What Are the Best Label Materials for Restaurants and Kitchens?
The best label materials for restaurants and kitchens are dissolvable, waterproof, freezer-safe, and removable—each chosen based on how they perform in hot, cold, or moist foodservice environments.
If you’re managing food prep, storage, or service, the material your labels are made from directly affects food safety, cleanup speed, and regulatory compliance. Here’s a breakdown of the most reliable label materials and exactly when to use them.
The Top Label Materials for Commercial Kitchens
Let’s get right to it—here’s what works in busy food environments:
1. Dissolvable Paper Labels
Best for: Short-term food prep containers and reusable bins
Why it works: These labels disappear in water. No peeling, no residue, no scrubbing. Perfect for fast-paced kitchens where containers are washed and reused multiple times a day.
Surface compatibility: Stainless steel, plastic, glass
Environment: Moist, cold, or dry
Handling durability: Light to medium
Bonus tip: Great for reducing adhesive buildup that traps bacteria
2. Waterproof Polypropylene Labels
Best for: Grab-and-go items, wet environments, and heavy handling
Why it works: Made from plastic-like film that resists water, oil, and smudging. These stay readable through splashes, condensation, and refrigeration.
Surface compatibility: Plastic, glass, metal
Environment: Cold, humid, or wet prep areas
Handling durability: High
Bonus tip: Perfect for delis, takeout, and exposed containers
3. Freezer-Safe Adhesive Labels
Best for: Bulk food storage, deep chill containers, protein.
Why it works: These are paper or plastic labels with specialized adhesive that sticks even when applied in freezing conditions.
Surface compatibility: Plastic bins, freezer bags, metal trays
Environment: Sub-zero or fluctuating cold
Handling durability: Medium to high
Bonus tip: Reduces relabeling from labels falling off due to frost or condensation
4. Removable Labels (Low-Tack Adhesives)
Best for: Dry goods, day-use containers, or quick ID systems
Why it works: They hold when you need them, peel when you don’t. These are ideal when you want a clean surface later but don’t want to use water to remove the label.
Surface compatibility: Plastic, glass
Environment: Dry, room temperature
Handling durability: Light to medium
Bonus tip: Ideal for labeling flour bins, spice jars, or daily stock
5. Permanent Paper Labels
Best for: Long-term storage or fixed location labeling
Why it works: Affordable, strong adhesive, and dependable over time. These are less flexible but great when you don’t want your label to move or fall off.
Surface compatibility: Shelving, ingredient containers, racks
Environment: Dry to mildly humid
Handling durability: High
Bonus tip: Best for stock rooms or back-of-house labeling needs
Quick Comparison Cheat Sheet
| Label Material | Best Use | Removes Cleanly? | Moisture-Resistant? | Freezer-Safe? |
| Dissolvable Paper | Prep containers, dishwashing | ✅ Yes (with water) | ❌ No | ⚠ Sometimes |
| Waterproof Polypropylene | Grab-and-go, delis, wet areas | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Freezer-Safe Labels | Long-term cold storage | ⚠ Sometimes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Removable Labels | Dry goods, short-term ID | ✅ Yes (no residue) | ⚠ Limited | ❌ No |
| Permanent Paper | Long-term labeling | ❌ No | ⚠ Some | ❌ No |
How to Match the Right Label Material to the Right Job
- If your container is reused daily → Choose dissolvable
- If it’s stored cold or wet → Go waterproof or freezer-safe
- If it’s just for the shift → Removable gets it done
- If it’s a fixed storage label → Permanent is more efficient
Examples from Real Kitchens
Deli Grab-and-Go Containers
Use: Waterproof Polypropylene
- Water-resistant, smudge-proof
- Clear, professional appearance for customers
Stainless Steel Prep Containers
Use: Dissolvable Labels
- Rinse clean, no buildup
- Works well in high-moisture areas
Dry Ingredient Bins
Use: Removable or Permanent
- Easily updated (removable), or
- Long-term consistency (permanent)
A Helpful Next Step
If you’re labeling different containers for different jobs, it might be time to mix and match. Many kitchens keep two to three label types on hand so staff can grab the right one for the task. You can browse our food labels and sort by material to find what matches your space.
Also, make sure to check out our article about why restaurants need dissolvable labels. We go through the problems they solve, how they simplify food rotations and compare to traditional option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most food-safe label material?
Dissolvable and freezer-safe labels are both designed with food-contact safety in mind, especially when used on containers (not food). Look for FDA-compliant options.
Can dissolvable labels go in the freezer?
Some dissolvable labels can handle cold, but not deep freezing. If you’re storing long-term in sub-zero conditions, opt for dedicated freezer-safe labels.
Are waterproof labels heat-resistant too?
Not always. Waterproof labels resist moisture, but check specs before applying them in high-heat zones like steam tables or hot holding areas.
What label adhesive is best for wet containers?
Use freezer-safe or waterproof adhesives. They’re engineered to handle condensation, cold temps, and damp handling.
How do I remove labels without scrubbing?
Dissolvable labels rinse off with water. Removable labels peel away cleanly when dry. Avoid permanent labels if you need quick container turnover.
What’s the best label for metal pans or steam trays?
Dissolvable or waterproof labels both work well, depending on exposure to heat and water. Dissolvable is best when you need easy cleanup.
