What packaging does a bakery or deli actually need?
Bakeries and delis have more varied packaging needs than most food businesses. You might be packaging a full sourdough loaf, a single croissant, a pre-made sandwich, a bag of biscuits, and a customer’s mixed selection of pastries — all in the same morning. The packaging has to work across very different product sizes and presentations.
Most bakery and deli packaging is kraft-finish or natural-coloured — and for good reason. The brown paper aesthetic signals artisan quality, natural ingredients, and care. It also happens to be among the most practical and cost-effective packaging materials available.
Which packaging do you need for different bakery products?
| Product | Recommended packaging | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Whole loaves | Film-front bread bags | Window lets customers see the loaf; breathable enough to prevent sogginess |
| Baguettes | Film-front baguette bags | Long format fits the product; grease-resistant; easy to handle at the counter |
| Pre-made sandwiches | Kraft sandwich wedges (standard or deep fill) | Displays the filling through the window; stackable; professional presentation |
| Pastries & individual bakes | Kraft block bottom grab bags | Open-top design; easy to serve into; kraft look suits artisan positioning |
| Customer carry-out | Kraft paper carrier bags (twist handle) | Strong enough for multiple items; professional; brand-friendly surface |
| Sausage rolls, hot pastries | Kraft bloomer sandwich boxes or grab bags | Handles heat and grease; open or closed top options |
How do you choose the right bread bag for your bakery?
Bread bags are your highest-volume item if you sell whole or half loaves. The main decision is between film-front bags (which show the loaf through a clear window) and plain kraft paper bags (which give a more classic look but don’t display the product). Most UK artisan bakeries use film-front bags because the visible loaf drives impulse purchases at the counter.
Film-front bread bags: sizes explained
LumaPack offers film-front bread bags in three sizes to match different loaf formats. The 175 x 70 x 355mm bags suit a small bloomers or rolls; the 230 x 70 x 355mm bags handle a standard small loaf; and the 300 x 70 x 430mm bags accommodate a large sourdough, rye, or full bloomer. All are available in cases of 500 from £25.99.
Baguette bags
The film-front baguette bags (£31.99/case of 1,000) are a long-format solution for French sticks, ciabattas, and similar elongated baked goods. The film window runs the length of the product — ideal for displays where the product needs to be visible before the customer picks it up.
Sandwich wedge boxes: standard vs deep fill
Standard sandwich wedge
The Kraft Sandwich Wedges — Standard (£45.99/case of 600) are designed for a regular-depth sandwich. The triangular window at the front displays the filling — essential for a grab-and-go display where customers make decisions on sight. They stack neatly in a chilled display cabinet and take up minimal counter space.
Deep fill sandwich wedge
The Kraft Sandwich Wedges — Deep Fill (£59.99/case of 500) provide extra depth for thicker-cut sandwiches, overfilled subs, or layered salad boxes. If your sandwiches are a key product and you take pride in a generous fill, the deep fill wedge is worth the slightly higher cost per unit.
What grab bags do you need?
Kraft block bottom grab bags are one of the most versatile packaging items in a bakery or deli. They sit open on the counter and let staff scoop or place items in quickly. The block-bottom construction means they stand upright on their own, which is useful when both hands are busy.
- Small (250 pcs, £14.99/case) — For individual pastries, biscuits, or small bakery items. The right size for a single croissant, a couple of shortbreads, or an individual scone.
- Medium (100 pcs, £8.99/case) — For two or three pastries, a large pastry, or a side-serving of bread. Most bakeries use medium bags as their go-to size for counter service.
- Large (100 pcs, £9.99/case) — For larger servings, multiple items, or when a customer is picking up a lunch selection. Large bags are also useful for bakery gift selections.
Carrier bags: getting the customer out the door
Paper carrier bags are the finishing touch for bakery customers buying multiple items or taking away a loaf of bread alongside pastries. LumaPack’s small, medium, and large kraft paper carrier bags with twist handles are priced from £32.99 to £42.99 per case. The twist handle is more durable than a flat paper handle and is easier for customers to carry with a full bag. For most bakeries, the medium size handles 90% of customer purchases comfortably.
Ready to stock up? Browse LumaPack’s full bakery and deli packaging range — UK wholesale pricing with free delivery on orders over £100 and 24–48h dispatch.
Three things bakeries often forget to order
Napkins
Every bakery counter needs napkins — for customers collecting pastries, for sausage rolls, for hot drinks accompaniments. Single-ply white napkins or kraft recycled napkins work well for a bakery aesthetic. Order in bulk; at £18.99–£29.99 per case of 5,000, they’re one of the lowest-cost items on your packaging list.
Wooden cutlery
If you serve hot food, deli salads, or soups alongside your bakery offer, you’ll need wooden forks and spoons. LumaPack’s wooden cutlery is available in individual item cases (1,000 pcs) or as pre-wrapped bundles — the wrapped options are more hygienic for a customer-facing counter.
Extra bread bags in a second size
Most bakeries underestimate how much size variation there is in their bread range. It’s worth stocking at least two bread bag sizes to handle both a small loaf and a large loaf — trying to fold a large bag around a small loaf looks unprofessional at the counter.
Summary
A well-stocked UK bakery or deli needs film-front bread bags (in the right sizes for your loaves), kraft sandwich wedge boxes for grab-and-go sandwiches, block bottom grab bags for pastries and loose items, and paper carrier bags for multi-item purchases. LumaPack supplies all of these at wholesale prices with free delivery over £100 and 24–48h dispatch. Browse the full bakery packaging range to build your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best packaging for a sourdough loaf?
Film-front bread bags are the best option for whole sourdough loaves — the clear window displays the crust, which is a key selling point. Choose the bag size based on your loaf dimensions: the 300 x 70 x 430mm size suits a large round sourdough. If your loaves vary significantly in size, stock two sizes of bag.
Are kraft sandwich wedges good for chilled display?
Yes — kraft sandwich wedges are widely used in chilled grab-and-go displays in bakeries, delis, and coffee shops. The triangular window displays the filling effectively, they stack well in a chilled cabinet, and the kraft finish gives a professional, artisan appearance. Both standard and deep fill versions work in chilled conditions.
What size carrier bag do I need for a standard bakery purchase?
For most bakery counter purchases (one or two items, a small loaf, or a pastry selection), a medium kraft paper carrier bag with a twist handle handles the load comfortably. If you regularly sell large loaves or multi-item gift selections, stock large bags too. It’s worth having both sizes at the counter during busy periods.
Can I get printed bread bags or sandwich packaging for my bakery?
Yes — LumaPack offers custom-printed packaging with low minimum order quantities. Printed sandwich wedges, bread bags, or carrier bags with your logo and branding add a premium touch. Contact LumaPack to discuss custom printing options for your bakery.
