Drinks Labelling Requirements
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks each have specific labelling regulations in the UK. Getting these wrong can prevent your product from being stocked by retailers, result in enforcement action, or — in the case of allergen omissions — endanger consumers.
Beer and Cider (Alcoholic)
Mandatory Information
- Product name: Legal name or commonly understood description
- ABV: Alcohol by volume percentage, accurate to one decimal place (e.g. 4.5% vol). Tolerance: +/- 0.5%
- Volume: Net volume in ml or litres (e.g. 330ml, 440ml, 500ml)
- Allergen information: Cereals containing gluten must be declared. If fining agents like isinglass (fish) are used, this must also be declared
- Producer/importer: Business name and address
- Country of origin: Required if production location might mislead
- Best before date: Expected for most beers (though some high-ABV beers omit this)
- Nutritional and ingredients: From 2028, EU rules will require full ingredient lists and nutritional information on alcoholic drinks — anticipated to be adopted in UK law
Spirits
Spirits have additional requirements:
- ABV displayed prominently
- Net volume
- Legal product category name (e.g. London Dry Gin, Single Malt Scotch Whisky)
- Allergens where applicable
- Duty stamp or mark where required
Soft Drinks and Juices
Non-alcoholic drinks follow standard food labelling regulations:
- Full ingredients list with allergens emphasised
- Nutritional information per 100ml
- Net volume
- Best before date
- Sugar content (relevant for Sugar Tax compliance)
Materials for Drinks Labels
Waterproofing Is Non-Negotiable
Drinks bottles face constant moisture from refrigeration condensation, ice buckets, wet hands, and spills. Paper labels are completely unsuitable — they absorb moisture, wrinkle, and become illegible within hours of refrigeration. Waterproof vinyl is the only professional option.
Best Materials
- Gloss white vinyl: The most popular for craft beer — vibrant colours, eye-catching on shelf, resistant to condensation
- Matte white vinyl: Premium, modern feel increasingly popular with craft breweries going for a minimalist aesthetic
- Clear vinyl: Shows the drink colour through the label — popular for spirits and premium soft drinks
- Metallic: Gold and silver for premium spirits, limited editions, and celebration ranges
Sizing for Common Bottles
- 330ml stubby bottle: 130mm x 50mm wrap or 65mm x 50mm front
- 440ml can: Full wrap 270mm x 95mm (body only)
- 500ml bottle: 150mm x 55mm wrap or 75mm x 55mm front
- 750ml wine/spirit: Front 85mm x 110mm + back 60mm x 80mm
- Neck label: 65mm x 35mm
Design for Shelf Impact
- Stand out at 2 metres: Your label must be readable and recognisable from across a shop aisle
- Bold brand name: The brewery/brand name should be the largest text element
- Beer style prominent: IPA, Stout, Pale Ale — tell the customer what they are buying
- ABV visible: Legal requirement and a key purchase factor
- Series consistency: If you have multiple beers, maintain a consistent layout with variation by colour or illustration
Ordering Drinks Labels
StickerNation prints drinks labels on premium waterproof vinyl in all finishes. Suitable for bottles, cans (using wrap labels), and cartons. No minimum order — perfect for small-batch craft production and seasonal releases. Design free online or upload your brewery artwork.
