Empanadas are a staple for bakeries, Latin food brands, cafés, and food trucks across Canada and the United States. Because they are often hot, filled, and greasy, choosing the right wholesale packaging is essential to prevent leaks, protect texture, and maintain presentation.
This guide covers empanada wholesale packaging options, materials, sizes, custom printing, and sustainability to help food businesses scale with confidence.
- How to Make Empanadas (Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)
- Types of Empanadas Explained: Savory, Sweet & Bakery-Style Varieties
- Empanadas Calories: The Ultimate Guide to Calories, Nutrition, Portion Sizes, and Commercial Food Control
What Is Empanada Wholesale Packaging?
Empanada wholesale packaging refers to food-grade packaging solutions designed for bulk purchasing and commercial use. Unlike retail packaging, wholesale empanada packaging focuses on consistency, durability, cost efficiency, and operational speed.
Wholesale buyers typically include:
- Bakeries and pastry shops
- Latin American food brands
- Restaurants and café chains
- Food trucks and pop-up vendors
- Catering and event service providers
Empanada packaging must handle oil, heat, moisture, and transport while remaining easy to stack, quick to serve, and visually aligned with the brand. For businesses selling hundreds or thousands of empanadas weekly, packaging becomes a core part of operations, not an afterthought.
Types of Empanada Packaging Wholesale
Greaseproof Paper Empanada Bags
Greaseproof paper empanada bags are one of the most widely used packaging options for empanadas. Made from food-grade grease-resistant paper, these bags prevent oil seepage while remaining breathable enough to reduce steam buildup.
They are ideal for fried empanadas served hot or warm, especially in fast-paced environments such as bakeries, cafés, and food trucks.
Pros:
- Excellent oil resistance
- Lightweight and cost-effective
- Easy to stack and dispense
- Printable and branding-friendly
Cons:
- Limited rigidity
- Not suitable for long-distance delivery
- Less protective for heavily filled empanadas
Greaseproof paper bags are best for high-turnover service where speed and simplicity matter.
Kraft Paper Empanada Bags
Kraft empanada bags are made from unbleached brown kraft paper and are favored by brands that emphasize natural, artisanal, or eco-conscious positioning. They provide a slightly sturdier feel compared to white greaseproof paper while maintaining a rustic, premium look.
Kraft bags are commonly used by bakeries and specialty food brands looking to align packaging with a handmade or traditional brand story.
Pros:
- Natural, eco-forward appearance
- Good print surface for minimalist branding
- Affordable for wholesale orders
Cons:
- Slightly lower grease resistance than coated paper
- Darker background may limit color vibrancy in printing
Windowed Empanada Bags
Windowed empanada bags feature a transparent panel that allows customers to see the product inside. This packaging style is especially effective in grab-and-go retail environments where visual appeal drives impulse purchases.
The window material can be:
- PLA (plant-based compostable film) – preferred for sustainability-focused brands
- PET plastic – offers superior clarity and durability
Advantages:
- Enhances product visibility
- Builds trust by showcasing freshness
- Increases impulse buying behavior
Considerations:
- Mixed materials may impact recyclability
- Window placement must avoid grease contact
Empanada Boxes (Folding Cartons & Clamshells)
Empanada boxes provide more structural protection than bags and are ideal for multiple empanadas, catering orders, or delivery services. These boxes help prevent crushing and preserve presentation during transport.
Common formats include:
- Folding paperboard boxes
- Clamshell-style takeout boxes
- Flat-bottom box-bag hybrids
Boxes are often used for family packs, combo meals, or premium empanada offerings.
Foil-Lined Empanada Bags (For Hot Food)
Foil-lined empanada bags are designed for hot empanadas served immediately after frying or baking. The foil layer acts as a heat barrier and prevents oil absorption.
These bags are commonly used at fairs, food trucks, and events where customers expect hot food on the go.
Advantages:
- Improved heat retention
- Strong grease barrier
Limitations:
- Moisture buildup can soften crusts
- Reduced recyclability due to mixed materials
Empanada Packaging Sizes, Shapes, and Capacity
Standard Empanada Packaging Sizes
While empanada sizes vary by recipe and region, standard packaging dimensions help streamline operations and reduce packing errors.
Common wholesale sizes include:
- Single empanada: approximately 5 x 7 inches
- Two-pack: 6 x 8 inches
- Family pack (4–6 empanadas): 7 x 10 inches or small box
- Catering packs: gusseted bags or boxes with expanded base
Choosing standardized sizes allows faster service during peak hours and simplifies inventory management.
Custom Size Empanada Packaging
Custom empanada packaging is often necessary for brands with unique product dimensions or premium fillings. When designing custom sizes, businesses consider:
- Empanada diameter and thickness
- Filling volume and moisture content
- Steam release and ventilation
- Stackability for transport
Custom sizing reduces product damage and enhances presentation, especially for branded retail packaging.
Empanada Packaging Printing and Branding Options
Single Color vs Full Color Printing
Single-color printing is cost-effective and ideal for brands with minimalist or traditional designs. It works well on kraft paper and greaseproof bags.
Full-color printing is recommended for brands with:
- Strong visual identity
- Seasonal promotions
- Retail-focused packaging
Printing methods include:
- Flexographic printing: best for large wholesale runs
- Digital printing: ideal for low MOQ and quick turnaround
Logo Placement and Visual Merchandising
Effective empanada packaging design ensures the product remains the hero while reinforcing brand recognition.
Best practices include:
- Placing logos in the top third of the bag
- Aligning windows to showcase the empanada shape
- Using side or back panels for nutritional or promotional information
Well-designed packaging supports brand recall long after the meal is finished.
Premium Finishes for Empanada Packaging
For brands targeting higher price points, premium packaging finishes can elevate perceived value. Options include:
- Matte or satin coatings
- Textured kraft paper
- Spot UV highlights on logos
- Die-cut handles or folded closures
These features are especially effective for gifting, catering, and specialty retail sales.
Sustainable Empanada Wholesale Packaging Options
Sustainability is a key consideration for many businesses in Canada and the US. Eco-friendly empanada packaging options include:
- Recyclable uncoated paper bags
- Compostable PLA-lined paper
- Plastic-free window designs
Clear sustainability messaging on packaging helps align with consumer expectations and local regulations while strengthening brand trust.
Where to Buy Empanada Packaging Wholesale
KimEcopak supplies a full range of empanada wholesale packaging solutions for bakeries, restaurants, and food brands across Canada and the United States. Available options include greaseproof paper bags, kraft bags, windowed packaging, empanada boxes, and custom-printed designs.
Wholesale buyers benefit from:
- Low MOQ custom packaging
- Design and dieline support
- Fast lead times
- Nationwide shipping
- Free samples for testing
GET A FREE SAMPLE or REQUEST A QUOTE to find the best empanada packaging solution for your business.
FAQs – Empanada Wholesale Packaging
What is the best packaging for greasy empanadas?
Greaseproof paper bags or foil-lined bags provide the best oil resistance while maintaining food quality.
Are empanada bags greaseproof?
Yes. Greaseproof paper and coated kraft materials are designed to prevent oil seepage.
Can empanada packaging be compostable?
Yes. PLA-lined paper and cellulose windows offer compostable options.
What packaging size is best for catering orders?
Gusseted bags or folding boxes with reinforced bases work best for large orders.
Can I customize empanada packaging with my logo?
Yes. Custom printing is available with low MOQs depending on the material and printing method.
What is the MOQ for empanada wholesale packaging?
MOQ varies by product type and printing method. Contact the supplier for details.
Conclusion
Choosing the right empanada wholesale packaging is essential for protecting product quality, maintaining presentation, and delivering a consistent customer experience. From greaseproof paper bags and kraft packaging to windowed designs, boxes, and sustainable options, each format serves a specific operational and branding purpose.
By understanding packaging materials, sizes, printing options, and sustainability considerations, food businesses can select packaging that supports both daily operations and long-term brand growth. The right empanada packaging doesn’t just hold food, t carries your brand into every customer’s hands.
