How Much Does Food and drink Packaging Design Cost in the UK?
If you're launching a food or drink brand - one of the first questions you'll ask is: how much does food or drink packaging design cost in the UK?
The short answer is that food and drink packaging design costs can vary significantly depending on the type of product, packaging format, number of SKUs, and the level of strategy and design involved.
A simple label design for a single product will cost far less than a full packaging system developed across multiple SKUs with brand positioning, structural thinking, and production artwork.
For startups, packaging should not be viewed as a design expense alone. It is one of the most commercially important investments you’ll make in your product launch — because packaging directly affects how your product is perceived, understood, and purchased.
If you're still planning your launch, this broader guide to food and drink packaging design for startups in the UK explains how packaging fits into your wider growth strategy.
Average Food Packaging Design Costs in the UK
Food packaging design costs in the UK typically fall into three broad tiers depending on the scope of the project.
Entry-level packaging design £500–£1,500
This usually applies to simple packaging projects such as:
single product label design
basic startup packaging concepts
minor packaging refreshes
simple sticker or sleeve packaging
This level is often suitable for very early-stage startups testing a product at low volume, local markets, or direct-to-consumer launch.
At this stage, the focus is usually speed and simplicity rather than long-term scalability.
Mid-range packaging design £1,500–£4,000
This is where most startup food and drink packaging projects sit.
Typically this includes:
packaging strategy
front-of-pack design
packaging layout system
messaging hierarchy
basic SKU extension
print-ready artwork
This level is usually the most commercially effective for food startups because it balances strategic thinking with realistic launch budgets.
It gives you packaging that looks professional, builds trust, and performs properly in retail or ecommerce environments.
Full packaging DESIGN systems £4,000–£10,000+
This is typically for larger startup launches, established brands, or multi-SKU FMCG systems.
This level often includes:
market and competitor analysis
brand positioning
full packaging design system
multiple product variants
visual hierarchy systems
artwork rollout across multiple formats
production support
This is usually where packaging becomes a full commercial design system rather than a single design asset.
What Affects Food Packaging Design Cost?
Packaging costs vary because not all packaging projects require the same level of thinking, design, or production work.
The main factors that affect cost are:
1. Number of products (SKUs)
A single product is far simpler than a 6-SKU range.
The more variants you have, the more work is required to create:
scalable hierarchy
variant distinction
colour systems
consistent range architecture
Multi-SKU systems require significantly more strategic design work than single-product launches.
2. Packaging format
Different packaging formats come with different levels of complexity.
For example:
label design is usually simpler
pouches require more structural balance
cartons often require more messaging and panel design
cans and bottles need tighter hierarchy due to limited space
The more complex the format, the more design and production consideration is required.
3. Brand strategy and packaging design
If your brand identity is already established, packaging design can move faster.
If not, packaging may need to include:
brand positioning/strategy
messaging definition
brand identity development
packaging design and development
tone of voice refinement
final artwork and cutter-guide setup
This adds more strategic value — but also more design time.
4. Regulatory requirements
Food packaging in the UK has strict compliance requirements.
This includes:
ingredients
allergens
nutritional panels
storage information
barcode placement
manufacturer details
Designing around compliance adds complexity and requires careful layout planning.
5. Production artwork
Concept design is only part of the process.
Packaging also needs to be technically prepared for print, including:
cutter guides / dielines
artwork setup
print specifications
supplier-ready files
proofing support
This production stage is essential and often underestimated.
Why Cheap Packaging Design Often Costs More Later
One of the most common startup mistakes is choosing a packaging designer based on lowest upfront cost.
Cheap packaging design often leads to:
weak shelf impact
poor readability
low perceived value
confusing messaging
expensive redesigns later
This usually creates more cost in the long run through:
poor sales performance
reduced trust
lower conversion
rework and reprinting
In most cases, cheap packaging design is not cheaper — it is simply more expensive later.
What Startups Should Budget For
For most UK food and drink startups, a realistic packaging design budget is usually between £1,500 and £4,000 for a strong launch-ready packaging design system.
This is typically the range where startups get packaging that is:
strategically positioned
visually credible
commercially effective
scalable as the brand grows
That level of investment is usually enough to create packaging that performs properly in both retail and ecommerce environments.
Food Packaging Design Is an Investment - Not Just a Cost
Packaging is one of the few areas in a startup launch where design has direct commercial impact.
It affects:
visibility
trust
perceived value
conversion
purchase decisions
That means packaging is not just a creative deliverable — it is a sales tool.
The right packaging design can help a product get noticed, get understood, and get chosen faster.
That is why strong packaging is rarely the cheapest option — but almost always the better investment.
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 want packaging that feels commercially strong, strategically positioned, and built for real-world performance, I can help.
Explore my food and drink packaging design portfolio or get in touch to discuss your packaging design 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 drink packaging design project - then feel free to reach out, or check out my blog or design work