How to Choose Packaging for Gummies and Supplements

Published: 2/18/2026

Gummies and powdered supplements have become one of the fastest-growing product categories in North America and Europe.
However, many brands underestimate how critical packaging choice is for product stability, shelf life, compliance, and customer perception.

This guide explains how to choose the right packaging for gummies and supplements from a manufacturer’s perspective, not just a marketing one.

1. Understand Your Product Characteristics

Before selecting any packaging, clarify these key factors:

• Form: gummies, powder, capsules, tablets
• Sensitivity: moisture, oxygen, light, heat
• Serving size and daily usage
• Shelf life requirements

For gummies in particular, moisture and temperature control are the most critical concerns. Poor packaging can lead to sticking, deformation, or texture changes during storage and shipping.

2. Choose the Right Packaging Material

Flexible packaging is the most common choice due to cost efficiency and good barrier performance.

Typical structures include:

• PET / PE
• PET / AL / PE (with aluminum foil)
• BOPP / CPP
• Custom laminated structures based on barrier needs

When to Use Aluminum Foil Layers

Aluminum foil is recommended if:

• The product is sensitive to moisture and oxygen
• Long-distance export shipping is required
• Shelf life expectations exceed 12 months

Foil layers provide excellent barrier properties but increase cost slightly. For premium or regulated products, this trade-off is usually worthwhile.

3. Select the Right Pouch Format

The most commonly used pouch types for gummies and supplements include:

Stand-up Pouches (Doypack)

• Most popular option
• Good shelf presence
• Suitable for retail and e-commerce

Flat Bottom Pouches

• Premium appearance
• Better stability on shelves
• Higher material and production cost

Three-Side Seal Bags

• Cost-effective for single-serve or sample packs
• Common for sachets and trial sizes

Choosing the right format depends on branding position, order volume, and budget.

4. Consider Zippers, Child-Resistant Features, and Compliance

Depending on your target market and product type, you may need:

• Resealable zippers for multi-use products
• Child-resistant zippers (especially for cannabinoid-related gummies)
• Tear notches for easy opening
• Compliance with FDA, CPSR, or regional regulations

Packaging should be discussed together with your legal or compliance team before mass production.

5. Printing Quality and Color Accuracy

For supplement brands, packaging is often the first physical touchpoint with consumers.

Key printing considerations:

• Color consistency across reorders
• Readability of nutrition facts and dosage information
• Matte vs glossy finish
• Resistance to scuffing during transportation

A reliable supplier should be able to maintain stable colors across different production batches, even when equipment or production schedules change.

6. Balance Cost, MOQ, and Lead Time

When choosing packaging, consider:

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
• Unit cost at different quantities
• Production lead time
• Shipping method and destination

Lower-cost packaging may appear attractive initially but can lead to higher long-term costs due to quality issues or reprints.

7. Work With a Manufacturer, Not Just a Printer

The best packaging solutions come from suppliers who understand:

• Export logistics
• Material performance
• Regulatory requirements
• Long-term repeat production

Early communication about your product and market can prevent costly mistakes later.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right packaging for gummies and supplements is not just a design decision — it is a product quality and brand trust decision.

Investing time upfront to select appropriate materials, structures, and suppliers will help ensure consistent quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

If you are planning custom packaging for gummies or supplements and need guidance on materials, structure, or printing, working with an experienced export-focused manufacturer can make the process much smoother.