Simplify Food Packaging Using the Coffee Industry’s 3-Size Standard

Overview: Why Three Sizes Can Be a Big Win

Food brands often end up with too many package sizes. It happens slowly. A new flavor launches, a seasonal item gets added, a “limited run” needs a special bag. Before long, your packaging list is packed with one-off sizes and extra SKUs. Savor Brands suggests a cleaner way to think about it: copy what coffee brands have done for years. In coffee packaging, three common bag sizes show up again and again: 12 oz, 1 lb, and 5 lb. That simple standard keeps operations easier, ordering cleaner, and shelves more consistent. The same idea can work for food. By standardizing your packaging to three primary pouch sizes, you can reduce SKU clutter, lower costs, and keep production moving smoothly. This “coffee bag mindset” is about simplifying without losing what customers want: convenient sizes, fresh product, and packaging that looks great on the shelf.

The 3-Size “Coffee Bag” Model for Food

This model uses three core pouch sizes that match how people buy and use food products: a small option, a standard retail option, and a bulk option.

1) Small: Sample or Single-Serve (about 4 oz to 8 oz)

This size works best when the goal is quick trial or portion control. Best for:

• Sampling and first-time purchases
• Specialty items
• Single-serve needs

2) Medium: Standard Retail (about 12 oz to 16 oz)

This is the size most shoppers expect to see on store shelves. It fits routine buying habits and weekly use. Best for:

• The main retail version of your product
• Regular household use
• The size you want most customers to choose

3) Large: Bulk or Wholesale (about 2 lb to 5 lb)

This is the value-focused size. It’s built for people who buy bigger amounts and want better cost per serving. Best for:

• Bulk households
• Wholesale and foodservice
• Cost-effective long-term use

What You Gain When You Standardize Pouch Sizes

Moving to three pouch sizes is not just a packaging change. It affects your whole operation.

Reduced operational complexity

When you limit pouch sizes, you cut down the number of packaging items you need to manage. That can mean:

• Lower inventory costs
• Less packaging waste
• A simpler supply chain with fewer bag types to source and store

Improved efficiency in packing

Standard sizes help teams pack faster and with fewer mistakes. Whether you fill pouches by hand or use automated equipment, consistency helps you stay on pace.

• Faster setup
• More consistent fills
• Smoother production flow

Stronger shelf presence and branding

When your products share a consistent size system, they look organized and intentional on the shelf. A uniform lineup can feel more professional and easier to shop. Brand benefits include:

• A more consistent look across product lines
• Better visual order on shelves
• Packaging that feels planned, not patched together

Lower production costs

Buying fewer pouch sizes in higher volume often leads to better pricing from manufacturers. Instead of splitting your spend across many sizes, you focus it where it counts.

Better fit for customer needs

Standard pouch sizes can still support convenience and freshness. Many consumers want packaging that’s easy to open, easy to store, and helps keep food fresh. Common convenience features include:

• Resealable closures
• Easy-to-carry formats
• Freshness-focused design

How to Put the 3-Size Strategy Into Practice

Standardizing sounds simple, but the details matter. Here are the key steps to make sure the sizes work across your product line.

1) Check product density before you lock in sizes

A pouch that holds 1 lb of coffee beans may not behave the same way with another food product. Some foods are dense. Others are light and airy. You need to test how your product fills a standard pouch. What to watch for: Dense products that may overfill a pouch Light, fluffy products that may look “lost” in a larger pouch

2) Plan for settling during shipping

Some products settle as they move through shipping and handling. Powders and snacks are common examples. If you don’t account for settling, your pouch may look underfilled by the time it reaches customers. A smart guideline is to allow 10–15% extra headspace for items that settle, so the package still looks right after transport.

3) Use sample packs to test before you buy in bulk

Before committing, order sample packs from packaging suppliers and test your real products in real pouch styles. This helps you confirm fit and appearance across variations. Test with options like:

• 3-side seal pouches
• Stand-up pouches

4) Make resealability a priority

Coffee packaging often includes features that protect freshness and make life easier for the buyer. Those same features can benefit many food categories, too. Consider adding:

• Zippers for easy resealing
• Valves where appropriate for shelf life and convenience