About 31% of Consumers Care About Food Label and Sticker Design and Information; Top Desired Feature is 'Easy to Peel Off Cleanly'

Consumer Awareness and Desired Features of Food and Restaurant 'Labels and Stickers'

Have you ever turned over a product in a supermarket to check its ingredients, or noticed a small logo sticker on a cup you received at a café?

For food products and restaurants, labels and stickers are essential elements that complete the product.

They not only convey information such as ingredients and expiration dates but also influence the impression of the product and the brand image of the store.

But how much attention do consumers actually pay to labels and stickers?

To explore this, we conducted a joint survey with Jyukusei Seal Koubou (ARC Co., Ltd.), targeting 500 men and women nationwide, on the importance of labels and stickers in the food and dining industry.

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Survey Overview: 'Survey on the Importance of Labels and Stickers in Food and Dining'

Survey Method: Online questionnaire

Survey Period: July 1, 2026 – July 7, 2026

Respondents: Men and women across Japan

Valid Responses: 500 samples

Survey Questions:

Question 1: How much do you pay attention to the design and information on 'labels and stickers' when purchasing food products?

Question 2: What kind of label design makes you feel 'safe' or 'delicious'? (Multiple selections allowed)

Question 3: Please tell us the design you value most and why.

Question 4: Does your impression of a café or takeout shop change when an original logo sticker is placed on the cup or bag?

Question 5: Please explain specifically how your impression changes.

Question 6: What features would you like to see in food-related labels and stickers?

Question 7: Please explain why you selected that feature.

※ Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number, so totals may not add up to 100%.

31.4% of Respondents Pay Attention to Label and Sticker Design and Information

First, we asked how much attention people pay to the design and information on food packaging labels and stickers.

The results showed that 5.8% 'pay a lot of attention' and 25.6% 'pay some attention,' totaling 31.4% of respondents who care about labels and stickers.

On the other hand, 32.2% said they 'don’t pay much attention,' and 36.4% said they 'don’t pay attention at all.'

While there is individual variation in attention to labels and stickers, over 30% do consider design and information, suggesting it plays a role in purchase decisions.

47.0% Feel 'Safe' or 'Delicious' with 'Easy-to-Read Ingredient and Composition Labels'

Next, we asked what kind of label design makes people feel 'safe' or 'delicious.'

The most common response was 'easy-to-read ingredient and composition information,' selected by 47.0%.

This was followed by 'use of illustrations or photos' (25.2%), 'natural/organic texture' (14.4%), and 'handwritten style with warmth' (13.8%).

We also collected responses on the most valued design and the reasons behind it. Here are some examples:

Please tell us the design you value most and why.

・ Simple and easy-to-understand designs are better because they are clear and reassuring. (Male, 20s)

・ I prefer designs where ingredient information is easy to understand. I don’t want to buy food with strange ingredients. (Female, 20s)

・ Reddish colors make food look delicious. (Male, 20s)

・ Product images or illustrations help me imagine how I’ll use it. (Female, 30s)

・ Clear labeling of origin and food additives. I want to buy something I can feel confident about. (Female, 30s)

・ Elegant, clean designs without unnecessary text. They feel more premium. (Female, 30s)

The top response was 'easy-to-read ingredient information,' indicating that clarity of information is highly valued in food labels.

Additionally, comments like 'simple and easy-to-understand designs are reassuring' and 'clear ingredient labeling is important' suggest that designs that make essential information easy to access enhance consumer confidence and ease of product selection.

42.4% Say Original Logo Stickers Change Their Impression of a Store

Next, we asked whether the presence of an original logo sticker on cups or bags at cafés or takeout shops changes customers’ impressions of the store.

The results showed that 8.4% said 'it changes a lot' and 34.0% said 'it changes somewhat,' totaling 42.4% who feel their impression changes.

On the other hand, 34.0% said 'it doesn’t change much,' and 23.6% said 'it doesn’t change at all.'

We also asked for specific explanations of how their impression changes. Here are some responses:

Please explain specifically how your impression changes.

・ It gives a slight sense of exclusivity, knowing it’s from that store. (Female, 20s)

・ It’s nice because I can collect them. (Male, 20s)

・ The logo helps me imagine what kind of atmosphere the café has. (Female, 30s)

・ Compared to plain cups and bags, even a small original logo sticker conveys the store’s attention to detail and stylish vibe, slightly lifting my mood when taking out food. (Female, 30s)

・ It shows dedication. It feels like they’re investing in quality. (Female, 30s)

・ It increases trust in the product. (Male, 30s)

A majority of those who feel their impression changes attribute it to original logo stickers, highlighting the importance of design.

Moreover, comments such as 'a sense of exclusivity,' 'feeling the store’s dedication and stylish atmosphere,' and 'increased trust in the product' suggest that these stickers not only convey the store’s character but also positively impact brand image and customer satisfaction.

46.8% Want Food Labels and Stickers That Are 'Easy to Peel Off Cleanly'

Finally, we asked about desired features for food-related labels and stickers.

The most popular response was 'easy to peel off cleanly,' selected by 46.8%.

This was followed by 'water resistance (strong against water and condensation)' at 12.2% and 'eco-friendly materials (biodegradable, recycled paper, etc.)' at 9.8%.

We also collected reasons for selecting these features. Here are some responses from those who chose 'easy to peel off cleanly':

・ I dislike residue being left behind. (Male, 20s)

・ If it peels off cleanly, I get excited thinking the container might be reusable. (Female, 30s)