5 Candy Packaging Ideas as

Sweet as Your Candy

The candy industry is not an easy one to break into. Candy producers are competing with big-name companies for market share in a massive industry. But luckily, more and more consumers are turning to new, small-business treats to satisfy their sweet tooth. Now’s the time to go all-in with your candy packaging ideas to embrace the moment for your candy business. With the right packaging, you can establish your identity, attract consumers to your candy, and build loyalty with those consumers.

As good as your candy may taste, they first need to pick it off the shelves. So before you dive into planning out your own candy packaging, here are five trends in 2022 to keep in mind.

Sweets You Can See

A huge part of enjoying the food we eat is having it entice as many of our senses as possible, and that includes what we see. Food (or, in this case, candy) needs to look appetizing for us to enjoy it. That’s why a lot of candy companies use packaging and boxes that is clear all around, clear on the back or has a clear viewing window for consumers to sneak a peek at their treat. It sells the product, especially when that product looks incredibly appetizing, colorful, or fun. If you have a treat that is more dreary, monotone, or boring, then this may not be the best option. It also works for a wide variety of treats, chocolates, gummies, hard candies – whatever!

Popular Candy Packaging That’s Eco-Friendly 

Sustainable, recycled, compostable, and environmentally friendly packaging in all forms is a huge trend right now, and it’s one to take advantage of for your candy packaging. It’s also especially effective for candies that are better for you, whether they use less sugar, alternative sweeteners, or are free of certain chemicals and substances that may be harmful to the body. A healthier type of sweet treat or candy goes well with the aesthetic of sustainable or environmentally friendly packaging. Sustainable and recyclable candy packaging is in-demand and an essential part of consumers’ desires. They look for the labels or tags on product packages that mention good for you and good for the environment.

Classy and Chic Design Ideas

Trending aesthetics are sleek, minimal, classy, and chic. And quite frankly, this design aesthetic works for consumable products like candy. Candy packaging that is new and modern sells to the social-media/influencer style vibe. Packaging that looks cute in photographs, packaging that can be left out because it looks stylish and cute, attracts consumers in today’s market. It trends well with the “bougie” (to put it bluntly) aesthetic that many buyers and appearance-lovers are drawn to. However, this is definitely not going to be a trend for everyone to buy into! If it doesn’t align with your brand, don’t go with the packaging that reflects it.

Custom-Printed Plastic Candy Boxes

Individually wrapped treats in a fun, unique wrapping, especially offering some variety in styles or colors, attracts buyers. Individually wrapped candies are also enjoyed by consumers who like to snack responsibly because it can support portion control and enjoying a moderate amount of sweets without going through an entire bag. They’re also great for sharing. Having custom-printed wrappers also add a fun little element of satisfaction with crinkle wrappers that reveal a fun, sweet treat, which makes a candy more experiential than just grabbing one after another from a big bag of candies.

Full, Vibrant Coloring

Enjoying candy is a form of escapism, whether it’s a little mood booster, a sweet reward, or a brief provider of relief and pleasure. To enhance that little bit of pleasure, give your consumers a fun, playful, and bright package. Creative candy packaging designs that enhance the enjoyment of eating the candy are just a little boost to the people who enjoy your product. It also helps make your package more memorable, which helps support customers’ loyalty, so they see it, recognize it, and buy it over and over. With fun, full, colorful candy packaging, consumers get a visual taste and idea before they get a literal taste.

Designs That Work

Gem Gem

The ginger candy chews by Gem Gem come in an adorable, energetic packaging design that is playful, fun, and easy. The two-color palette of blue and yellow pair well together in a fun and bright way, while the fun fonts add to the playful feel. The unique scribbled graphics also make it fun and playful since it feels like a teenager’s notebook that is distracting and reflects the ease that is enjoyable with candy. This popular candy packaging is full of color with also feels cohesive and consistent.

Crow & Moss

Crow and Moss has a classy and chic tear-away packaging for their chocolate brittle bar that is sophisticated and looks rich with deep colors. The abstract shapes and patterns scattered throughout almost make it too handsome to just be chocolate. But overall, the aesthetic of this candy packaging paper totally works! 

The Organic Candy Factory  

Organic candies are marketed as earth and natural, which is why the Organic Candy Factory’s sweet package uses a font that almost looks handwritten, along with a bear sketch that definitely looks handwritten. The handwritten tone of the package makes the candy seem almost homemade, so the buyer gets the impression that it contains better-for-you ingredients. Plus, organic can mean healthy, which can mean flavorless – so including the package window so buyers can sneak a peek at how delicious the gummies look only helps to sell them even more.

Sabadi Organic Italian Candies

Sabadi Organic Italian Candies has a lot of good packaging going on. First, the box is light and playful with a bright and vibrant color palette that uses the white space well. Boxes aren’t the easiest to store or stash, but luckily, they also have individually candies custom wrapped and ready to grab. Better yet, the packing of these wrappers is fun, eye-catching, and unique. The packaging of the candy is as delightful as the candies themselves!

Giddy Up Nuts 

The packaging for Giddy Up Nuts is minimal, sharp, and simple. Two shades of brown between the print and the packaging material make it look natural and earthy, which makes sense since both cocoa and nuts are earth-made. The eco-friendly packaging is spot on and works for them, although the package isn’t the most eye-catching.

Tamalitoz

The designs of Tamalitoz packagings are refreshingly original. Each package takes the color of the fruit that inspires the flavor of that particular candy bag. The graphics are scattered and fun and make it look as fresh and delicious as the candy tastes. The fruity colors are super bright and vibrant, which makes their packaging pop out on the shelf.

Smart Sweets

All of the Smart Sweets plastic candy boxes have three things going for them: bright and loud full-package color, flavor stamps, and the sugar quantity, which is their primary selling point. Smart Sweets is all about low-sugar candies with zero alcohol sugar, so they keep it straight and simple on their bags with only the essential bits of information on them. When considering your packaging, think about making your unique selling point clear.

Newfangled Confections Frittle

Newfangled Confections makes a bag that is recognizable and memorable but without being loud or too bright. The purple tone, which is a luxurious and rich color, paired with deep dark chocolate and a script font makes for a packaging that pairs bright and fun with classy and chic — perfect for their peanut brittle.

Peaceful Fruits

Peaceful Fruits packaging is another vibrant and colorful packaging, with easy tear-away notches for easy opening for a light snack. Each package has a two-toned color with colors close on the color wheel, so they match together well. The “organic” identification goes well with the large, all-caps typography that identifies the product and flavor, and they use the package window in a creative way, shaped like the fruit that matches its flavor.

Unreal Chocolates

Unreal is another brand that uses bright, colorful, eye-grabbing packaging that helps it stand out on the shelves. The flexible packaging has a tear-away notch but isn’t resealable, which is okay since each piece is individually wrapped, so it still stays fresh. Their big, bold typography logo is memorable and has earned an ability to be identified by consumers, which has helped them build loyalty, too.

Budget-Friendly, High-Quality Custom Candy Packaging

This year, boost your candy sales with great candy packaging that’s perfect for your product. CarePac offers customizable candy packaging design in different sizes, styles, and materials, with full-print packaging however you want it. Easy-tear packages, triple-seals, zip closures to keep it fresh, or individually wrapped packages are all options, along with clear, black, and silver films that preserve freshness. No matter what kind of chocolates, gummies, hard candies, or chews you’re looking to sell, our flexible packaging can be personalized to best attract your target consumers and can feature health information on an easy-to-read menu. 

Interested in finding out more about our packaging prices or options? Check out our website today!

Retort Packaging

What is Retort Packaging? Everything You Need to Know About Retort Packaging

The US army promoted the idea of retort pouch packaging in 1950, and research continued until 1960. It was first introduced in Italy by the United States Army Natick R&D Command in coordination with  Reynolds Metals Company, and Continental Flexible Packaging. In 1978, these companies were awarded the Food Technology Industrial Achievement Award for their invention. “A retort pouch is a laminated plastic packaging that is thin, lightweight, and flexible and is used to hold processed meals. It’s a aluminum can and glass jar alternative that combines the lifetime of traditional food preservation techniques with the convenience and benefits of a thin, pliable container”.

CarePac is your reliable partner in the field of customized flexible barrier packaging. We specialize in creating stand-up pouches, flat pouches, and specialty pouches for a wide range of industries. Our durable and attractive packaging will help your product stand out and be memorable. We are experts in barrier packaging, but we also value the importance of leisure. Just like choosing our packaging, choosing the right online entertainment platform requires careful consideration.With that in mind, let’s change the subject a little. Imagine relaxing after a long day at work on a great online platform. This is where the best online casinos in the Netherlands come in. They offer a variety of exciting games that you can enjoy in a safe environment. The quality of our packaging guarantees the freshness of the product it contains; similarly, the best online casinos in the Netherlands, such as those featured on https://casinospacenl.com/, provide a fresh, honest, and enjoyable gaming experience. In both cases, you get uninterrupted access to quality and enjoyment.

With over 40 films available, we have a material that will ensure your stand up pouch is of the highest quality. We can also combine materials in a custom order. You can combine a black film with a clear film, or metallized with a glossy finishing. It’s your choice! Contact us to learn more about custom printed pouches and stand up pouch projects. Give us a call at 626-559-0377 and request a quotation. We’ll be happy to help you.

Packaging processed food in cans has several advantages. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated and has a very long and consistent shelf life. The issue was not with the seal or preservation procedure, but rather with the cost and inconvenience of cans and jars. Cans and glass jars are expensive in terms of both materials and transportation.

In comparison retort pouches are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for packing many products, including many foods. As a result, they provide significant cost reductions in transportation and shipment. These pouches require less storage space before filling because they lay flat while empty, lowering warehousing expenses. Plus, they can be clear so customers can see what’s inside. 

Wide-Scale Adoption 

Additionally with the wide scale adoption of flexible packaging by many industries, consumers are accustomed to seeing many food items presented in pouches. Read on to learn more information. 

  When it comes to sterilizing operations, the lightweight packaging also saves money and improves productivity. Filling the pouch and then subjecting the sealed package to ultra-high heat is the retort sterilization method. The thin packaging transmits heat quickly, allowing sterilization to take place up to 40% faster than with jars and cans. Faster sterilization consumes less energy and, as a result, is less expensive. It also enhances the overall taste of your foods and raises your company’s production capability. Our product checks all the boxes! 

Easy-Open Features

Retort pouches are available with a number of features, allowing you to select packaging options that complement your products while also directly meeting the needs of your customers.

Choose from a variety of retort pouch materials, pouch configuration, including lay-flat and stand up pouches, and combining features such as easy-open, resealable, and spouts allows the retort pouch to be customized to the individual needs of your use. 

Retort pouches also provide additional space for front-facing marketing materials because of their enhanced surface area. Consumers and retailers alike benefit from the use of retort packaging. 

With over 40 films available, we have a material that will ensure your stand up pouch is of the highest quality. We can also combine materials in a custom order. You can combine a black film with a clear film, or metallized with a glossy finishing. It’s your choice! Contact us to learn more about custom printed pouches and stand up pouch projects. Give us a call at 626-559-0377 and request a quotation. We’ll be happy to help you.

Easy to use: Easy-open features like tear notches make retort pouches user-friendly, removing the need for can openers or adequate hand power to open jars. They also take up minimal space after they’ve been used. Gusset packaging allows pouches to stand upright, making it easier for shops to display products. It reduces shelf space while also creating a visually appealing product presentation. On top of that, it can extend your product shelf life. 

It’s What’s on the Inside

The key to an effective flexible retort pouch lies in the film lamination structure, the composition of which is integral to success both to ensure the retort sterilization process is successful and to preserve the shelf life of the products. Each custom CarePac retort pouch is made up of four layers, as shown in the image.

• The exterior layer is a durable polyester material that provides a clean base for printing. 
• The second layer, also called the barrier layer is a flexible layer of aluminum foil which provides high levels of protection from light, gas and moisture migration.
• The third layer is an abrasion and strength reinforcing layer of nylon. 
• The interior sealant layer is a RCPP cast polypropylene with high-heat ratings. 

The materials used in the packaging of retort pouches are FDA approved, and can be sterilized at high temperatures above 210F. 

Retort Pouch Applications / Uses

In terms of revenue, the retort packaging market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5% by 2027, due to consumer demand for convenience and better flavor retention . Pouches currently account for 53% of the retort packaging market, with 4.3 million tones expected to be produced in 2027. Market participants are developing packaging films that can be recycled and endure ambient medium- and high-barrier retort applications because of the large incremental and volume opportunity in the retort pouches environment.

Reduced Use of Preservatives

Microwave- Compatible Retort Pouches

By removing preservatives, packaged food products must be sterilized for longer shelf life. All germs are eliminated by wrapping food in a special carrier film (the retort film)  that can endure temperatures of roughly 130 degrees Celsius. When sterilized, retort packaged foods have had all bacteria effectively destroyed. Products in retort packaging have a shelf life of approximately 18 months, according to the TMR research. The advantages of retort packaging over traditional packaging encourage its commercial adoption. With antimicrobial food packaging, germs won’t be on the menu! 

While traditional retort film structures incorporate nylon, the advent of high barrier plastic films using EVOH, or PVDC coatings, allow for microwave-compatible flexible containers that do not require refrigeration allow items to tolerate processing and storage conditions while retaining their flavor and texture. Retort packaging is believed to be both cost-efficient and excellent in protecting products from air and moisture.

Depending on the intended use application, retort pouches are widely used in the food and beverage industry as they represent a durable, lightweight, and cost-effective alternative to metal and glass cans for the packaging of processed food products. The food and beverage industry is followed by the healthcare sector.

Retort Pouch Quick Facts

The pouch’s or container’s small profile allows for quick heat transfer for both preparation and sterilizing during processing. With energy savings, a 30–40 percent reduction in processing time is achievable.

Reduced heat exposure improves the taste, color, and flavor of the food, as well as minimizes nutrient losses.

Immersing the pouch in boiling water or placing the pouch in a microwave oven can mean food can be prepared, heated, and ready to eat in 3–5 minutes.

Storage space required of the retort pouch or container in a paperboard carton is no greater than that for cans; disposal space is less.

The pouch also allows for the marketing of multipacks, such as an entrée in one pouch and a side dish like rice in another.

Shelf-life of retort pouch products is equivalent to that of foods in metal cans.

Refrigeration or freezing is not required by packers, retailers, or consumers.

Externally, pouches and containers do not corrode, and product–container interaction is minimal due to the non-reactive pouch liner.

To open the pouch, just tear it across the top at the notch on the side seam, or cut it apart with scissors. 

The flexible container is safer in that a consumer would not be cut as on a metal can or be faced with broken glass as with glass jars.

Food processors and co-packers can save storage space because empty retort pouches store in very little space When compared to empty cans, retort pouches take up 85 percent less area and weigh significantly less.

The retailer benefits from the savings in shelf space as well as the shape, which makes it easier to handle and showcase the product.

The total amount of energy required for production and distribution of retort pouches over metal cans is less. 

Why do certain industries prefer retort packaging?

Historically, the primary goals of retort packaging for shelf-stable food products have been to extend the time a food product may be stored in a shelf stable state, without refrigeration or other externally applied preservation methods, and to maintain sterility during the distribution process from manufacturing to end-user consumption. However, the uses for retort pouches have become more varied in recent years, and it continues to evolve. Manufacturers are continuously looking for new categories and products to offer to consumers who demand fresher-feeling, hassle-free options. In today’s highly competitive food sector. 

Food and pet food manufacturers are contemplating innovative approaches to custom food packaging in their supply chain to make it more appealing to consumers, as packaging creates a valuable link between manufacturers and consumers. The durability of retort packaging is excellent that help to increase the shelf life of food which is approved by the FDA and various regulatory agencies. Growing consumption of ready-to-eat and packaged food among consumers and rising demand for lightweight and compact packaging materials is the major factor driving the growth of the Retort Packaging Market.

How is Retort beneficial to the food industry?

Reduce or eliminate the need for preservatives

No need to refrigerate or freeze

The taste, aroma and flavor of packed food remain intact for up to 18 months

Easy to handle, easy to open, easy to re-heat

Large surface area for logos graphics and branding

The smallest amount of packaging material required to pack the same volume of product

Reduced weight, storage space, and logistics cost

Thin profile results in a 47% reduction in processing time

Popular Uses of retort Packaging

In bags made of this type of food packaging materials, you can put almost any type of processed food. They are also frequently used by pet food manufacturers to package wet food and treats. Juice and yogurt drinks benefit from options that can be punctured with a straw. They’re good options for ready-to-serve entrees like curries, pasta with sauce, and other pre-cooked dinner items. These containers are also used by manufacturers for soup, rice, and pre-cooked vegetables.

With over 40 films available, we have a material that will ensure your stand up pouch is of the highest quality. We can also combine materials in a custom order. You can combine a black film with a clear film, or metallized with a glossy finishing. It’s your choice! Contact us to learn more about custom printed pouches and stand up pouch projects. Give us a call at 626-618-8408 and request a quotation. We’ll be happy to help you.

• Pet products, including treats and wet food
• Juice and yogurt drinks
• Ready to serve dinner entree selections
• Ready to serve dinner entree selections
• Soups, rice, sauces, pre-cooked vegetables and more

Gummy Packaging

What makes a quality gummy packaging?

The gummy candy market is exploding — and it’s not just limited to sour gummy worms and gummy bears anymore. Gummy vitamins and THC/CBD gummies are growing in popularity, too. So, how can you make your gummy product stand out from all the noise? High-quality, beautiful gummies packaging — that’s how!

The world of iGaming continues to grow, and Irish players are always on the lookout for the best places to enjoy their favourite casino games. In this guide, we explore the Top 10 Irish Online Casinos 2025, highlighting what makes them stand out in a competitive market. These platforms have been carefully reviewed based on criteria like game variety, bonus offers, security, and customer support to ensure a premium experience for players. Whether you’re a seasoned high roller or a casual gamer, the options on this year’s list are sure to meet your needs and elevate your gaming sessions to the next level.

Why These Casinos Made the List

Each of the top Irish online casinos featured this year brings something unique to the table. Many of them offer hundreds — if not thousands — of slots, table games, and live dealer options powered by leading software providers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, and Evolution Gaming. Generous welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and VIP loyalty schemes also give players more value for their deposits. Moreover, all sites on the Top 10 Irish Online Casinos 2025 list are fully licensed and regulated, providing a secure and fair gaming environment. Fast withdrawals, mobile compatibility, and 24/7 customer support add to the overall quality, ensuring every player feels confident and entertained from the first spin or deal.

Tips for Choosing the Right Irish Casino

When picking the best casino for your needs, it’s worth keeping a few key tips in mind. Always check the licensing information and look for sites regulated by trusted authorities to guarantee fairness and player protection. Review the payment methods offered and opt for casinos that support fast, hassle-free transactions in euros. Be sure to explore the bonus terms and conditions, as the most attractive promotions often come with wagering requirements that vary widely. Finally, reading player reviews and consulting trusted rankings — like our curated Top 10 Irish Online Casinos 2025 — can help you make a more informed choice and enjoy your iGaming experience with confidence.

Show off your product’s personality with custom gummy bear packaging that’s designed just for you. Because, let’s face it, that brown, wholesale packaging is doing you no favors. There’s a time and a place for that kind of packaging, but your gummy candies, vitamins, or cannabis products aren’t it. In this blog, we’ll cover what to look for when packaging gummy products so you can make an educated decision. But first, let’s take a peek at the market growth of gummy products and accessories.

Gummy Market Growth

Within the candy industry, the popularity of gummy products is exploding. Just two or three decades ago the only gummy options were gummy bears or worms, but now there’s a gummy product in virtually every size, shape, and flavor. And don’t forget about sour gummy products! 

Did you know that the global gummies and jellies market is predicted to reach $40 billion by 2024? Yep, you read that right — $40 billion! North America is the big winner in the gummy market share, with gummies made in the United States accounting for more than 80% of total gummy revenue. Whether you’re a gummy candy manufacturer in the United States or not, the fact of the matter is that you need to be competitive to stay afloat in this highly competitive market.

And it’s not just the popularity of gummy candy that’s growing, either. In recent years, as cannabis becomes legalized for health and recreational use throughout the United States, gummy cannabis products are growing in popularity, too. And don’t forget about gummy vitamins! In the past, vitamins were chalky and had little to no flavor and now they taste just like candy! 

 

So, you get it — gummy products are super popular and your product simply needs to make an impact. Read on to learn how custom gummy packaging can help your product stand out on shelves.

Seven Gummy Packaging Designs to consider

Your gummy packaging is your customer’s first impression of your product — why not do your best to make it a good one? Great packaging will make your current customers remember your brand and will help convince potential customers to give your product a try. Packaging can help communicate your brand propositions through color, shape, and other design elements. 

When it comes to gunny packaging, here are seven different design options to consider:

 

Clear window

A clear window is a design element that’s intended for the customer, as it’ll give them a view inside. This is especially important if your product is brightly colored or contains sugar crystals.

Resealability

Not everyone wants to eat an entire bag of candy at once. By making your bag resealable you can give your customers confidence that the snack inside will stay fresher for longer. 

Bright colors and graphics 

With our custom digital printing you can “wow” your customers with bright colors and graphics. We can add your logo or incorporate your brand colors onto your branded mylar bags! 

Soft touch packaging

Have you ever held a wrapper or product pouch that just feels high-quality? Soft touch packaging just screams upscale, so take your customer’s experience up a notch with premium packaging options. 

Child-proof packaging

If you’re looking for packaging solutions for your cannabis or vitamin gummies, you’ll need to ensure you’re using a child resistant mylar bag. Our edibles mylar bags are the perfect choice! 

Smell-proof packaging

Another important aspect is smell-proof packaging options. Our smell-proof gummy packaging will keep the scent of your product inside the package — where it belongs. 

Experienced designer 

One thing you probably haven’t thought about is the experience of your designer. Fortunately, we can provide a referral to a great designer who has plenty of experience in the flexible packaging space. 

As you can see, there are a lot of different things to consider when shopping for gummy packaging. Have questions? Need help? Our customer service agents are super friendly and can help you design the gummy packaging of your dreams.

Contact us today!

Don’t forget about the barrier!

We could have included this up above, but we felt it deserved its own section: you simply CANNOT forget about the barrier in your plastic bags. While tins may look stylish and chic, the truth of the matter is that they do nothing to keep your product fresh. Metal tins and cans are fine for one-time use products, but for snacks or wholesale products you simply need to select a barrier pouch. 

Flexible barrier pouches will protect the product inside from the elements — meaning your product won’t be exposed to excess oxygen or moisture every time it’s opened. If you’re packaging a gummy product that’s going to be consumer over time (including gummy vitamins or cannabis gummies), a barrier pouch is your best chance at keeping that product fresh.

How to create your gummy packaging design

Now that you understand the importance of barrier pouches and know the important design features you should consider, you’re probably wondering HOW to create your gummy packaging design. Well, it’s easy! Simply partner with a gummy packaging design company (like CarePac) and we’ll walk you through the process.

We sell commercial grade FDA approved stand up pouches and barrier packaging. In addition, we have a collection of stock size packaging or customized options to choose from, all to fit your unique needs! Whether you are just starting a new project or considering switching suppliers, talk with us to see how your product can benefit from our quality packaging.

Say “hello” to your new gummy packaging partner

As you design and produce your gummies mylar bags, it’s important to find a packaging partner that offers all of the above — and then some! When you partner with a flexible packaging company that specializes in digital printing, low order minimums, short lead times, and stellar customer services, you can rest assured that your product packaging is in good hands. Plus, we have the equipment necessary to product a beautiful product in a short amount of time. 

Does prop 65 apply to coffee

For decades, the coffee industry fought against Proposition 65, a California law that requires warning labels on consumer products that contain chemicals known to cause cancer. Since roasted coffee beans, and the coffee brewed from them, contains acrylamide — a chemical of concern under Prop 65 because of potential cancer risks — coffee roasters, chains, and cafes had to include this warning on their products. Or at least they did until 2020, when a judge ended a decade-long lawsuit alleging that dozens of California coffee roasters and retailers, including Starbucks, violated Prop 65. In this blog we’ll discuss the history behind Prop 65, how it affected the coffee industry, and what the 2020 ruling means for coffee roasters and retailers in the state.

Proposition 65: An overview

Prop 65 is a consumer products law that requires California consumers to receive warnings about the presence of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. If you live in California, you’re familiar with the warning — it can be found pretty much anywhere, from the backs of French fry boxes and electronic products to signs on the entrances of public buildings. The warning is so commonplace that it’s virtually impossible to go a day without coming across one. It became law in November 1986, when California voters approved it by a 63-37 percent margin. It’s clear that voters want to be warned about toxic chemicals, but the law is constantly evolving, controversial, and exceedingly difficult to enforce. For example, the list of toxic chemicals includes over 900 chemicals, some of which are environmental, naturally occurring, and impossible to avoid, like acrylamide, the “problem chemical” in coffee, fried chicken, and burnt toast, among other foods.

So, what’s acrylamide?

Acrylamide is a compound commonly found in cosmetics, toiletries, papers, and textiles, but it also forms naturally during high-heat cooking methods, including fried, baked, and roasted foods. It’s more likely to accumulate when foods are cooked at higher temperatures for longer periods of time. Considering coffee beans are typically roasted at 370-540°F for up to 20 minutes, and coffee is only coffee if the beans are roasted, it’s impossible for coffee to NOT include acrylamide. 

Food and cigarette smoke are the two major sources of acrylamide exposure for the general population, although it’s important to note that people who smoke have 3-5x higher levels of acrylamide markers in their blood than non-smokers, regardless of their diets. Problem foods include French fries, potato chips, crackers, bread, cookies, breakfast cereals, canned black olives, prune juice, and coffee.

Acrylamide & cancer risk (in food)

Although various studies have shown a clear link between acrylamide exposure and an increased cancer risk in lab animals, studies on the effects of acrylamide on cancer development in humans have mixed results. In fact, the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society point out that no scientific studies convincingly link acrylamide in food to cancer or other such health issues in humans. Here are links to just a few studies and a brief look at their results:

• A 2015 study on dietary acrylamide and cancer risk concluded that it’s not associated with a higher risk of the most common types of cancer. 

• Another large review noted no significant association between dietary acrylamide and cancer. 

• According to this review, it could be tied to a higher risk of lymphatic and skin cancer in men. 

As you can see, the results are mixed and it’s important to note that these are observational studies — they look at the association between acrylamide and cancer but don’t account for other factors that may be involved, such as lifestyle or family history. Per Healthline, additional long-term trials are needed before a link between the two can be determined.

Prop 65 & coffee roasters: The litigation

Despite the clear lack of evidence showing that acrylamide in food increases cancer risk in humans, a lawsuit was filed in 2010 that alleged that acrylamide in coffee poses a significant cancer risk in consumers and, as a result, required a Prop 65 warning. For obvious reasons, coffee roasters and retailers in the state fought back against the litigation.

After all, hundreds of independent, peer-reviewed scientific studies show that drinking coffee may actually reduce the risk of certain diseases, including liver cancer, endometrial cancer, Parkinsons, Alzheimers, and diabetes, among others. Plus, the World Health Organization, after reviewing the total body of research regarding coffee and its link to cancer, concluded that coffee is not a known carcinogen and may even help protect against some types of cancer. 

Despite the growing body of evidence in favor of coffee roasters, they lost a Phase 1 trial and agreed to include Prop 65 warning labels on their products and in their stores. On top of that, they also agreed to pay millions in a settlement as the litigation moved along. This was bad news for coffee roasters, who were concerned that the warning labels were not only unnecessary but infringed on the accessibility of their products in the state. Fast forward to 2019, when everything changed.

OEHHA’s regulation changed everything

In June 2019, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) adopted a regulation stating that the acrylamide in coffee is created by coffee bean roasting and brewing and does not pose a significant danger to consumers, exempting coffee from a Prop 65 warning. This came one year after the FDA issued a statement in support of such regulation. On August 25, 2020 a California court judge officially ruled that the defense had successfully relied on OEHHA’s regulation to show that acrylamide found in coffee doesn’t cause cancer — and the rest is history.

What does this mean for coffee?

So, what’s this ruling mean for coffee roasters and retailers in California? It means they no longer have to include Prop 65 warnings on their products. But, on a larger scale, it also highlights the long debated “value” surrounding consumer product warnings. How long will chemicals, such as acrylamide, with no proven cancer risk to humans remain on the list? Why is the burden on consumers to determine whether the Prop 65 warning on their food is legitimate or not? Regardless, one thing is for certain: coffee companies and roasters in the state are officially exempt from Prop 65 warnings and can concentrate on what they do best: roasting the perfect cup of Joe. 

Coffee & Prop 65: FAQs & information 

As a coffee packaging distributor, we get a lot of questions from our California-based customers about Prop 65 warnings on their packaging. Here are just a few.

Do I need to include a Prop 65 warning on my coffee packaging? 

Nope! OEHHA’s 2019 regulation, which became effective in October 2019, means that coffee roasters are exempt from Proposition 65 warnings. Per their statement, chemicals in coffee pose no significant risk to consumers. 

Why do I sometimes see Prop 65 warnings on coffee? 

They either don’t know about the latest information or are using old packaging. Since businesses had been given warnings prior to the 2019 ruling and are likely still using older packaging — after all, as a coffee company, you know how expensive packaging can be. 

Is there a connection between coffee and cancer? 

The results are mixed. Some studies show a small risk, while others show no risk at all. Ultimately, more long-term studies need to be done before any kind of solid link is proven between coffee and cancer. 

Will a Prop 65 warning be required on coffee in the future? 

A warning could be required if another of the 900 chemicals is added to it, or if the product is somehow contaminated during the roasting, packaging, or brewing process. At this point, though, we think it’s unlikely that coffee in its current state will require a Prop 65 warning in the future.