Food Packaging for Small Businesses: Boxes, Bags and Pouches
Pizza boxes, treat boxes, resealable pouches and counter displays: how small food businesses can choose branded, food-safe packaging.
Food packaging has to keep products fresh and safe, survive delivery and still look good enough to photograph. For small food businesses, branded packaging is also one of the cheapest forms of marketing. Here is how to choose the right food packaging for small business sellers, from takeaways to bakeries.
Takeaway and hot food
custom pizza boxes in food-safe corrugated board keep heat in and stay rigid, and every delivery advertises your restaurant. Print your menu, phone number or a QR code to drive repeat orders.
Bakery and treats
doughnut mailer boxes with inserts keep doughnuts, cookies and brownies in place, whether collected or posted. window tuck boxes show off cakes and biscuits on the counter, and custom tuck top boxes work well for chocolates and confectionery.
Dry goods, coffee and snacks
custom mylar bags are the go-to for coffee, tea, sweets, supplements and snacks. The barrier film keeps out moisture, light and air, resealable zips keep products fresh after opening, and full-colour print makes them shelf-ready.
Retail and impulse sales
custom display boxes hold products by the till, where customers make last-minute decisions, which makes them ideal for snack bars, sachets and confectionery.
Posting food
Selling online? Pack pouches or treat boxes inside kraft mailer boxes or mailer boxes with inserts so they arrive intact. Subscription brands often combine printed pouches with branded mailer boxes.
Choosing food-safe packaging
- Ask for food-grade board and inks for anything that touches food directly.
- Use grease-resistant coatings for oily or moist foods.
- Choose a barrier pouch for products that must stay dry or fresh.
- Include ingredients, allergens and storage information as required for your product.
Quick guide
| Product | Packaging |
|---|---|
| Pizza, flatbreads | Custom pizza boxes |
| Doughnuts, cookies, brownies | Doughnut mailer boxes |
| Coffee, tea, snacks | Custom mylar bags |
| Chocolates, sweets | Tuck top or window tuck boxes |
| Till and counter sales | Custom display boxes |
See our full food and display boxes range or request a free quote. Planning seasonal treats? Read our Christmas packaging ideas.
Branding food packaging
Food packaging is seen at the counter, on the delivery driver’s seat and on customers’ social feeds. Make the most of it:
- Print your logo large enough to be read in a photo.
- Add your Instagram handle and a QR code to your menu or shop.
- Use one or two brand colours consistently across boxes, bags and stickers.
- Print offers or loyalty messages inside the lid.
Eco-friendly food packaging
Kraft board, paper-based cartons and recyclable corrugated boxes appeal to eco-conscious customers. Where you need a barrier for freshness, a well-sealed pouch reduces food waste, which is often the bigger environmental win. Read our eco-friendly packaging guide for more ideas.
Seasonal and gifting opportunities
Food makes great gifts. Seasonal treat boxes, coffee gift sets and hamper boxes can add a big boost to sales around Christmas, Easter and Mother’s Day. mailer gift boxes with inserts are ideal for postal gift sets.
Frequently asked questions
Is your food packaging food safe?
Yes. We use food-grade board and inks, and our mylar bags have a food-safe inner layer.
Can I post cakes and treats?
Yes, in a sturdy mailer with an insert that holds each item in place.
What packaging keeps coffee fresh?
Mylar bags with a resealable zip and a degassing valve are ideal for freshly roasted coffee.
Can I print ingredients and allergens?
Yes. Send us the text and we’ll place it on your artwork for approval.
What is the cheapest branded food packaging?
A one-colour print on kraft board is usually the most cost-effective way to brand boxes and cartons.
Do you make window boxes for cakes?
Yes. Window tuck boxes show cakes and treats through a clear or compostable window.
