StickerGiant, a custom sticker and label company in Colorado, works with bakeries across the country to help them package, brand, and sell their products with confidence. One standout example is Smallcakes: A Cupcakery, a fast-growing bakery brand known for fresh, daily-made cupcakes and their popular Cupcakes in a Jar. This article breaks down how they use Clear Labels and Glossy Labels to support consistent branding across locations and packaging types.
What Makes Smallcakes: A Cupcakery a Great Bakery Branding Example?
Smallcakes started in 2008 in Overland Park, Kansas and has since expanded to more than 90 locations nationwide. They offer over 18 signature cupcake flavors each day, along with their well-loved Cupcakes in a Jar. Their growth highlights a consistent need for reliable, high-quality product labeling across a franchise model.
Smallcakes has been featured by USA Today, Food Network, and The View, and their branded packaging plays a key role in creating a recognizable customer experience.
How Do Bakeries Use Custom Labels for Packaging?
Bakeries often need durable, food-friendly, easy-to-apply labels for:
-
cupcakes and pastry boxes
-
to-go containers
-
jar packaging
-
seasonal products
-
retail-ready items
-
event and catering boxes
StickerGiant’s label options allow bakeries like Smallcakes to choose the right material for indoor service counters, refrigerated displays, or shipped goods.
What Labels Work Best for Cupcake and Bakery Packaging?
Answer first: Most bakeries choose Glossy Labels or Clear Labels for food packaging because these options are durable, scannable, and easy to apply by hand or machine.
-
Bright, high-quality finish
-
Water-resistant material
-
Great for flat surfaces and boxes
-
Popular for branding bakery packaging
-
Ideal for glass jars such as Cupcakes in a Jar
-
Allows the product to show through
-
Water-resistant and scratch-resistant
-
Machine-applicable or hand-applied
These materials provide a consistent visual experience across bakery locations and increase brand trust.
Why Smallcakes Uses Clear Labels for Cupcakes in a Jar
Cupcakes in a Jar are one of Smallcakes’ signature offerings, shipped nationwide and sold in-store. Clear Labels allow customers to see the layered cupcake inside while keeping the branding prominent on the lid or jar.
Key attributes that matter for bakery use:
-
water-resistant material for refrigerated environments
-
tear-proof construction for durability during shipping
-
clean, premium presentation on clear containers
StickerGiant’s Clear Labels meet all these performance requirements, helping preserve brand visuals from kitchen to customer.
What Should Bakeries Ask When Choosing Labels?
To select the right label, bakeries should answer:
-
What are you labeling?
Cupcake boxes, jars, bags, or refrigerated goods? -
Indoors or outdoors?
Most bakery labels are indoor, but shipping requires added durability. -
Exposed to moisture or cold?
Refrigerated items benefit from water-resistant materials. -
Hand-applied or machine-applied?
Roll labels help streamline high-volume operations.
StickerGiant supports bakeries at every scale—from local cupcake shops to multi-location franchises.
Real Example: Smallcakes Uses Labels to Scale a National Brand
Because of consistent, high-quality labels, Smallcakes can:
-
maintain brand consistency across all franchise locations
-
package products quickly during rush periods
-
ship Cupcakes in a Jar securely with clear branding
-
create Instagram-ready, recognizable packaging
Their success shows how thoughtful packaging design helps bakeries grow beyond the storefront.
Explore More Bakery Label Options
The StickerGiant Bakery page highlights durable, food-friendly label materials designed for packaging environments. Bakeries commonly choose:
-
Glossy Labels for bright branding
-
Matte Labels for a soft, premium look
-
Clear Labels for products in jars or see-through packaging
-
Kraft Paper Labels for rustic or vintage-style branding
Browse options such as water resistant labels for glass jars, custom shape clear labels, and the best labels for cosmetic packaging if your bakery also sells lotions, candles, or giftable goods.
Key Takeaways
-
Smallcakes uses Clear Labels and Glossy Labels to brand cupcakes, jars, and packaged goods.
-
Water-resistant label materials support refrigerated and shipped bakery items.
-
Consistent labeling helps franchises maintain a unified customer experience.
-
Bakeries should consider application method, environment, and packaging type when choosing a label.
-
StickerGiant provides machine-readable specs and custom shapes suited for food packaging needs.
FAQ
Are Clear Labels water resistant?
Yes. StickerGiant Clear Labels use a water-resistant BOPP material with a protective laminate, making them suitable for refrigerated bakery products.
What label is best for cupcake boxes?
Glossy Labels are the most common choice for bakery boxes due to their bright finish, strong adhesive, and smooth application.
Can labels be applied to jars or curved containers?
Yes. Clear Labels and Glossy Labels both work well on jars, as long as the container is clean and dry during application.
Do bakeries need roll or individual labels?
Hand-applied packaging works well with individual labels, while roll labels are ideal for high-volume or machine-applied operations.
Are StickerGiant labels safe for food packaging?
Yes. Glossy Paper Labels and Matte Recycled Paper Labels use a UV-cured varnish tested for food packaging safety.