Packaging Products
You might only be taking a few dozen muffins to the farmers’ market, but that doesn’t mean they can’t look like they came off the shelves of a fancy bakery retail store. Considering most baked goods sales at market are impulse buys, how they are packaged can go a long way in nailing the sale.
Fortunately, there are many cost-effective, sustainable packaging options. Please see this free informational PDF for a summary and links to several researched vendors offering a variety of packaging products. The products we collected here can be ordered in small batches (and several companies offer free samples) and, importantly, use recycled content and/or are compostable.
Be sure to check your state’s cottage food law on specific labeling requirements and if there might be any regulations regarding packaging, such as an item needing to be wrapped.
Parchment Bread Wraps
A simple parchment paper wrap, fabric wrap and twine tie make an ordinary bread loaf very eye-appealing. Parchment paper is cellulose, plant-based paper that has been treated to make it non-stick and moisture resistant. Wrapping bread in parchment paper and then adding a colorful fabric wrap and tie make an ordinary bread loaf very eye-appealing. Burlap and twine add rustic charm. Parchment is available in pre-cut sizes for easy wrapping for larger loaves.
Cellophane Bags
Attractive individual packaging in cellophane bags is perfect for hungry shoppers looking for an individual snack. While as a cottage food vendor you are not licensed to do food service, you can package small amounts/individual items like this that probably won’t make it home from the market!
Coffee Filters
Get creative and cost-effective with packaging items you may already have at home, such as basket-shaped, round coffee filters. These mini bread loaves are wrapped in coffee filters tied together with a bow, adding a homespun, unexpected touch.
Gusset Window Coffee Bags
Gusset bags are bags that have a flat bottom so that can readily stand up on their own and can expand to include more items. This style works well with smaller items like crackers or croutons. Coffee bags come with a clear window that nicely displays your product and are typically lined to keep freshness.
Cellophane Flat Bag with Paper Top
Individual cookies in cellophane bags garner a higher price per item and make a great gift. Staple a folded piece of colorful cardstock that ties into your display table theme to seal bag for a professional, colorful look.
Parchment Sandwich Bags
Eco-friendly parchment paper comes in various sizes, including low cost sandwich bags that work great for cookies. A little ribbon and a bright label dress up a simple bag to make it look like a package worthy of gift giving.
Bakery Boxes
While bakery-style boxes do add cost, their sales appeal on your market table may be well worth the price. Note the individual Bundt cake in a small box. That item is basically the same amount of batter as one muffin, but between the appealing Bundt shape and cute box, your profit margins increase. These bakery boxes are made out of natural Kraft paper, unbleached and compostable.