Honey Jar Labels and Labels for Preserves: Which Material Withstands Moisture

Labels for honey and home preserve jars are printed on film if the jar goes into a cellar or fridge or gets wiped regularly. Film does not soak through from condensation and does not absorb honey. Paper and kraft are suitable only for dry storage: souvenir sets and gift boxes. At Aladdin Print, jar labels are printed on sheets and in rolls, die-cut to any shape.

What threatens a label on a jar

A jar of honey or preserves goes through several tests, and each one affects the label in its own way:

• Sticky drips. Honey runs down the neck, and the jar gets wiped with a damp cloth. Paper absorbs both water and honey, so the stain stays forever.
• Condensation. A jar taken out of a cellar or fridge fogs up immediately, and water collects under the label edges. The paper base swells and wrinkles.
• Warm water. Crystallized honey is melted by placing the jar in a pot of warm water. A paper label falls apart in such a bath and comes off together with the adhesive.
• Friction. Jars rub against each other in boxes during delivery, and print without lamination wears off on any material.

Jar label materials: what withstands moisture and what does not

White film, gloss or matte

The main material for jars kept in a cellar or fridge: film does not soak through from condensation and does not absorb honey. For gift series it is finished with soft touch lamination, which gives the surface a velvety feel.

Clear film

Creates the effect of lettering printed directly on the glass, with the product color showing through. It is just as moisture resistant as white film. It is printed in CMYK without white ink, so a color image is readable only on white containers. Glass jars use clear film with black print: it looks best on light products such as acacia or creamed honey. For dark honey, white film is the safer choice.

Kraft paper

Its warm texture emphasizes the natural character of the product, which is why beekeepers and farmers like kraft. But it is paper, and it absorbs moisture just like ordinary paper. Kraft works for honey kept in a dry place, but not for a cellar or fridge.

Self-adhesive paper

Reproduces the colors of the artwork most accurately and suits jars that are not washed or chilled: souvenir sets, gift boxes, tasting jars.

Lamination

Matte or gloss lamination protects the print from wearing off during delivery and from drips on the label surface. It does not stop moisture that gets under the edges, so a paper label will not last in a cellar even with lamination.

Which material to choose for your situation