|

How to Make Your Own Kitchen Pantry Labels

This post may contain affiliate links provided for your convenience. We earn commissions if you shop through the links on this page. I am also an Amazon Associate and earn from qualifying purchases Read my full disclosure policy.

Sharing is caring!

Why should you care about how to make your own kitchen pantry labels? Your day starts in the kitchen and often ends in the kitchen. So much of your busy home life revolves around your kitchen. Having an organized and functional kitchen is critical to the over all smooth operation of your home and family. And while labels are not the only factor in an organized kitchen, they are a key factor. Making your own kitchen pantry labels does not require any expensive purchases and several of these ideas use items you probably already have in your home. Yep, these are seven simple and cost-effective ideas anyone can use. 

Glass jars in kitchen cabinet with title text reading How to Make Your Own Kitchen Pantry Labels

Why you Should Learn How to Make Your Own Kitchen Pantry Labels

  • Labels are key to encouraging independence and responsibility in your family. When your kitchen is labeled, your family can find what they need on their own. And, gloriously, they can put things away where they belong – no more excuses. 
  • Purchasing designer kitchen labels can get expensive and often take weeks to receive after you’ve ordered them.
  • Not everyone can or wants to purchase a vinyl cutting machine just so they can label their kitchen pantry.
  • When you make your own kitchen labels, you can change them as often as you’d like. How fun!
  • If you change out one or two containers, you can easily label the new containers with coordinating labels. No more stressing out because the new labels don’t match all the other labels in your kitchen.

How to Make Your Own Kitchen Pantry Labels

You don’t have to be crafty to make these DIY kitchen pantry labels.

Use Masking Tape and A Marker

Don’t underestimate using masking tape and a permanent marker to make kitchen labels. This is a frugal option that is entirely functional. Traditional masking tape and a marker makes an attractive label and uses supplies you probably already have in your home. You can choose a pretty color of masking tape or a pretty marker to up the wow factor. Did you know that masking tape comes in a wide range of colors?

glass jar of granola with masking tape and blue label in blue tray

Use a Permanent Marker or Paint Pen

You can use a plain old permanent marker to write directly on glass jars. You can then use rubbing alcohol to remove the ink from the jar. I recommend using a wide-tip Sharpie to make it easier to see the label. 

You can also use oil-based paint pens to make a more easily visible label on glass jars. These paint pen labels can also be removed with rubbing alcohol. The pens come in a variety of colors and in both thin and medium tips, so you can choose what works best for you.

Be careful not to vigorously wash the labels or they may fade or come off. Of course, you could simply rewrite the label if that happens.

These tips on food label organization from Katie at Kitchen Stewardship about using both wet and dry erase markers in kitchen labeling are a game-changer.

Hand Write Labels

You can use computer paper or card stock paper to create your own handwritten pantry labels. After you create your labels, simply use clear packing tape to adhere your labels to your containers. Packing tape adheres fairly well to a variety of surfaces. Care should be used not to submerge these labels, but you can carefully wipe them with a damp cloth. 

You can also use white full-sheet label paper or clear full-sheet label paper. If you choose the clear label paper, you can even trace over text you print off your computer if you’re not happy with your handwriting. 

Create Your Own Labels in Word Processing Program

If you don’t like your handwriting or want to create labels with a particular font, take advantage of your word processing program and create your own labels. Use either white full-sheet label paper or clear full-sheet label paper to print your labels. 

collage of blue, red and black baking supplies organizing labels with title text reading Pantry Labels for Baking Supplies

If you’re too busy or just don’t want to mess around with making labels, check out the 16 different label options I’ve created (5 different styles, 3 different colors and a two-color combination) for kitchen pantry labels for baking supplies. And there are labels available for coffee, tea and more drink products with the baking labels.

Chalk Repositionable Tape

You can easily create trendy chalkboard labels that are repositionable with chalkboard tape that is almost like masking tape. You’ll want to use a quality chalk ink pen.  If you need labels larger than the width of chalkboard tape, you can use chalkboard contact paper

Add Chalk Paint

You can also use chalkboard paint to add chalkboard labels to your glass jars or other surfaces (read the directions to make sure the paint you select will work on your chosen surfaces). Simply use painter’s tape to create the label and add the chalkboard paint following the directions on the product. Use a quality chalk ink pen to write out your labels. 

Glass jars in kitchen cabinet with woman opening the doors

Use Scrapbook Letter Stickers

You can find scrapbook sticker letters in a wide variety of font styles, sizes and colors. Use a piece of painter’s tape or masking tape as a guide so that your letters are even. You may very likely even have sticker letters in your craft supplies stash already. 

My Mega Kitchen Organization Label Set makes it easy to print the labels and get organized immediately.

collage of 9 kitchen label images with black and red text overlay reading Kitchen Organization Labels Mega Set 90 pages of labels

Now that you know how to make your own kitchen pantry labels are you ready to run to the kitchen now and start labeling (or relabeling)? With these seven different pantry labeling ideas, there’s something for everyone. Happy labeling and organizing!

Additional Labeling Resources

Product Image Product Name / Primary Rating / Price Primary Button / Secondary Button / Description
  • Description:

    Makes a great stocking stuffer. The Kitchen Stickin’™ Tape Dispenser makes it easy and practical to use painter's tape for many different uses in your kitchen.

    • Identify items and dates of containers in your fridge or cabinet.
    • Use to close bags of food rather than chip clips.
    • Hang up artwork and other important documents.

    The dispenser is hung up with damage-free adhesive.

    Crafted with care in America, the Kitchen Stickin’® Tape Dispenser and its accessories guarantee top-notch quality, materials, and performance. Plus, it's backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

    Don't wait any longer – take a stand against food waste and kitchen chaos with the Kitchen Stickin’™ Tape Dispenser!"

    Use code Organized-31 for 5% off!

  • Description:

    Create a picture-perfect kitchen with this set of 157 preprinted pantry organization labels; the stickers include 139 commonly used ingredients.

    No Messy Handwriting: These pantry stickers labels for organization feature black script lettering preprinted on water-resistant, transparent vinyl with a self-adhesive backing that can easily reused.


  • Description:

    Beautifully organize your kitchen, cabinets, and pantry shelves with this assortment of 157 water-resistant vinyl stickers featuring bold black font on a white background. These custom labels for containers include 126 names of pantry essentials, 12 numbers, 16 expiration dates, and 3 blank labels for personalization.

    The preprinted square labels, resistant to water, measure 2.5 x 2.5 inches. These stylish labels include a wide variety of kitchen staples. The inclusion of numbered labels, expiration dates, and category signs empowers you to create a tailored kitchen storage system that perfectly suits your preferences.

  • Description:

    Elevate your Home Organization! Embrace the minimalist aesthetic with our set of 173 Bathroom Stickers designed for jars and containers, harmonizing seamlessly with the clean, tidy look of your home.

    Say goodbye to messy handwriting! Our Minimalist Labels feature a sleek square design (2.5 x 2.5 inches), with Black Text on White Waterproof Labels, adding a refined touch to your bathroom storage.

    These labels are a game-changer for bathroom organization and storage. Elevate your laundry room's appearance with our premium, waterproof, and durable laundry labels for containers.

    A complete solution! Each set of Bathroom Room Stickers comprises 173 Organization Stickers and a handy reference sheet, making the process of organizing your bathroom both easy and enjoyable.

  • Description:

    Receive a set of 128 labels presented across 8 different sheets. These labels feature a bold white font, ensuring easy legibility against a chalkboard matte background. Effortlessly apply these label stickers to your jars or canisters—no rubbing required! The labels come in two sizes tailored to accommodate varying ingredient volumes and usage. Larger labels are designated for items like pasta, flour, and snacks, while smaller ones suit ingredients like baking powder or baking soda.

    Meticulously planned and professionally designed, the cursive chalkboard pantry set seamlessly complements our highly popular cursive pantry mega set. With this collection, you're not just organizing, you're "disorganizing" with precision. We've left no detail overlooked! In the event that a specific ingredient label is not available, the set includes 8 numbered labels for easy content identification.

  • Description:

    Infuse a charming vibe into household containers and handmade presents with these charming oval chalkboard labels. They offer an excellent means to streamline your kitchen pantry, toy bins, metal boxes, and various storage pieces, especially those with ever-changing contents.

    The wipeable surface allows for easy writing, erasing, and rewriting, while the removable adhesive adheres to numerous smooth surfaces, leaving no trace behind when removed. Simply employ chalk or chalkboard markers to fashion an organized aesthetic you'll adore.

  • Description:

    Streamline and tidy up your homeschool area, workspace, or creative zone with our comprehensive set of 138 pre-designed labels for home organization. This bundle includes 138 labels for storage, 8 numeral stickers, and a reference sheet detailing the name of each label. Say goodbye to messy handwriting!

    Our peel-off labels for storage containers cover all your essential office supplies, from legal documents and notebooks to outgoing mail and crucial papers. You'll have them all at your fingertips. These pre-designed organizing labels sport a sleek, all-capitalized, black font on transparent waterproof vinyl, making them effortlessly removable or replaceable. With clutter out of the way, you'll swiftly locate your school and art supplies without having to dig through boxes or drawers.

  • Description:

    When you find yourself in need of name labels to see you through the school year this pack is your perfect solution. Offering a choice of over 35 colors and a clean, icon-free design, this label pack seamlessly complements all our labels and tags.


    These labels share the same exceptional qualities as our other label combos: they are waterproof, dishwasher-safe, and laundry-safe. It's the most straightforward way to ensure your child's belongings stay out of the lost and found!

  • Description:

    Elevate your outdoor organization with our chic trash can address labels, ensuring that even in gusty conditions, your garbage and recycling bins return to their rightful places. Engineered to endure the toughest weather conditions, these adhesive labels for trash bins are the epitome of durability and style! Rest assured, they'll remain the most intelligent labels on your block.

    • 3 Large Labels
    • 3 Small Labels
    • Available in 3 Distinct Colors


  • Description:

    Are you tired of constantly losing track of your children's baby bottle or water bottles? Look no further than the InchBug Bottle Label! This innovative and practical product is designed to keep your kids' bottles easily identifiable. With two colors to chose from and customizable labels, the InchBug Bottle Label not only helps prevent mix-ups at school or daycare, but also adds a touch of personalization to your child's belongings.

  • Description:

    Full Sheet Label Sheets size: 8.5" X 11" total 100 sheets

    Perfectly compatible with laser/inkjet printers

    Permanent Strong Adhesive that can stick well and will not peel offmeeting shipping needs.

    These matte label sheets have a surface similar to writing paper and can be written on with pens, pencils or markers. They're very easy to peel off.

3.5
N/A
Description:

Makes a great stocking stuffer. The Kitchen Stickin’™ Tape Dispenser makes it easy and practical to use painter's tape for many different uses in your kitchen.

  • Identify items and dates of containers in your fridge or cabinet.
  • Use to close bags of food rather than chip clips.
  • Hang up artwork and other important documents.

The dispenser is hung up with damage-free adhesive.

Crafted with care in America, the Kitchen Stickin’® Tape Dispenser and its accessories guarantee top-notch quality, materials, and performance. Plus, it's backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Don't wait any longer – take a stand against food waste and kitchen chaos with the Kitchen Stickin’™ Tape Dispenser!"

Use code Organized-31 for 5% off!

3.5
$11.99 ($0.08 / Count)
Description:

Create a picture-perfect kitchen with this set of 157 preprinted pantry organization labels; the stickers include 139 commonly used ingredients.

No Messy Handwriting: These pantry stickers labels for organization feature black script lettering preprinted on water-resistant, transparent vinyl with a self-adhesive backing that can easily reused.


3.5
N/A
Description:

Beautifully organize your kitchen, cabinets, and pantry shelves with this assortment of 157 water-resistant vinyl stickers featuring bold black font on a white background. These custom labels for containers include 126 names of pantry essentials, 12 numbers, 16 expiration dates, and 3 blank labels for personalization.

The preprinted square labels, resistant to water, measure 2.5 x 2.5 inches. These stylish labels include a wide variety of kitchen staples. The inclusion of numbered labels, expiration dates, and category signs empowers you to create a tailored kitchen storage system that perfectly suits your preferences.

3.5
$32.60
Description:

Elevate your Home Organization! Embrace the minimalist aesthetic with our set of 173 Bathroom Stickers designed for jars and containers, harmonizing seamlessly with the clean, tidy look of your home.

Say goodbye to messy handwriting! Our Minimalist Labels feature a sleek square design (2.5 x 2.5 inches), with Black Text on White Waterproof Labels, adding a refined touch to your bathroom storage.

These labels are a game-changer for bathroom organization and storage. Elevate your laundry room's appearance with our premium, waterproof, and durable laundry labels for containers.

A complete solution! Each set of Bathroom Room Stickers comprises 173 Organization Stickers and a handy reference sheet, making the process of organizing your bathroom both easy and enjoyable.

3.5
$10.00
Description:

Receive a set of 128 labels presented across 8 different sheets. These labels feature a bold white font, ensuring easy legibility against a chalkboard matte background. Effortlessly apply these label stickers to your jars or canisters—no rubbing required! The labels come in two sizes tailored to accommodate varying ingredient volumes and usage. Larger labels are designated for items like pasta, flour, and snacks, while smaller ones suit ingredients like baking powder or baking soda.

Meticulously planned and professionally designed, the cursive chalkboard pantry set seamlessly complements our highly popular cursive pantry mega set. With this collection, you're not just organizing, you're "disorganizing" with precision. We've left no detail overlooked! In the event that a specific ingredient label is not available, the set includes 8 numbered labels for easy content identification.

3.5
N/A
Description:

Infuse a charming vibe into household containers and handmade presents with these charming oval chalkboard labels. They offer an excellent means to streamline your kitchen pantry, toy bins, metal boxes, and various storage pieces, especially those with ever-changing contents.

The wipeable surface allows for easy writing, erasing, and rewriting, while the removable adhesive adheres to numerous smooth surfaces, leaving no trace behind when removed. Simply employ chalk or chalkboard markers to fashion an organized aesthetic you'll adore.

3.5
N/A
Description:

Streamline and tidy up your homeschool area, workspace, or creative zone with our comprehensive set of 138 pre-designed labels for home organization. This bundle includes 138 labels for storage, 8 numeral stickers, and a reference sheet detailing the name of each label. Say goodbye to messy handwriting!

Our peel-off labels for storage containers cover all your essential office supplies, from legal documents and notebooks to outgoing mail and crucial papers. You'll have them all at your fingertips. These pre-designed organizing labels sport a sleek, all-capitalized, black font on transparent waterproof vinyl, making them effortlessly removable or replaceable. With clutter out of the way, you'll swiftly locate your school and art supplies without having to dig through boxes or drawers.

3.5
N/A
Description:

When you find yourself in need of name labels to see you through the school year this pack is your perfect solution. Offering a choice of over 35 colors and a clean, icon-free design, this label pack seamlessly complements all our labels and tags.


These labels share the same exceptional qualities as our other label combos: they are waterproof, dishwasher-safe, and laundry-safe. It's the most straightforward way to ensure your child's belongings stay out of the lost and found!

3.5
N/A
Description:

Elevate your outdoor organization with our chic trash can address labels, ensuring that even in gusty conditions, your garbage and recycling bins return to their rightful places. Engineered to endure the toughest weather conditions, these adhesive labels for trash bins are the epitome of durability and style! Rest assured, they'll remain the most intelligent labels on your block.

  • 3 Large Labels
  • 3 Small Labels
  • Available in 3 Distinct Colors


3.5
N/A
Description:

Are you tired of constantly losing track of your children's baby bottle or water bottles? Look no further than the InchBug Bottle Label! This innovative and practical product is designed to keep your kids' bottles easily identifiable. With two colors to chose from and customizable labels, the InchBug Bottle Label not only helps prevent mix-ups at school or daycare, but also adds a touch of personalization to your child's belongings.

3.5
$14.99
Description:

Full Sheet Label Sheets size: 8.5" X 11" total 100 sheets

Perfectly compatible with laser/inkjet printers

Permanent Strong Adhesive that can stick well and will not peel offmeeting shipping needs.

These matte label sheets have a surface similar to writing paper and can be written on with pens, pencils or markers. They're very easy to peel off.

03/13/2024 04:57 am GMT

More Kitchen Organizing Ideas

Find all my best Kitchen organizing ideas, printables and favorite products in the table below. You can scroll though the table and look for ideas or search for specific ideas with the magnifying glass in the upper right-hand corner (on desktop). Click on the topic and then click through the specific article.

Similar Posts

3 Comments

  1. I have had a bit of label envy over those that the Cricut machine makes. Haven’t invested yet, but they are pretty beautiful. Great that you have these download-ables (is that a word?) here!!

  2. I have several containers with sticky notes on the top of them. However, this doesn’t work very well because they don’t stick for long. I’ll have to try your idea of masking tape, thanks!

    1. I use masking tape all the time, Brenda. It’s easy, it’s inexpensive, anyone in my family can do it and it really works!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *