With the rapid growth of the snack food industry, choosing the right food packaging bags has become essential for brand owners to protect product quality, improve shelf appeal, and ensure regulatory compliance. As a professional food packaging bag manufacturer and custom food packaging supplier, Lepu presents this practical guide to help snack brands, food processors, and importers make informed packaging decisions.
Selecting the right packaging is not simply about choosing a "bag." It is a systematic process involving material science, marketing strategy, and supply chain management. Below are four key steps we recommend when selecting snack packaging.
Step 1: Match Packaging Materials to Snack Characteristics
(Material Selection)
Different snacks have different sensitivities to oxygen, moisture, light, and temperature. Choosing the wrong material structure may result in oxidation, moisture absorption, breakage, or quality loss.
High-Fat / Easily Oxidized Snacks
(Nuts, jerky, potato chips)
Challenges: Oxidation, rancidity, and light sensitivity
Recommended solution: High-barrier laminated films
Recommended structures:
BOPP / VMCPP (metallized film, cost-effective)
PET / AL / RCPP (aluminum foil, maximum barrier)
These structures effectively block oxygen, moisture, and light, extending shelf life to 6–12 months.
Dry / Fragile Snacks
(Biscuits, wafers, crispy fruits)
Challenges: Moisture absorption and breakage during transportation
Recommended solution: High stiffness and moisture resistance
Recommended structures: BOPP / CPP,BOPP / LLDPE
BOPP offers excellent clarity and rigidity, allowing product visibility while improving tear resistance.
Frozen / Low-Temperature Snacks
(Frozen desserts, ice cream toppings)
Challenges: Brittleness at low temperatures, cracking, freezer burn
Recommended solution: High toughness and low-temperature resistance
Recommended structures: PET / PE,Nylon (PA) / PE
Nylon maintains flexibility and puncture resistance even in freezing conditions, making it ideal for frozen food packaging.
Retort / High-Temperature Snacks
(Ready-to-eat snacks, braised foods)
Challenges: High-temperature sterilization without deformation or seal failure
Recommended solution: Retort-grade laminated films
Recommended structures:PET / CPP,PA / CPP
The inner layer must use retort-grade CPP (RCPP) capable of withstanding temperatures above 121°C.
Step 2: Choose the Right Bag Type Based on Marketing & Usage
(Bag Type Selection)
Bag structure directly affects shelf presence, consumer convenience, and purchase conversion.
| Bag Type | Application Scenario | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Side Seal Bag | Small packs, trial sizes | Lowest cost, classic structure |
| Stand-Up Pouch | Nuts, dried fruits, premium snacks | Excellent shelf display and brand visibility |
| Zipper Bag | Resealable snacks | Improves user experience and repeat purchases |
| 8-Side Seal Bag | Gift packs, large volumes | Strong sealing, premium appearance |
| Doypack (Clear + Printed) | Premium or functional snacks | Combines product visibility with brand storytelling |
Step 3: Control Key Quality Indicators
(Packaging Quality KPIs)
When working with a custom food packaging supplier, pricing should not be the only focus. Pay close attention to the following performance indicators:
Thickness: Typically 80–120 μm for snack packaging
Seal Strength: ≥ 30N / 15mm to prevent bursting during transport
Barrier Properties:
Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR)
Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR)
For nuts, OTR should ideally be ≤ 50 cm³/(m²·24h·atm)
Puncture Resistance: Critical for sharp or hard snacks such as shelled nuts or fish products
Step 4: Food Safety & 2025 Compliance Requirements
(Regulatory Compliance)
As a responsible food packaging solutions provider, Lepu advises customers to stay updated with the latest regulations:
Supplier Certification:
Ensure suppliers hold a valid Food Contact Material Production License (SC License). Avoid uncertified manufacturers.
Ink & Solvent Safety:
Request ink and solvent residue test reports. Packaging should use reverse printing, with solvent residues meeting strict standards such as GB 4806.7, FDA, and EU 10/2011.
2025 Labeling Updates:
With the implementation of GB 7718-2025 and GB 28050-2025, nutrition labels have expanded from "1+4" to "1+6," adding mandatory sugar and saturated fat disclosure, as well as allergen labeling.
Ensure sufficient layout space for mandatory font height requirements (≥1.8 mm).
Expert Tips for Snack Brands
Small-Batch Testing:
Always produce sample packaging before mass production. Conduct drop, stacking, and high-temperature/high-humidity tests.
Automation Compatibility:
If using VFFS packaging machines, confirm sealing width and registration marks match machine specifications.
Sustainability Considerations:
Recyclable packaging and mono-material structures are becoming key decision factors in global markets.
About Lepu
Shandong Lepu Digital Printing Co., Ltd. is a leading food packaging solutions provider, specializing in custom food packaging bags for global snack brands. With advanced printing and lamination equipment and a strict quality management system, Lepu is committed to delivering innovative, safe, and visually appealing packaging solutions that enhance brand value and ensure food safety.
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Email: sales01@lepupac.com