Oval Labels
Printed oval labels for jars, bottles and handmade products. Short runs for small food and craft brands, with free artwork set-up in Tooting.
- No design yet? We set up the artwork free of charge when we print the job.
- Tight deadline? Same-day printing is possible on many jobs if your file is ready early. Call to check first.
- Can't get here? Collect from Gatton Road, or have it delivered in the UK for a quoted charge.
Oval labels for products and packaging
An oval label has a traditional, slightly premium look that is popular for jams, chutneys, candles, soaps, honey and small-batch sauces. The shape has no corners to catch or peel, and it sits comfortably on rounded jars and bottles.
Measuring for the right size
Measure the flat or gently curved area where the label will sit, then allow a few millimetres clear at the top and bottom. On a curved container, the label wraps around, and very wide labels can wrinkle at their edges, especially on tapered jars or shoulders. If you are not sure, print a paper mock-up at home, cut it out and tape it to your jar.
Which material?
- Gloss or matt paper is economical and fine for dry products.
- Uncoated paper has a handmade feel, and it takes a pen if you need to write on batch numbers or dates.
- White vinyl resists water and oil, so it suits items such as sauces, toiletries and anything refrigerated.
- Clear vinyl gives a "no-label" look, letting the product show through.
Tell us whether your product will go in a fridge, freezer or bathroom. Cold and damp conditions can affect certain adhesives, and it is far better to test first.
What to include on food labels
Prepacked food usually needs specific information, such as the name of the food, an ingredients list with allergens emphasised, net quantity, a date mark and your business details. The Food Standards Agency explains the rules. Check your wording carefully, because we print what you approve, and this kind of information needs to be correct. Oval labels offer less usable space than a rectangle, so you may want a separate back label for the small print. See rectangle labels.
Design tips for oval labels
Keep important text away from the curved edges, centre the main elements, and leave a margin of at least 3 mm all round. Thin borders that follow the shape can show small cutting shifts, so use either no border or a generous one. We can set up the label free of charge when we print, using your logo and wording.
Ordering
Tell us the size, quantity and material. Labels are usually supplied on sheets or in rolls, depending on the job, so let us know how you plan to apply them. A short first run is a good way to make sure that the label fits your container and that the colours work before a bigger order.
Questions we hear about oval labels
What are oval labels used for?
Mostly jars, bottles, candles, soaps and small-batch food products. The shape suits round containers and looks traditional.
Can oval labels go in the fridge?
Yes, with the right material. Tell us if labels will be chilled, frozen or wet so that we can suggest a suitable one.
What information must a food label show?
It depends on the product, but prepacked foods usually need ingredients, allergens, quantity, a date mark and your details. See the Food Standards Agency's guidance.
Can you make a sample first?
Ask us. A small first run is a good way of checking size and fit on your actual container.