Choosing the Right Food Packaging for Your New Food Business
Sustainable. Budget-friendly. Branding that works.
Starting a food business is exciting — and a little overwhelming. From recipes to point-of-sale, there’s a lot to figure out. One of the most important (and often overlooked) decisions? Your food packaging.
Whether you're launching a food truck, boutique café, or farmers market stall, the right packaging is essential. It does more than carry your product — it carries your brand message, your sustainability values, and your customer experience.
Here’s how to choose packaging that’s right for your product, your budget,
and your brand — without over-ordering or over-complicating.
Why Food Packaging is a Big Deal
1. First Impressions Matter
Packaging is the first thing your customer sees. A custom printed cup or thoughtfully wrapped sandwich speaks volumes about your business before a single bite is taken. Great packaging makes your food look even better and builds trust at first glance.
2. Eco-Conscious Choices Attract Eco-Conscious Customers
Consumers today expect more than just tasty food — they want to support businesses that care. That’s why compostable packaging is a non-negotiable for modern food brands. It reduces waste, shows social responsibility, and pairs perfectly with clean, minimalist branding.
3. Your Brand, On the Go
Think of custom packaging as your moving billboard. A well-designed bag, cup or wrap doesn’t just hold food — it spreads awareness. Customers carry your branding through the streets, into offices, and onto their socials. It’s free marketing you can’t afford to skip.
Key Factors When Choosing Food Packaging
When launching your food business, your packaging should be:
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Compostable – Good for the planet and good for your reputation
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Customisable – Make your brand memorable with your logo, colours and tone
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Cost-effective – Keep it budget-friendly with short run options
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Practical – Fits your menu and keeps food secure and fresh
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Scalable – Start small, grow when you’re ready
Best Food Packaging Options for Startups
Custom Printed Cups
From espresso to iced matcha, branded drinkware is a staple for any café or drinks bar. Our custom coffee cups come in various sizes, are fully recyclable, and made for visibility. Add your logo, tagline or artwork — no need for large runs to get started.
Greaseproof Food Wraps
Perfect for burgers, toasties, baked goods, and more. Our compostable, greaseproof wraps keep food neat while showcasing your brand. They’re also great for lining trays or takeaway containers for that added professional touch.
Custom Paper Bags
Whether you’re packaging pastries, full takeaway meals, or deli items, our printed kraft paper bags are strong, recyclable, and a fantastic way to carry your branding out the door. Handles? Optional. Impact? Guaranteed.
Tissue & Wrapping Paper
Great for bakeries, gift boxes, and specialty products. Branded tissue adds a layer of care and personality, all while being compostable and lightweight — ideal for elevating small goods without adding bulk.
Why Short Runs Are Perfect for Startups
When you're just starting out, it doesn't make sense to order thousands of units. Our short-run custom print packaging lets you:
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Start small without overcommitting
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Trial designs or seasonal branding
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Adjust packaging as your business evolves
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Keep costs low and storage simple
At Cup & Carry, we offer low minimum order quantities so you can order just
what you need — and reorder when you're ready to scale.
How to Order Custom Printed Packaging
We’ve made it easy to create and order your packaging online:
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Pick your packaging type – Cups, wraps, bags, or tissue
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Customise it – Upload your artwork or work with us to design it
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Choose your quantity – Short runs available across all products
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Select compostable materials – For sustainable, conscious packaging
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Place your order online – Fast, simple checkout and quick turnaround
Need help along the way? Our team is here to support with product advice, artwork help, and bulk quoting options if you’re ready to scale.
Packaging That Grows With Your Business
Great packaging doesn’t just protect your product — it tells your story.
With Cup & Carry, you can start small with custom packaging that’s
sustainable, affordable, and tailored to your brand identity.
From your first food stall to your fifth location, we’ve got packaging that looks great, works hard, and grows with you.
Ready to get started? Explore our custom printed cups, food wraps, carry bags and tissue paper — all available in short runs, all compostable, all made for small businesses ready to make a big impact.
