Inform your customers about the contents of your products and meals with labels made using our food industry stamps. Health foodies can get excited about the goods they are about to consume when they know more about how the food was grown, processed, and preserved.
Food labels promote transparency about ingredients and ethical practices. They also provide information regarding health concerns and allergens. Whether you’re improving your marketing or adding new organic items to your inventory, our rubber stamps can help you quickly get the message out.
Get your customers excited about the food items you sell with these 7 stamps:
1. Gluten Free
Consumers who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can benefit from clear food options that meet their dietary needs.
What Does Gluten-Free Mean?
Grains such as rye, barley, oats and wheat contain a mixture of proteins which make up gluten. According to FDA guidelines, using “gluten-free” labels indicate that food contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Restaurants may voluntarily add this label to the appropriate items, as long as the FDA regulations are met.
2. VEGETARIAN
Vegetarian dishes are generally absent of meat, and may also consist of food items without any animal products. According to a Harris Interactive poll commissioned by the Vegetarian Resource Group, around 8 million adults in the United States follow this type of diet. For places that sell fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grain only options, it’s simple to offer those alternative choices.
When do People Prefer Vegetarian Options?
People may choose a vegetarian diet for ethical reasons related to animal treatment. Others may do it to save money, protect the environment or improve their health. Some believe that following a plant-based diet prevents certain illnesses and increases ones lifespan. People of Hindu, Buddhist and other faiths choose to abstain for religious reasons.
With people making this decision based on such different backgrounds, accommodating these needs can help reach many types of customers.
For those with a stricter diet that prohibits consuming all animal products, the Vegan stamp is also available.
3. GMO FREE
Non-GMO refers to “Non-Genetically Modified Organisms.” At its most basic definition this refers to plants and animals that have not been genetically altered using DNA technology. The GM process involves combinations of plant, animal, bacterial, and virus genes. Some people avoid foods developed with GMOs because of the concern for food safety related to the new genetic combinations. The level of risk involved is a highly controversial topic. Currently there are many regulatory bodies involved in overseeing the process.
For food that is known to be GMO free, you may be able to alleviate the fears of some of your customers by labeling them as such.
4. ALL NATURAL
In many cases, the “All Natural” designation is reserved for whole foods. The label distinguishes items from those that are processed, synthetic or contain artificial ingredients and additives. Foods that have added colors, flavors and preservatives do not meet this standard. While not strictly defined in the United States, the distinction of “All Natural” often indicates food that has nothing unusual added and has not undergone any process that would change it dramatically from its natural state.
People may have this preference in the hopes of consuming foods with more nutritional value. The FDA is working on further investigation on the use of this term. Because this stamp clarifies “No MSG, No Preservatives and No Artificial Flavors”, your customers will know what to expect.
5. Organic
Labeling food as “Organic” requires meeting more stringent rules related to farming practices and the environment. These regulations are defined and enforced through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP). The USDA’s organic seal is given to foods that meet agricultural standards. The NOP regulations “do not address food safety or nutrition”. However, part of the regulations does specify that these crops cannot contain GMO’s.
Organic shoppers are often the same community searching for GMO-free options. These shoppers share concerns such as being wary of pesticides, caring about eco-friendly processes, and an interest in improving the living conditions and health of livestock.
6. DAIRY FREE
Another overwhelming concern recently has been the contents of dairy in many of our foods. Although this is not an issue for everyone, according to MedlinePlus, roughly 65 percent of the world has trouble digesting lactose. Many consumers look for alternatives such as food containing plant-based milk. Stamping your products with “Dairy Free” will let your consumers know they are safe to enjoy your products if they are lactose intolerant.
Especially helpful for coffee shops and bakeries that often provide food and drinks with dairy. Having more variety will be helpful for your business and will be greatly appreciated by many customers.
7. LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS
Providing “Farm Fresh and Locally Grown” products allows businesses to invest in their local economy and offer fresh ingredients. This way buying strategy helps reinforce the community and build relationships between vendors, local consumers and visitors. Similar to the “All Natural” designation, this term is more general. Some businesses define local as a 5 mile radius, while others consider the entire state.
Selling some items made from locally sourced ingredients can work well for specialty stores or restaurants that highlight seasonal items.
Choosing Your Food Industry Stamps
Is your bakery, café, gourmet food store or other food retail business trying to be more health conscious? Making sure you have nutritious options at your business can allow you to target health conscious consumers.
Whether you are improving your marketing, adding to your menu, or labeling your locally sourced apple pie, Simply Stamps is here to help. Our unique stamps can be used in gourmet food market stores, restaurants and even retail. Start browsing our packaging stamps for food today!
Resources:
https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/Allergens/ucm367654.htm
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/becoming-a-vegetarian
https://www.nongmoproject.org/gmo-facts/what-is-gmo/
https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm456090.htm
https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/national-organic-program
https://www.qsrmagazine.com/local-vs-organic
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/lactose-intolerance/