Every stand-up pouch does the same three jobs: it stands on a shelf, it reseals, and it keeps the product fresh. What changes between kraft, matte, clear, silver and gold is how much light and moisture the film blocks, how much of the product the customer can see, and how your label looks on it. This guide compares the five finishes so you can match the pouch to the product instead of guessing.
Quick answer: use kraft with window for artisanal foods, matte black or white with window for premium branded snacks, both-side clear when the product itself sells the pack, silver-back for anything sensitive to light or moisture such as coffee and protein, and gold or gloss black for gifting and festive packs.
Stand-up pouch finishes at a glance
| Finish | Light barrier | Product visibility | Label style that works | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kraft paper, no window | Full | None | Rubber stamp, paper sticker, hand lettering | Tea, spices, dry mixes, handmade soaps |
| Kraft paper with window | High | Front window | Kraft-tone stickers, minimal print | Dry fruits, granola, cookies, artisanal snacks |
| Matte white with window | High | Front window | Full-colour labels, brand colours read true | D2C snacks, health foods, pet treats |
| Matte black with window | Full on back panel | Front window | Gold or white foil, metallic stickers | Coffee, premium nuts, protein, cosmetics |
| Both-side transparent | None | Full 360 degrees | Clear or small sticker | Colourful products: candies, spices, beads, samples |
| Silver back, clear front | High from the back, front shows product | Front panel | Any sticker on the silver side | Coffee beans, seeds, powders, anything moisture sensitive |
| Gloss black | Full | None | Foil stickers, embossed labels | Luxury tea, cosmetics, gift boxes |
| Metallic gold | Full | None | Black or white minimal labels | Festive gifting, dry fruit gift packs, chocolates |
All of these are stocked in the PAQEE stand-up zip lock pouch collection in the same six sizes, so you can mix finishes across a range without changing your filling process.
Stand-up pouch size chart
| Capacity (dry fruits or nuts) | Pouch size (inches) | Approx. dimensions (mm) | Typical products |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 g | 3.5 x 5.5 | 90 x 140 | Samples, spice sachets, 2 to 3 cookies |
| 100 g | 4 x 6 | 100 x 150 | Tea, seeds, single-serve trail mix |
| 250 g | 5 x 8 | 130 x 200 | Almonds, cashews, coffee, granola |
| 500 g | 6 x 9 | 150 x 230 | Dry fruits, protein powder, pet treats |
| 750 g | 7 x 10 | 180 x 250 | Rice, pulses, larger snack packs |
| 1 kg | 8 x 12 | 200 x 300 | Flour, dates, family packs |
| 2 to 5 kg | 8 x 10 up to 16 x 20 (bulk range) | up to 400 x 500 | Pet food, bulk grain, laundry powder |
Capacities assume a product density similar to almonds or cashews. Light, bulky products like popcorn or puffed snacks need one size larger; dense products like dates or sugar can go one size smaller.
What the layers actually do
A stand-up pouch is a laminate, not a single film. The outer layer carries the look: paper for kraft, printed or coloured polyester for matte and gloss finishes, metallised polyester for silver and gold. The inner layer is a food-grade polyethylene that heat seals and holds the zip. Between them, the laminate decides the barrier. Metallised and opaque films block light and slow oxygen and moisture pickup. Clear films show the product but offer the least protection, which is fine for products with a short shelf life or high turnover.
Choosing by product
| Product | Main risk | Recommended pouch |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted coffee | Oxygen, light | Matte black or silver back, no window, add a valve for whole beans |
| Dry fruits and nuts | Moisture, rancidity | Kraft with window or matte white with window |
| Spices and masalas | Light, aroma loss | Kraft no window or silver back |
| Protein and supplements | Moisture clumping | Matte black or silver back, no window |
| Candies and colourful snacks | None major, sells on looks | Both-side transparent |
| Gift packs | Presentation | Metallic gold or gloss black |
| Pet treats | Odour, moisture | Matte white with window, or bulk matte black |
Frequently asked questions
Are kraft stand-up pouches food safe?
Yes, when the kraft is laminated to a food-grade inner film, which is how PAQEE kraft pouches are made. The paper never touches the product; the inner polyethylene layer does.
Do I need a heat sealer?
For retail sale, yes. Fill the pouch, then heat seal the top edge with a hand or impulse sealer. The zip is for the customer to reseal after opening, not for the primary seal.
Which pouch is cheapest?
Both-side transparent without zip is the lowest cost per pack, followed by both-side transparent with zip. Kraft and matte finishes cost a little more, and metallic gold and gloss black sit at the premium end.
Can I get my logo printed on the pouch?
Yes, on bulk orders. For quantities below a few thousand, a printed sticker on a plain pouch is faster and cheaper, and the matte white and kraft finishes are designed for that.
What is the minimum order?
Packs start at 50 pouches per size and finish, with wholesale rates from 500 pieces and a GST invoice on every order. Dispatch is from Delhi.
Browse all finishes in the stand-up zip lock pouch collection or ask for a sample pack.