Guide
Allergen matrix vs ingredient label
An allergen matrix is a staff tool showing which of the 14 allergens appear in each dish. A PPDS ingredient label is what must go on food packed before selection. You often need both — the matrix does not replace Natasha’s Law pack labelling.
Reviewed against official guidance.SourcesNot legal advice.
What a matrix is for
Matrix vs pack label
| Tool | Audience | What it shows | Replaces PPDS pack label? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergen matrix | Staff / training / officers | Ticks for the 14 across dishes | No |
| PPDS ingredients label | Customer on the pack | Full list with allergens emphasised | — this is the requirement |
| Menu allergen icons | Diners choosing loose food | Quick visual cues | No |
Matrices help kitchens answer “does this soup contain milk?” for loose or made-to-order food. Officers and trainers recognise them. They collapse each dish into ticks for the 14 allergens.
What the pack label is for
PPDS packs need the full ingredients list with emphasis — not only ticks. Customers reading a brownie box never see your wall chart.
Using them together
- Build ingredients lists first (source of truth)
- Derive matrix ticks from those lists
- Print pack labels from the same lists
- Update both when a supplier changes
Template
Use our free allergen matrix template for training — and the label generator for packs.
Questions
Can I stick a matrix QR code on the pack instead?
Is a matrix legally required?
Official sources
Everything on this page traces back to these. Where they and we disagree, they are right — tell us and we'll fix it.
- Introduction to allergen labelling for PPDS foodFood Standards Agency / GOV.UK
- Labelling guidance for prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) food productsFood Standards Agency / GOV.UK
- Food allergen labelling and information requirements technical guidanceFood Standards Agency / GOV.UK