A step-by-step guide on making coffee labels
Coffee labels play a vital role in attracting customers and delivering essential information about your coffee products. A well-designed label does more than look good—it reflects your brand, highlights the coffee’s unique qualities, and ensures customers know exactly what they’re buying. Whether you’re a small roaster or a large distributor, this guide will show you how to create standout coffee labels that feature all the important information while still appealing to your audience.
1. What information should be on coffee labels?
When designing coffee labels, it’s essential that you balance aesthetics with functionality. Here are the key details to include:
Coffee Name: Choose a name that’s catchy and reflects your coffee’s character, making it memorable for customers and aligned with your brand’s identity.
Origin: Specify where the coffee was grown, as origin often influences flavor, and can appeal to customers seeking specific regional profiles like Ethiopian or Colombian beans.
Roast Level: Clearly state if the coffee is light, medium, or dark roast, helping customers select a roast that matches their taste preferences or brewing habits.
Flavor Notes: Include descriptors like “nutty,” “chocolatey,” or “citrusy,” to entice customers and give them an idea of the coffee’s unique taste experience.
Brewing Recommendations: Offer tips for brewing methods like French press or pour-over, helping customers enjoy the coffee at its best and showcasing your expertise.
Net Weight: State the weight of the coffee in the package to ensure transparency and compliance with packaging regulations.
Certifications: Highlight certifications like organic, fair trade, or direct trade to showcase your commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.
Brand Details: Add your company name, logo, website, and contact information to build brand recognition and make it easy for customers to connect with you.
Compliance requirements
Ensure your coffee labels comply with all local and regional regulations to avoid potential fines, recalls, or consumer mistrust. This may include:
- Nutritional Information: Provide details like calorie count, fat content, and other required nutritional facts if applicable to your product.
- Allergen Warnings: Clearly state the presence of allergens such as milk, nuts, or soy to protect consumers with sensitivities.
- Accurate Weights and Measures: List the net weight of the coffee to ensure transparency and meet packaging requirements.
Additionally, consult your region’s specific food labeling guidelines, such as those from the FDA, USDA, or equivalent authorities, to ensure your labels meet all standards. Proper compliance not only protects your business but also builds trust with your customers.
2. Coffee label design tips
Your coffee label design should reflect your brand while standing out on the shelf. Here’s how:
Color Palette: Use colors that match your coffee’s mood and resonate with your target audience. Earth tones evoke warmth and a cozy feel, ideal for artisanal or homey brands, while vibrant colors suggest energy and excitement, perfect for modern or bold coffee lines.
Typography: Choose fonts that are easy to read and align with your brand’s personality, whether it’s classic and elegant or playful and modern. Stick to 2–3 complementary styles to maintain a clean and cohesive look, emphasizing key details like the coffee name or flavor notes.
Graphics and Images: Consider images of coffee beans, the origin region, or abstract designs that enhance the label’s visual appeal and tell your coffee’s story. Subtle graphics like hand-drawn patterns or minimalist icons can add sophistication without overwhelming the design.
Logo Placement: Your logo should be prominent enough to reinforce brand recognition but not so large that it detracts from other key elements. Position it thoughtfully, such as at the top or bottom, to balance the overall design.
Shape and Size: Select a label shape that fits your coffee bags or containers seamlessly, such as square, rectangular, or custom shapes. Ensure there’s enough space to include all essential details while keeping the design uncluttered and visually appealing.
3. Choosing the right label materials
The material you choose for your coffee labels significantly affects both their durability and visual appeal. Selecting the right label ensures your packaging looks professional while standing up to the demands of storage, handling, and customer use. Consider these popular options:
Glossy Materials: Perfect for creating vibrant designs that pop with bold colors and sharp graphics. Glossy finishes catch the light, giving your labels a polished and eye-catching look that stands out on store shelves.
Matte Materials: Ideal for brands aiming for a subtle and sophisticated appearance. Matte labels provide a smooth, glare-free finish that’s perfect for earthy, artisanal, or minimalist designs.
Waterproof Labels: Essential for coffee packaging that may encounter moisture, such as bags stored in kitchens or refrigerated environments. Waterproof labels maintain their integrity and stay readable even when exposed to spills or condensation.
Metallic Labels: Add a touch of luxury and refinement to your coffee packaging. Metallic labels can emphasize premium qualities, creating a high-end feel that captures attention and elevates your brand.
Holographic Labels: For a bold, modern look, consider holographic materials that reflect light and shift colors dynamically. These labels are perfect for standing out in competitive markets and appealing to adventurous or trend-focused customers.
By choosing the right material, you not only protect your labels but also enhance your brand’s story and ensure your coffee packaging makes a lasting impression.
4. How to print coffee labels
Printing your coffee labels can be approached professionally or as a DIY project, depending on your needs, budget, and scale of production. Each option has its own unique advantages to consider.
Professional Printing: For consistent, high-quality labels that truly stand out, professional printing is the way to go. Avery WePrint offers a wide variety of materials, finishes, and shapes to give your labels a polished and professional appearance. Whether you want durable waterproof labels, eye-catching metallic finishes, or holographic designs, the Avery custom printing service delivers options tailored to your brand’s needs. Plus, with custom printing, you can save time and focus on growing your business while knowing your labels will look impeccable.
DIY Printing: Printing your labels yourself is perfect for smaller batches, on-demand printing, or testing designs before committing to a larger order. Avery blank labels make it easy to create and print your own labels with a standard inkjet or laser printer. You can order blank labels by the sheet or blank roll labels. With no minimium quantities.
With Avery Design and Print software, you can customize your labels effortlessly using pre-designed templates or by uploading your own artwork. This option gives you flexibility and control over your design while staying cost-effective.
Pro Tip: Not sure which option is best for your business? Read our guide on Professional Printing vs. DIY Printing to weigh the benefits and decide what works for you.
5. Tips for creating effective coffee labels
Creating coffee labels that captivate and inform requires a balance of creativity and strategy. Keep these tips in mind to craft labels that stand out and connect with your audience:
- Test designs on actual packaging: Always print and apply sample labels to your coffee bags or containers to assess how the design looks in real-world settings. This ensures that text remains readable, colors are vibrant, and the overall layout is visually appealing.
- Highlight unique selling points: Draw attention to what makes your coffee special—whether it’s single-origin beans, a rare roast profile, or unique flavor notes. These details help your product stand out in a competitive market.
- Choose high-quality materials: Use durable label materials that can handle the rigors of shipping, handling, and storage. Avery offers a variety of options, including waterproof and metallic labels, to enhance both durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Keep it balanced: Avoid overcrowding your label with too much information. Prioritize key details like roast level, origin, and certifications while ensuring the design remains clean and inviting.
- Adapt for your audience: Tailor your labels to the preferences of your target customers. For example, minimalist designs may appeal to premium coffee drinkers, while bold graphics might attract casual consumers.
By focusing on these details, you can create coffee labels that not only represent your brand but also draw customers to your product with every glance.
Need help making coffee labels?
At Avery, we’re here to help you design, order, and print coffee labels that showcase your brand. Whether you need blank labels to print at home or custom-printed labels delivered to your door, our customer care team is ready to assist. Call us at 800-462-8379 or visit Avery.com to get started today.
