What bag shape is recommended for different weights of coffee?

Choosing the wrong bag shape¹ for your coffee weight can lead to wasted space, poor sealing, or even flavor loss. The right bag shape¹ helps with freshness², appearance, and logistics.

Different weights of coffee require different bag shape¹s to maintain product integrity, improve shelf presence, and enhance user experience³.

I once had a client who packed 250g in a flat pouch. The result? Bags toppled over, didn’t stack well, and looked cheap on shelf. Switching to stand-up pouches changed everything.

For smaller bags, would you recommend stick bags⁴ or drip bags⁵?

Each shape serves a different purpose, and it depends on your customer’s brewing behavior.

Stick bags are best for single-serve instant or ground coffee, while drip bags⁵ are ideal for convenient manual brewing of fresh grounds.

Stick bags vs drip bags⁵: what’s the difference?

Stick bags are very popular in Asia. One of our clients in Korea packs 10 sticks in a printed carton—perfect for convenience stores. On the other hand, drip bags⁵ are trending among specialty cafes in Japan and Australia.

Dive deeper: factors to consider when choosing

Brewing method matters

If your customer wants a “real coffee” experience without equipment, drip bags⁵ are the answer. They mimic pour-over, giving better aroma and depth. For instant gratification, go with stick bags⁴.

Target audience

• Stick bags are ideal for hotel chains, airlines, or corporate gifts.
• Drip bags are great for micro-roasters, gift sets, and online DTC brands.

One of our European clients even offers both in the same bundle—one for travel, one for weekends at home.

What types of coffee grounds⁶ are best suited to each?

Not every grind works in every bag.

Stick bags work best with instant coffee or fine grind, while drip bags⁵ require a medium grind to ensure proper flow and extraction.

Why grind size⁷ matters

Grind size affects brewing time, flavor, and even bag durability. Too fine, and the water won’t flow in a drip bag. Too coarse in a stick bag, and you’ll get weak, gritty results.

Dive deeper: matching grind to packaging

Stick Bags

Some producers mistakenly fill stick bags⁴ with medium grind. But consumers get frustrated when it doesn’t dissolve or tastes flat.

• Use 100% soluble coffee or micro-ground
• Optional: add sugar, creamer, or flavors

Drip Bags

These require careful filling. The filter design needs a grind size⁷ that allows water to pass but still extract flavor.

Tips:

• Use medium grind
• Avoid oily beans (they can clog the filter)
• Flush nitrogen if packing for long shelf life⁸

One Singaporean café chain found that changing grind size⁷ reduced complaints by 60%. Customers said “the pour feels smoother” and “tastes cleaner.”

The difference between drip coffee and instant coffee?

They both brew in a cup—but that’s where the similarities end.

Drip coffee uses real ground beans and offers richer flavor, while instant coffee is pre-brewed and freeze-dried, prioritizing speed over depth.

Quick comparison

Dive deeper: which suits your product?

Drip coffee advantages

• Maintains bean origin flavor
• Appealing to specialty coffee fans
• Pairs well with storytelling and premium branding

Perfect for roasters who want to showcase single-origin beans or light roasts.

Instant coffee advantages

• Shelf-stable, low cost
• Fast and easy
• No brewing skill needed

Good for markets with high convenience demand, like Southeast Asia or office supply chains.

Some of our clients in the U.S. now use both:

• A full-size pouch with beans
• A sampler box of instant sticks for traveling customers

This dual model increases LTV and improves customer retention.

Is it okay to use drip coffee or instant coffee bags without a gas valve?

It depends on what’s inside—and how long it will sit on the shelf.

Instant coffee bags don’t need gas valves⁹, but drip bags⁵ with fresh grounds should have one-way valves to prevent flavor degradation.

Why gas valves⁹ matter

Freshly roasted beans or ground coffee release CO₂ for days—even weeks. If trapped inside a sealed pouch, this gas can:

• Cause the bag to puff or burst
• Lead to stale, flat taste
• Affect aroma and mouthfeel

A one-way degassing valve solves this by:

• Letting CO₂ out
• Keeping oxygen out

Dive deeper: when to use valves

Instant coffee bags

Don’t need valves. They’re already dried and shelf-stable. In fact, adding a valve can increase cost unnecessarily.

Drip coffee bags

If filled with fresh roast, they need one. Especially for:

• Light and medium roasts
• High-altitude beans
• Oxygen-sensitive varietals

I’ve seen clients skip valves to save $0.02 per bag. But two months later, they call us asking why the bags are puffing. That tiny valve makes a huge difference.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bag shape¹ and features—like grind size⁷ compatibility and gas valves⁹—ensures your coffee stays fresh, looks premium, and brews right every time.