Food and Beverage Packaging: Trends and Best Practices

When you walk down a grocery aisle, some packages seem to have that magic touch. Without much thought, your hand reaches out, drawn to the colors, the textures, and the overall vibe of the package. Whether it’s a cool new snack or a sparkling beverage, great packaging can turn a regular shopping trip into a whole experience.

Today, food and beverage brands are stepping up their packaging game to capture our attention, hold our trust, and even align with our values. From eco-friendly materials to minimalist designs, these trends are doing more than just looking good on a shelf—they’re shaping how we experience what we buy. Let’s take a look at the top trends in food and beverage packaging and a few best practices that make each one work.

1. Eco-Friendly Everything

More consumers are paying attention to what’s outside their food and drinks just as much as what’s inside. Eco-friendly packaging has become a huge trend. People are seeking products with minimal plastic, biodegradable options, and recyclable materials. For companies, this isn’t just a “nice to have” anymore—it’s becoming essential.

Brands like Just Water have nailed this with their plant-based carton packaging, which reduces plastic by using materials sourced from plants. From a consumer standpoint, it feels good to support brands that take sustainability seriously. And for businesses, investing in eco-friendly materials isn’t just ethical; it builds loyalty with a growing base of environmentally-conscious buyers.

Best Practice: Choose materials that have a lower environmental impact, like cardboard, paper, or bioplastics. If possible, make sure your packaging can be recycled or composted, which aligns with the preferences of modern consumers.

2. Minimalism (With a Purpose)

In packaging, less can indeed be more. The shift toward minimalistic design is making it easier for products to stand out by focusing on clean lines, clear fonts, and simple yet effective color schemes. This isn’t just about looking stylish—it’s also about communicating a sense of quality and authenticity. Shoppers appreciate a package that’s straightforward and visually calming.

Take Oatly, for example. Their packaging has a quirky, handwritten style that feels friendly and genuine. There’s no overwhelming clutter or excessive branding, which helps people immediately “get” what the product is about. For brands, the goal with minimalism is to let the product speak for itself while still grabbing attention.

Best Practice: When designing a minimalistic package, think of it like a conversation. What’s the main message? Make sure it’s communicated in a way that’s simple but memorable, using clean fonts and thoughtful layouts. 

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3. Transparent Packaging (Literally and Figuratively)

When it comes to food and beverage, people love to see what they’re buying. Transparent packaging is on the rise, and it’s not just about physical transparency—though that’s a big part of it. Brands are increasingly using clear windows or entirely transparent containers to showcase their products. But transparency also applies to branding—brands that are open about their ingredients, sourcing, and values are winning over consumers.

Think of how often you’re drawn to products in clear jars or bottles that allow you to see fresh ingredients. Brands like KIND Bars display their product openly, and it gives consumers a sense of honesty and trustworthiness. After all, if you have nothing to hide, why hide it?

Best Practice: If your product allows, consider adding a clear section to the package. Even if it’s a small window, it gives consumers a glimpse of the quality they’re buying. And on the branding side, make your values and ingredients accessible and easy to understand.

4. Personalization and Limited Editions

We all love something that feels unique, and packaging is now embracing this desire for personalization. Brands are finding ways to make products feel like they’re meant just for you. Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" campaign was a huge hit precisely because it took a universal product and made it feel personal. Whether it’s adding names to labels or creating limited-edition designs, personalized packaging gives people a sense of exclusivity and excitement.

Personalization can also mean seasonal designs, collaborations, or region-specific packaging that makes people feel like they’re in on something special. And the more personal it feels, the more likely customers are to share their experiences on social media, giving brands even more exposure.

Best Practice: If it’s feasible, experiment with limited editions or region-based designs. Even small variations, like custom labels, can make a big impact in creating that personal connection with your audience.

5. On-the-Go and Convenient Designs

Life is busy, and packaging that caters to convenience is winning major points with consumers. Think of grab-and-go coffee cups, resealable snack bags, or single-serve portions. These kinds of designs meet the needs of people who want a seamless experience—no extra containers, no hassle.

For instance, resealable snack packs have become popular for brands like Pringles and Doritos, making it easy to enjoy a bit now and save the rest for later. And in the beverage world, cans and bottles with secure caps or pop-tops are favorites because they’re easy to carry and don’t spill. Convenience is about making life easier, and the right packaging can do exactly that.

Best Practice: Consider your product and how it fits into daily routines. For food, can it be resealed? For beverages, is it easy to carry? Small tweaks in packaging can make a big difference in overall user satisfaction.

6. Health-Focused Visuals and Messaging

With more people leaning into healthier lifestyles, packaging that communicates wellness is hitting the mark. This goes beyond listing ingredients to include colors, designs, and language that evoke health and vitality.

For instance, green and earthy tones have become popular because they convey freshness and nutrition. Juice brands like Suja use vibrant, health-focused packaging to highlight natural ingredients, and many cereals and snacks use subtle colors and words like “natural,” “organic,” or “whole” to resonate with health-conscious consumers. Packaging that aligns with a health-focused lifestyle stands out to shoppers looking for better choices.

Best Practice: If your product has health benefits, think about how your packaging can reflect that visually. Colors like green, earthy browns or even certain shades of yellow can make your product feel fresh and wholesome. And don’t hesitate to communicate real benefits directly on the package.

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Food and Beverage packaging is more than just a container—it’s an experience. From eco-friendly materials to minimalistic design, transparency, personalization, convenience, and health-focused visuals, today’s packaging trends are about connecting with people genuinely. Brands that embrace these trends aren’t just keeping up—they’re standing out and creating meaningful connections with every glance and purchase.

At NUEX Creative, we’ve worked with brands like FRUITIA, Space Gods, Kush Burst, etc to create packaging that looks great on shelves and makes a real impact on sales, profits, and loyalty. Our goal is simple: help brands like yours grow through thoughtful, standout designs. 
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If you’re ready to give your product the packaging it deserves, Book a call with us at NUEX Creative.