A Brand You Can Trust

High-quality specialist packaging since 1919

Free UK Delivery Over £150

Rapid delivery throughout the UK and Europe

Products When You Need Them

Extensive stock levels to meet your needs

Ice Cream Packaging Regulations: A Simple Guide for Small Businesses

Posted: Jul 15, 2025

In: Food packaging , Catering disposables , Eco-Friendly

By:

Joe Sizeland

Ice cream is a customer favourite during the warmer months and a valuable addition to any food business. But packaging it correctly is not always straightforward. Prepacked tubs, cones, and cold desserts prepared in advance all come with clear rules on labelling, food information and presentation that you must follow to stay compliant.

This simple guide explains the main regulations that apply to ice cream packaging in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, helping you protect consumers, maintain product quality and avoid unnecessary risks.

Understanding food information regulations

All food businesses are required to comply with Food Information Regulations, which set out detailed requirements for how your ice cream must be labelled and presented. These rules apply differently depending on how your ice cream is sold:

Prepacked foods: this refers to ice cream that is packaged before being offered for sale, and the contents cannot be altered without opening or changing the packaging. Examples include tubs of ice cream manufactured by a third party or by your business at a different location. For these, you must provide comprehensive labelling including:
Name of the food
Full ingredients list (with allergens clearly emphasised, e.g., in bold)
Net quantity (e.g., weight or volume)
Best-before or use-by date
Storage conditions
Name and address of the food business operator (as of January 1, 2024, this must be a UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man address, or an importer's UK address if the business is not based there).
Nutritional declaration (energy, fat, saturates, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, salt per 100g/ml).
Prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) foods: this applies to ice cream that is packaged by your business on the same premises from which it is sold, and is in that packaging before being ordered or selected by the customer. Examples include ice cream tubs or cones that you fill and wrap yourself ready for sale from your shop counter or a display fridge. Following "Natasha's Law" (which came into force in October 2021), PPDS foods must be labelled with:
The name of the food
A full ingredients list with allergens clearly emphasised.
Non-prepacked (loose) foods: this covers ice cream sold loose or packaged at the consumer's request at the point of sale, such as an ice cream cone sold over the counter. For these, you are primarily required to provide allergen information. This can be done orally, as long as there is a clear notice informing customers that this information is available upon request. Other information like a full ingredient list or use-by date is not mandatory for non-prepacked foods, but if provided, it must still comply with relevant rules.

Key labelling elements for ice cream

All ice cream packaging must include either a use-by date or a best-before date, depending on the nature of the product. These dates help your customers understand how long the ice cream will remain safe and of good quality.

Use-by dates are usually applied to products where safety is a concern, while best-before dates indicate when the product is likely to start losing quality. Clear labelling in this area reduces the risk of waste and contamination and demonstrates your commitment to consumer welfare.

Use-by dates and product quality

Labelling requirements in Great Britain and Northern Ireland

If you trade in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland, be aware that labelling rules can differ slightly due to the Northern Ireland Protocol. Some products require different information or formats depending on where they are sold.

You can find the most up-to-date guidance by visiting the UK Government’s official food labelling pages .

Best practices for safe and compliant packaging

Beyond meeting legal requirements, there are practical steps you can take to improve quality and protect your customers. Use hygienic, tamper-evident containers that help prevent contamination and maintain the right temperature. Ensure your labels are clear, durable and securely applied so that all essential information remains legible until the product is consumed.

You should also regularly review your processes, especially if you change suppliers or introduce new recipes. This will help you avoid mistakes and make sure your business is always prepared for inspection.

Getting further help and sourcing suitable packaging

Complying with ice cream packaging regulations is essential to protecting your consumers, maintaining product quality and safeguarding your business reputation. Understanding the rules and adopting reliable packaging means you can be confident that you are serving products your customers will trust and enjoy.

If you need further information about your obligations, valuable resources are available from the UK Government , the Food Standards Agency , and your local authority’s trading standards department . These official sources provide the most up-to-date and detailed guidance.

For business owners looking to upgrade their packaging to make sure it meets all regulatory requirements, iKrafts offers a wide range of ice cream and dessert containers designed to help you present your products professionally.