Thinking about entering the German market with your food products? Great choice! Germany is one of Europe’s largest and most quality-conscious food markets. But before your products hit the shelves (or online stores), you need to make sure they meet Europes strict labeling requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

Why Labeling Matters

German consumers expect transparency, and the law enforces it. Clear labeling builds trust and keeps you compliant with EU and German regulations. Non-compliance can lead to fines or even product bans—so let’s get it right from the start.

The Must-Haves on Your Label

Every packaged food product sold in Germany must include these details in the language of the country you want to sell your products in:

• Product Name
  Use the legal or commonly accepted name, not just a brand name.
• Ingredients List
  All ingredients in descending order by weight.
  Highlight allergens (like nuts, milk, gluten) clearly—usually in bold.
• Quantity of Key Ingredients
  If you show strawberries on the packaging, you must state the percentage of strawberries inside.
• Net Quantity
  Weight (g/kg) or volume (ml/l). For foods in liquid, also show drained weight.
• Date Marking
  • “Best before” date for most foods.
  • “Use by” date for highly perishable items.
• Storage & Usage Instructions
  If needed for safe use (e.g., “Keep refrigerated”).
• Responsible Business Address
  Must include an EU-based company or importer.
• Country of Origin
  Mandatory for certain products (e.g., meat) or if omission could mislead.
• Alcohol Content
  For drinks with more than 1.2% alcohol.
• Nutrition Information
  Per 100 g/ml: energy, fat, saturated fat, carbs, sugar, protein, salt.

Extra Tips for Success

• Language: All mandatory info must be in the language of the country.
• Design: Minimum font size and good readability are required.
• Importer: If you’re outside the EU, you need an EU-based contact on the label.
• Nutri-Score: Optional, but popular in Germany for consumer trust.

All of these and way more infos can be read the EU regulation here.