Food packaging labels are more than just identifiers—they’re a legal requirement, a marketing tool, and a trust-builder for consumers.
Whether you’re a home baker, meal prep service, or artisanal food producer, professional labels ensure compliance, showcase ingredients, and elevate your brand’s credibility.
With Google Docs, you can design and print FDA-compliant, eye-catching food labels for free, tailored to 22846-compatible sheets (2″ x 2″, 12 labels/sheet).
In this article, we’ll walk you through a versatile template to create labels that meet regulatory standards, attract customers, and keep your products shelf-ready.
Pro Tip: Always print a test page on regular paper to verify alignment before using label sheets!
22846-Compatible Food Packaging Label Template
Compact & Compliant for Edible Goods
The 22846-compatible template offers a 2″ x 2″ square label, ideal for small to medium-sized food packaging, including:
- Jams and preserves: Highlight ingredients, net weight, and farm-to-table branding.
- Baked goods: Label cookies, bread, or pastries with allergen info and bake dates.
- Snacks and granola: Display nutritional facts, certifications (e.g., organic, gluten-free), and QR codes for recipes.
- Meal kits: Tag pre-portioned ingredients with cooking instructions.
With 12 labels per sheet, this template balances regulatory requirements and creative branding. Its square design accommodates:
- Mandatory details: Ingredients, net weight, nutritional facts, and allergen warnings.
- Brand storytelling: Logos, farm origins, or sustainability claims.
- Visual appeal: High-resolution images of your product or ingredients.
Customization Tips:
- Font Legibility: Use clear sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Helvetica) for critical info like allergens.
- Color Coding: Assign colors to dietary tags (e.g., green for vegan, blue for gluten-free).
- Icons: Add symbols for certifications (e.g., USDA Organic, Non-GMO) via Insert > Image.
Why This Template Works:
- Regulatory-ready: Structured layout for mandatory FDA/EU food labeling requirements.
- Brand consistency: Match labels to your packaging design or website aesthetics.
- Cost-effective: Print 12 labels per sheet for small batches or seasonal products.
How to Design & Print Food Labels in Google Docs
- Open the Blank Template: Start with a Google Docs sheet formatted for 22846-compatible labels.
- Add Content:
- Mandatory Info: List ingredients, net weight, and allergens in 8-10pt fonts.
- Branding: Insert logos, farm imagery, or QR codes linking to your website.
- Nutritional Facts: Use bullet points or mini tables for clarity.
- Stylize Your Design:
- Use Format > Text to align text left or center.
- Add borders or shading to separate sections (e.g., ingredients vs. branding).
- Test Print:
- Print a draft on plain paper. Check font sizes and image resolution.
- Print Labels:
- Load 22846-compatible label sheets into your printer.
- Under File > Print, set scaling to 100% and margins to None.
Pro Tip: Save multiple versions of your template for seasonal products (e.g., holiday cookies, summer jams) to streamline future batches.
Best Practices for Food Packaging Labels
- Compliance First: Always include:
- Product name
- Net weight/volume
- Ingredient list (descending order by weight)
- Allergen warnings (e.g., “Contains: Milk, Almonds”)
- Manufacturer address and expiry/best-by dates.
- Durability: Use waterproof or grease-resistant label sheets for oily or refrigerated products.
- Clarity Over Creativity: Prioritize readability for legal details—avoid overly decorative fonts.
- Localize: Translate labels for international markets or add regional certifications.
Final Thoughts
This free Google Docs template empowers food businesses to create professional, compliant labels that build consumer trust and stand out on shelves.
The 22846-compatible design adapts to jars, bags, or boxes, ensuring your products meet legal standards while telling your brand’s story.
Whether you’re a home-based baker or a growing food startup, these labels simplify your workflow and enhance your product’s appeal—no expensive design tools required.
Note: This product is not affiliated with or endorsed by Avery®. ‘Avery’ is a registered trademark of Avery Products Corporation. Referenced label sizes are for compatibility purposes only.