A common question we receive from clients  with regard to their supplement labels is this:

“Do I need to show the sugar, carbohydrate, fat, or calorie content on my label — or even on my website?”

It’s a fair question, especially with the rise of gummy and chewable formats where sugars and sweeteners are often used to improve taste and texture.

In this short guide, we’ll break down what’s legally required, what’s commercially expected, and what’s best practice — so you can make informed labelling decisions that are compliant, honest, and clear for your customers.

What the Law Says (UK Regulations)

Under UK food supplement law, labels are governed primarily by:

• The Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003 (and equivalents in Wales, Scotland, and NI)

• Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims

• And general consumer labelling rules under retained EU law (Regulation 1169/2011)

Together, these define what information must appear on the label of a food supplement.

Required on Food Supplement Labels:

By default, your label must include:

• A list of active ingredients (e.g. vitamins, minerals, botanicals)

• The amount of each nutrient per daily dose

• The % NRV (Nutrient Reference Value) for any vitamins or minerals

• Clear directions for use

• Any mandatory allergy or cautionary information

• Your UK food business operator details

• Batch and Best Before info

Not Required (By Default):

You are not required to show:

• Calories (kcal / kJ)

• Sugars

• Carbohydrates

• Fats

• Fibre

• Protein

• Salt / sodium

Unless you're making a nutrition claim — more on that below.

The Exception: If You Make a Nutrition Claim...

If your label or website uses phrases like:

• “Low sugar”

• “Reduced calorie”

• “Source of fibre”

• “High protein”

• “Fat-free”

Then you are legally required to show a full nutrition declaration in the correct format — including values per 100g and per serving, as per Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.

This applies not just to the label, but also to any marketing, including:

• Websites

• Product listings (e.g. Amazon)

• Printed leaflets or ads

So, if you say “low in sugar” anywhere — you’ll need to back it up with accurate nutrition data.

What About Gummies?

Now, let’s talk specifically about gummy supplements, since this is where most confusion arises. Gummies are still legally classified as food supplements — not confectionery — as long as they meet the requirements for dosage, labelling, and claims. That said, they often contain sugars, syrups, or sweeteners, which makes their presentation a little more sensitive.

While you’re not legally required to show sugar or calorie content, many brands choose to do so voluntarily. Here’s why:

• Builds trust with parents and health-conscious consumers

• Pre-empts scrutiny — especially for kids’ supplements

• Demonstrates transparency, even when sugar is present

• Can avoid awkward questions like “How much sugar is in this?”

If you do include a nutritional table, make sure it’s separate from your main active ingredients table — and clearly labelled (e.g. "Nutritional Values Per Gummy").

Summary: Do You Need to Include Sugar & Calories?

Our Recommendation

If your product contains sugar — and especially if it's aimed at children — we strongly recommend including sugar and calorie values on the label, even if it’s not legally required. It helps keep your brand transparent, and it reassures customers who care about sugar intake.

You don’t need to go overboard. A simple table like this is enough:

Nutritional Values Per Gummy:

• Energy: 8 kcal

• Total Carbohydrates: 2.0g
    of which Sugars: 1.6g

• Fat: 0.01g

• Protein: 0.00g

Keep it factual, keep it separate from your main nutrient panel, and make sure no misleading claims are made.