Packaging for cakes can vary from the most basic to high-end, and everything in between. Bakeries too are known for their unique ways of packaging baked goods to match their theme or the time of the year. Here are the current most popular packaging trends for cakes and bakeries among consumers.
Table of Contents
Global market value of bakery packaging
Top trends of cakes and bakery packaging
The future of bakery packaging
Global market value of bakery packaging
Packaging is an important part of the buying process, as it helps to draw in potential consumers. It’s also used to help protect the contents inside and keep items separate if necessary. When it comes to bakery packaging, the market is seeing an increase in demand for a wide range of packaging, as a result of consumers’ interest in natural and healthy baked goods.
With baked goods on the rise in popularity once more, and bakeries selling other products such as salads, breads, and sandwiches, packaging for cakes and bakery items has never been more prosperous. Between 2021 and 2025, the bakery packaging industry is expected to grow by USD 8.52 billion, at a CAGR of 4%. This sharp increase is projected to continue beyond the estimated period as well.
Top trends of cakes and bakery packaging
There are many unique forms of packaging for bakery items to choose from, but some are more suitable than others depending on what type of food is being packaged. The current top trends include parchment paper, plastic-free paper plates, paper liners, paper lunch bags, and box containers with windows.
Parchment paper
Parchment paper is a popular tool to have while baking to ensure that the baked goods don’t stick to the baking sheet. This type of paper is now being fully utilized when it comes to packaging for cakes and bakery items as well. Parchment paper can easily be folded to cover the food inside of it, and its grease-proof material means that there a will be minimum risk of anything leaking out of it while it’s being transported. This is perfect for consumers who grab something quick while they’re on the go.
Parchment paper is also ideal to use if the consumer is freezing something or popping food in the microwave at a later time. This type of paper can be presented in different patterns, meaning it’s very popular with takeaways who serve greasier food too. Many consumers are now looking to use packaging that’s eco-friendly, and parchment paper is generally unbleached and chlorine-free, so it fits in well with the latest changes in the lifestyle of consumers.
Plastic-free paper plates
Disposable items have changed over the past few years, in part due to consumers demanding that products either be reused or be made with recycled materials that are better for the environment. And paper plates are no different. The plastic-free paper plates that come with a lid are now a big trend when it comes to packaging for cakes and other bakery items. These types of paper plates are not only durable, but they allow for items such as baked goods or mini sandwiches to be presented in an appealing way.
This type of packaging is popularly used for taking away cakes or other small food items in order to minimize the damage that may be caused while they’re in transportation. The paper plates are also perfect for storing the food in the fridge, as the lid allows the food inside to stay fresh for a longer period of time.
Paper liners
Paper liners are a great way for bakeries and other types of takeaways to present a small amount of food to the consumer without having to use plastic takeaway boxes. These liners are being used for air fryers, but they also come in handy when it comes to carrying cakes and other bakery items a short distance.
There are various shapes of paper liners to use, and because of this many businesses are beginning to use them to line boxes and containers to help keep the food safer. The liners can either be plain or come with a pattern on them, so they’re a unique alternative to using parchment paper, especially for food items that don’t have a lot of grease or have anything that could spill and cause damage to the container. More businesses are using the paper liner as a way to hand over food such as sandwiches as well.
Paper lunch bag
The paper lunch bag is a traditional form of packaging that has been popular for decades, and its popularity doesn’t look to be slowing down with today’s consumers. The uses of paper lunch bags are endless, and when it comes to bakeries, they’re known to hold everything from sandwiches to baked goods to whole loaves of bread. These paper bags are seen on the shelves in grocery stores, are being used in takeaways, and are great for popping popcorn in, which is how some consumers are reusing these bags.
The paper lunch bag is a great eco-friendly packaging option in today’s market and is made strong enough to hold a good amount of food inside them, which is why they are also used to hold lunches for people heading to work or going to school. These bags are being heavily used in the fashion industry too as a replacement for plastic bags.
Box container with windows
When it comes to presentation, it’s important that the consumer can see exactly what they’re buying. The box container with windows is one of the best forms of packaging for cakes and bakery items. The window at the top of the container allows for items such as cakes, cupcakes, and muffins to be shown without opening the box, and they create a very appealing display on the countertops too.
These containers often come with separate sleeves for the baked goods to sit in so they stay separate from one another and oftentimes are decorated with a ribbon or bow on the top to look even more appealing. For consumers who wish to customize the items inside the box, the window allows them to show off what they’ve purchased and ensure that the baked goods don’t get damaged along the way.
The future of bakery packaging
Packaging for cakes and bakery items has changed over the years, but one thing is for certain: presentation is just as important. The top packaging trends include parchment paper, plastic-free paper plates, paper liners, paper lunch bags, and the very popular box container with windows. All of these packaging options can be used for various types of cakes, baked goods, and other types of food found at bakeries so they’re a good investment to make.
Much of today’s bakery packaging includes paper products that can easily be recycled and in some cases reused for other purposes. The trend of incorporating more sustainable materials into packaging is set to continue, and the changes in lifestyle among consumers also mean that more elaborate packaging will soon be on the table as well.
