To let your clients know what food you’re selling, your box should look professional. This means having a clear logo, one or two colours, easy to read text and design that matches your food. Below we’ll show you some great food packaging design ideas you can include on your burgers, pizza, cakes, sweets, dried fruit and tea. We’ll also share some simple tips to ensure your design looks great.
You’ll not need a large budget or a design team. Just a few clear decisions, a sample box and a printer who will prepare your artwork so you can approve it.
Key Takeways
- Use one main color and clear logo.
- Use a design that matches your food bold for fast food, clean for cakes and tidy for gifts.
- Use large text and try to avoid putting key words near the fold.
- Use a window for dry food such as cakes and sweets. Use a solid box for hot and oily food.
- Get a sample proof approved. Order a small amount to get started.
What Should Good Food Packaging Design Include?
Your packaging should make your food stand out, show your client what it is and who made it, and ensure it looks the same on every order. Keeping these in mind will help your design decisions.
As your client will be looking at your box in photos and on social media, using clear logos and consistent colors will make your food easily identifiable.
Creative Food Packaging Design Ideas
Simple food packaging doesn’t need lots of colors. Usually a creative idea such as a cut-out or a pattern will look better. The following ideas focus on design and colors, making them ideal for small budgets.
- One bold color Use one bold color on the top or whole of your box. Use a white or black logo.
- Large central logo Use lots of negative space and centre your logo on the top of your box. Ideal for pizza and cake boxes.
- Pattern Use your logo icon, a drawing of your food or simple shapes to create a pattern.
- Cut-out window Show off your cakes, sweets or dried fruits. Use solid boxes for hot and oily foods.
- Natural kraft Print one color onto your kraft board. This creates a simple, handmade look. Often used in organic food packaging design.
- Hand drawn Use simple drawings of your food. This makes it look friendly.
- Fun designs Use bright colors, characters and short text. Perfect for children’s meals.
- Inside text Print a thank you message, phone number or social handle inside your box. Contact your printer to see if they offer this.
- Seasonal Use one change for Eid and Wedding season. Change the color or add a sticker. Keep your logo the same.
Different Designs for Different Foods
Depending on the food you’re selling, you’ll want to use different designs. Use the table below as a guide.
| Food | Design Idea | Box |
| Burgers & Fries | Bold color with large logo. Solid box with no window. | Custom Burger Boxes |
| Pizza | Central logo with one or two colors. | Custom Pizza Boxes |
| Cake & Cupcakes | Clean design with window. | Custom Cake Boxes |
| Chocolate & Sweets | Rich dark colors with a tidy gift look. | Custom Chocolate Boxes |
| Dried Fruit | Warm colors with a pattern. | Custom Dry Fruit Boxes |
| Tea | Calm colors with a different color for each flavor. | Custom Tea Boxes |
Fast food packaging should be simple. Use the same design on your burger, fries and combo boxes to create a cohesive look. Hot and oily food should be placed in a solid box. Find out how the right burger box can help keep your burgers crispy.
Basic Color, Text & Logo Design
Modern food packaging usually has simple designs, clean fonts and negative space. To help most small businesses, here are some basic tips.
- Colors Often warm colors (red, orange and yellow) are used for hot foods. Green and brown colors are great for a natural look. This is just a habit though. Always check your colors on a sample as they can sometimes look different when printed.
- Text Use up to two fonts. Use the largest text for your food. Use high contrast text e.g white on dark red or black on yellow.
- Logo Use high resolution file. Put your logo on the front of your box. Try to avoid putting it near folds or glue areas.
Small Batch Label Design
If you’re printing small amounts, you can add labels or stickers to your plain boxes. Keep your label simple with your products name, flavor/type, weight and your contact information. If your product needs ingredients, dates or other information, contact your food authority to see what they require currently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too many colours/fonts.
- Very small text/lines which may not show up on the board.
- Putting your logo/phone number over a fold.
- Designing without knowing the size of your box. Check the pizza box sizes chart for pizzas.
- Copying other businesses.
- Not getting a sample.
How to Create Your Design
Creating a custom food packaging design will be easier if you follow the steps below.
- Decide on your box and size.
- Contact your printer to get the template for your box. This will show you where the folds will be.
- Add your logo, one or two colors and food name.
- Ensure your text is easy to read and not near any folds.
- Approve your proof and order a small amount.
If you’re still trying to decide on your box, check out our guide on how to choose food packaging for your restaurant or takeaway business.
Food Packaging Design in Lahore
Many food businesses in Lahore sell their products via delivery, stalls, events and gifts. Your box might be seen on a doorstep, stall or gift table. Try to keep your food packaging design ideas simple. Have one main design but add little touches for Eid and Wedding season. If your clients know Urdu and English, check both on your sample. Keep text short.
Ready to Put Your Food Packaging Design Ideas on a Box?
Contact AQ Printing House with your logo, size and quantity. Our team will create a print ready design for you to approve. Check out our Custom food packaging boxes to find the right box for your menu. Or contact us via the contact page.
Contact:
💌info@aqprintinghouse.com
📍Office # 17, 18, 3rd Floor, Malik Arcade, New Anarkali Road, behind Abik Tomb, Lahore, 54000.
FAQs
What is a good design for a food box?
A simple design using one clear logo, one or two colors and easy to read large text.
How many colors should I use?
Start with one or two main colors. Only add a third if it helps your text to be easy to read.
Should I use a window?
Yes if you are selling dry food such as cakes, sweets and dried fruits. Use a solid box for hot and oily foods.
What should I print?
Print your logo, food name and your contact number/social handle. Check what else you need to include on your labels.
Can AQ Printing House help me with my design?
Yes! Contact us with your logo, size and quantity. Our team will create a print ready design for you to approve.
How can I make my packaging look modern?
Use clean fonts, simple design and negative space. Avoid using too many colors or small details.
