Packaging 101 for New Supplement Brands: What to Expect from Your Contract Manufacturer

Launching a supplement brand is very exciting, and for many new brands, packaging is where vision meets reality. But when you're working with supplement manufacturers or contract manufacturers, what should you expect? And how does packaging impact your final cost?

With over 2 decades in the industry, Canyonside Lab's sales team has helped thousands of customers, and we’ve seen how the right packaging decisions can elevate a brand—and how the wrong ones can derail timelines and budgets. This guide will walk you through the basics of supplement packaging and help you understand what to expect when working with a contract manufacturer.

Why Packaging Matters

Packaging is more than just a container. It serves multiple roles:

• Protects the product during shipping and on the shelf

• Communicates your brand to the consumer

• Ensures regulatory compliance with FDA labeling guidelines

• Influences cost and logistics in manufacturing and distribution

Packaging Decisions You’ll Need to Make

When you begin working with a supplement manufacturer, you'll need to decide on several packaging elements early in the process. Some customers know exactly what they want, while others find these decisions a little overwhelming. Don't worry, we're here to help you meet your packaging goals.

Bottle or Container Type

Your product's format (capsule, powder, liquid, etc.) will dictate the types of containers you can use.

• HDPE Bottles (High-Density Polyethylene): These bottles are durable, chemical resistant, cost-effective and widely used for capsules and tablets.

• PET Bottles (polyethylene terephthalate) : These containers are crystal clear plastic often used to show off the product inside.

• Glass Jars: Glass packaging has a premium look, and is often used for tinctures or specialty items.

• Pouches or Sachets: Great for on-the-go powders, can be cost-effective, and reduces material usage.

CONTAINER TYPE	AVERAGE COST (per unit)	NOTES
HDPE Bottle	$0.10 - $0.25	Most cost-effective, widely available in stock
PET Bottle	$0.20 - $0.40	Transparent, better aesthetics for gummies
Glass Bottle	$0.50 - $1.00+	Premium look, heavier (higher shipping cost), breakable
Stand-Up Pouch	$0.15 - $0.35	Common for powders, customizable shapes
Stick Pack or Sachet	$0.20 - $0.50+	Single-serve convenience, higher labor/setup cost
Eco-Friendly Bottle	$0.30 - $0.60+	Compostable or recycled plastics; fewer stock options

The prices in the table above may or may not be accurate when you read this article, but they demonstrate how much pricing can change from one container type to another.

Caps, Seals, and Liners

Each container needs a compatible closure, and while our manufacturing equipment supports the most common capping set ups, we can manufacture products that require additional handling, such as specialty lids that must be applied by hand. This may increase the labor costs for a project, but allow brands to stand out from the crowd. Some capping elements you may need to consider are:

• Child-resistant or standard caps

• Tamper-evident seals

• Induction seals or foam liners

Labels, Shrink Sleeves, and Direct Printing

You’ll need to choose between:

• Pressure-sensitive labels (common, budget-friendly)

• Shrink sleeves (full coverage, more expensive)

• Direct to container printing (premium feel, premium cost)

Make sure your artwork aligns with FDA labeling guidelines. As your contract manufacturer we can help with compliance checks.

Outer Packaging

Think about how your product will be presented or shipped:

• Display boxes for retail

• Shipper cartons for e-commerce

• Inserts or instructions for complex products

Need packaging inspiration? Look at the brands you know and love. What materials are they using? How does their packaging feel in the hand? How does it look on the shelf? Knowing the kind of packaging you want in advance will help you find supplement manufacturers with the machinery to run the packaging you want.

How Packaging Affects Your Final Price

Packaging choices can significantly impact your unit cost. Here's how:

• Material Costs: Glass and custom packaging typically cost more than stock plastic bottles.

• Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs): Custom packaging usually has higher MOQs, which means bigger upfront investments.

• Labor and Setup Fees: Some packaging types (like shrink sleeves or pouch filling) require special machinery and longer setup times, increasing your production cost.

• Lead Times: Custom packaging components can take 6–8 weeks (or more) to arrive. This can delay your launch if not planned in advance.

What to Expect from Your Contract Manufacturer

Canyonside Labs has excellent relationships with many packaging providers. As your contract manufacturer we will:

• Present stock packaging options that align with your product format and target price

• Educate you on costs, timelines, and MOQs

• Provide guidance on regulatory label compliance

• Offer turnkey solutions or collaborate with your product development team

We help emerging brands in making these choices using a consultative approach. Our aim is to position your product for success, rather than merely finishing a production run.

Download: Packaging Checklist and Research Toolkit for First-Time Supplement Brands

We’ve created a free downloadable packaging checklist and research toolkit to help new brands get organized before working with a supplement manufacturer. [Download the toolkit here]

This checklist covers:

• Packaging type selection

• Cap and liner decisions

• Label format and compliance

• Outer packaging and inserts

• Budgeting tips and MOQ planning

The toolkit will help you explore packaging with:

• Links to a few reputable supplier catalogs

• Locations to help you see what is trending

• Design and mockup tools

• Compliance help

Final Thoughts

Packaging can make or break your product's first impression. Taking time to understand your options—and working closely with your contract manufacturer—ensures your supplement brand starts strong. If you’re launching a new supplement and looking for a partner to guide you through every stage, Canyonside Labs is here to help.