I’ve had many buyers ask me what the minimum order quantity is for custom coffee bags in China. The answer depends on how customized you want the bag to be.
In China, the typical MOQ for custom printed coffee bags1： 1pc， depending on printing method: digital or gravure pritning.
Generally we don't have MOQ, but the price will be comparablely. more economic when quantity at least 5, 000pcs. But if you only need less, we can also offer you.
Two options
A. When quantity no more than 5, 000pcs, digital printing willn be adapted without plate making fee. B. When quantity more than 5, 000pcs Traditional Gravure printing will be adapted with plate making fee is charged. Don't worry that the plate making fee only charged once on condition of no change on sizes or designs in futher orders. This printing effect and process is exactly same as mass quantity production.
Honestly the printing effect has very little difference.
Digital printing is more suitable to smaller quantity order. Gravure printing is perfect for. mass production.
If your final aim is long-term and mass quantity purchase, gravure printing is suggested, because it is the most close effect to mass order.
I still remember my first custom order—it was a small batch for a new coffee brand in Singapore. I was surprised how flexible some factories were. But if you don’t ask the right questions, the costs and delays can pile up quickly.
What is the standard size of a coffee bag?
Coffee bags come in many shapes and sizes, and the right one depends on the market you serve and how much coffee goes in each pack.
The most common standard sizes are 4oz (120g), 8oz (227g), 12oz (340g), 1lb (454g), and 5lb (2.27kg), used for retail, wholesale, or café refills.
Dive Deeper
Popular size formats by region
| Size | Approx. Capacity | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 4 oz (120g) | 120g whole beans | Trial packs, gift sets |
| 8 oz (227g) | 1/2 lb | Retail standard in Europe, Asia |
| 12 oz (340g) | 3/4 lb | Popular in US grocery chains |
| 1 lb (454g) | Full pound | Wholesale, refills |
| 5 lb (2.27kg) | Bulk | Coffee shop refills, distributors |
Factors that affect bag size
- Bag structure: Stand-up pouches, flat-bottom bags, and gusseted bags all hold coffee differently.
- Roast style: Darker roasts are less dense, so 250g takes up more space than light roast.
- Ground vs whole bean: Ground coffee is more compact; it fits better in smaller pouches.
When I help my customers choose bag sizes, I always ask: How much coffee will your customer use in 1 week? That usually leads us to the right option.
What are the requirements for coffee packaging?
Coffee packaging isn’t just a pretty surface—it protects flavor, keeps beans safe, and helps brands sell better.
A coffee bag must block air, moisture, and light, include a degassing valve for whole beans, and meet food-safe regulations for material and labeling.
Dive Deeper
Functional packaging requirements
- Barrier: Good coffee bags use multi-layer laminates like PET/AL/PE to block oxygen and moisture.
- Degassing valve: Whole beans release CO₂ after roasting. One-way valves allow gas to escape but block air.
- Zipper: Reclosable zippers help customers keep coffee fresh after opening.
- Heat seal: Adds tamper resistance and longer shelf life.
Safety and labeling
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Food-grade material | PE or BOPP inner layers that are safe for food contact |
| Country-specific laws | e.g. batch codes, origin, net weight, expiry date |
| Certifications | Organic, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance (if claimed) |
Branding essentials
- High-quality printing surface
- Matte, glossy, or kraft finishes
- Room for labels or roast dates
Many of my customers now ask for recyclable or compostable bags. It’s a growing trend, but the challenge is balancing sustainability with protection. If the barrier is too weak, flavor suffers.
How big are trade coffee bags2?
Some buyers call and ask, “What’s the usual bag size for trade?” This usually means bulk packaging or retail formats used in distribution.
Trade coffee bags are typically 10oz to 1lb (300g to 454g), designed for shelf display and storage. Larger 5lb bags are used in wholesale and café supply.
Dive Deeper
Example: Trade Coffee Company (US)
- 10.9 oz (309g) bag = their retail standard
- 32 oz (2lb) bag = for bulk refill orders
Structural designs used in trade
| Bag Style | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Flat-bottom pouch | Sits well on shelf, great for branding |
| Stand-up pouch | Flexible, economical, resealable |
| Side-gusset bag | Large capacity, common in wholesale |
Visual design for trade bags
- Clear front + kraft back = trendy mix
- Full-color matte = premium appearance
- Minimalist text = clean, upscale feel
From what I’ve seen, trade coffee bags2 perform best when they balance storage capacity with visual impact. A good trade bag doesn’t just hold beans—it attracts repeat buyers.
How much does a coffee bag weigh?
This is a question I get both from logistics teams and roasters. Are we talking about the weight of the bag itself—or the coffee inside?
A coffee bag usually weighs between 10–80g empty, depending on the materials, and contains 120g to 2.5kg of coffee, depending on the pack size.
Dive Deeper
Bag weight vs product weight
| Content Weight | Empty Bag Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 120g coffee | ~10–15g | Lightweight PET or kraft pouch |
| 340g coffee | ~18–25g | With zipper and valve |
| 1kg coffee | ~40–60g | Reinforced gussets and aluminum foil |
| 2.5kg coffee | ~70–100g | Often used for export or refills |
Why bag weight matters
- Shipping: Heavier bags = higher freight cost
- Customs: Total weight impacts duty charges
- Storage: Thicker materials take more space
I always tell clients: if you're exporting, check your air freight limits. Saving 10g per pouch adds up fast when you're shipping thousands of bags.
Conclusion
Custom coffee bags from China can be ordered with MOQs as low as 500 pieces, depending on materials and print. Choosing the right size, structure, and weight matters more than you think—because packaging isn’t just about holding beans. It’s how your product speaks to the world.
