How to label homemade pretzels for sale
Crunchy and chocolate-covered pretzels are steady market sellers, but the coating brings allergens the plain pretzel never had. Here is what a pretzel package needs.
What your pretzels label needs
- ✓Product name. The common name of the food, so a buyer knows what it is.
- ✓Net quantity. Pretzels are sold by net weight, for example 6 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 pretzels
In pretzels, the allergens to watch are usually wheat, and often milk or soy from a chocolate or yogurt coating, plus peanuts or tree nuts if you add them. 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 pretzels?
Hard pretzels and coated pretzels are 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.
Can you sell pretzels as a cottage food?
Hard, crunchy pretzels and coated pretzels are shelf-stable and usually allowed. Soft pretzels are perishable and often restricted as a cottage food. Confirm your type qualifies with your state.
One thing sellers miss on pretzels
Wheat is the headline allergen. A chocolate or yogurt coating usually adds milk and soy, so list the coating's sub-ingredients and carry their allergens through.
Questions
Can I sell homemade pretzels as a cottage food?
Hard, crunchy pretzels and chocolate or yogurt coated pretzels are usually allowed because they are shelf-stable. Soft pretzels are perishable and often restricted. Confirm your pretzel type with your state, then label it.
What goes on a pretzel label?
The product name, net weight, a heaviest-first ingredient list including any coating, an allergen Contains line for wheat and any milk or soy, your business name and address, and your state's home-kitchen disclaimer.
Where to sell your pretzels
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.