Common Food Packaging Mistakes To Avoid At All Costs

Ever bought a product just because the food packaging caught your eye? You’re not alone. In the highly competitive food industry, packaging does more than just hold the product—it speaks to the customer, builds trust, and convinces them to buy. But if it’s poorly designed, hard to open, or just plain unappealing, your sales could take a nosedive.

If you’re in the food business in the Philippines, where supermarket aisles and online stores are flooded with choices, your packaging can make or break your success. And the best part? Avoiding packaging mistakes doesn’t require a massive budget—just smart choices.

Let’s break down five common food packaging blunders and how to fix them.

1. Your Packaging Looks Too Busy (or Too Boring)

Imagine you’re walking down the snack aisle in SM Supermarket or browsing food products on Lazada. You pick up an item, but the label is cluttered with too much text, excessive graphics, and colors that don’t match. It’s overwhelming. On the flip side, a package that’s too plain and generic doesn’t stand out either.

Why This Happens:

Some brands try to cram in every single detail—ingredients, benefits, certifications, promotional messages—all on one tiny label. Others go the minimal route but forget to add personality. Either way, confused customers move on to the next product.

The Fix:

Keep it clear, attractive, and easy to digest (pun intended). Filipino consumers love packaging that’s both visually appealing and functional. Use:

  • A clean layout that highlights key selling points.
  • Readable fonts that don’t require squinting.
  • A distinct color scheme that represents your brand.

For inspiration, look at top-selling local brands like Oishi, Rebisco, or even homegrown premium brands like The Good Choices. They keep it simple, engaging, and instantly recognizable.

2. Your Packaging Feels Cheap and Flimsy

Would you trust an expensive chocolate brand if it came in a thin, easily torn plastic wrapper? Probably not. Filipino consumers associate packaging quality with product quality, so if your packaging feels cheap, they’ll assume the product inside is, too.

Why This Happens:

Some businesses cut costs by using low-quality materials, assuming it won’t affect sales. But in reality, packaging that tears too easily, leaks, or feels flimsy makes customers hesitant to buy again.

The Fix:

Invest in sturdy, food-safe packaging that reflects your brand’s value. Papercon Philippines, one of the country’s leading food packaging suppliers, offers high-quality, customizable solutions that help local brands elevate their products.

Whether you need eco-friendly paper cups for milk tea, grease-resistant wrappers for burgers, or resealable pouches for dried mangoes, choosing the right materials builds customer confidence and encourages repeat purchases.

3. Your Packaging is a Pain to Open

You’re excited to try a new snack, but the plastic won’t tear properly, or the resealable feature doesn’t work. Frustrating, right? Poorly designed packaging can ruin the customer experience, no matter how great the food inside is.

Why This Happens:

Some brands focus too much on security and forget usability. While tamper-proof seals are important, excessive plastic layers or poor-quality zippers create unnecessary hassle.

The Fix:

Make sure your packaging is:

  • Easy to open (think tear notches or peel-back lids).
  • Resealable for freshness and convenience.
  • Mess-free, especially for on-the-go snacks.

A quick test? Try opening your own product with one hand. If it’s a struggle, it’s time for a redesign.

4. You’re Not Keeping Up with Sustainability Trends

Filipino consumers—especially younger ones—are becoming more eco-conscious. If your packaging is excessive, non-recyclable, or harmful to the environment, people will take notice (and not in a good way).

Why This Happens:

Traditional plastic packaging has been the go-to for years because it’s cheap and widely available. However, with the rise of zero-waste movements and government regulations, brands that fail to offer sustainable options risk losing eco-conscious buyers.

The Fix:

Switch to eco-friendly packaging alternatives. Papercon Philippines offers biodegradable food containers, compostable cups, and recyclable paper bags that help businesses reduce waste while maintaining high-quality packaging. Even small adjustments, like using kraft paper instead of plastic wrappers, make a difference. Plus, customers will appreciate your brand for making sustainable choices.

5. Your Branding is All Over the Place

Can customers instantly recognize your product just by glancing at it? If not, your branding might be inconsistent.

Why This Happens:

Some businesses frequently change their logo, colors, or typography, making it hard for customers to remember them. Others don’t invest in brand identity at all, resulting in packaging that blends in with competitors.

The Fix:

Develop a cohesive brand identity that remains consistent across all packaging materials. This includes:

  • A signature color scheme (think of Jollibee’s red and yellow or Selecta’s vibrant red tubs).
  • A recognizable logo placement so customers can spot your brand instantly.
  • A unique design element, like how Choc Nut’s classic retro packaging makes it unmistakable.

When customers can recognize your product in an instant, they’re more likely to trust and choose your brand over others.

Final Thoughts

In the fast-paced Philippine food market, packaging is a game-changer. A single mistake—whether it’s poor material choice, hard-to-open designs, or unclear branding—can drive customers away. On the flip side, great packaging boosts sales, builds brand loyalty, and sets you apart from competitors.

If you want to upgrade your packaging, Papercon Philippines is your go-to food packaging partner. With decades of experience in food packaging, they offer innovative, high-quality solutions tailored to Filipino businesses.