What You MUST Include on Food Labels in the UK

A Guide for Aspiring Spice Mix & Seasoning Makers

If you’re planning to launch your own spice mixes or seasoning blends in the UK, one of the first hurdles you’ll face is food labelling compliance.

Getting your labels right isn’t just good practice — it’s the law. The rules are designed to protect consumers and make sure everyone has the information they need to make safe, informed choices.

Below is a clear breakdown of the essential information you must include on food labels and packaging, especially for spices and seasonings.

1. Name of the Food

Your product must clearly display the name of the food (e.g. “Smoky BBQ Seasoning” or “Cumin & Coriander Blend”) on the label. The name must be accurate and not misleading about what’s inside. If a defined legal name exists for certain foods, you must use it; otherwise a customary or descriptive name should be used.

Official guidance:

Food labelling – what you must show (GOV.UK)

2. Full Ingredients List

If your product contains two or more ingredients, you must list them in descending order by weight (heaviest first). Spices mixed with salt, sugar, herbs, or additives all count here.

• This list goes under a clear heading like “Ingredients:”

• If you are selling a single-ingredient product (e.g., pure ground turmeric), an ingredients list isn’t required—but can still be helpful.

  
  

Official guidance:

Food labelling and packaging – Ingredients list (GOV.UK)

3. Allergen Information

Some spices and seasonings may include or come into contact with allergens (e.g., mustard, celery, sesame). UK law lists 14 allergens that must be declared if present. These include cereals containing gluten, milk, nuts, peanuts, soybeans, mustard, sesame seeds and sulphites above certain levels.

Allergens must be emphasised within your ingredients list — for example, by bolding or using a contrasting font or colour.

Official guidance:

Allergen labelling for food manufacturers (Food Standards Agency)

4. Net Quantity (Weight or Volume)

Your label must state the net quantity of the product (e.g., “Net weight: 100 g”). This is mandatory for most packaged foods, including spices and seasoning mixes.

Official guidance:

Food information: net quantity labelling (GOV.UK)

5. Date Marking (Shelf Life)

You must include either a “Best before” date (common for dried spices and mixes) or, where relevant, a “Use by” date if safety could be a concern.

This tells customers how long the product is expected to retain quality.

6. Business Name & Address

Mention your name, your website, your social media presence, how to get in touch etc.

But the packaging must also include the name and address of the food business responsible for the product (e.g., manufacturer, packer, or importer). This must be a physical postal address, not just a phone number or email.

7. Country of Origin or Place of Provenance (When Required)

Country of origin must be shown if omitting it could mislead consumers — for example, if packaging or product names imply a certain origin (like “Moroccan Spice Mix”).

Even though UK rules don’t always require origin labelling for all foods, it is good practice — especially if your branding hints at a specific origin.

8. Storage & Usage Instructions (Optional but Helpful)

If your spice mix performs best under certain conditions (e.g., “Store in a cool, dry place”), include clear storage guidance. You should also add usage or preparation instructions when necessary to help customers get the best out of your product.

9. Nutritional Information (When Applicable)

Nutrition labelling is usually required if:

• You make a nutrition or health claim (e.g., “High in antioxidants”),

• You add vitamins/minerals, or

• You sell pre-packed food where nutrition info is mandatory.

Otherwise, spices and seasonings are often exempt unless they contain notable additives.

Final Tips for food labelling UK

✔ Labels must be clear, legible, and in English.

✔ Make sure your packaging complies not only with food labelling law but with marketing claims too.

✔ If you sell online or via mail order, information must be available before purchase.

Important Disclaimer

This blog post is intended as general informational guidance only and not legal advice. Food labelling rules can be complex and change over time, and requirements may vary depending on product type and how you sell it.

Always consult the official UK government and Food Standards Agency resources, and consider seeking professional regulatory advice before selling food products to ensure full compliance with current law.

Official resources you can refer to:

• GOV.UK guidance on food labelling: https://www.gov.uk/food-labellingand-packaging

• Food Standards Agency business guidance: https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance