(877) 300-2405
Customer Portal
Back to main site
YourBoxSolution Logo
GET YOUR CUSTOM BOX

Useful tips for creating the perfect cheese labels

When buying cheese, people are either looking for something specific or just considering options for a meal. Regardless, your cheese labels need to stand out.

In this article, you will find out how to create a striking cheese label, ready to make its way to the shopping cart.

Let’s dive in!

Cheese labels go hand in hand with the packaging. And packaging goes hand in hand with the type of cheese you’re selling and its requirements. So let’s dive a bit deeper into this.

Cheese labels according to the types of cheese and their packaging options

When talking about types of cheese, we can sort them by:
  • The type of milk – eg. cow, goat
  • The level of fat – eg. low fat, high fat
  • The consistency – eg. hard cheese (grana padano, parmiggiano), semi-hard cheese (emmentaler, gouda, cheddar), soft cheese (mascarpone, ricotta, brie)
  • The country of origin – eg. France, Netherlands, Italy
Black triangle package of cheese.
Source

Most commonly, cheese is packed in flow pack wrappers, barrier films, vacuum packs, tray sealing, paper, cardboard, and plastic containers, to name a few options.

These packaging choices offer protection against light, effects of oxygen, loss of moisture, and contamination.

The most important aspect of the cheese labels is the opacity of the packaging. You can go for transparent or opaque packaging.

Let’s see how different types of cheese can be best presented on the shelf.

Cheese labels for transparent packaging

A transparent packaging will usually keep the shape of the cheese.  The color and the texture of the cheese will be fully on display.

The cheese label can have the following shapes, according to the quantity and how it is cut:

  • Round
  • Oval
  • Square
  • Triangle
  • Custom
Yellow and green rectangular box displaying cheddar biscuits and reads "Armstrong Medium Mi-Fort Cheddar".
Source
In terms of the visual elements on the cheese labels, they usually consist of:
  • Milk, types of animals
  • The flag or symbols of the country of origin
  • Farms or fields
  • A mascot

Cheese labels for opaque packaging

Opaque packaging is mostly used for soft and brined cheese.
Round packaging box that looks old and reads "Le Rustique".
Source

The packaging no longer depends on the shape of the cheese, so the cheese labels can have any shape.

Most common it is:

  • Round
  • Oval
  • Square
Because the product itself is not visible, the cheese label usually includes a picture of the type of cheese. Sometimes the cheese is shown next to:
  • Vegetables
  • A platter with fruits and meat
  • Food it is associated with (for example, tiramisu for mascarpone)
  • A mascot

Aspects to consider when choosing your cheese labels

When labeling food, it is essential to think not only about how you present it but also how it will be stored and handled. Here are some aspects to consider when choosing your cheese labels:

1. Resistance in front of changes of temperature

Cheese is stored in refrigerators, so your labels will inevitably face changes in temperature and condensation. 

Even on the way home from the supermarket, there will be some changes. You want your cheese labels to stay in place and keep the information on them visible.

The quality of the print and the label will speak for your attention to detail and your brand.

Four rolls of cheese with different label designs in a wooden box.
Source

2. Resistance in front of tearing

A roll of cheese wrapped in paper with a label that reads "Rachel".
Source

No matter the type of packaging, the cheese will face some handling.

Although it is normal for the packaging to be torn apart at some point, it is a nice touch to make sure that the label is resistant so that your customers can still read the information on it if they need it after opening the cheese.

3. Resistance in front of contact with water

Food is mostly handled in the kitchen, so chances are it will make contact with water.

Again, it is normal for this to happen, but it is beneficial to have a water-proof cheese label that will keep your information in place.

Cheese packed in transparent plastic wrap with a yellow label.
Source

The best material for your cheese labels

Most cheese labels are made out of paper or BOPP. Out of the two, BOPP is the best option if you want your labels to have resistance and a more modern look.

BOPP cheese labels are easy to customize and can be integrated in many types of designs.

  • White BOPP comes with a white background that can accommodate any color for your prints
  • Clear BOPP comes with a transparent background that puts your product or the packaging fully on display
  • Metallic BOPP comes with a silver background that adds a metallic look to the prints

At YourBoxSolution, all cheese labels come with a gloss or matte laminate free of charge.

  • Gloss laminates offer a highly reflective surface that adds a dynamic look
  • Matte laminates offer a non-glossy and more dull surface that adds a classic look
By choosing BOPP cheese labels, you can be sure that your labels will look excellent under any circumstance and put your brand in a good light.

How to design your cheese label

The visual identity of your cheese label depends on how you want to present your product. Do you want your brand to seem friendly, luxurious, traditional, or modern? Your cheese label should not only grab attention but also present the values and the identity of your brand. You can choose embossed labels or custom foil stamping to position your brand. Here are some elements to consider:

1. The color and visual elements on your cheese label

The color of your cheese label plays a crucial role in the overall design of the product on the shelf. Some might say that it is the most important aspect, so better choose wisely.

If you go for transparent packaging, you can start building from the color of the cheese itself.

Triangle cheese wrapped in red from "Old World".
Source

If you’re selling cheese with a strong color (for example, cheddar), you can either choose a lighter or contrasting color.

If you’re selling cheese with a lighter color, it’s better to go for a contrasting color.

The cheese labels are often black, red, or in a color that suggests natural ingredients or the origin of the cheese. In terms of the extra visual elements, you can add, go for images that suggest the quality or the benefits of your product.

2. The information on your cheese label

The space on your cheese label is limited, so you need to make sure to include the essential information. First things first make space for the cheese labeling regulations. We recommend reading the requirements available in your state so that you fully comply. Here’s the general information you need to include on your cheese label:
  • The name and type of product
  • Whether the cheese is pasteurized, blended, or processed
  • The complete list of ingredients
  • The nutritional information
  • The name and contact information for the manufacturer or distributor
Apart from the mandatory information, it’s beneficial to include on the label the slogan or any message that can help the customer remember your product.

3. The overall presence of your product on the shelf

You can’t predict the position of your product on every shelf, but you can take a look over the design of your competitors to see how you can make your cheese label stand out. Take some time to research their labels, how their products look on the shelf in comparison to others, and which products grab your attention when shopping.

A roll of cheese wrapped in a red foil that reads "The Cheshire Cheese Company".
Source

Keep in mind that your product is unique. Anyone could buy your cheese, but the truth is that you should focus on your main target audience.

Maybe you are focusing on mothers making desserts for their families, or expats feeling nostalgic about home, or chefs interested in some particular recipes.

Put yourself in the shoes of those people and think about what would help them notice your product fast.

Some more of our guides:

Print your cheese labels with YourBoxSolution

Choose YourBoxSolution as your printing partner and let us manage the hassle while you focus on your business. Tell us about your requirements, and we will bring your cheese labels to life in no time.

We offer free samples, free laminate finishes, and free proofing, together with instructions for how to prepare the artwork.

Our orders start from as low as 250 pieces, and we have all the printing technology needed for extra features. With more than 29 years of experience on the market, we can make any custom cheese labels in the fastest amount of time.

Get in touch today, and let’s start your project!
GET YOUR CUSTOM CHEESE LABELS