Industry: Food & Beverage
Labels that hold through the cold chain
A food label fails at the edges: it wicks in a damp case, lifts in the freezer, or hazes in an ice bath. We build food and beverage labels on FDA-compliant materials matched to where the product actually lives, from ambient shelf to deep freeze. Made in Hillsborough, NJ since 1986.
Food & beverage label manufacturing
The label is the last thing your product wears, in the hardest place it lives
New Jersey food manufacturers, co-packers, and craft producers rely on us to print labels that survive production, distribution, the retail case, and the consumer's hands. The material is not a detail here; it is the difference between a clean shelf and a recall. Below, match your product's environment to the right construction, then see what goes on a compliant food label.
Where does your product live?
Pick the environment. We will spec the label.
The face stock and adhesive are chosen for the coldest, wettest, or hottest place your product sees, not the warehouse it ships from. Choose the condition and see the build we would quote.
Recommended build
Shelf-stable
Ambient shelf, dry storage, retail handling.
The straightforward case. Any of our FDA-compliant face stocks work here, so the choice is mostly look and budget. Paper reads natural and matte; BOPP is tougher and takes a clear no-label look. Up to 7 PMS-matched colors either way.
Recommended build
Refrigerated
Deli case, dairy, chilled beverages, condensation.
Paper wicks moisture and lifts at the edges in a cold, damp case. Waterproof BOPP with a cold-temperature adhesive stays flat and clean through condensation and the temperature swing every time the door opens.
Recommended build
Frozen
Freezer aisle, cold storage, IQF lines.
Freezer failure usually comes from the adhesive, not the face stock. A freezer-grade adhesive keeps its bond at sub-zero temperatures, where a standard permanent acrylic goes brittle and releases at the corners.
Recommended build
Ice bath & wet
Bottles and cans in ice, wash-down, high humidity.
Ice-bath exposure attacks two things: the bond at the label edge and the ink surface. Waterproof film plus a moisture-resistant adhesive keeps the label down, and a laminate or varnish keeps the print from scuffing or hazing in the water.
Recommended build
Hot-fill
Hot-filled sauces and juices, pasteurized products.
When product is filled hot, the container heats up under the label. The wrong film can blister or shift, and the adhesive can creep. We match a heat-stable film and adhesive to your fill temperature so the label sets clean and stays put.
Not sure which one your product hits hardest? Tell us the process and where it is stored and we will spec the construction and quote it.
Anatomy of a food & beverage label
What has to be on the label, and where we hold the line
Tap each marker. This is what FDA food labeling (21 CFR Part 101) expects on the panel, and where print quality decides whether it is legible and to spec. We print every element crisp and to size.
Statement of identity
The common name of the food, in bold on the front panel. FDA rules (21 CFR Part 101) set its placement, prominence, and type size. We print it exactly as your approved artwork specifies, sharp and to size.
Every required element printed crisp and legible at the size it calls for. See the full FDA food label checklist →
Trusted by New Jersey food-industry leaders
"CLS takes extra care in building customer relationships. Their staff is highly knowledgeable, personable, and hardworking. I'm pleased to be working with CLS."
Arash ThompsonAssociate Packaging Coordinator · American Sugar Refining
"Certified Labeling is a great company and ships our orders on a timely basis. Customer service does a superior job in getting the artwork to us for approval. Many thanks!"
Sharon JonesPackaging Coordinator · Domino Foods
Food & beverage label FAQ
What label materials are food-safe and FDA compliant?
We use FDA-compliant inks, adhesives, and face stocks for all food-contact applications. Common face stocks include white BOPP, clear BOPP, and white or clear polyester, paired with food-safe pressure-sensitive adhesives. All materials meet 21 CFR requirements for indirect food contact.
Can you print nutrition facts panels and ingredient lists on food labels?
Yes. We routinely print Nutrition Facts panels, ingredient statements, allergen declarations, and other required label elements, holding fine rules and small type sharp at the sizes FDA formatting calls for. We produce the label to your approved artwork; the content and its compliance remain yours to specify.
Do you produce waterproof food and beverage labels?
Yes. We offer waterproof BOPP and polyester face stocks with permanent pressure-sensitive adhesives that withstand condensation, refrigeration, freezing, and ice-bath conditions common in food and beverage distribution. Paper labels wick moisture and lift; waterproof film stays flat and legible through the cold chain.
What is the best label material for a beverage bottle that gets wet or refrigerated?
BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) with a cold-temperature acrylic adhesive is the standard for beverage labels exposed to condensation, refrigeration, and ice. Paper absorbs moisture and releases; BOPP is waterproof and holds its bond cold. For a no-label look on clear glass or plastic, clear BOPP with a white ink underbase is the right build. For deep-freeze products, a freezer-grade adhesive holds down to about -40 degrees F.
Do you make labels for craft breweries, wineries, and food startups in New Jersey?
Yes. We produce custom labels for craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, food manufacturers, and co-packers across New Jersey and the Tri-State area, and we ship nationwide. Clients range from startups placing a first order to established manufacturers like Domino Foods and American Sugar Refining. Call (908) 495-6235 or send your specs for a quote within one business day.
Need food or beverage labels from a NJ manufacturer?
Send us your specs or artwork and tell us where the product is stored. We reply within one business day with pricing, a material recommendation, and lead times.