How to label homemade fudge for sale
Fudge is a holiday-market money-maker and a straightforward cottage food, once the label is right. Here is what a box of fudge needs before you sell it.
What your fudge label needs
- ✓Product name. The common name of the food, so a buyer knows what it is.
- ✓Net quantity. Fudge is sold by net weight, for example 8 oz.
- ✓Ingredient list. Every ingredient, listed heaviest-first by weight.
- ✓Allergen statement. A “Contains” line for any of the nine major allergens in your recipe.
- ✓Business name and address. Who made the food and where they can be reached.
- ✓Home-kitchen disclaimer. The cottage food sentence your state requires you to print.
Allergens to watch in fudge
In fudge, the allergens to watch are usually milk, soy, and often tree nuts or peanuts, depending on your recipe. Your “Contains” line should reflect what is actually in your recipe, not a generic list.
Nutripane reads the allergens from your ingredients automatically, so the Contains line matches your recipe.
Do you need a Nutrition Facts panel for fudge?
High-sugar fudge is usually exempt from the Nutrition Facts panel as a cottage food, unless you make a nutrition claim or sell wholesale.
Nutripane builds the Nutrition Facts panel and the ingredient, allergen, and disclaimer label from your recipe, so you are ready whether you need the panel or not.
One thing sellers miss on fudge
Condensed milk and chocolate chips both carry allergens, milk and often soy. Carry those through to your Contains line.
Questions
What has to be on a fudge label?
The product name, net weight, a heaviest-first ingredient list, an allergen Contains line, your business name and address, and your state's home-kitchen disclaimer. A Nutrition Facts panel is usually optional for cottage food fudge.
Does fudge need to be refrigerated for selling?
Traditional high-sugar fudge is typically shelf-stable, which is part of why it qualifies as a cottage food in many states. Confirm with your state, and label honestly if a recipe needs refrigeration.
Where to sell your fudge
Where you sell decides whether you need a full Nutrition Facts panel. Here is what each channel expects.
Guides to get you started
Labeling another food?
This page is general information, not legal advice. Food labeling and cottage food rules vary by state and county and change over time. Confirm current requirements with your state's cottage food program before you sell. See your state's rules or another product.