Mastering Frozen Food Label Essentials: Materials, Printing, and Requirements

Frozen food refers to products that are frozen to keep their nutrients, taste, and freshness intact until you're ready to use them. Adhering frozen food labels to them is a must for product identification, tracking, and legal requirements. This guide will provide food manufacturers with a detailed and practical introduction to the contents of frozen food labels, their common materials, and how to print them.

Contents of Frozen Food Labels

Frozen food labels are generally used on retail packaging, providing consumers with product details. Types of common frozen foods include frozen meat and seafood, pre-cooked meals, such as frozen dumplings and frozen pizza food.

According to regulations by the FDA and USDA, frozen food labels should include the following information:

● Product name

● Net weight information

● Ingredients list, nutritional information

● Production date and expiration date

● Handling statement (storage conditions, cooking instructions, thawing instructions, etc.)

● Food barcode or traceable QR code

●Company name and address

Material of Frozen Food Labels

Since safe storage of frozen food requires temperatures at or below 0°F (-18°C) to maintain quality and shelf life, labels for freezing food on the packaging must also exhibit excellent resistance to cold and moisture. They should remain adherent and maintain legibility in low-temperature environments.

Common Materials for Frozen Food Labels:

● Polypropylene (PP): A popular choice due to its exceptional resistance to water, oil, and chemicals. PP labels stay strong and tear-resistant even in cold, wet environments.

● Polyethylene (PE): Similar to PP, PE offers good moisture resistance and flexibility. This makes PE labels ideal for packaging that may experience squeezing or pressing during handling.

● Polyester (PET): Known for its overall strength, thermal stability, and water resistance, PET labels are well-suited for the demands of freezer environments.

● Vinyl: Durable and water-resistant, vinyl labels are another strong option for products enduring extreme cold.

Additionally, all four materials (PP, PE, PET, and Vinyl) are considered safe for frozen food labels when used as intended. They comply with food safety regulations and won't contaminate food when properly applied.

How to Print Frozen Food Labels

Frozen food labels should be designed to be clear, concise, and easy to read. The choice of label printer for frozen food depends on your specific needs:

1. Inkjet Printers: Vibrant Colors for Freezer Labels

Inkjet printers are the go-to choice for food manufacturers who need colorful freezer labels for food. These printers can generate labels with eye-catching colors, graphics, and images, helping consumers quickly identify products. 

2. Thermal Transfer Printers: Precision and Durability for Monochrome Labels

Small and medium food producers, especially those printing simple black and white product details and barcodes, will find thermal transfer printers a cost-effective and efficient choice. These label printers use heat to melt ink onto labels, creating durable, waterproof, and freeze-proof labels perfect for freezing conditions.

HPRT, a trusted thermal printer brand from China, provides high-quality thermal transfer printers globally. Our range includes both desktop and industrial label printers, printing at sharp resolutions up to 600 dpi.

Printed labels by HPRT label printer for frozen food withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and oil, remaining clear and legible in any freezing storage environment, from cold storage rooms to freezer display cases.

For mass printing, HPRT recommends two approaches for food manufacturers:

● Print directly on blank labels with relevant product information, including product name, expiration dates, ingredients list, storage conditions, and tracking barcode.

● Print on pre-printed color label rolls with your brand logo or customized background, enhancing visual appeal and boosting brand recognition.

Choosing the right label material and label printer for frozen food would help food manufacturers better meet regulatory requirements, improve brand image, and provide consumers with a safer and more convenient shopping experience. If you're looking for the best way to label your frozen products, contact us now to learn more about our frozen food labeling solutions!