The Complete Guide to Designing Custom Coffee Bags

Cover artwork created by Gordon Reid | https://www.behance.net/gallery/108587691/Vim-Coffee-Roasters

The coffee industry keeps growing with its size market is always increasing. It cannot be denied that a cup of it could bring joy to almost everyone. Among all of the people who enjoy this beverage, millennials seem to be the largest target customers today. Unlike their parents, who prefer to brew caffeine on their own at home, this generation usually chooses to have their drink at a hip shop or on the go. For them, drinking coffee is more like a lifestyle rather than a way to jumpstart a hectic day. They are attracted to a coffee shop because of the taste of the coffee and its unique and visually attractive custom coffee bag, and the experiment with a new ordering and delivery system.

Many cafe businesses rely on their packaging to communicate the value and quality of their coffee to consumers. Through its custom coffee bag, the brand tries to differentiate itself and stand out from the crowd. It is a way to catch consumers' attention. The unique design of the coffee bag is seen as a differentiation that makes the product unique. With endless design available, the possibilities to make a strong statement through a custom coffee bag are unlimited.

Getting the perfect custom coffee bag for your delightful caffeine products obviously requires thorough planning, a true passion for the craft, and a good eye. The complete guide below will help you design a coffee bag that represents your brand and products. It mainly covers what information to include and some coffee beans packaging options. 

Created by MORE THAN THAT | https://www.behance.net/gallery/112738925/URBAN-FARMER

Information to Include on a Custom Coffee Bag 

Packaging plays an imperative role in a brand's identity. In addition, to create an image of the brand, a good package design also communicate important information needed by consumers, such as what the product is, how it should be used, and how it is different from other products in the line. From a coffee bag, customers can find information about the product and the brand easily. So, what kinds of information should be located on a coffee bag? 

1. Major Information 

There are some types of information that must be written on product packaging. Too many terminologies and information will just make consumers feel confused and overwhelmed. A great professional custom coffee bag should at least provide the following information:

1.1. Brand Name 
This is the most important thing to be written on a coffee bag. A brand name is a statement of the brand's identity. It can be just a common name of the product or a fanciful name. When you use a fanciful name, it is suggested to mention the common name of the product. It is even better to add a good photo with a descriptive phrase following the brand name. The description will help your customers to identify what the product is right away.

1.2. Flavor Notes 
It is very important to provide particular information about the flavor of the beans. Every different roast may differ greatly in flavor. The unique flavor should be clearly described, so customers know what to expect. Also, when selling flavored one, let customers know that the coffee is not a naturally occurring flavor by giving some notes on the bag. 

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1.3. Country of Origin 
Coffee is grown in over 60 countries on the globe, and there are particular characteristics of coffee from each different geographical location. For example, the Brazilian one has sweet flavors as it is low in acidity, while Kenyan's beans have sweet fruity flavors. Knowing these details, customers can exactly get what they want. It also helps them learn and compare different coffee beans from different origins. For your information, millennials are so excited about the culture and background of coffee. 

1.4. Whole Bean/Ground 
It is definitely a major detail to include on a coffee bag as it identifies what you are offering. Customers who have grinders may choose whole beans. However, beans would not be convenient for those who do not have grinders. They will stick to ground beans instead. Placing this detail is particularly important when the pouch is not transparent, so without the information about the product format, customers won't tell whether the coffee is a whole bean or ground and how they should process the beverage.

1.5. Roast Date
Some people may argue that roast date information is not really necessary. However, this information can be particularly important for customers who just drink coffee occasionally or who are buying it as a gift. Some of them simply want to make sure that they are not purchasing stale ones. The roast date also signifies the freshness of the beans. For these reasons, the roast date should be included as major information to be put on a coffee bag.

Created by Alexandra Necula | https://www.behance.net/gallery/100522839/Narcoffee-Concept-Packaging

1.6. Roast Level 
Caffeine aficionados usually have certain preferences when it comes to coffee they like. Some of them may like acid coffee, while others may prefer the bitter ones. Mentioning the roast level of the coffee on its bag will help them define the character of beans they are buying. This information should help customers to get the right product that they want before purchasing. You don't want to disappoint your customers with a taste that they don't like. 

1.7. Use (Drip VS Espresso) 
Coffee preparation is one of the key factors that bring out the best taste and smell of coffee products. Brewing, filter, roasts, and drip sometimes need to have specifications that help customers prepare their beverage. By knowing its use of intended purpose, customers, particularly new caffeine drinkers, will know what to do. It helps them a lot in enjoying their coffee. It is important to specify whether it can be used for espresso or drip preparation. If this information is not available, new customers might have no idea how they should prepare your product.

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2. Minor Information 

While the above major information must be seen on your custom coffee bag, there are other points that can be added as you need. Although it is good to have, it is fine to leave them out in case there is no space left on your coffee packaging.  

2.1. Processing Method 
This information tells customers how the beans are harvested and the following processes until they are packaged. Processing methods vary greatly from farm to farm. The processing information does not need to be very detail and complicated. Generally, there are three methods that specify the processing method. They are washed, honey, and natural. By reading this chuck of info, most aficionados can usually tell the beans' specific flavor. For example, honey coffees tend to be less acidic, while natural ones are typically sweet and fruity. 

2.2. Altitude 
This information may not be important for instant drinkers or casual drinkers, but it is useful for connoisseurs. Some customers who are truly coffee enthusiasts know exactly the type of caffeine they are drinking. They can determine the bean quality by knowing the altitudes. Generally, higher altitudes (above 5000 feet) deliver complex flavor profiles, while lower altitudes give a simpler and milder taste.

2.3. Farmers and Producers 
Farmers and produces are big parts of the success of your product as they contribute to its distinct quality. Adding this detail to coffee packaging is a way to give credit to the farmers where the coffee is from. Furthermore, if the farmer is renowned by consumers, it can be an element to sell or to market your product. It also gives a real and powerful story to your brand. 

2.4. Harvest Date 
This information is actually not commonly added to a custom coffee bag, but it is good to have it. This information tells customers about the beans' freshness. Some caffeine fans find this information important as this detail can assure themselves that the beverage is fresh and it tastes better.

Created by Grant Gunderson | https://www.behance.net/gallery/27580895/Joffreys-Coffee

A Range of Coffee Packaging Options 

When it comes to select packaging options for your coffee product, there are a number of things to consider, such as material choices, configurations, and packaging features. Every choice has its own purpose, and here are the options. 

1. Material Choices 

Coffee is sensitive to external factors, so its packaging should be made from materials that can protect the taste and aroma. Here are some common materials used for the custom coffee bag. 

1.1. Foil 
Foil has been used extensively in food and pharmaceutical packaging since the beginning of the twentieth century. This popular packaging method is an easy-to-use solution to customize a coffee bag. Manufacturers normally use foil material for a product that requires multi-layered packaging. Foil is used as the innermost layer, so it is in direct contact with the packaged product. It is popular among roaster because it ensures the coffee stay fresh and retain its aroma.

There are some benefits of using foil as the material for a custom coffee bag. First, foil comes with excellent barrier properties that can keep the quality of the product packaging. Second, it tends to be less expensive than other options. Third, printing on foil material is more visible because of its opacity. Furthermore, it does not require any under-printing.  

Created by Mina Eshak | https://www.behance.net/gallery/95653923/Brenzy-Italian-coffee-UK-Brand

1.2. Kraft Paper 
This material has been used for decades in the food packaging industry. Kraft paper is a popular choice for coffee packaging due to its strength and eco-friendly qualities. The material is made from wood pulp material with minimal chemical processing, making it completely biodegradable. It only requires several weeks for this material to start decomposing. It is also recyclable, making it a favorable option among environmentally conscious customers. 

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1.3. Poly 
Polybag packaging is available in clear or colored options. It is ideal for anyone who prefers see-through packaging. It is a great packaging material as it is available in many different strengths and thicknesses. The price varies depending on its strength properties, but typically this material is cheaper than others. In addition to being strong and durable, it is also highly customizable.  

Sealing and handling options can be added to poly coffee bags. These bags can also contain specific additives for texture, clarity, and appearance to suit your company's needs. Because it can be uniquely suited to your brand, it is truly one of the most versatile materials for packaging. Make sure to use biodegradable poly bags which are more environmentally friendly. 

Created by Mohamed Hafiz | https://www.behance.net/gallery/113296739/Coffee-Bag-mockup

2. Configurations 

While there is an extensive range of custom coffee bags in the market, providing endless options for every business owner. Below are some common configurations of coffee packaging. 

2.1. Stand-Up Pouches
This type of packaging is commonly known as daypacks. Compared to most other options, stand-up pouches tend to be much cheaper. Therefore, they are a very normal type of coffee packaging in the market. The pouch has a bottom gusset and two panels, making it a triangular shape. Usually, a resealable zipper is added to keep the coffee inside fresh for a longer time, even after the pouch has been opened.

Although they have low prices, stand-up pouches come in good quality that makes them a popular option for most roasters. They can fill the coffee from the top easily because the pouch has a wide opening. Besides, the bottom gusset that makes the pouch stand up on the shelf allows talented designers to work with this style creatively, resulting in eye-catching coffee packaging. 

Created by Café Gasparetto | https://www.behance.net/gallery/94792915/Caf-Gasparetto

2.2. Flat-Bottom Pouches 
While stand-up pouches are considered by many roasters as being efficient, pouches with a flat bottom are undoubtedly very beautiful. They come with a square design that gives a prominent shelf presence and a modern look. They also generally feature a pocket zipper, making them more convenient to reseal. This configuration is ideal for transport because it can hold more coffee in a smaller pouch. However, this kind of bag costs a little higher as it is more complicated to make.

Created by BrandLoyal | https://www.behance.net/gallery/117362781/Kahvi-Coffee

2.3. Side-Gusset Bags 
Having a flat bottom, this type of bag can stand on its own only when there is coffee inside it. Unlike bags with a folded bottom, when side-gusset bags are getting empty, it is getting more difficult to stand on its own. This bag option is actually one of the most popular ones in the coffee industry, even though it is a more traditional bag. The bag is strong and durable, making it a perfect choice to pack larger quantities of coffee.

It is easy to brand with side-gusset bags because they are printable on all sides. They also cost less than other options. Unlike stand-up pouches and other options that often feature zippers, side-gusset pouches don't. You need to use a tin tie or adhesive tape to roll or fold them whenever you want to close the bags. It becomes the downside of this packaging type. First, opening and closing the bag is not convenient as using a zipper. Second, the coffee beans inside won't stay fresh for a long period of time. 

Created by T.P. Design Inc. | https://www.behance.net/gallery/86162165/Cantina-Coffee-Bag

2.4. Pillow Bags 
The other common configuration for the custom coffee bag is a pillow bag which is popularly known as flat pouches. The bags tend to be small, so they are often used as single-serve packaging. Even though they have small sizes, they still offer good branding opportunities since the entire surface of the bag can be printed on. However, pillow bags are not ideal for display. They cannot stand on their own. If you want to display them, provide a platform to support them in order to stay erect.

Created by Hong Da Design Studio | https://www.behance.net/gallery/66329121/-POKER-KINGDOM-COFFEE%0A

3. Features

In addition to the materials and types of custom coffee bags, it is important to consider the features that come with the packaging for convenient use. The features below are commonly attractive to coffee packaging. 

3.1. Zipper  
Most coffee packaging bags feature a zipper. This versatile packaging option is often called a ziplock bag. Ziplocks are available in several variations, such as double tracks, slide zippers, and press-to-close zippers. Being easily sealable, a ziplock bag adds protection to the coffee packaged. Particularly, the extra protection can extend the life of the beans by protecting it from dirt, dust, and other external factors.

Created by Widarto Impact | https://www.behance.net/gallery/91241507/Branding-packaging-design-for-ManTown-Koffie

3.2. Hang Holes
This feature allows the coffee bag to hang on a display. It has round hand holes that look like a sombrero hat. Sometimes, the hole is not round, but it forms a butterfly shape. This feature functions to help expand shelf presence when spaces are limited. Stand-up pouches and some flat pouches may feature hang holes.

3.3. Tear Notches 
This feature helps customers to open the bag easily. Tear notches are usually located either on both sides or on one side of the packaging, slightly above the zipper. Manufacturers today use a laser to make a perforated tear notch across a pouch. As a result, it tears straight across the pouch. 

Created by Carla Almeida | https://www.behance.net/gallery/30460659/Wanderlust-Coffee-Lab

3.4. Gas Release Valve
It is an important feature for many roasters as it can keep the beans stay fresh inside. It works by releasing natural gases out of the bag while keeping out any contaminants from outside. It can truly prolong the shelf life of the product.

Created by Mousa Amery | https://www.behance.net/gallery/109398499/Sequence-cafe-Logo-Identity

Final Words

One of the ways to sell more coffee is through perfect custom coffee packaging. In other words, the bag design will bring a major drive to your business' success. That is why it is extremely important to choose the right design and format that speaks for your particular caffeine product while still maintaining its freshness and quality. We this article inspires you to make better packaging for your beverage product. Let us know your comments, write them down below, what is the most important thing in choosing the right packaging customization. Have a good day, and cheers!