New Front-of-Pack Nutrition Warning Label in Canada

Front-of-pack warning labels have arrived in Canada. In 2026, Canada will introduce mandatory nutritional front-of-pack warning labels — a small black-and-white sticker highlighting if a product has high levels of saturated fat, sodium, and/or sugar. These labels to be placed on food products, are meant to give consumers a heads-up about the nutritional content.

How do Canadian food brands adapt to this new CFIA labelling requirement

The role of food brands has expanded beyond mere sustenance. The call for healthier food options isn’t just a matter of personal preference – it’s a pivotal step towards creating a healthier planet and, subsequently, healthier individuals.

Before we dive into how to implement the new Front-of-pack warning label, let’s consider why this is happening…

Instead of looking at it as another roadblock for your business, this could be an opportunity to grow and evolve. Healthier alternatives are not just a trend; they are a fundamental shift in how society perceives and consumes food. Brands that adapt to this change position themselves as forward-thinking and adaptable, ensuring long-term relevance in the market.

• Environment By opting for greener alternatives, food brands can actively participate in the global movement towards environmental stewardship.
• Waste Reduction Healthier products often lead to more conscious consumption. When consumers choose nutrient-dense foods over empty-calorie options, there’s a natural decrease in overall food waste.
• Combat the Health Crisis The rising tide of lifestyle-related health issues means you can make a difference in public health.

How-to Implement the Front-of-pack warning label

Front-of-pack warning labels have arrived in Canada. In 2026, Canada will introduce nutritional front-of-pack warning labels — a small black-and-white sticker mandatory for prepackaged foods that meet or exceed set levels for sodium, sugars or saturated fat.

Transparency is Key

No more hiding behind the fine print. Brands need to lay it all out there. If your product is a bit heavy on the sugar or sodium, you’ll have to own up to it.

Healthy ingredient substitutes

Time to get creative with formulations. Replace some of those questionable ingredients with healthier alternatives.

Educate Your Consumers

Don’t just leave customers hanging with warning label. Explain why it’s there. Educate your consumers about nutrition, and they might stick around despite the warning signs.

The Package Design Dilemma

Additional call-outs, on top of bilingual regulations can be a package design nightmare! Rest assured, with the help of a package design agency expert, your packaging can still pop.

Strategic Package Design

The warning label poses a challenge in seamlessly integrating into the package design. Neuroscience research revealed an overwhelmingly negative initial emotional response to this abrupt addition. Fear not, though – there are strategic maneuvers to mitigate its impact.

*Create distance between the warning label and your logo; the more breathing room, the better.
*Crank up the juice on your brand messaging; powerful product imagery or other stand-out language can skillfully divert consumer attention away from the imposing warning label.

Plan ahead

2026 is closer than you think.  To ensure your product is prepared for these new regulations, let’s make a plan.