Buyer’s Guide: Choosing a Stick Pack Manufacturer in 2025

I don’t need to tell you this, but launching a product isn’t easy.

You’ve got one shot to make a product that tastes great, get your marketing and branding right, and hit the shelves with as much momentum as possible.

But pick the wrong stick pack manufacturer? Between late orders, leaky seals, and poor-quality formulations, all your hard work can unravel, and fast.

I’ve seen that story play out too many times… 

And that’s why I want to help you avoid rookie mistakes, ask the right questions, and help find a partner that’s as committed as you are.

Why Stick Packs Are a Game Changer (And How the Wrong Partner Can Kill Momentum)

Stick packs are your edge in a crowded market: slim, portable, easy to use, and perfect for on-the-go customers. But for many founders, the manufacturing side of things can feel like a black box.

What’s the minimum order quantity?

What stick pack size should you choose?

How do you make sure your flavor doesn’t degrade or clump on the shelves?

These aren’t easy questions. I know, because quite a few founders come to us after a frustrating run-in with their first manufacturer. 

Just recently, we worked with a brand. Their manufacturer chose and purchased film for them, but it was nearly unusable – customers had to use scissors to open packs because they wouldn’t tear. 

Needless to say, that wasn’t the customer experience they wanted for their flagship product.

We were able to step in, switch them to a cleaner, easier-to-tear film, and salvage their launch. But we wish they had come to us first. Our clients can feel the difference between working with a partner who understands the full stack – from materials to production to brand experience – and someone just trying to sell you machine time.

Step-by-Step: How to Vet Your Stick Pack Manufacturer 

For starters, you should talk to at least 3-5 manufacturers. We expect it (and welcome it, even). We’re not the only ones with sharp teams, sizable facilities, and a fantastic R&D program. 

But when you’re vetting partners, pay close attention to how they answer questions. Are they punctual? Do they clearly explain their process? Your goal is to get more than just a number – it’s to see who shows up, and who doesn’t.

While you’re doing your due diligence, keep these steps in mind:

1. Define your needs. Getting clear on your formula, does, and product goals is crucial. And if you’re launching for the first time, look for a stick pack manufacturer with flexible MOQs – ideally under 100,000 packs – so you can test, gather feedback, and iterate without taking on massive inventory risk.
   
2. Ask about their capabilities. Look for in-house R&D and equipment with throughput that can scale with you. We often work with brands that outgrew their first partner – and it’s a painful transition for them. The right partner will be able to handle both small and large volume runs.
   
3. Check their certifications. Your brand needs FDA compliance, Good Manufacturing Process standards (not just claims), credible third-party certifications from organizations like the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), and proper testing documentation.
   
4. Evaluate speed and scalability. Don’t just ask how quickly they can start, ask how far they can go. Can they give you a manageable starting MOQ, and still scale once your brand takes off and you need to fulfill national demand?
   
5. Assess customization. From flavor systems and sweeteners to natural ingredients that align with your brand values, product customizability should be the standard. Additionally, look for a manufacturer that can run any stick pack size, seal pattern, or film type you may need. You don’t have to settle for a generic-looking product.
   
6. Review case studies. Sales calls and conversations are one thing, but real-world success stories, reviews, and referrals from current or past clients are gold.

What Happens If You Get This Wrong (And How to Avoid It)

Skip your due diligence? You risk:

• Leaks or spoilage
• Packaging failures
• Long lead times (and stalled growth)
• Inventory you can’t sell

We’ve helped brands recover from every one of these, and more. But the best move? Choose right the first time.

Who Is Steuart Nutrition?

Most manufacturing is done around bigger cities, but we’re in the rural midwest.

And we hear this a lot when people visit our facility. 

“Wow, I wasn’t expecting THIS out here.”

We’re building world-class systems in our small town-zip code. It’s surprising to some people.

Step into any of our facilities, and you’ll find:

• The best equipment
  
• Extremely detailed processes
  
• Vigilant quality control and testing
  
• And most importantly, passionate people who actually care

We handle stick pack manufacturing projects from initial concept to full-scale production. No handoffs, no confusion, just one team that owns your results. 

And we’ve got the happy clients to prove it. Here’s what Tyler Dooley, CEO of Wake Up Water, has to say about working with us:

“As a small but fast-growing CPG brand, finding the right manufacturing partner was critical. Before Steuart, we dealt with the usual challenges: high minimum order quantities, inconsistent quality, and poor communication. Partnering with Steuart changed everything. They offered smaller production runs at competitive prices and prioritized clear, responsive communication. I feel like I can call, text, or email them at any time with any issue. With their support, we’ve been able to focus more on growing our business and less on production worries. Steuart has been a key part of our success, and we’re excited to continue growing together.”

— Tyler Dooley, CEO of Wake Up Water

Your Next Move

If you’re serious about launching a product that wins on both performance and presentation, let’s talk.

We’ve earned our experience through years of on-the-job lessons, rigorous audits, and carry every certification your brand may need to feel confident scaling with us. Our team shortened lead times by weeks because we think like entrepreneurs, and we’re consistently investing in new lines and equipment to help brands move faster and more flexibly. 

Book a discovery call and we’ll talk through your formula, packaging needs, and growth plan. We’ll give you a no-pressure roadmap, samples, and a real strategy from a team that’s been there.

Ben Steuart — CEO & Owner, Steuart Nutrition

Ben Steuart is the co-founder and CEO of Steuart Nutrition, a contract manufacturing and supplement innovation partner for powder, liquid, and stick‑pack supplements. He launched the company in 2019 alongside his wife, Sarah, building on his lifelong roots in the food production industry, where he grew up working in his father's food-manufacturing business in Mabel, Minnesota.

Throughout his career, Ben has developed deep expertise in supplement manufacturing and business operations. At Steuart, he leads with a commitment to lean operations, fostering long-term partnerships, and delivering flexible, transparent service—prioritizing the client’s vision as much as his own. His leadership guided the business’s rapid expansion from a single facility to multiple locations, enabling agile responses to market needs—from producing hand sanitizer during the COVID‑19 pandemic to scaling CBD and nutrition supplement lines.

Ben’s approach is rooted in strong values—his faith as a born‑again Christian deeply informs the company’s mission of “glorifying God and establishing a transformational workplace”. This culture of integrity and continuous improvement fosters a trusting, mission-driven environment, distinguishing Steuart as both a capable and conscientious industry leader.