The Best Labels for Shipping Frozen & Refrigerated Foods

The best labels for frozen or refrigerated shipments are waterproof thermal transfer labels. They're made with synthetic materials and cold-tolerant adhesive to survive freezing temps, moisture, and handling—while keeping your barcodes and text clear and scannable.

Why do I need waterproof labels for frozen or refrigerated foods?

Cold storage environments are tough on labels. Between condensation, freezer burn, and shifting temperatures, a paper label just won’t cut it. If your label peels, smudges, or fades, you risk delays, lost packages, or failed scans.

That’s why waterproof thermal transfer labels are the go-to solution—they're built to hold strong and stay readable no matter how cold or wet things get. They're a key tool in any cold storage labeling setup.

What features should I look for in cold storage labels?

• Moisture and temperature resistance – Waterproof thermal labels should stick through freezing and thawing without curling or falling off.
• Cold-friendly adhesive – Look for adhesives that bond well to plastic, cardboard, or metal surfaces in low temps.
• Durable print – Thermal transfer printing creates smudge-resistant, long-lasting barcodes and text that hold up in cold storage.

What are waterproof thermal labels used for?

• Shipping frozen foods – Think seafood, meat, or ice cream that needs clear labels from freezer to doorstep.
• Refrigerated product labeling – Perfect for dairy, fresh produce, and meal kits.
• Cold storage inventory and logistics – Keep pallets, bins, and boxes labeled in cold warehouses without losing track.

How do I choose the right waterproof thermal label?

• Pick the right material – Choose synthetic materials like polypropylene or polyester for water resistance and durability in cold storage labels.
• Match it to your printer – Use a thermal transfer printer with a compatible ribbon for long-lasting results.
• Test in real conditions – Before committing to a full roll, test a few labels in your actual cold storage or shipping setup.

How are other businesses using cold storage labels?

Food Distribution

A national seafood distributor had issues with labels peeling off during transport. After switching to waterproof thermal transfer labels, their shipments arrived fully labeled and scannable, improving traceability and customer satisfaction.

Pharmaceutical Cold Chain

A vaccine distributor needed labels that wouldn’t fail in subzero environments. Thermal transfer labels gave them the durability they needed for clear, reliable labeling—even in extreme cold.

Finding the Right Cold Storage Labels

Choosing the right label makes all the difference when you're shipping frozen or refrigerated products. From seafood and meal kits to pharmaceuticals and warehouse inventory, waterproof thermal labels keep your items clearly marked and traceable through the cold chain.

Need labels that can handle the cold? Shop thermal transfer labels at Label Blanks for fast shipping, reliable quality, and labels that work as hard as you do.