What Label Materials are Best for Snack Packaging?
- materials
- snack labels
- snack packaging
What’s the right label material for snack packages? You want something tough, with sharp printing, that won’t fall apart from the factory all the way to your customer’s kitchen.
From our experience and testing, MDO is the go-to choice for most snack labels. Here’s why it works so well, and how it compares to the other options out there.
MDO
What is MDO?
MDO (that’s short for Machine Direction Orientation) is a specially stretched plastic film. Think of it like a super-strong, flexible wrap that molds perfectly around your product without wrinkling or puckering.
Why we recommend it:
- Built to last: Tests and customer feedback show MDO stands up to moisture, scratches, and temperature changes way better than plain paper or regular BOPP labels, especially in damp or refrigerated places.
- Fits like a glove: The label molds smoothly around most containers, even if they’re round, angled, or just plain weird-shaped, so you won’t get any annoying wrinkles or peeling.
- Colors that pop: Its smooth surface helps colors stay bright and sharp, so your packaging catches the eye on crowded store shelves.
- Good for the planet (and your wallet): MDO labels are thinner but tough, which means less plastic waste, and often a nicer surprise for your budget.
- Ready for anything: It plays nicely with lamination, UV varnish, and hot foil stamping (which protect your label, add shine or texture, and make your packaging feel premium).
Best use:
If your snacks are hanging out in the fridge, getting handled a lot, or need that premium shelf presence, MDO is the label you want.
What to watch out for:
It can cost more upfront than basic paper or standard BOPP. But a lot of companies find that the sturdiness means fewer label headaches down the line, making that extra investment worth it.
Other Common Label Materials: How They Compare
Coated Paper
What’s good:
- High-quality look and feel
- More embellishment options
- Biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Where it falls short:
- Doesn’t like moisture or rough handling.
- Tears, curls, or smudges are common unless you add lamination.
Best for:
Dry snacks at room temp
Standard BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene)
What’s good:
- Handles moisture and chemicals better than paper.
- Durable enough for refrigerated or damp conditions.
- Still reasonably priced.
Where it falls short:
- Not as stretchy or flexible as MDO, so it can wrinkle on oddly shaped or squeezable containers or products.
- Print colors aren’t quite as vivid.
Best for:
Moisture or refrigerated-exposed snacks with simple packaging shapes.
PET (Polyester)
What’s good:
- Handles heat well, great for hot-fill sauces.
- Stands up to chemicals and abrasion.
- Feels more premium than BOPP.
Where it falls short:
- Costs more than paper or BOPP.
- Not the best for fancy finishes like embossing or foil stamping.
Best for:
Premium sauces or snacks that need to go through heat processes.
Vinyl
What’s good:
- Tough against UV, scratches, and moisture.
- Sticks like glue.
- Thicker material than BOPP.
Where it falls short:
- Pricey and not so environmentally-friendly.
- Usually more than you need for typical snacks.
Best for:
Specialty snacks facing extreme conditions.
Quick Comparison Table
| Material | Durability | Moisture Resistance | Print Quality | Conformability | Cost | Best Use Case |
| MDO | High | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Mid-High | Most snack bottles, especially curved or refrigerated |
| Coated Paper | Low | Low | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate | Dry snacks, budget-conscious |
| Standard BOPP | Moderate | Good | Good | Moderate | Low | Moisture-exposed, simple shapes |
| PET | Very High | Very High | Good | Low | High | Heat-processed or premium snacks |
| Vinyl | Very High | Very High | Good | Low | Very High | Extreme environments |
Material Recommendations by Application
- Best for most snack packaging:MDO. Its stretch and stability prevent wrinkles and give your products a snug fit.
- Most cost-effective for dry snacks: Coated paper, but be ready to laminate for durability.
- Best for refrigerated or moist environments: MDO or standard BOPP—both resist moisture well, but MDO offers better conformability.
- For hot-fill sauces or premium snacks: PET provides heat resistance and a high-end feel.
- For specialty or extreme conditions: Vinyl is tough, but usually overkill for most snack packaging.
Wrapping Up
If you want a label that holds up and looks great doing it, MDO is your best bet. It balances toughness and print quality better than most.
Need to see it in action? Request a sample pack or get in touch and we’ll show you what works.
