Let’s face it: hard seltzer is here to stay. And why not? These boozy beverages are refreshing, versatile, and low-calorie, making them a staple in most coolers and fridges nationwide this summer. Plus, they’re a blessing to those who are gluten-free. Whether you currently own a brewery or are just starting in the beverage industry, including a line of hard seltzers in your business wouldn’t be a bad move. In this post, we’ll go over everything you’ll need to know about hard seltzer labels, as well as design tips and more.
The Growing Popularity of Hard Seltzer
Hard seltzer’s popularity has soared, especially during the summer months. In 2024, the hard seltzer market is expected to grow even more, with sales reaching reach $12.5 billion. The demand peaks in the summer as consumers seek light and refreshing alcoholic beverages to enjoy at barbecues, beach outings, and casual get-togethers. Hard seltzers are becoming so popular that even mainstream beer brands have added them to their offerings.
Requirements for Hard Seltzer Labels
Hard seltzer is made in one of two ways: from a brewed malt base or a brewed sugar base. Depending on the production method, the requirements for hard seltzer labels differ. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulates both products, so consulting them first is key.
The TTB has a complete and detailed guide on labeling malt-based seltzers, but we’ve broken it down to the basics below. Malt-based seltzers also require a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA). Sugar-based hard seltzers are not considered malt beverages, but their guidelines must still follow TTB regulations as well as FDA regulations. Additionally, they can be labeled as gluten-free.
Front Panel
1. Brand or Business Name
The brand name should be displayed on the front panel of the label prominently and more conspicuously than any other description information on the label. The color of your text should also contrast with the background so that it stands out. The minimum font size we recommend is 5 pt, but the larger, the better it is for the business or brand name. You want people to instantly recognize your products when shopping.
2. Fanciful Name
Though not actually a requirement, most hard seltzers are differentiated by their flavors. Therefore, adding a fanciful name on your hard seltzer labels indicating flavor is helpful for potential customers looking for new and interesting flavors.
3. Class or Type Designation
The class or type your malt beverage falls under, which would be ‘hard seltzer’ in this case, should also be displayed on the front of the container using at least 5 pt font.
4. Net Contents
The amount of hard seltzer included in the can must be displayed on the label. If the contents are less than or more than an exact pint, simply denote the net contents in fluid ounces or fractions of a pint. If the contents are exactly a pint, your net contents can be stated as such.
5. Alcohol Content
Federal label requirements deem the inclusion of alcohol content on the label as optional, though certain states may either require or prohibit it. If you choose to or are required to include the alcohol content on your hard seltzer label, the amount must be expressed in percent by volume. This is shown as ABV, or alcohol by volume, on your label.
Side Panels
6. Government Warning
This inclusion is very straightforward. Required for all alcoholic beverages, the words “GOVERNMENT WARNING” should be displayed in capital letters and bold type. The rest of the statement must follow in a continuous paragraph but does not need to be in bold type.
GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.
7. Nutrition Facts Panel and Ingredients List
A nutrition facts panel only applies to sugar-based hard seltzer labels since they fall under the jurisdiction of the FDA. If your hard seltzer is made from sugar, you’ll need to include nutrition facts and an ingredient list.
You can also include the nutrition and ingredients information on malt-based hard seltzers, though it is not mandatory. The nutrition facts and ingredients list should appear on a side panel to the right of the front panel.
8. Manufacturer Name and Address
Include the business name and address of the company that brewed and bottled your hard seltzer. For craft breweries, this usually means including the same business name you are using to market your hard seltzers.
If your hard seltzer is manufactured by a copacker, you’ll need to include their business name and address. This information should be displayed on the same panel as the nutrition facts panel, underneath the ingredients list.
Design Tips for Hard Seltzer Labels
TTB and FDA-compliant hard seltzer labels don’t have to be bland. You can still create fun, eye-catching label designs while meeting legal requirements.
1. Bold Colors
If you visit your local craft brewery or wander the beer aisle of the nearest grocery store, you’ll see a wide array of brightly colored cans. Consuming hard seltzer is an enjoyable experience, so your labels should communicate the same energy. Don’t shy away from using pastels, neons, or even metallic colors on your hard seltzer labels.
Learn more: How to Effectively Use Color in Your Label Design
2. Custom Artwork
Many brewers have started partnering with local artists to create stunning and unique works of art on their labels. Hard seltzer labels should get the same treatment. Establish a theme for your line of hard seltzers and commission custom illustrations that work within that theme, or request entirely custom artwork for each product label.
3. Add Personality
In addition to the required information, you can also include information about your company that conveys your brand personality and history. Modern consumers want to connect to the brands they support on a regular basis; including a few blurbs and quips about your business will help consumers feel closer to your brand.
Learn more: How To Create a Product Label
Common Sizes for Hard Seltzer Labels
Hard seltzer is usually packaged in aluminum cans, the most common sizes being 12 ounces and 16 ounces. Because the shape and size of seltzer cans vary, you’ll likely need different label sizes for each. Having a label that fits your container is very important as it presents a cohesive, well-thought-out packaging strategy. We’ve compiled a list of common hard seltzer label sizes for 12-ounce and 16-ounce cans to make this step easy! Click the size you’re interested in to download the label template.
Learn more: How to Use Free Label Templates for Your Products
Pro tip! If you offer multiple sizes of different products, such as 16 oz lagers and 12 oz seltzers, try choosing the same label size for both products. You’ll be able to group them together in the same label order and net several hundred dollars in savings.
12 ounce slim can label sizes
16 ounce can label sizes
Best Materials for Hard Seltzer Labels
When choosing a material for your hard seltzer labels, there are two key considerations: waterproofing and design suitability.
You’ll want to choose a waterproof material so the label does not wrinkle or peel off in the cooler or refrigerator. Secondly, you’ll want to choose a label material that best suits your label design. With these considerations in mind, we’ve got some materials that will work perfectly for hard seltzer labels.
Waterproof Label Materials
- White Plastic (BOPP) is an opaque white label material that is far and wide the most popular choice in the beverage industry. White Plastic is highly economical, easy to apply by hand or by machine, is waterproof, and is easily removed once the cans need to be recycled.
- Metallic Plastic takes all the features of White Plastic and adds a metallic sheen or effect to your hard seltzer labels. You can keep it simple with a silver or gold foil look or elevate your label design by creating a metallic red, blue, green, or any other color you can think of.
- Clear Plastic is the perfect material for both minimalists and ambitious creatives. Clear materials offer the illusion of a unique die-cut without the high price point. You can also use aluminum can as a unique part of your label design.
- Rainbow Holographic Plastic gives your hard seltzer labels a shimmering effect to really wow your customers. With this label material, your label design for your hard seltzer will shimmer in the summer sun.
Cheers to Perfect Hard Seltzer Labels
Creating hard seltzer labels that are well-designed and made with high-quality materials can have a big impact on the success of your product. Adding hard seltzers to your product offerings will greatly benefit your business.
Our team serves beverage brands of all types, helping them to create packaging labels that make them stand out on the shelf. We’re ready to answer your questions about product labels and help you choose the right type of label for your hard seltzer. Contact our Customer Care Team, and we will be happy to help you with your next project.
Post Last Updated: June 11, 2024
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