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Food Menu Labelling
A well-designed menu does much more than simply list your food and beverage options. It is a guide that helps customers make informed choices, offering them more than just prices and item descriptions. In today’s world, where health-consciousness is at the forefront of many people’s minds, diners expect transparency. For customers who are focusing on wellness, managing dietary needs or tracking fitness goals, they prefer to see clear details about what is in their food, i.e. calorie counts, sugar levels and beyond.
In fact, many countries have introduced some form of nutrition labelling on menus as a legal requirement. It is no longer just about following trends but to meet the standards that help customers make healthier, more informed decisions. By including standardised nutrition information right on your menus and menu boards, you are complying with regulations, building trust with your customers and promoting healthier eating habits.
Partner with TEL Expert Solutions to design menus that prioritise nutrition, comply with regulations and set your brand apart in an increasingly competitive market. Let us make your menu more than just a list and make it a valuable tool for your customers' health and your brand’s success.
WHY SHOULD I DO LABELLING ON MY MENU?
Today’s customers are more intentional about what they eat. With rising awareness of health and wellness, they are looking for food choices that align with their personal goals. Whether it is managing weight, reducing sugar intake or avoiding allergens, customers want clear and transparent information that empowers them to make informed decisions.
Although nutrition labelling on menus and menu boards is not yet required in all countries, it has become a proven strategy for building trust, encouraging repeat business and remaining competitive in a health focused dining environment. At the same time, more governments around the world are taking action. In response to increasing rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, regulatory authorities are introducing mandatory nutrition disclosure requirements for the food service industry.
MANDATORY NUTRITION LABELLING ON FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY - A GROWING REQUIREMENT
In many countries, nutrition information on menus is no longer optional. Regulations are being introduced to improve public health and help consumers make informed choices. For food and beverage businesses operating in these regions, compliance is essential.
Examples of countries and regions with mandatory menu labelling requirements include:
Singapore - Nutri Grade mark required for most beverages, with ratings from A to D based on sugar and saturated fat content
United States - Calorie information required for medium and large restaurant chains
European Union - Mandatory allergen disclosure for unpackaged foods and dine-in menus
United Kingdom - Calorie labelling required for large food service businesses, and allergen declarations on all menus
Australia - Energy values must be listed on menus for chain outlets, and allergen declarations must be provided for unpackaged foods
Chile and Mexico - Warning labels required for products that are high in calories, sugar, salt or saturated fats
These regulations are designed to promote healthier food environments. Non-compliance may result in financial penalties, reputational damage or legal consequences.
VOLUNTARY LABELLING ON MENUS AND MENU BOARDS - A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
In markets where menu labelling is not yet required, many leading food businesses are choosing to provide nutrition information voluntarily. This is not just about following a trend, but a strategic move to stand out in a crowded marketplace and connect with a growing base of informed, wellness minded consumers.
Key benefits of voluntary nutrition labelling includes, but are not limited to:
Attract customers who monitor calorie, sugar, fat or protein intake
Support individuals with dietary restrictions
Build brand trust through openness and credibility
Increase sales of healthier items
Position your business as modern, transparent and customer-focused
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON LABELS FOUND IN A MENU?
These are some of the common information available on menus to help diners make informed choices:
1. Calories (in kcal or kJ)
Indicates the energy provided by the product to help consumers manage their dietary intake and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
2. Total Sugars (in g/100g)
Discloses the amount of sugars present, enabling consumers to make informed choices for weight management and overall health.
3. Ingredient Declaration
Highlights key ingredients in the meal, helping consumers identify allergens and avoid components that may conflict with their dietary needs, health conditions or religious practices.
4. Regulatory Label
Presents key nutrition information in a standardised and easy-to-understand format, making it easier for consumers to choose healthier options quickly.
HOW ARE KEY NUTRIENT VALUES OBTAINED?
Three commonly-accepted methods for nutrition labeling of menus: (1) Laboratory Testing, (2) Nutritional Calculations, and (3) Determination from Averages of Similar Foods.
Food Menu Labelling in Singapore: What F&B Operators Should Know
With growing emphasis on public health and transparency, menu labelling has become an important regulatory and strategic priority for food service providers in Singapore. Whether you are running a café, restaurant, bubble tea outlet or bakery, consumers increasingly want to know what they’re eating. Furthermore, with the aim to promote public health, authorities are slowly reviewing and revising regulations.
Nutri-Grade Symbol on Menus and Menu Boards for Beverages
The Nutri-Grade system, introduced by the Health Promotion Board (HPB), originated as a mandatory front-of-pack labelling initiative that rates pre-packaged beverages based on their sugar and saturated fat content. The goal is to help consumers make quicker and more informed choices by limiting the intake of Nutrients of Concern.
Since late 2022, the Nutri-Grade framework has been extended beyond pre-packaged beverages to include all ready-to-drink beverages, including those that are freshly prepared or dispensed on-site. This regulation now covers a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages sold across restaurants, cafes, bubble tea outlets, fruit juice stalls, as well as other dine-in or to-go food and beverage establishments.
Under the system, beverages are graded according to their sugar and saturated fat levels, and are classified into four grades:
Grade A - Lowest levels of sugar and saturated fat
Grade B
Grade C
Grade D - Highest levels of sugar and saturated fat
Products graded C or D must display the Nutri-Grade mark clearly on all relevant consumer-facing materials, including physical and digital menus, online ordering platforms and self-service kiosks. This requirement ensures that consumers are fully informed at the point of decision-making, even in dine-in or takeaway settings.
Additionally, beverages that fall under Grade D are subject to advertising restrictions, which further limit their promotion.
Retailers and food service operators must ensure that all menus, menu boards and advertisements are reviewed for compliance and properly labelled according to current Nutri-Grade regulations. This includes the mandatory use of either the full or simplified Nutri-Grade mark, applied according to current guidelines.
Healthier Dining Programme (HDP)
The Healthier Dining Programme (HDP) is a voluntary initiative introduced by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) in 2014 to encourage F&B establishments to offer and promote healthier food choices. The primary objective is to make healthier meals more available, raise consumer awareness and grow demand for better dietary options.
Through the programme, participating businesses may display official front-of-house identifiers to signal the availability of healthier options. This not only informs but also attracts health conscious customers and those with specific dietary needs. Approved menu items can also carry dish tag identifiers, making it easier for diners to identify meals that meet HPB’s nutrition standards.
Front-of-House Identifiers
Healthier Options Available Here
Lower Calorie Options Available Here
We Use Healthier Oil
Ask for Lower Sugar Beverages
Dish Tag Identifiers
Lower in Calories
Lower in Sugar
No Sugar Added
Higher in Wholegrains and Lower in Calories
Businesses that join the programme enjoy a range of support measures. These may include (a) official endorsement and co-branding opportunities with HPB, (b) access to grants for menu innovation, culinary training, recipe reformulation and sourcing of healthier ingredients, and (c) marketing support for the provider and healthier menu items.
To qualify as a Healthier Dining Programme partner, F&B businesses must commit to HPB on the following:
Offer at least three approved healthier food or beverage options in their menu
Comply with the latest nutrition and publicity guidelines
Submit regular monthly reports on sales performance of endorsed items
For food businesses, the Healthier Dining Programme presents a valuable opportunity to stand out. It signals your brand's commitment to customer wellbeing and positions your establishment as a trusted choice in Singapore’s health-focused food landscape.
Caloric Count and Ingredient Declaration
Although not mandated by authorities, the labelling of energy content in food and beverages is gaining momentum in Singapore as consumer preferences shift toward health and wellness. This reflects global trends and a growing demand for transparency in dining choices. Similarly, the declaration of key ingredients has become an increasingly important consideration for both consumers and F&B providers.
Progressive food and beverage brands in Singapore are already taking the lead by:
Displaying calorie counts alongside menu items
Identifying key ingredients to support safe and informed dietary choices
Promoting portion controlled meals and balanced menu bundles
These practices appeal to a broader group of customers including those who are nutrition aware, managing calorie intake or living with dietary restrictions. They also serve as a valuable brand differentiator in an increasingly competitive and health conscious dining environment.
LET US SUPPORT YOU
Navigating regulatory requirements can be challenging, but that is where we come in. Whether you are a F&B business owner or a budding entrepreneur starting your first restaurant, café, outlet or stall, we provide expert support to ensure your menus and menu boards are accurate and fully compliant. From consultancy and menu review services to nutrient labelling by laboratory testing or cost-effective nutrient calculations, we have tailored solutions that are designed to meet your needs and budget. Let us take uncertainty out of compliance and help your business thrive in a dynamic and competitive market.
THE TEL EXPERT SOLUTIONS DIFFERENCE
Beyond just understanding regulations, we bring hands-on industry experience to every engagement. Our team offers not only reviews but also practical guidance and end-to-end support to help you address challenges effectively and with confidence.
Considerations | Elaborations | TEL Expert Solutions Consultants | Other Food Labelling Consultants | Testing Experts or Advisors |
---|---|---|---|---|
COMPREHENSIVE FOOD MENU LABELLING SERVICES | ||||
Dedicated Expert Support | Experienced experts are assigned to you, not just coordinators; our experts do not just coordinate testing with laboratories or performs calculations, but also understand all relevant regulations and supports the reviewing of all values to ensure accuracy and reliability. | ✔ | May Not | ✔ |
Calorie Count and Nutri-Grade Scoring Through Calculations | Our proprietary nutrition calculation service offers customers a cost-effective, yet regulatory-compliant, alternative to laboratory testing. This approach supports labelling requirements while avoiding the higher costs and extended timelines typically associated with laboratory analysis. | ✔ | May Not | May Not |
Verification of Nutrient Values | Our team of experts reviews your product and compares the nutrient values obtained against market averages from our proprietary database. This helps identify and account for any anomalies in the test results or calculated values. | ✔ | May Not | May Not |
Continued Support | We understand that questions or concerns may arise even after the review session. To ensure continued support, we offer a follow-up query service in our packages so clients are never left without guidance. | ✔ | May Not | May Not |
RESOURCES & TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE | ||||
Access to Comprehensive Test Method Libraries | We maintain access to an extensive repository of validated test methods, including AOAC, ISO, GB, BS, EU and SS standards, official compendia and the latest scientific literature to support precise and compliant testing strategies. | ✔ | Limited* | Limited* |
Up-to-Date Regulatory Expertise | Our regulatory affairs team actively monitors both local and international food regulations, ensuring that your products remain compliant in all your target markets. | ✔ | ✔ | May Not |
TRANSPARENCY & INTEGRITY | ||||
Choice of ISO 17025-Accredited Laboratory for Testing | You have the option to choose from any one of our ISO 17025-accredited laboratories partners, giving you the flexibility to select the most suitable provider with confidence, without bias or hidden agendas. | ✔ | May Not | Limited* |
Balanced Recommendations | We present both the advantages and limitations of all approaches to support your decision-making process. | ✔ | May Not | May Not |
Client-Focused Fee Structure | Our fees are transparent with no hidden cost, ensuring the focus remains on you rather than meeting internal KPIs. We also apply a cap on consultation fees for testing requests so as to put focus on you. | ✔ | May Not | May Not |
*Please clarify with your consultant, expert or advisor if they offer the respective areas of consideration. |
SERVICES AND PRICING STRUCTURE
We understand that unexpected costs can be frustrating. That's why we believe in complete transparency and ensuring you know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees.
Notes to Menu Review, Labelling and Consulting Services
[1] Specification of Country or Region : Please specify the country or region of interest prior to consultation.
[2] Scope of Review : Review is based on information provided to us at the time of consultation. TEL Expert Solutions shall not be liable for any inaccuracies due to misinformation or absence of information.
[3] Formulation-Based Calculations : To generate a nutrient information from recipe, customers must provide detailed information about the product's formulation. A declaration confirming the accuracy of all submitted data may be required. TEL Expert Solutions relies on nutrient values from our comprehensive proprietary database for individual ingredients; however, please note that there may be discrepancies between actual and statistically-derived nutrient values.
[3] Supplementary Services : Additional charges may apply for any supplementary services requested.
PRINT SERVICES
in collaboration with
Expert Stickers
Menu Printing Service
From SGD 8 per menu (inclusive of 9% GST)
NOTE : Prices varies with requirements, quantity, paper type and number of pages. Please enquire with us for actual cost.
Nutri-Grade Mark Stickers
for affixation over existing menu page or board
Vertical & Horizontal Variants
25 x 11 mm, 102 pcs - SGD 2.50 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
19 x 10 mm, 152 pcs - SGD 2.50 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
13 x 7 mm, 242 pcs - SGD 2.50 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
Customised Size and Quantity - Contact Us
Simplified Variant
19 x 10 mm, 152 pcs - SGD 2.50 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
Customised Size and Quantity - Contact Us
Suger Declaration for Topping Mark
13 x 7 mm, 242 pcs - SGD 2.50 per set (inclusive of 9% GST)
Customised Size and Quantity - Contact Us
Healthier Dining Programme (HDP) Prints
for affixation on store front or over existing menu page or board
Front-of-House Identifier
200 mm x 200 mm, Decal - SGD 8 per piece (inclusive of 9% GST)
200 mm x 200 mm, Vinyl Sticker - SGD 3 per piece (inclusive of 9% GST)
Customised Size, Quantity and Material - Contact Us
Dish Tag Identifier
Height, 10 mm, Vinyl Sticker - SGD 0.20 per piece (inclusive of 9% GST)
Height, 30 mm, Vinyl Sticker - SGD 0.50 per piece (inclusive of 9% GST)
NOTE : Minimum 20 pieces in an order.
Notes to Print Services
[1] Order Specifications : For all orders, please specify the variant (if applicable), quantity and sticker size required. For Nutri-Grade stickers, indicate the grade and the corresponding levels of nutrients of concern (i.e. 2% sugar, 15% sat fat, 4% sodium, etc.). For Healthier Dining Programme stickers, please specify the variant of the front-of-house identifier (i.e. Healthier Options Available Here, We Use Healthier Oil, Ask for Lower-Sugar Beverages, etc.) and/or dish tag identifier (i.e. Lower in Calories, Lower in Sugar, Lower in Sodium, No Added Sugar and a Source of Dietary Fibre etc.).
[2] Design Submission : For menu print services or any customised requests, please send us your design in PNG, JPEG, or SVG format.
[3] Tolerance Allowance : Please allow an error of ±2 mm for all prints.
[4] Custom Sizes : If you require stickers or labels of other sizes, please enquire with us.
ENQUIRE TODAY
Let us support you if have any queries or has interest in any of our services.