III. How to Choose the Right Packaging for Your Seasoning Brand?

(And Why It Can Make or Break Your Sales)

Packaging isn’t just a container — it’s one of the most important commercial decisions you’ll make when launching a seasoning brand.

The right format can reduce shipping costs, improve conversion rates, increase repeat purchases, and help your brand stand out in a crowded market. The wrong one can quietly hold your product back.

Before choosing materials, sizes, or finishes, start with one simple question:

Where will you sell your seasonings?

Different sales channels demand very different packaging strategies.

Selling Online: When Size (and Shape) Really Matters

If you’re selling through your own website or marketplaces, packaging efficiency is critical.

Online shoppers expect:

• Reasonable shipping costs

• Fast delivery

• Minimal waste

In the UK, letterbox-friendly packaging can significantly reduce fulfilment costs. Small, slim pouches or jars that fit through a letterbox often ship at a lower rate than parcels — a big advantage for new brands where margins matter.

Example

Many direct-to-consumer spice brands now use flat-bottom pouches or compact jars for starter blends or sampler ranges. This allows them to:

• Offer free or low-cost shipping

• Sell smaller “trial sizes” to first-time customers

• Encourage repeat orders rather than one-off bulk buys

  
  

Tip: Smaller pack sizes also reduce the perceived risk for customers trying a new brand.

We help brands select letterbox-friendly pack sizes and formats that balance cost, protection, and presentation — ideal for online launches.

Retail & Wholesale: Standing Out on a Crowded Shelf

Retail is a different battlefield altogether. Your product has seconds to catch the shopper’s eye.

In-store buyers don’t read first — they scan. That means your packaging must:

• Be visually distinct

• Communicate flavour and use clearly

• Fit standard retail shelving and hooks

Before finalising a design, do a simple competitor audit:

• What colours dominate the shelf?

• Are competitors minimalist or bold?

• Are they jars, tins, or pouches?

Your goal isn’t to copy — it’s to contrast while staying credible.

Example

If most seasonings in a category use dark labels and traditional fonts, a clean, modern look can instantly stand out. Conversely, in a modern premium aisle, a handcrafted or heritage design can feel refreshing and authentic.

Retailers also care about:

• Barcode placement

• Pack durability

• Consistent sizing across SKUs

Our private label packaging service supports retail-ready formats, with consistent sizing and professional finishes to help your products get listed and reordered.

Selling In Person: Markets, Events & Foodservice

If you sell face-to-face — at food markets, pop-ups, trade shows, or alongside food you already produce — packaging becomes a storytelling tool.

Here, you can afford to be more expressive:

• Custom jars, tins, or sleeves

• Premium textures or finishes

• Larger formats for loyal customers

Shoppers buying in person are more open to:

• Higher price points

• Limited editions

• Bold, memorable designs

Example

Butchers, farm shops, and street-food brands often succeed with:

• Larger refill packs

• Branded seasoning jars that mirror their core food offering

• Packs designed to be reused at home

With flexible MOQs and in-house packaging, we help businesses create custom pack sizes for in-person sales without overcommitting on volume.

One Brand, Multiple Channels? Plan for Scalability

Many successful seasoning brands start online, then expand into retail or foodservice. Smart packaging decisions early on make that transition smoother.

Consider:

• A core label design that works across formats

• Multiple sizes for different channels

• White label or custom-size packaging for internal or B2B use

  
  

At Sanita Spices UK, we regularly support brands with:

• White label & custom-size packaging for internal or operational use

• Private label packaging for consumer-facing brands

• Low MOQs so you can test, refine, and grow

Thinking about your packaging strategy? Get in touch — we’ll help you choose formats that match your channel, budget, and growth plans.

Key Takeaway

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” packaging — only packaging that fits your sales channel and business goals. Start with where you sell, design with intention, and choose partners who give you flexibility as you grow.