Understanding the Nuances of Citing Product Packaging
When referencing information from product packaging, such as a nutrition label, it's important to understand that it is often treated differently than a traditional academic source like a journal article or book. In many cases, especially in MLA style, a formal works-cited-list entry is not even necessary for a simple mention. However, in a formal research paper or thesis where food product data is central to the argument, a more complete citation is required to maintain academic integrity and allow for reproducibility. The key is to provide enough detail for your reader to locate the same product and information, even if the packaging design or formulation changes over time.
Key Elements to Capture
Regardless of the specific citation style, you will need to gather several pieces of information from the food product and its packaging to ensure your citation is robust:
- Product Name: The full, exact name of the food item.
- Manufacturer: The company responsible for the product. This is often the corporate author.
- Year of Production/Publication: The year the packaging was produced. This can sometimes be found near the expiration date or copyright notice. If a specific year is not available, you can use the current year or indicate 'n.d.' (no date).
- Media Type: Specify that the source is a 'packaging' or 'label'.
- Location: The city and state (or country) of the manufacturer, if available.
- Specific Information Used: Note which part of the label you are referencing, e.g., 'Nutrition Facts panel' or 'Ingredients List'.
Citing a Nutrition Label: Style-by-Style Guide
American Psychological Association (APA) 7th Edition
In APA, treating the manufacturer as a corporate author is the standard approach. The in-text citation will be (Corporate Name, Year) and the reference list entry follows a specific format.
In-Text Citation: According to the nutrition label, one serving contains 150 calories (Mars Incorporated, 2023).
Reference List Entry: Manufacturer Name. (Year). Product Name (Label). Publisher. Example: Mars Incorporated. (2023). M&M's Milk Chocolate Candies (Packaging). Mars, Inc.
Modern Language Association (MLA) 9th Edition
For MLA, a full works-cited entry for a product label is often optional, with most details incorporated into the prose or a note. However, if your paper heavily relies on this information, you can create a complete entry.
In-Text Citation (as part of prose): A 2024 package of General Mills Honey Nut Cheerios cereal lists 140 calories per serving.
In-Text Citation (using a footnote): As noted on a package for Nature Valley Oats 'n Honey Granola Bars: “100% natural whole grain oats.”^1
Works Cited Entry (for significant references): Manufacturer. "Product Title." Item Description, Year of Production. Example: General Mills. "Nutrition Label for Honey Nut Cheerios." Packaging Label, 2024.
Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) 17th Edition
The Chicago style follows a similar logic, favoring a footnote or endnote for less formal sources and a more structured bibliography entry when the source is critical to the research. You will typically include information similar to APA and MLA, with the manufacturer as the author.
Note (Footnote/Endnote):
- Kellogg Company, Nutrition Facts label for Frosted Flakes cereal, 2023.
Bibliography Entry: Manufacturer. Product Name (Label). Place of Publication, Year of Production. Example: Kellogg Company. Frosted Flakes (Packaging). Battle Creek, MI, 2023.
Comparison of Citation Styles for Nutrition Labels
| Feature | APA 7th Edition | MLA 9th Edition | Chicago 17th Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-text | (Manufacturer, Year) | Often in prose or note | Note/footnote |
| Corporate Author | Manufacturer is listed as author | Manufacturer can be listed if formal entry is needed | Manufacturer is listed as author |
| Title Format | Product Name (italicized) | "Product Title" (in quotes) | Product Name (italicized) |
| Source Type | (Packaging) | Item Description | (Label) |
| Year Placement | After Manufacturer | At end of citation | At end of citation |
| Formal Entry | Recommended for reference list | Optional; can be in-prose | Optional; can be in-prose or note |
The Role of Reputable Sources and When to Cite a Database
While citing a physical label is the most direct method, sometimes researchers rely on online databases that compile nutritional information. For example, the USDA FoodData Central is an authoritative source for nutritional data. When using such a resource, you should cite the database itself, not the original product label, as your source.
APA Example (citing a database): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. (2023). FoodData Central. Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
This is a critical distinction, as the database is the direct source of your information, and you are no longer relying on the physical product packaging. Always consider which source you actually accessed when creating your citation.
Ethical Considerations and Data Accuracy
It is vital to note any potential changes to a product's formula. Food companies may alter ingredients or nutritional values over time. For academic rigor, it is a best practice to document the specific year of the packaging you used for your analysis. If possible, take a photograph of the label to preserve a digital record of the exact data for future reference.
Conclusion
Properly citing a nutrition label is an essential skill for anyone conducting food-related research. While some styles, like MLA, offer a more casual approach, a more formal citation is always the safer and more academically sound option, especially when food data is a central part of your work. By correctly identifying the manufacturer, product name, and year, and following the specific guidelines for your chosen style, you ensure your research is both transparent and credible. Remember to use authoritative sources like the FDA or USDA when available, and to document your physical label data carefully to account for any product changes. Properly documenting your sources is the foundation of sound academic practice, even for something as common as a box of cereal.
What to Include in a Nutrition Label Citation Checklist
- Product Name: Write out the full name as it appears on the package.
- Manufacturer: Identify the company and its corporate status if applicable.
- Date: Look for the production year, copyright, or best-by date to approximate.
- Source Type: Specify 'packaging' or 'label' to clarify the medium.
- Location: Mention the manufacturer's city and state if easily found.
Choosing Between Physical Label and Database
Physical Label:
- Pros: Most accurate for the specific product in hand.
- Cons: Product formulas can change, making it difficult for others to verify in the future.
Database (e.g., USDA):
- Pros: Standardized data, stable URL for verification.
- Cons: May not reflect the exact formulation of the specific product you are holding.
For academic work, citing the database is often preferred for its reliability and accessibility, but if your work specifically analyzes a particular product's packaging, citing the physical label is appropriate.
