Best Packaging Types for Food And Drink Startups in the UK
Choosing the right packaging is one of the most important decisions any food or beverage startup will make.
The packaging format you choose affects far more than just how your product looks. It influences cost, shelf impact, logistics, customer perception, sustainability, and how easily your product can scale as the business grows.
For food and drink startups in particular, packaging needs to strike the right balance between commercial practicality and brand impact. It needs to be cost-effective enough for launch, flexible enough for growth, and strong enough to compete in crowded retail and ecommerce environments.
If you're still planning your wider launch, this guide to food and drink packaging design for startups in the UK explains how packaging fits into your broader startup strategy.
Why Packaging Format Matters for Food And Beverage Startups
For early-stage brands, packaging is not just a design choice — it is a commercial decision.
The format you choose affects:
production costs
minimum order quantities
shelf presence
perceived product value
shipping and storage
sustainability
long-term scalability
A packaging format that works well for one product category may be completely wrong for another.
For example, a premium sauce brand may benefit from glass, while a protein snack startup may be better suited to flexible pouches.
The right choice depends on what you’re selling, who you’re selling to, where it will be sold, and how the product needs to perform.
Labels (Best for Low-Risk Startup Launches)
Labels are often the most practical packaging option for early-stage food and drink startups.
They are widely used for:
sauces
drinks
oils
supplements
condiments
jars and bottled products
For startups, labels are often the easiest and lowest-risk way to launch because they allow you to apply branding to existing stock packaging without investing in custom printed formats.
Why labels work well for startups
Labels are popular because they offer:
lower upfront cost
smaller production runs
faster turnaround
easier product testing
more flexibility for updates
This makes them ideal for founders who want to test products, refine positioning, or launch quickly without committing to large print runs.
Best for
Labels are best suited to:
low-volume launch products
direct-to-consumer food brands
test products and MVPs
bottled and jarred food products
Flexible Packaging (Best for Snacks, Functional Foods & Fast Growth)
Flexible packaging is one of the most popular packaging formats for modern food startups.
This includes:
stand-up pouches
sachets
flow wraps
refill packs
Flexible packaging is especially common in:
snacks
granola
protein products
coffee
supplements
functional food categories
Why flexible packaging works
Flexible packaging has become popular because it offers:
lower material costs
lighter shipping weight
efficient storage
strong shelf presence
good ecommerce practicality
scalable production
For many startup brands, flexible packaging offers the best balance between visual impact, cost efficiency, and scalability.
Best for
Flexible packaging is ideal for:
snack brands
health and wellness products
ecommerce-first brands
scalable FMCG/CPG launches
Cartons and Folding Boxes (Best for Premium and Ecommerce Brands)
Cartons and folding boxes are often used when presentation, storytelling, and perceived value are a bigger part of the buying decision.
They are commonly used for:
premium food products
subscription brands
giftable products
ecommerce brands
wellness products
Cartons provide more design space than labels or pouches, making them useful for brands that need to communicate more information or create a more premium experience.
Why cartons work
Cartons are often used because they offer:
stronger perceived value
more storytelling space
improved shelf blocking
better ecommerce presentation
premium unboxing potential
Best for
Cartons are ideal for:
premium FMCG brands
ecommerce and DTC products
gifting and subscription products
premium wellness categories
Glass Packaging (Best for Premium and Artisan Products)
Glass is often used when quality perception is a key part of the brand.
It is commonly used for:
sauces
oils
drinks
condiments
preserves
premium food products
Glass often signals quality, craft, and premium positioning.
It is especially effective for brands that want to appear more natural, elevated, or artisanal.
Best for
Glass packaging is best for:
premium sauces
artisanal food products
high-end drinks
natural and organic brands
Cans and Bottles (Best for Beverage Brands)
For drink brands, cans and bottles are usually the most commercially viable packaging formats.
These are commonly used for:
soft drinks
functional drinks
canned beverages
sparkling drinks
health drinks
For beverage startups, packaging design is especially important because drinks categories are highly competitive and often visually crowded.
This is where strong hierarchy, instant recognition, and standout shelf presence matter most.
You can also explore my packaging design portfolio to see how packaging performs across different categories and formats.
How to Choose the Right Packaging Format
The best packaging format depends on five key things:
1. Product type
What are you selling, and how does it need to be stored?
2. Budget
What production costs and minimums can you realistically support?
3. Sales channel
Will the product be sold in retail, ecommerce, or both?
4. Brand positioning
Should the product feel premium, accessible, natural, or functional?
5. Growth plans
Will this packaging still work as the range expands?
The right packaging should work not just for launch — but for growth.
The Best Packaging for Food Startups Is the One That Balances Cost, Impact and Scalability
There is no single “best” packaging type for every food startup.
The right packaging depends on the product, category, customer, and commercial goals.
What matters most is choosing a packaging format that fits your launch realistically, supports your positioning, and gives the product room to grow.
The best packaging for startups is rarely the most expensive option — but it is almost always the one that balances cost, clarity, and commercial performance best.
If you're choosing packaging for a new launch, you can also explore my branding and packaging design services to see how packaging fits into a wider brand system.
If you're launching a food or drink brand and need help choosing the right packaging format, I can help with this, and also create branding and packaging design that is commercially practical, visually strong, and built to scale.
Explore my food and drink packaging design portfolio or get in touch to discuss your packaging project.
Dave Jones Design is an award winning freelance packaging designer based in London/Leeds, UK specialising in branding and packaging design for food and drink brands and startups. I offer exceptional branding and packaging design solutions that seamlessly blend creativity, strategy, and innovation. I have over 10 years of packaging design experience working with national and international brands and startups of all shapes and sizes.
Contact me today to explore how I can bring your brand to life. If you want any further information, or if you’re looking for an expert packaging designer to help with your next food or beverage packaging design project - then feel free to reach out, or check out my blog or design work