusable containers.
- Freezer-Grade: Prevents edge-lift in cold, damp conditions.
- High-Tack: For curved, textured, or low-surface-energy plastics.
- Wash-Off: Supports recycling of glass and some PET containers.
4) Finishes & Protection
- Gloss: Punchy color and smudge resistance.
- Matte / Soft-Touch: Premium feel and low glare.
- UV Coating / Lamination: Guards against moisture, abrasion, and fading.
- Specialty: Foils, embossing, textures for luxury SKUs.
- Variable Data: Thermal transfer or direct thermal areas for dates and barcodes.
5) Food Safety & Compliance
LabelGraf specifies materials, inks, and adhesives that can meet FDA requirements for direct and indirect food contact. We also ensure space and printability for nutrition facts, barcodes, dates, and allergen statements.
6) Sustainability Options
- Recyclable paper stocks and thinner films to reduce material usage
- Wash-off adhesives to enable container recycling
- Biodegradable and compostable constructions for natural/organic brands
7) Match to Brand Identity
- Premium wines, craft beverages, specialty foods: Matte films with foil/emboss.
- Rustic or organic: Kraft paper or textured papers.
- Modern minimal: White film with soft-matte finishes.
8) Quick Decision Matrix
| Scenario | Material | Adhesive | Finish/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold & condensation (beer, refrigerated) | Film (BOPP or PET) | Freezer-grade | Gloss or matte; add lamination for abrasion |
| Wet/oily (sauces, dressings) | Film (BOPP, Vinyl) | Permanent / High-tack as needed | Waterproof laminate; consider squeezability |
| Dry goods (snacks, cereal) | Coated paper | Permanent | Gloss/matte coating to resist scuffs |
| Eco-forward / recyclable | Recyclable paper or thin film | Wash-off (glass/PET) | Design for disassembly & recycling |
Get Recommendations & Free Samples
Not sure which construction fits your product and budget? Our experts will spec the right face stock, adhesive, and finish for your exact environment—and send samples.
FAQ
Do I need film labels for all beverages?
For most refrigerated or iced beverages, yes—film resists condensation and abrasion better than paper.
Can I get an eco-friendly label that still looks premium?
Absolutely. We can combine recyclable papers or thin films with matte finishes and tasteful foils for a high-end look.
Will labels stick to textured or curved containers?
Yes—with the right high-tack adhesive and flexible film or paper, you’ll get strong adhesion and clean edges.