In the competitive world of food subscription services, custom packaging can be a game-changer. It can set your brand apart and help build brand awareness. It’s more than just a box – custom packaging enhances the unboxing experience, builds brand loyalty, and communicates your company’s values. Unique designs can reflect your brand’s identity, while practical packaging ensures the food stays fresh.

Custom packaging can elevate your subscription service in a crowded marketplace. You can create lasting impressions and turn first-time buyers into long-term subscribers. A customer could be impressed with your brand before they’ve even taken a single bite. Your company can deliver a memorable experience right from the doorstep with quality food packaging.

What do customers like about food packaging?

When it comes to food packaging, you need to look at it from a customer’s perspective. Aside from practicality, what do customers like and look for in food packaging? In recent years, many customers prefer packaging that is made from recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable materials. As such, it’s a good idea to avoid using packaging with lots of plastic. Packaging that minimises environmental impact will appeal to eco-conscious buyers and help build your reputation as a sustainable brand.

Customers appreciate packaging that will keep their food at the correct temperature. Insulation or cooling packs can help regulate temperature. After all, there’s nothing worse than lukewarm food!

User-friendly food packaging should be easy to open and dispose of. It shouldn’t have excessive packaging but should still be durable and strong. Customers should be able to easily read important information, such as nutritional content, ingredients and expiration dates.

How to choose the right custom design food packaging for a subscription

Food packaging is a core element of your branding, especially if you have a food subscription service. The custom design food packaging will be the first thing they see with each delivery and so it needs to showcase the quality of your products. For many customers, the manner in which their food arrives can be just as memorable as the contents inside.

Our premium takeaway packaging features a wide range of restaurant packaging and food packaging supplies. It has eco-friendly products including a 100% compostable pulp range, compostable food packaging and recyclable plastic cups. Not only will this quality packaging keep your products secure, but it will also appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

The factors listed below are things to consider when it comes to food packaging. Consider what customers like about food packaging and how this can influence how you create your own custom design food packaging.

Competitors and Similar Brands

One of the first things you should do is to look at trends in the market. Consider what your competitors are using and how their customers are reacting. You can see what’s doing well and how you can identify packaging needs in your own business. Try to find a niche that you haven’t previously explored. Is there something that you don’t offer yet, but your customers would react well to?

Products: Size, Weight and Fragility

Along with customer experience, the dimensions and durability of the food packaging can also impact your business costs. Poorly designed packaging that is too large for the food inside can mean higher material costs, increased delivery costs, and environmental waste. Your customers may also be disappointed if they open a large container, and the food inside doesn’t fill it.

Heavier food items or liquids will also need stronger, durable packaging. If the packaging materials are too weak or break easily, it could lead to spillages and food contamination. Fragile food items, such as crisps, biscuits, or eggs, require special packaging to prevent breakage. You may need custom design food packaging that has extra layers or cushioning to protect the contents.

Materials and Costs—outlining availability

As a food subscription service, you want to guarantee your products will be safe in transit. Mailer boxes are a popular choice for many subscription services as they are self-locking and made from cardboard (a popular recyclable material). Our biodegradable hinged boxes are also a good takeaway option for the same reasons. They are highly customisable and can be decorated with graphics, logos and key information (such as nutritional advice and ingredients). However, mailer boxes aren’t generally suitable for heavy or extremely fragile products.

We offer a premium range of branded food packaging that will help increase brand awareness. Our friendly team can help guide you through the custom design food packaging options and bring your vision to life.

Many consumers are attracted to products that have biodegradable, compostable or recyclable packaging. While eco-friendly packaging can have a higher cost than traditional options, it can help build your brand image as a champion for sustainability.

Corrugated boxes are made from layers of paperboard, with an inner layer sandwiched between two flat layers. They are highly durable and protective, which makes them a great option for heavy or fragile items. As an added bonus, corrugated cardboard is widely recyclable and often made from recycled materials. On the other hand, Corrugated boxes can be bulky, which may increase delivery costs for otherwise small and lightweight products.

Sampling – Check and Test

We know it can be exciting to start using new food packaging, but it’s important to try out different samples first. You need to consider what customers like about food packaging before you commit to bulk buying new food packaging. You can test the size, durability and overall look before you fully commit to the packaging. This is also where you can check consistency. After all, your customers will expect packaging that is reliable and recognisable. The food packaging must also comply with food safety regulations and contain all legally required information.

Brand loyalty – Drive engagement

Your food may taste and look amazing, but that’s not the only thing customers should remember. Your custom design food packaging should stand out from the crowd and encourage your customers to keep coming back for more. Whether it’s your compostable packaging or bold graphics and logo, your packaging should attract attention and showcase your brand identity.

Brand loyalty – Drive engagement

Along with your high-quality products, your custom design food packaging can help you gain loyal fans. Unique food packaging will make your brand memorable and increase the likelihood that you’ll get repeat customers. You may consider featuring social media handles and links on your custom food packaging to help increase your online presence.

Functionality – Stand out among competitors

When it comes to food subscription packages and takeaway containers, the market is full of different designs and materials. It can seem an overwhelming task to try and stand out, but it may not be as difficult as it seems.

You don’t have to use extravagant packaging to be memorable. Consider a successful brand such as Amazon. The e-commerce giant may use plain cardboard boxes, but the iconic logo on the side and black strip of tape is instantly recognisable throughout the world. Using a particular colour on your packaging or your logo can help your customers identify your products among the crowd.

Sustainability – The final part of your journey

Once you’ve considered the look, size and durability of your food packaging, you need to consider how sustainable the packages are. Eco-conscious consumers often choose an alternative option if they find a company uses too much plastic or other single-use materials.

We have a range of eco-friendly takeaway food packaging made from recyclable and compostable materials. Not only will they reduce your carbon footprint, but they can also help you build respect in the industry and gain loyal customers.

Leveraging the power of custom design food packaging

For many, food packaging is a means to an end. It helps you deliver products for your food subscription service but that’s it. However, with the right tools and attitude, your custom design food packaging can help you build your brand image and gain a loyal customer base. Consider what customers like about food packaging and how you can incorporate it into your food subscription service. You may want to cut down on excessive materials or opt for eco-friendly packaging.

Food packaging isn’t just a necessary cost, it’s an opportunity for growth. A good design will protect the product from contamination and ensure the food reaches the consumer in optimal condition. However, it will also play a critical role in branding, influencing consumer perception, and enhancing the overall customer experience. An effective food packaging design will reduce waste, consistent and increase brand awareness.