The way your food and drinks are packaged is just as important as the recipes themselves. For today’s customers, packaging doesn’t just protect their order – it tells your brand story, shows your values, and even becomes part of the experience. Whether you’re running a coffee cart, a busy café, or a street food van, staying ahead of packaging trends can set you apart from the competition.

Here are five of the biggest food packaging trends for 2025 to inspire your business.

1. Eco-Friendly Coffee Cups Take Centre Stage

Consumers are more eco-conscious than ever, and single-use plastics are firmly on their way out. This means compostable and recyclable coffee cups are now a must-have.
Look for cups made from FSC-certified paper with CPLA or PLA lids – they keep your coffee hot, your customers happy, and your brand aligned with sustainability expectations. Even better? Add custom printing to turn your cups into walking adverts for your café.

2. Minimalist Design, Maximum Impact

Clean, simple branding is trending. Think natural Kraft textures, subtle logos, and earthy tones. This minimalist look communicates transparency and authenticity – qualities customers crave. By pairing pared-back packaging with clever design, even a takeaway cup can look premium while reinforcing your eco values.

3. Packaging That Elevates the Experience

The rise of “Instagrammable food” means presentation matters more than ever. Food trucks and independent cafés are using window boxes for baked goods, clear deli pots for vibrant salads, and branded stickers to give packaging a polished, professional finish.
Tip: Customers love packaging that’s easy to hold and photogenic – think sleek lids, spill-proof containers, and eco-chic designs that photograph beautifully.

4. Custom Print for Every Scale

Not long ago, custom packaging was only realistic for big chains. Now, with low minimum order quantities and fast lead times, even small coffee roasters or local street food vendors can brand their packaging. From logo-printed cups to branded food boxes, custom print is one of the most cost-effective ways to market your business while you serve.

5. Multi-Use & Reusable Packaging Options

Customers increasingly value packaging that goes beyond a single use. Reusable coffee cup schemes, compostable food trays that double as plates, or containers designed to be repurposed at home are all trending. The takeaway? The more useful your packaging is, the more customers will associate your brand with innovation and care.

The Takeaway (Pun Intended!)

Packaging is no longer an afterthought – it’s a vital touchpoint for your brand. By tapping into these trends – eco-friendly materials, minimalist design, Instagram-worthy presentation, accessible custom print, and reusable options – you’ll not only keep up with customer expectations but also create a lasting impression.

At Agora, we make it easy to stay ahead of the curve with a wide range of sustainable food packaging solutions, plus custom printing services that help your brand shine.

Explore our latest packaging solutions or find out how to make your brand unforgettable with Custom Print.