Stick Packs vs Sachets vs Pouches: What’s the Difference?

You’ve got a killer formula. The product tastes great. And now you’re trying to figure out the right way to package it.

Stick pack? Sachet? Or pouch?

They sound similar. But the subtle differences can mean everything – from customer experience to unit cost, and retail shelf space, 

Here’s a no-fluff breakdown of how they stack up.

What’s a Stick Pack?

A stick pack is a slim tube sealed on three sides with a long, narrow shape. 

Think: LMNT or Crystal Light.

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They’re produced quickly on high-speed multi-lane machines (up to ten at once), and great for single-serve drink mixes including electrolytes, greens, and collagens.

Better yet, the lightweight, sleek, and portable design is perfect for gym bags, glove boxes, backpacks, and pockets.

After getting popular in Europe, they exploded in the U.S. for their premium feel and production efficiency. 

What’s a Sachet?

A sachet is a flat square or rectangular packet, usually sealed on four sides.

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Most commonly, they’re used for salt, sugar, spices, protein powder, and moisture-sensitive products.

They feel premium, but they’re typically made one at a time on single-lane equipment, which makes them slower and more expensive to produce.

What’s a Pouch?

A pouch is larger and usually has a gusset or zip seal.

Think 1lb protein powder bags, meal-replacement mixes, and stand-up pouches for food products. They hold more volume, but they’re bulkier, more costly to ship, and less portable for direct-to-consumer (DTC) use.

Which One Should You Choose?

Our Take

A client recently launched a colostrum brand targeting Gen Z and Millennials. Their decision to use custom sick packs helped them stand out on shelves, gave them room to scale once their product took off, and aligned with their audience’s values on portability and sustainability. 

Each packaging type has its pros and cons, but nearly 90% of our DTC supplement brands choose stick packs.

Why?

• Consumers love the feel and convenience
  
  
• Brands love the look
   
• Manufacturers love the efficiencies

Need Help Choosing?

We run 23mm to 41mm stick pack sizes, with dozens of seal pattern options. Whether you want that LMNT look, or something specific for your brand, we’ve got the flexibility to match.

Book a packaging consultation today – let’s put together some samples and map out your launch.

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.

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