How to Launch Your Own Gluten-Free Snack Brand with Private Label

Retailers, distributors, cafés, health stores and influencers increasingly want a snack that carries their own name. Private label (also called OEM) makes that possible without building a factory: you own the brand, and an experienced manufacturer makes the product.

Private label vs. OEM — what is the difference?

• Private label: you take a proven base product and sell it in your packaging, often with small adjustments.
• OEM / custom formulation: the recipe itself is developed or adapted to your specification — flavour, texture, colour or net weight.

Many brands start with private label for speed, then move into custom formulations as they grow.

Step 1 — Write a clear brief

• Who is your consumer? Children, health-conscious adults, gluten-free shoppers?
• Which markets and channels — supermarket, e-commerce, export?
• Target retail price and pack size.
• Must-have claims: gluten-free, no preservatives, Halal, real cheese, plant-based colour.

Step 2 — Samples and formulation

Start from an existing base — for example AVERA Beet Cheese or our Rainbow Veggie Cheese, which is already trusted by several brands — and adjust flavour, colour and texture over one or two sample rounds.

Step 3 — Packaging and documents

• Choose a format: stand-up pouch, pillow bag or bulk carton.
• Agree the net weight and pack dimensions.
• Prepare artwork with all mandatory label information for your market.
• Collect compliance documents: Halal, HACCP, BPOM and Certificates of Analysis.

Step 4 — Pilot run, then scale

A low-MOQ pilot run lets you test the market before committing to large volumes. Once sell-through is proven, scale with a production forecast.

The best private-label partnerships are long-term. Choose a manufacturer that is open about its process, capacity and documentation from day one.