The Blog

If you spend enough time in food packaging, you start to develop an eagle eye for the small details. Net weight statements are one of them, and they’re also among the most common compliance issues we see on shelf.

These mistakes show up most often with early-stage brands, DIY packaging, or when a designer is newer to the package design world. Packaging has its own learning curve, and net weight requirements are more specific than many people realize.

Below are four net weight issues spotted during a recent store visit:

1. Missing required clear space
Net weight statements must maintain a minimum amount of clear space around the text. When other elements crowd it, the statement becomes non-compliant.

2. Insufficient contrast
Low contrast between the net weight text and the background can make it difficult to read. Legibility is a regulatory requirement, not just a design preference.

3. Type size below minimum requirements
Minimum type size is determined by the size of the principal display panel (PDP). This is one of the most frequent misses and one that can’t be eyeballed.

4. Not parallel to the base of the package
This issue is less common, but it does come up, particularly in more energetic designs. Net weight statements must be oriented parallel to the base of the package to meet requirements.

A Practical Resource

To help avoid these pitfalls, we’ve created a one-page Net Weight Basics cheat sheet that breaks down sizing, spacing, and legibility. It’s the same reference we use internally at Truly.

Catching these details early can help prevent costly revisions, reprints, and delays down the line.

If you’re designing or reviewing food packaging, a quick net weight check is a small step that can save a lot of time later. Even better, conduct a full compliance review early in the design process.