Stick Pack Packaging: The Go-To for On-the-Go Products

Convenience is in demand — 57% of Americans say it impacts what they buy.  Brands are delivering on this demand with products consumers can take with them wherever they go. Thanks to the help of stick packs. A packaging format that turns everything from hydration-boosting beverages to flavor-enhancing powders into single-serve moments shoppers can toss in a gym bag, store at their desk, or pack into a lunch box. 

When done well,  the promise of portability, portion control, and a clean tear can help brands differentiate and gain favor with consumers who prefer products that move with them. 

What is stick pack packaging? 

The format is a slim, single-serve packet most often used for powdered mixes. Especially those in the functional beverage space where single-serve powder stick packs are the norm. Designed for ease, they open smoothly and pour cleanly into a bottle, glass, or mug. Some brands use them for direct-to-mouth products, such as dietary supplements or immune support. 

We’re also starting to see culinary products offer up single-serve convenience with stick packs. They’re ideal for portioning spice mixes and rubs for trial or kitting. The format is less effective when it comes to oily liquids, bulky particulates, and products that tend to cling to the pack. 

Why choose printed stick packs? 

The on-the-go packaging market is estimated to reach $3.47B by 2034. A clear indication that consumer preferences will continue to trend toward take-anywhere convenience. With this in mind, it’s no surprise stick packs will play a critical role in packaging strategy for brands looking to keep up with shoppers. They offer a range of benefits, including: 

Portability: One slim, air-tight packet goes anywhere without spillage. 

Portion control: Pre-portioned sachets minimize user error for consistent flavor and efficacy. 

Easy to use: Half the convenience of a stick pack is how easy it is to open and pour without disrupting a busy day. 

Just-opened freshness: Single-serve delivery eliminates repeated exposure to air and moisture that can compromise enjoyment. 

Sticking the landing: a guide to on-the-go.

Switching to stick packs is about much more than shrinking down your packaging and product to a perfectly portioned moment. It’s about designing a complete, seamless experience that considers where, when, and how the consumer will be using the product. Every part of the stick pack itself and the secondary packaging that contains it should feel thoughtful and intentional. 

Consider the consumer. 

Define the moment of use at the outset. Will your consumer be at the office with access to running water or on-the-trail communing with nature? Do they use the product every day, when they travel, or are they trying a sampling of new flavors?  This will help set serving sizes, number of sticks included in the kit, and stick dimensions.

Who your consumer is should also come into play. Many on-the-go products target consumers who enjoy the outdoors and prioritize sustainability. While stick pack film is not widely available in recycle-ready options, you can bring in eco-friendly touches to the system as a whole. Use recyclable or recycled content for external packaging, right-size your pack counts, and minimize over packing. 

It’s also important to note materials evolve quickly. Talk to your packaging partner about your goals and the priorities of your consumer, so they can help adjust your packaging strategy as options become available.

Optimize for size. 

Space is tight on pocketable packaging. Type should be minimal and designed for legibility in tiny print. Plan to only include the essentials: brand mark, product name, and 2-3 key claims max. 

Save the full brand story, education, and cross-sell for the outer packaging. Folding cartons and standup pouches can house multiple stick packs and provide ample space to expand your narrative and visual storytelling. 

Plan for the full experience.

The primary stick pack packaging and secondary outer packaging should all be part of one cohesive experience. Think about both elements working together as a system. Partnering with an experienced stick pack film supplier can help ensure internal and external packaging present as one brand through consistent color, high-quality printing, and complementary finishes. 

To achieve this singular brand experience, you should be thoughtful about the details With portable packs, you need to prioritize different aspects of the consumer experience. Incorporating matte, gloss, or dual finish varnishes on your custom stick pack film may reflect who you are as a brand but everything has to be balanced with usability. 

The future of portable products.

Demand for on-the-go formats continues to grow beyond elite athletes into everyday wellness and lifestyle. More and more brands are entering the market with hydration, functional boosts, better-for-you coffee, sweeteners, and culinary kits. Packaging these products in convenient, ready-to-use stick packs will help emerging brands and product lines stand out and meet shoppers wherever they go.