Blog

What is delicious packaging? It’s packaging that shows off the beauty and value of a food product. It also instills confidence by reinforcing the freshness and quality of the food. Brands that embrace delicious packaging create positive impressions with customers from the very first encounter.

The truth is that food packaging speaks volumes about its contents. Customers are making subconscious judgments about a food’s quality, freshness, and flavor at first glance. In addition to satisfying the need for visually appealing packaging, food brands must also choose food packaging that ensures the best experience once the food is removed from the package. It’s important to make sure that packaging doesn’t compromise flavor, cause food to look messy, or allow freshness to escape once it leaves the control of the retailer. This is where having an understanding of the different types of food packaging options becomes important. Take a look at the different types of food packaging to consider if you want to present your food products in the best light!

Corrugated Boxes

Nearly everyone has enjoyed a food product delivered in a corrugated box. That’s because the famous “pizza box” used by essentially every pizza restaurant in the country is a corrugated box. There are many reasons why this is a great option for food.

Corrugated boxes are really unmatched in strength and durability. This is also an affordable option that is very economical when ordered in bulk. In addition, companies that choose corrugated boxes are able to present their customers with an eco-friendly food packaging option. Nearly all corrugated boxes are produced using recycled paper that is formed into heavy-duty boxes via corrugator machines. What’s more, a corrugated box can often be recycled time after time to provide both cost savings and environmental benefits. Corrugated boxes aren’t just great when they are used as pizza boxes. Brands can have customized boxes made in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Flexible Pouches

Efficient and convenient, flexible pouches are becoming popular among food brands. It makes sense that flexible pouches are gaining popularity during a time when both brands and consumers are looking for efficient, eco-friendly packaging options. In fact, many alcohol distributors are even pivoting to flexible pouches. Here’s a look at the perks of pouches:

• Pouches reduce packaging materials compared to alternatives like plastic, cardboard, glass and metal.
• Pouches are resistant to shattering.
• Pouches can be easily stacked and displayed due to the fact that they can stand up.
• Pouches cost much less to produce.
• Pouches cost less to ship because they are so lightweight.
• Pouches can easily be made with clear windows to allow consumers to see the food products inside.
• Porches can be customized to have a variety of different openings that range from nozzles to zipper locks.

Flexible pouches are commonly used for foods like coffee, soups, and snacks that demand good insulation. Food brands that sell “aromatic” foods like flexible packages can include air valves that allow customers to smell the products. However, those valves actually prevent oxygen from entering the pouch to create spoilage.

There’s one last benefit to flexible pouches that makes them very attractive for food brands. Stand-up pouches are actually very easy to personalize with logos, graphics, and brand information. Most can take 360-degree printing.

Clamshell Packaging

While many brands are trying to move away from a dependence on plastic, there is room for clamshell packaging in the food industry due to the convenience of this option. Clamshell packaging is great for ready-to-consume foods like cold salads, sandwiches, stuffed bread, “salad bar” items, grilled meats, and chicken wings because it provides a built-in “dish.” This type of packaging also allows customers to see the full contents of what they are purchasing.

Clamshell packaging isn’t necessarily always made of plastic. In fact, brands today can choose from clamshell packaging made from things like plant-based materials, recycled paper, and paperboard. While these options don’t provide the visibility offered by plastic clamshell packaging, they do offer that built-in dish aspect that makes the clamshell design so attractive for takeout foods. They can also recreate the perk of the “locking mechanism” that is so important when people are grabbing food on the go that may be finished at a later time.

Paperboard Boxes

Paperboard is something that has really gained popularity with the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging materials. While similar to corrugated boxes, paperboard actually has its own distinct list of pros and cons. Paperboard is a paper-based material that is slightly thinner than corrugated paper and cardboard. However, it is much thicker than true paper. It also provides the rigidity needed to keep a firm shape that’s capable of holding bulky products. Generally, paperboard is considered a great option for holding a wide variety of dry goods and fresh-baked goods. Paperboard packaging is considered fully recyclable as long as it doesn’t become moistened or stained by grease, liquids, or food particles.

Gourmet Food Bags

Gourmet food bags let customers know that they are “in for a treat” when purchasing treats. Gourmet food bags are ideal for items like cookies, candies, popcorn, Jordan almonds, and some dry goods. There are actually several different types of gourmet food bags to consider for different types of foods. The list includes:

• Pinch-bottom bags.
• High-barrier cello bags.
• Cone-shaped cello bags.
• Tin-tie bags.
• Kraft paper bags.

Gourmet food bags can be ordered in custom sizes for special food items. In addition, they can be customized with logos and messages. Most have resealing features that help to preserve freshness while also creating an attractive, gourmet look.

Gourmet Food Boxes

Gourmet food boxes are great for offering a practical solution without making it seem like food is being packaged in a “utilitarian” way. Gourmet food boxes are especially effective when packaging things like pastries and pies. Customers want to know that delicate food items have not been compressed or damaged. That’s why gourmet food boxes with clear “freshness” windows are so great for allowing customers to make that visual connection. In addition, being able to show off the beauty of a baked good or treat really adds to the “impulse buy” factor that can fuel purchases.

Skin Packaging

Skin Packaging offers a great way for brands to show off the beauty of their products. Skin packaging is all about being transparent while reducing packaging waste as much as possible. Skin packs are commonly used for fresh items like meats and fish. They act as “film” that wraps around the fresh product with a secure seal. Ideally, skin packaging will be form-fitting packaging that essentially seems like it isn’t there at all.

Skin packaging is almost exclusively used on products that are sold “by the pound.” This means that skin packaging should essentially weigh as close to nothing as possible. Skin packaging has many benefits for brands, consumers, and the planet. First, brands spend very little on skin packaging. However, this inexpensive packaging method is one of the best ways to ensure product freshness. It also helps to cut down on shipping and stocking fees. Customers love that they don’t have to deal with any excessive packaging bulk or waste. This makes it easier to store fresh foods in the fridge. Lastly, skin packaging produces an extremely small carbon footprint when compared to other options. The lack of rigidity means that there are no excessive costs associated with breaking down or storing used packaging in anticipation of disposal.

Talk to Us About Your Food Packaging Needs

Are you looking for the best options for food products? It can be hard for food brands and restaurants to make sense of the best ways to put foods on display for freshness, costs savings, and customer satisfaction. At Mid-Atlantic Packaging, we specialize in helping brands and retailers of all sizes source custom packaging options that make their products stand out for all the right reasons.

Let us help you find a solution for freshness and visual appeal based on your volume needs, budgetary needs, and core values. We offer many eco-friendly options that are both recycled and recyclable to help you convey a message of sustainability to your customers. Reach out for your custom packaging quote from the Mid-Atlantic Packaging team today!