Honey labels

What information must a honey label contain?

A honey label must contain the information required by food labelling regulations. Compliance with these requirements is checked at the design stage, before the file goes to print. Whether you sell honey directly from your apiary, at local markets or supply it to shops, correct product labelling is one of the producer's fundamental responsibilities.

The most important information includes the product name, country of origin, net weight, best-before date, batch number and details of the entity responsible for the product. The specific scope of obligations depends on the type of honey and how it is sold.

When designing a label, it is important to ensure not only that all the required information is included, but also that it is legible. This is particularly important in the case of small jars, such as those with a capacity of 250 ml, where space for text and graphics is limited.

What information must appear on a honey label?

The honey label should include:

• Product name: together with the specification of the honey variety, if stated.
• Country or countries of origin: in accordance with current labelling rules.
• Net weight: expressed in the appropriate units.
• Best before date: stating how long the product retains its properties when stored correctly.
• Production batch number: taking into account the applicable rules on batch identification.
• Name and address of the entity responsible for the product: in accordance with the regulations on food labelling.
• Barcode: if required by the recipient, e.g. a retail chain.

When it comes to barcodes, it is important to ensure good print quality, the correct size of the barcode and sufficient contrast against the background. These factors affect the ability of scanners to read the barcode correctly, particularly when the label is on the curved surface of a jar.

It is a good idea to start the design by laying out the mandatory information, and then adjust the label format, font sizes and decorative elements.

What has changed on honey labels since 14 June 2026?

From 14 June 2026 new rules on the labelling of honey's origin are in force. The changes mainly concern blends of honeys originating from different countries.

In accordance with the new requirements, as a general rule, all countries of origin must be listed in descending order of their share, together with the relevant percentages. The regulations also provide for certain exceptions and simplifications.

The key changes include:

• indicating the countries of origin of the honey in blends,
• stating the percentage shares of individual countries in accordance with the applicable rules,
• moving away from the use of solely general terms such as "a blend of honeys from EU and non-EU countries",
• changes relating to the classification of filtered honey and baker's honey.

The new requirements stem from Directive (EU) 2024/1438 of the European Parliament and of the Council and the Regulation of the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development of 4 November 2025 (Dz.U. 2025 poz. 1574).

Before preparing labels for printing, it is worth ensuring that the design takes into account the current requirements for the specific product. This is particularly important in the event of changes to the recipe, the origin of the raw material or the way in which the honey is marketed.

What materials work well for honey labels?

When printing self-adhesive labels for honey, you can choose from a wide range of paper and film materials, which differ in appearance, texture and functional properties. The choice of the right substrate depends primarily on the desired visual effect, the type of packaging and the product's storage conditions.

Paper labels are often chosen by producers of natural and artisanal honey. Carefully selected paper can emphasise the traditional character of the apiary, give the product an elegant look, or create the effect of a hand-made label.

Plastic films, on the other hand, are ideal where greater resistance to moisture, contact with water or abrasion is required. They are a practical solution for products stored in cooler rooms, transported or subject to heavy use.

At LabelExpress, you can choose from, amongst other things:

• Standard papers: versatile label materials with a classic look.
• Natural and kraft papers: which emphasise the product's artisanal nature.
• Textured and premium papers: in a variety of textures and finishes, suitable for high-end products.
• Polypropylene (PP) films: available in a range of variants, offering greater resistance to moisture than standard papers.
• Transparent and metallised films: which create the effect of an invisible label or a decorative, metallic finish.

When selecting the material, the type of adhesive should also be taken into account. It is the combination of the face material, the adhesive and the surface of the packaging that determines how the label will behave during application and subsequent use.

If the jars of honey are to be stored in the fridge or exposed to moisture, it is advisable to choose moisture-resistant labels, polypropylene film or paper with enhanced resistance. In the beekeeping industry, both solutions work well: paper for direct sales from the apiary, and film for distribution to shops.

The best choice is one that combines the desired appearance of the label with its durability under real-world conditions. For demanding applications, it is advisable to carry out a test on the target packaging beforehand.

Honey labels – how can you match their appearance to the type of honey?

Honey straight from the hive is now sold at both local markets and in retail outlets, and in both cases, first impressions count. It is therefore worth designing labels for the various types of honey as part of a single, consistent visual identity. This ensures that all products are recognisable as coming from a single apiary, whilst the individual varieties remain easy to distinguish.

You don't need to create a completely new design for each variety. In many cases, it is sufficient to change the product name, colour scheme, illustrations or selected information, whilst retaining the same layout.

At LabelExpress, you can order multiple versions of labels in a single order, even if each one contains different information or graphic elements.

This solution is particularly suitable for labels on, amongst other things:

• multi-flower honey, lime honey and lime-honeydew honey,
• honeydew honey and nectar-honeydew honey,
• acacia honey, buckwheat honey and rapeseed honey,
• heather honey, goldenrod honey, phacelia honey and forest honey,
• creamed honey and honey with added ingredients,
• other bee products, such as bee pollen, propolis and bee bread.

It is worth designing a separate label for each type of honey: a different name, a different colour and, sometimes, a different illustration. This will allow customers to recognise straight away whether they are choosing lime honey, buckwheat honey or heather honey, whilst ensuring the entire product range remains consistent.

A similar visual identity may also be used on the labels of mead, taking into account the specific labelling requirements for this product category.

The ability to print multiple designs without high minimum print runs lets you respond flexibly to the availability of different types of honey and changing sales requirements.

You can order the entire range in several designs at once, and it will still look visually consistent. You don't need to stock excessive quantities of labels or fill in product names by hand. Each version can be prepared with a full set of relevant information, whilst maintaining a consistent look across the whole range.

How much do honey labels cost?

A wide selection of labels also means a wide range of prices. The price of honey labels at LabelExpress depends on the format, the material chosen, the type of finish and the print run. You can check the exact cost of your order directly using the online calculator, without having to send an enquiry or wait for a personalised quote.

Prices for orders start from 49.00 zł (net), and the ability to print from just 1 item means that professional labels are also available to small apiaries and local producers.

The final price is primarily influenced by:

• Label format and dimensions: designed to fit the size and shape of the jar.
• Type of material: standard paper, premium material or film.
• Finishes and enhancements: lamination, varnishing, soft-touch finishes, gold and silver foiling, or 3D and 3D Max effects.
• Print run: the number of labels and design variants in the order.

With larger print runs, the unit cost usually falls. However, this does not mean you have to order thousands of labels to benefit from professional printing.

LabelExpress allows you to order small batches, even with different designs. This means you can tailor the number of labels to the actual sales volumes of each type of honey.

This approach is in line with the Just-in-Time model, which helps to minimise overproduction, storage costs and the risk of being left with out-of-date labels.

An additional benefit is that there are no costs associated with preparing a traditional cutting die for standard laser cutting. This means you can order labels in custom shapes and sizes without having to pay for new cutting tools.

How do you design personalised honey labels?

Personalised honey labels, also known as honey stickers, should combine an attractive design with a clear message. A well-designed label helps to make the product stand out, build brand recognition for the apiary and highlight the character of individual honey varieties.

When it comes to beekeeping products, designs inspired by nature and tradition are popular. Botanical motifs, illustrations of bees, honeycombs, delicate ornaments and muted colour schemes complement the natural character of the product well.

However, this does not mean that a label has to have a traditional look. Increasingly, manufacturers are opting for modern, minimalist designs or more striking solutions that help a product stand out on the shop shelf.

When designing honey labels, it is worth considering:

• Natural and kraft style: featuring papers with a distinctive texture, earthy colours and botanical motifs.
• Matt and soft-touch finishes: which emphasise the elegant, understated nature of the packaging.
• Gilding and silvering: allowing you to display a logo, the name of the apiary or selected decorative elements.
• 3D and 3D Max enhancements: giving selected elements a raised appearance and a more pronounced texture.
• Retro honey labels: drawing on traditional design and decorative typography.
• Shape and dimensions: standard and bespoke, tailored to the graphic design and shape of the packaging. With standard laser cutting, you avoid the cost of a traditional die-cut.

The legibility of the information is also of great importance. The name of the variety, net weight, manufacturer's details and other required markings should be clearly laid out and easy to read.

If you're planning to sell several varieties of honey, it's worth creating a standardised graphic template straight away, which will allow you to change the name, colour and other details without having to redesign the entire label from scratch.

At LabelExpress, you can order honey labels with your own design by uploading a finished graphic design or using the design tool available on the website. If you need help preparing your graphic design or adapting it to printing requirements, please contact our team.

Where are honey labels applied?

Labels for honey jars are usually stuck onto the glass body, but they can also be used to label lids, bulk packaging and gift sets. Their size, shape and material should be chosen to suit the type of packaging and the method of application.

When choosing a label format, it is not only the capacity of the jar that matters, but also its shape. The same label may sit differently on a short, wide jar than on a tall jar with a smaller diameter.

Self-adhesive labels for honey are ideal for, amongst other things:

• glass jars of various capacities, e.g. 50 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml and 900 ml,
• jar lids, usually in the form of round labels,
• plastic and cardboard packaging,
• gift sets and gift items,
• seasonal products and limited editions.

When it comes to gift sets, it is worth ensuring that all elements of the packaging have a consistent look. The main label, the marking on the lid and additional decorative stickers can all contribute to a unified visual identity for the brand.

To ensure proper adhesion, labels should be applied to a clean, dry and degreased surface. The temperature of the glass and the ambient temperature are also important, particularly for products stored in cool conditions.

At LabelExpress, you can order honey labels on rolls or sheets, choosing the packaging format to suit either manual or automatic application.

How do I order honey labels?

At LabelExpress, you can order honey labels entirely online using the intuitive calculator available on the website. You can select the product specifications yourself, check the price and place your order without having to contact the sales department.

The whole process involves a few simple steps:

1. Choose the shape and dimensions of the label, ensuring they match the type and size of the jar.
2. Choose the material and finish from the range of papers, films, laminates and surface treatments available.
3. Enter the print run, and the calculator will automatically display the order price.
4. Add further designs if you need labels with different graphics or information.
5. Please submit your print-ready files, prepared in accordance with the technical specifications.
6. Complete your order by selecting your payment and delivery methods.

The production of orders does not require the preparation of traditional printing plates, which shortens the production process and makes it easier to produce small batches.

The selected label designs may be ready in as little as 24 hours (option available only for certain materials). The production lead time depends on the material chosen, the type of finish and the order specifications.

The ability to produce orders quickly is particularly useful in the run-up to the sales season, local fairs, public holidays, or when labels need to be replenished urgently.

The ability to order small quantities and include multiple designs in a single order allows you to tailor your order more closely to the apiary's current needs, without having to stock large quantities.