Alcohol Labeling and the Importance of Transparency

The Evolution of Alcohol Labeling and the Importance of Transparency

In today’s health-conscious world, consumers are increasingly demanding more information about the products they consume. While food and non-alcoholic beverages are required to display detailed nutrition facts and ingredient lists, alcoholic beverages often lack this level of transparency. Understanding the history of alcohol labeling, the differences between regulatory agencies, and the significance of transparency can help consumers make more informed choices.

A Brief History of Alcohol Labeling

The regulation of alcohol in the United States has a complex history that dates back to the Prohibition era. Following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the federal government established the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to oversee the regulation of alcoholic beverages. The primary focus at that time was on taxation and preventing fraud, rather than on providing detailed information about the ingredients or nutritional content of these products.

The TTB’s mandate was—and largely still is—to ensure that alcoholic beverages are safe for consumption and accurately labeled in terms of alcohol content, brand name, and origin. This focus on basic labeling requirements has persisted, even as consumer preferences and expectations have evolved. Unlike food and non-alcoholic beverages, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), alcoholic beverages regulated by the TTB do not require detailed ingredient lists or nutrition facts.

TTB vs. FDA Labeling Requirements

The responsibility for regulating alcoholic beverages in the U.S. is divided between the TTB and the FDA, depending on the alcohol content of the product. The TTB governs beverages with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 7% or higher, while the FDA regulates those with an ABV of less than 7%.

TTB Labeling Requirements:

• Alcohol Content: The label must state the alcohol content by volume.
• Brand Label: The brand name must be prominently displayed.
• Health Warning Statement: A government-mandated health warning is required.
• Net Contents: The label must indicate the net contents of the bottle.
• Country of Origin: Imported beverages must include this information.
• Name and Address: The label must display the name and address of the bottler or importer.

These requirements are designed to ensure that consumers know the alcohol content and basic details of the beverage they are purchasing. However, the TTB does not require the inclusion of detailed ingredient lists or nutritional information, which limits transparency.

FDA Labeling Requirements: For beverages with less than 7% ABV, such as many of Spirited Brands’ products, the FDA’s labeling guidelines apply:

• Ingredient List: A complete list of ingredients in descending order by weight is required.
• Nutrition Facts: These are required only if the beverage makes nutrient content claims; otherwise, they are optional

• Allergen Labeling: Any major food allergens must be declared on the label.

Because our products contain 5% ABV, they fall under the FDA’s regulatory purview. This means we adhere to FDA guidelines for ingredient safety, nutritional labeling, and allergen disclosure. While the FDA requires us to include an ingredient list, we are not obligated to include nutrition facts unless we make nutrient claims. However, at Spirited Brands, we voluntarily include nutrition facts on all our products because we believe in full transparency.

The Importance of Transparency in Alcohol Labeling

Transparency in labeling is crucial for today’s health-conscious consumers. With increasing awareness of the importance of diet and nutrition, consumers want to know exactly what they are putting into their bodies—even when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Providing detailed information about ingredients, nutritional content, and allergens not only builds trust but also empowers consumers to make healthier choices.

At Spirited Brands, transparency is one of our core values. When we created our products, we were puzzled by the lack of nutrition facts and complete ingredient lists on most alcoholic drinks. We wanted to disrupt the status quo and offer a new paradigm in the cocktail experience. That’s why every can we produce features a detailed nutrition facts panel and a comprehensive list of ingredients. We meticulously curate each ingredient and flavor to meet the strictest standards of natural grocers, using no artificial sweeteners.

Our commitment to transparency goes beyond just meeting regulatory requirements. We believe that by providing consumers with all the information they need, we can help promote healthier consumption habits and foster a deeper connection with our brand. As the industry evolves and consumer demands for transparency grow, we hope to set an example for others to follow.

Conclusion

The history of alcohol labeling is rooted in a regulatory framework that prioritizes alcohol content and basic safety over transparency. The division of regulatory responsibilities between the TTB and FDA has resulted in different labeling requirements for alcoholic beverages, with many products lacking detailed ingredient lists and nutritional information. However, as consumer expectations change, there is a growing movement towards greater transparency in alcohol labeling.

At Spirited Brands, we are proud to lead the charge in providing our consumers with full transparency. By adhering to FDA guidelines and voluntarily including nutrition facts on our labels, we ensure that our consumers have all the information they need to make informed choices. As the conversation around alcohol labeling continues to evolve, we remain committed to setting the standard for transparency in our industry.