First, the standard four
All food supplements need the recommended daily dose, a do-not-exceed warning, the varied diet statement and the young children statement. See the full label checklist. The warnings below come on top.
Caffeine (pre-workouts and energy products)
Where caffeine is added for its physiological effect, food supplements must state: “Contains caffeine. Not recommended for children or pregnant women”, in the same field of vision as the name of the product, followed by the caffeine content per recommended daily portion. Ready-to-drink products with more than 150 mg/l use the “High caffeine content…” wording instead.
Sweeteners
Products containing sweeteners must say “with sweetener(s)” with the name of the food, or “with sugar(s) and sweetener(s)” if they contain both. This catches flavoured powders, effervescent tablets and many gummies.
Aspartame
Aspartame (and aspartame-acesulfame salt) needs “Contains a source of phenylalanine” when it is listed by name in the ingredients, or “Contains aspartame (a source of phenylalanine)” when it is listed only by its E number.
Polyols
Products with more than 10% added polyols, such as sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol and erythritol (common in sugar-free gummies and chewables), must state “Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects”.
Liquorice
Products with glycyrrhizinic acid from liquorice at 100 mg/kg or more need “Contains liquorice” after the ingredients list. At higher levels, the label must also warn people with high blood pressure to avoid excessive consumption. This matters for some herbal and digestive blends.
Certain colours
Six colours (E102, E104, E110, E122, E124 and E129) require the warning “[name or E number of the colour(s)]: may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”. Most supplement brands simply avoid them. Check coated tablets and gummies.
Protective atmosphere
If the product is packed in a gas such as nitrogen to keep it fresh (common for some powders and oils), the label must say “Packaged in a protective atmosphere”.
Advisory warnings
Some warnings aren’t required by law but are standard good practice, such as advising pregnant women not to take vitamin A (retinol) supplements, or suggesting people taking medication speak to their doctor first. Follow your manufacturer’s and your adviser’s recommendations. We check all of these in our compliance check.
Not legal advice. This guide covers the general rules for food supplements sold in Great Britain. Check your own product with a regulatory adviser, your local Trading Standards team or your Primary Authority partner.