Cocoa Label
Cocoa label rules start with the name, because FDA defines cocoa powder by its fat: breakfast cocoa, cocoa or lowfat cocoa. Dutch-process cocoa adds the words "processed with alkali" right next to that name. Then the net weight, the ingredients, your name and address and, in most cases, Nutrition Facts per 1 tbsp. Enter your cocoa and get a panel sized for a tin, a pouch or a bulk bag.
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What has to be on your cocoa label
The name, its processing statement and the weight go on the front of the tin. The rest goes on the back, like the tin on the left.
- 1Standard name21 CFR 163.112 to 163.114The fat content picks the name: "breakfast cocoa" or "high fat cocoa" from 22% cacao fat, "cocoa" or "medium fat cocoa" from 10% to under 22%, "lowfat cocoa" below 10%. Your supplier's spec sheet gives the fat figure.
- 2Processing statement21 CFR 163.112(c)"Processed with alkali", or the alkali by name, like "processed with potassium carbonate", directly before or after the name, with nothing printed in between.
- 3Net weight21 CFR 101.7Ounces and grams in the bottom 30% of the front: NET WT 8 OZ (227g). From 1 lb up, add the pounds: NET WT 16 OZ (1 LB) 454g.
- 4Nutrition Facts21 CFR 101.9Per 1 tbsp. Small sellers may be exempt, but not once the tin claims something about nutrition, like a source of fiber or iron.
- 5Ingredient list21 CFR 101.4, 163.112(d)Dutch cocoa is listed as "cocoa processed with alkali", natural cocoa as "cocoa". A blend with sugar, cinnamon or espresso powder lists every part, heaviest first.
- 6Name and address21 CFR 101.5Who packed the cocoa, with city, state and ZIP. Repacking from a bulk sack? "Packed by" plus your details is the honest line.
Things that are different for cocoa
Cocoa packages and the label that fits
Tins curve, pouches gusset. Measure the flat space you have, then switch formats in the tool.
| Package | Typical label area | Style that usually fits |
|---|---|---|
| 4 oz pouch | 2.5 × 3 in | Simplified |
| 8 oz tin | 3 × 2.5 in | SimplifiedMost common |
| 1 lb stand-up bag | 3.5 × 4 in | Standard (vertical) |
| 5 lb bulk bag | 4 × 5 in | Standard (vertical) |
Start from a cocoa label that's already filled in
Repacking cocoa from a bulk sack is a one-ingredient recipe: enter the weight of one tin and pick Dutch-process or natural cocoa from the USDA list. Blending in cinnamon or espresso powder? Add each one in teaspoons or ounces and the ingredient list and numbers follow.
| Ingredient | Amount | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch-process cocoa✓ USDA match | 8 | oz |
Cocoa label questions
Yes. Our free blank Nutrition Facts templates come as fillable PDF, Word, SVG and PNG, and the Dutch-process tin on this page is already filled in. Swap in your own cocoa or blend in the free preview, then pay $29 when you want the print files. Blank Nutrition Facts Label Template →
1 tbsp, with the grams in parentheses, usually 1 tbsp (5g). That is FDA's reference amount for unsweetened cocoa powder. Sweetened cocoa and hot cocoa mixes use the amount that makes one 240 mL drink.
Add the statement. Whenever an alkali was used, including on the nibs the cocoa was made from, the name must be accompanied by "processed with alkali" or the specific alkali. Keep any "Dutch process" wording from coming between the name and that statement.
Plain cocoa contains none of the nine major food allergens. Blends can: milk powder brings milk. A "may contain" line for a shared facility is voluntary.
We make the files: a vector PDF at actual size, an SVG for your designer, a 600 dpi PNG, or print sheets for Avery 5126, 5168, 5164 and 5163 on US Letter. Avery Food Labels →
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