Familiar Shapes and Colors That Make Brands Memorable

When it comes to food packaging, design plays a pivotal role in attracting customers and creating brand recognition. The packaging industry has evolved significantly over the years, with designers constantly striving to create innovative solutions that not only protect the product but also make it stand out on crowded shelves. From enhancing usability to appealing to a broader audience, packaging serves multiple purposes. At Kite Packaging, we love celebrating the creativity behind these designs, whether through our social media channels or blog posts. While packaging might not always grab headlines, it’s the unsung hero of the consumer experience.

With countless new products hitting store shelves every day, standing out becomes a challenge. Iconic packaging isn’t just about colors or shapes—it’s about creating something unforgettable. Think of the brands you immediately recognize even from across the aisle. What makes them special? Is it the texture, the way it opens, or maybe the nostalgia tied to it? For us, iconic packaging is all about those moments of instant recognition.

In this post, we’ll dive into some of the most beloved food packaging designs that have stood the test of time. These brands didn’t just succeed because of their products—they excelled because their packaging made them unforgettable. Let’s explore what makes certain packages truly iconic.

Mini Babybel

Who doesn’t love Mini Babybel? This mini cheese snack has been a hit for decades, especially among kids and parents alike. What sets it apart? Its distinctive red wax coating! Each piece comes wrapped in thick, waxy red casing that peels away to reveal the creamy cheese inside. First introduced in 1977, Babybel later expanded its flavor lineup with cheddar and gouda varieties, each wrapped in differently colored wax.

The wax used in Babybel packaging is a blend of paraffin and microcrystalline wax, designed to be safe if accidentally ingested (thankfully, no one ever needs to!). Additionally, Babybel ensures its packaging is free of Bisphenol A (BPA), unlike some competitors whose packaging has faced scrutiny over similar materials.

Fun Fact: Did you know that over a billion Mini Babybels are produced annually? If lined up end-to-end, they’d circle the entire coast of mainland Britain—not once, but twice!

Pringles

Pringles owe their success largely to their unique tubular packaging, which revolutionized how crisps are sold. Launched in 1967, the cylindrical container was created to solve common issues like broken chips and excess air in traditional bags. Fredric Baur, the inventor of this design, crafted both the iconic saddle-shaped chip and the sturdy paperboard canister. The foil lining keeps the chips fresh while the resealable lid ensures longevity.

Pringles embody everything a customer could want in a snack package: convenience, freshness, and protection. And let’s face it—once you pop one, it’s hard to stop! Even in homes worldwide, Pringles rarely last long enough to require resealing.

Fun Fact: When Fredric Baur passed away, his family honored his wish to be buried in a Pringles can. His remains were interred in a specially marked grave with a can-shaped marker.

Capri-Sun

Another classic lunchbox companion, Capri-Sun juice pouches have become synonymous with childhood memories. Introduced in Germany in 1969 by Rudolf Wild, these flexible pouches revolutionized portable hydration. Made from laminated foil, the pouch flattens when empty but stands upright when filled thanks to its gusseted sides.

Capri-Sun’s leak-proof design is impressive, thanks to its welded seams and reinforced hole for straws. Whether it’s in a schoolbag or a picnic cooler, this drink is ready to go wherever you do.

Fun Fact: Although Capri-Sun is distributed by Coca-Cola in the UK and Kraft Foods in the U.S., it remains under the ownership of WILD, now chaired by Hans Peter-Wild, the son of its original inventor.

Kite’s Favorite: Toblerone

There’s something undeniably satisfying about unwrapping a Toblerone bar. This triangular chocolate treat has been delighting consumers since its debut in 1868. Its packaging, a golden triangle, is almost as iconic as the bar itself. Unlike rectangular bars, Toblerone’s triangular shape allows for versatility in sizing, from small snack-sized portions to larger gift-worthy bars.

Its unique packaging also maximizes shelf visibility, ensuring it’s never overlooked. Wrapped in foil to preserve freshness and adorned with vibrant branding, Toblerone offers a premium experience unmatched by competitors. Some say the shape reflects the Swiss Alps where founder Theodor Tobler grew up, while others claim inspiration from Parisian dancers forming pyramid-like formations during performances.

Fun Fact: Despite various theories, the exact origin of Toblerone’s triangular design remains a mystery. Perhaps it’s a nod to Switzerland’s majestic landscapes—or perhaps it’s simply a masterpiece of engineering and artistry.