US Food Packaging Trends Report 2024

This report looks at the food packaging industry, providing a data-backed analysis of the main trends impacting growth. Below, we’ve provided the key topics analyzed and hand-selected findings from the report.

Topics Analyzed

• The importance of price vs sustainability.
• Important qualities in food packaging.
• Packaging communication priorities.
• Perceptions and associations of different packaging types.
• Sustainability-related packaging behaviors.

Food Packaging Trends

Packaging accounts for as much as 15% of the total cost of any given food product. This is substantial but food packaging offers itself as an investment for branding and an opportunity for marketers to shape the customer experience, add value, and meet consumer needs.

Features around keeping the food fresh and value top shopper priorities—brands need to consider their packaging as an extension of the food product and integral to the wider brand experience.

Sustainability in food packaging

In the food packaging industry, sustainability remains an important consideration. Overall, consumers still prioritize price and functional features over sustainability and environmental concerns in the US, but there is a generational shift.

Consumers aged 18-34 are twice as likely to favor sustainability/environmental claims over price when compared to those over the age of 55. This enables brands to provide targeted messaging.

Consumer preferences

• Food shoppers place the most value on practical, immediate features and benefits. Freshness protection (60%) and ease of use (57% desire “easy to open”) are the top listed priorities.
• Younger consumers (18-54), look for a wider range of packaging communications, like health claims and promotional information. Older consumers (55+) “expect the usual” like expiration date (over 80%) and nutrition facts.
• When it comes to food packaging innovation concepts, a third of consumers seek plastic-free packaging. Yet, more want biodegradable plastic, suggesting plastic is still mostly trusted.

Report Scope

For the purposes of this Report, Mintel will cover trends in food packaging, including all packaging types commonly used for shelf-stable, refrigerated and frozen food items. In addition, food labeling and claims are discussed, particularly as they relate to themes applicable to the Report. In addition, attitudes and behaviors regarding packaging materials and recycling are discussed, particularly as they relate to themes applicable to the Report.

The Report also includes consumer behaviors and attitudes related to the themes of food/beverage packaging and sustainability as well as the connection between food/beverage packaging and value.

Meet the Expert

John provides in-depth analysis and insight across a variety of categories, including household and home care, health and wellness, food and beverages, and consumer lifestyles. He brings extensive experience in advertising and shopper marketing, most of it with Saatchi & Saatchi.

Food shoppers acknowledge the importance of sustainability in packaging, but prioritize more immediate, practical factors.

John Owen
Associate Director, Food and Retail