Marmellata, confettura and composta on Italian labels
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Everyday Italian often calls any fruit preserve marmellata. When shopping, however, the name on the label helps identify the product. This guide explains Italian labelling categories, rather than ranking products by quality.
Confettura and confettura extra
Italian rules distinguish these categories through composition and the fruit used. Citrus fruit can also fall within them, so the rule that confettura only contains non-citrus fruit is inaccurate. Extra does not automatically mean less sugar or certify superior quality.
Marmellata di agrumi: citrus marmalade
The prescribed name is marmellata di agrumi; agrumi can be replaced by the name of the citrus fruit. Read the ingredients alongside the product name. Minnelea lemon marmalade uses lemon juice and peel together with cane sugar.
What does composta mean?
Composta is not one of the names defined in the annex covering jams and marmalades. The word alone guarantees neither a fixed fruit content, no added sugar nor a nutritional advantage. Compare the ingredients, nutrition declaration and intended use of each jar.
Turn the name into a useful choice
For breakfast or cheese pairings, choose a flavour and then check its product page. Fig and lemon are separate recipes: do not apply one jar’s ingredients or characteristics to the entire range.
Source: Italian Legislative Decree 207/2025, rules applicable from 14 June 2026
Choose the jars for your table
Check each product page for current contents, price and availability. Follow the label on the individual jar for storage instructions.
Do you run a café, hotel or pastry shop?
Request the trade price list for current formats, quantities and terms. Pastry kitchens have a separate page for the made-to-order baking range.
