FDA labeling for coffee: do you need Nutrition Facts?

Checked on 2026-10-31 · SupportMates LLC

Good news for coffee producers and roasters: plain coffee is usually exempt from the Nutrition Facts panel. The label still has requirements, though.

1. The exemption

21 CFR 101.9(j)(4) exempts foods that contain insignificant amounts of all nutrients and gives coffee beans (whole or ground), tea leaves and plain unsweetened instant coffee and tea as examples. The exemption is lost if you make a nutrient content or health claim.

2. When you do need a panel

• Coffee with sugar, milk powder, caloric flavorings, or sweetened blends.
• Ready-to-drink beverages with ingredients that contribute nutrients.
• Any claim such as “low sodium” or “source of antioxidants”.

3. What every coffee label needs

• A statement of identity, such as “Ground Coffee”.
• Net quantity in metric and US units (101.105).
• Name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer or distributor.
• An ingredient list if there is more than one ingredient (101.4).
• English throughout; if you add Spanish, complete in both languages.

If your coffee has sugar or other ingredients, build the panel with LabelKit.

Official sources (checked on 2026-10-31)

1. 21 CFR 101.9 — Nutrition labeling of food (eCFR)
2. 21 CFR 101.4 — Food; designation of ingredients (eCFR)
3. 21 CFR 101.105 — Declaration of net quantity of contents (eCFR)
4. 21 CFR 101.15 — Food; prominence of required statements, incl. foreign language (eCFR)
5. FDA — Guidance for Industry: Food Labeling Guide
6. FDA — Registration of Food Facilities and Other Submissions

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