ReciPal now offers an aggregate label format. The aggregate label can be used when different products are included together in one bundled pack. For example, a cereal bundle, a variety snack-sized chip pack, or a box of varied chocolates.

If you prefer to learn over video, we have a version on our YouTube Channel and embedded below:

When are aggregate labels required?

Aggregate labels are not a requirement, but can be used to better optimize the space on your packaging and more easily convey the nutrition information. Instead of an aggregate label, you could choose to include individual nutrition fact panels for each of the distinct products in the bundle. However, the aggregate label can be more efficient by utilizing one nutrition fact panel with columns for each of the products included.

How it works

To get started, you first need to set up separate recipes for each of the individual products going into your bundle. Once all of the recipes are set, go into the recipe that you would like to be listed first (i.e. the lead recipe). From the label page, select the aggregate label format. After this format is selected, you will be prompted to select additional recipes to be included.

The order you select these recipes will be the order they appear on the label. If you want to reorder recipes, just remove the recipes and add them again in your desired order. For all of the recipes you select, make sure that the net weight per package, serving size, and number of servings in each package are consistent with what is being included in your bundle.

💪Pro Tip - It can be helpful to have a distinct recipe associated with the aggregate label format. This setup makes it easier to find your aggregate label in the future.

To accomplish this, turn your lead recipe into a sub-recipe. From there, create a new recipe with a distinctive title, “Aggregate Chip Label” and add the sub-recipe as an ingredient. Finally, select the aggregate label format and choose the additional recipes that should be part of the grouping.

Other Notes

• Serving Size: If each of your products has the same serving size (i.e. 1 bag) it will be listed once in the Nutrition Facts column. However, if products have different serving sizes then each serving size will automatically be listed in the column for the specific product.
• Package Info: There is a distinct field for "package count for aggregate label". Once you select the aggregate label, this field will appear in packaging section (otherwise it can be found in the "Advanced" tab of the packaging section). You need to go into each recipe used in the aggregate label and set this number. It's important to note that this field is different from the number of packages the recipe produces and can be set to whatever number of packages you're including in the bundle. On your label, the "servings per container" is calculated by adding up the number of packages of each product.
• Recipe Names: Each of the product columns will use the name of the recipe as the product name. If you use a single ingredient sub-recipe to create your aggregate label (as suggested in our pro tip), it will draw the name from the sub-recipe. This feature allows you to name the recipe "Aggregate Chip Label" while still having the product name appear as "Fresh Ranch Chips".
• Ingredient Statements: If you use a sub-recipe to make your lead recipe be sure to check off "combine ingredients from subrecipes" on the Ingredient Statement tab. Doing this, will avoid the recipe name being listed within your ingredient statement.
• Facility Allergens: The facility allergens are populated from the lead recipe. So if products are made in multiple facilities with different potential facility allergens you must make sure the lead recipes reflects facility allergens across all of the products.

Wrapping it up

The aggregate label format gives you more flexibility to mix and match products while conserving space on your packaging. While it’s an optional format, we’ve received a number of requests to make it available. We’re always developing the platform based on customer feedback, so if there are other label types that would make your life easier - let us know in the comments!