The clean label is shaping the future of the Indian beverage market in 2025. According to the industry estimates, over 68% of urban Indian consumers now check ingredient lists before buying packaged drinks, and approximately 6 in 10 buyers avoid artificial preservatives and sweeteners. As India’s functional beverage market is about to cross ₹15,000 crore this year, brands are focusing long long-term success that also matches the regulatory expectations.
The clean label beverages provide transparency, simplicity, and trust. To deliver on that promise, your label needs to comply with FSSAI regulations while communicating the product’s true nature. Let’s explore what FSSAI requires on your label in 2025 and how you can meet those standards.
Understanding ‘Clean Label Beverages’ In India
The term ‘clean label’ in India is not officially defined by the food regulators, but has become an important part of consumers’ lives. Consumers have become the primary reason for this shift to ‘clean label’, as they are more aware of what they eat and what exactly goes into their foods and drinks. This is not such a vast concept; it is only about keeping things simple, fewer ingredients, no artificial color, preservatives, flavors, and no confusing chemical names.
Clean label beverages are about giving consumers what they are asking for: honesty, transparency, and simplicity. It’s a way for food and drink makers to be more open, using everyday ingredients and keeping labels easy to understand.
Recommended Blog: Clean-Label Flavored Water Formulation Guide For 2025
The Science Behind ‘Clean Label Beverages’
As per the studies, the consumers now expect transparency and honesty, both in what goes into their food and how it is made. To meet these expectations, brands are adopting science-based strategies like:
- Using natural, minimal process ingredients without artificial additives and focusing on ethical sourcing.
- Being transparent about ingredients and process to build consumer trust.
- Helping consumers understand ingredients to reduce concerns, especially around commonly misunderstood components.
- Keeping labels clear and simple, with easy-to-read fonts and plain language.
These steps not only meet regulatory expectations but also build stronger, more honest connections with consumers.
Basic FSSAI Labelling Requirements For All Beverages
The clean label beverages, functional drinks, or any other beverage must include the following information on the label as per FSSAI regulations 2025:
- FSSAI Logo and License Number- Your label must show the FSSAI logo and your 14-digit license number. This is a sign that your product meets India’s food safety standards.
- Product Name- Use a name that clearly describes what the drink is, like “Fruit Juice with Herbal Extracts” or “Low Sugar Lemon Water.” Don’t use names that could confuse buyers.
- Ingredient List- List all ingredients in order of quantity used, from most to least. If you use food additives, list their INS numbers (e.g., citric acid = INS 330). Even for natural additives, these numbers must be included.
- Nutrition Facts- Give values for:
- Energy (kcal)
- Protein
- Total carbohydrate and sugar
- Total fat
- Sodium (if applicable)
Use values per 100 ml or serving.
- Net Quantity- Mention the volume, either in mL or liters.
- Manufacture and Expiry Dates- Include both the date of manufacturing and the “Best Before” or “Use By” date.
- Manufacturer and Marketer Information- Print the name and full address of the manufacturer, packer, or marketer.
- Batch Identification Number, Date of Marketing, & Country of Origin- This helps track the product if there are any issues later.
- Storage Instructions- If your drink contains no preservatives, this is especially important. Let consumers know how and where to store it (e.g., “Refrigerate after opening”).
- Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian Symbol- A green or brown dot inside a square shows whether your product is veg or non-veg, based on the source of its ingredients.
Extra Labelling Rules for Clean Label Beverages
Clean label drinks often include extra label claims under FSSAI like “No Added Sugar,” “All Natural,” or “No Artificial Flavours.” These sound great—but only if they’re true and clearly explained.
1. No Artificial Preservatives, Colors, or Flavors
If your label says “No Artificial Preservatives,” make sure you haven’t used Class II preservatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate. Use natural options like lemon juice concentrate or plant-based antioxidants.
2. “Natural” Food Has To Be Natural
You can only use the word “natural” if every ingredient comes from a natural source and hasn’t been heavily altered. For example, real fruit pulp is natural; synthetic flavorings, even if fruit-flavored, are not.
3. No Added Sugar or Low Sugar
- “No Added Sugar” means you haven’t added sugar, honey, or any syrups. If your product contains naturally occurring sugars (like from fruit), mention it: “Contains natural sugars from fruit juice.”
- For “Low Sugar” claims, make sure the sugar content is within the limits allowed by FSSAI.
4. Allergen Declaration
If your drink contains ingredients that are common allergens, like milk protein, soy, or gluten, you need to mention it clearly on the label. Even trace amounts must be declared.
5. Front-of-Pack Labelling (FoPL)
FSSAI is planning new rules that would require front-of-pack warnings for products high in sugar, fat, or salt. If your clean label drink is low in all three, that’s a selling point—be ready to highlight it once the rules kick in.
Common Mistakes that Affect FSSAI Approval
- Choosing the wrong font type and size
- Not adhering to logo dimensions or color
- Not using enough contrast in packaging
- False advertising and misleading labels
- Nutritional information on the front of the package
Get FSSAI-Ready Clean Label Beverages With Our Formulation Experts
We help food brands create formulations that are simple, transparent, and fully compliant, without compromising on taste or shelf life. From selecting natural ingredients to making surety of label accuracy and regulatory approval, our beverage formulation experts work with you every step of the way.
- Natural ingredient selection
- Additive-free beverage formulation guidance
- Label review & compliance support
- Product claims that pass FSSAI checks
Let’s bring your clean label vision to life—responsibly and legally. Contact us Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does clean label mean in beverages?
Clean label beverages use simple, familiar ingredients with minimal processing and avoid artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives.
Why are consumers shifting towards clean label beverages?
Consumers prefer transparency, ingredient trust, and products perceived as safer and healthier for long-term consumption.
Which ingredients are avoided in clean label beverages?
Artificial sweeteners, synthetic colors, chemical preservatives, artificial flavors, and complex additives are typically avoided.
How do clean label beverages achieve shelf life without preservatives?
Shelf life is maintained through pH control, thermal processing, aseptic packaging, and carefully selected natural preservation systems.
Are clean label beverages always healthier?
Not always. Clean label focuses on ingredient transparency, while nutritional quality depends on sugar content, portion size, and formulation balance.
What challenges do brands face while developing clean label beverages?
The biggest challenges include maintaining taste consistency, stability, shelf life, and cost efficiency without artificial additives.
Does clean labeling affect beverage taste?
Yes, clean label formulations may require advanced flavor balancing techniques to deliver consistent taste without artificial enhancers.
Which beverage categories suit clean label positioning best?
Juices, functional beverages, flavored water, kombucha, plant-based drinks, and natural energy beverages perform well under clean label positioning.
What should brands verify before making clean label claims?
Brands must verify ingredient sourcing, claim substantiation, labeling accuracy, and regulatory compliance to maintain consumer trust.
How can beverage brands successfully transition to clean label products?
Brands should reformulate gradually, validate taste with consumers, optimize processing methods, and communicate ingredient transparency clearly.
