5 Custom Beef Jerky Packaging Ideas to Boost Your Sales

Beef jerky has become a popular snack, especially for athletes and average consumers looking for protein-rich options. As demand grows, so does competition. For that reason, investing in custom beef jerky packaging that stands out and keeps the meat fresh is important if you want to keep customers coming back.

At The Packaging Lab, we work with jerky brands that want packaging to do more than just hold their product. It needs to attract, protect, and persuade, all at once. Below are five proven ideas to help your jerky stand out on the shelf and in customers’ hands. You can create packaging that preserves freshness and builds trust.

1. Use Visual Design to Highlight Flavor and Freshness

Flexible packaging for food products is generally the first thing people notice. Your design should clearly communicate what sets your jerky apart, from flavor variety to texture and quality.

Appeal to the Senses Through Design

Think about what customers see and feel before they taste your product. Rich color palettes, bold typography, and texture-inspired visuals (like grill marks or woodgrain backgrounds) all create a strong sensory cue.

Design Tips to Boost Shelf Appeal:

• Use bold, readable fonts that match your brand personality
• Incorporate appetite-triggering colors such as reds, browns, and golds
• Add visual flavor indicators (e.g., spicy chili, honey glaze, teriyaki drip)
• Keep the layout clean to emphasize your logo and flavor name

These small design choices tell customers they’re about to enjoy a premium product crafted with care.

2. Add Transparent Windows to Showcase Quality

Customers love seeing what they’re buying, and for jerky, transparency literally sells. Including a small, clear window in your beef jerky pouch instantly builds trust and sets your product apart from sealed competitors.

Why Transparency Drives Conversions

Seeing the texture and portion size reassures buyers that your jerky is high-quality and freshly packed. It also adds authenticity, especially for small-batch or handcrafted brands.

Key Takeaway: Clear windows help turn browsers into buyers by visually proving freshness and quality before purchase.

3. Choose Functional Features That Add Value

Convenience matters as much as design. Features like resealable or easy-open closures, and tear notches make your jerky more enjoyable to use, and customers remember that.

Functional Packaging = Repeat Customers

A resealable closure ensures freshness for longer, especially for consumers on the go. These features create a positive brand impression and subtly encourage repeat purchases.

Popular Functional Add-Ons for Jerky Brands:

• Resealable Closures: Maintain freshness between uses
• Tear Notches: Easy opening without scissors
• Hang Holes: For convenient display options in stores

Thoughtful packaging design doesn’t just look professional; it adds daily convenience for your customers.

4. Use High-Barrier Materials for Superior Shelf Life

Since jerky has a long shelf life, the material you choose matters. At The Packaging Lab, we help brands select high-barrier films that lock in freshness and flavor.

Protect Your Product with the Right Film

Our multi-layer laminates prevent oxygen and moisture from entering the pouch, which is crucial for keeping jerky safe and flavorful. You can choose from matte, gloss, or metallized finishes depending on your brand’s look and performance needs.

Best Material Choices for Jerky Packaging:

• Metallized Film: Excellent barrier protection against light and air
• Matte Finishes: Premium, modern look with smooth texture
• Gloss Finishes: Vibrant, reflective surface for strong shelf appeal

Fact: Research indicates that 40% of consumers are more inclined to make repeat purchases from brands that offer superior packaging.

5. Elevate Your Branding with Custom Printing

Custom printing lets your jerky packaging tell your brand story in a way pre-made bags never could. Whether you’re launching locally or distributing nationally, consistent branding builds recognition and loyalty.

Make Every Pouch an Extension of Your Brand

Our digital printing process allows unlimited creativity with photo-quality graphics and vibrant color consistency, all without setup fees or large order minimums. You can design multiple SKUs or flavor variations without any extra costs.

Why Custom Printing Works for Jerky Brands:

• Build instant shelf recognition
• Easily print multiple flavor designs in one order
• Create limited-edition or seasonal runs
• Get fast turnaround for new product launches

Digital printing gives you the freedom to test, evolve, and grow without logistical headaches. 

Ready to refresh your jerky packaging? Experience the difference with custom beef jerky packaging that boosts freshness and drives sales. Visit The Packaging Lab to explore our full range of flexible, custom-printed pouches. Create your unique packaging today.

Why Choose The Packaging Lab for Beef Jerky Packaging

We specialize in helping snack brands stand out with high-quality, custom food packaging that looks excellent and performs even better. Whether you’re launching a new jerky line or upgrading existing packaging, we deliver exactly what you need, fast.

Why brands choose us:

1. Fast turnaround: Get production-ready pouches in days, not weeks.
2. No minimums: Order only what you need to stay cost-efficient.
3. Premium print quality: Crisp graphics and vibrant colors with digital precision.
4. Material options: Choose from durable, high-barrier films and finishes.
5. Zero-risk testing: Try short runs before scaling up.

From bold designs to functional finishes, The Packaging Lab is your trusted partner in creating packaging that sells.

Key Takeaways for Jerky Brands

Every part of your packaging, design, material, and features influences how customers see and experience your brand. Choosing the right partner makes it easier to bring your vision to life.

• Freshness and visibility boost consumer confidence.
• Functional features improve usability and retention.
• Custom digital printing empowers branding flexibility.
• The right packaging partner helps you balance quality and cost.

Boost Sales with Smarter Packaging—Contact The Packaging Lab Today

Your jerky deserves packaging that matches its flavor and quality. With custom beef jerky packaging, you can elevate your brand’s image, preserve freshness, and increase shelf appeal, all in one solution.

Contact The Packaging Lab today to get started. We proudly serve brands in Minnesota and across the U.S., providing fast, transparent, and flexible packaging that supports businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, we’ll help you package success, one pouch at a time.