Folding carton
Folding cartons
Tuck-end cartons for the shelf. Ship flat, fold in seconds, print edge to edge.
Paperboard
Folding carton · Paperboard
Custom cereal boxes
Custom cereal boxes are tall paperboard cartons printed with your brand and made to hold an inner bag of cereal, granola or snacks, from 50 units per design. We draw the carton around your bag for free, and production takes 10–12 days from proof approval.
- Over 30 years in print and packaging
- Free structural design
- From 50 units
- Plastic-free options
- Style
- Tall tuck-end carton
- Board
- Food-contact paperboard
- Best for
- Cereal, granola, snacks
- Minimum order
- 50 units
- Typical production window
- 10–12 days
- Paper-first materials
- 100% recyclable
- For structural design
- $0
Overview
What is a cereal box?
The inner bag does the food protection, and the carton does the selling. If you plan to put loose cereal straight into the board, tell us first, because that changes the board we specify.
A cereal box is a tall folding carton with tuck flaps at the top and bottom. It ships flat, folds in seconds and holds a sealed inner bag. The bag keeps the cereal crisp. The carton carries your print.
Where food touches the board, the board and inks have to suit it. In the US, paper that touches dry food falls under rules such as 21 CFR 176.180. We specify food-contact board once we know what goes in and whether it touches the carton.
- Front and back panels. The main print area.
- Side panels. Nutrition panel and ingredient list.
- Tuck flaps. Close the top and bottom without glue.
- Inner bag. Supplied by you or your packer.
Specifications
Custom cereal boxes: specifications
Every box is drawn to your product, so these are the options, not a fixed catalogue. Your specialist confirms the exact spec on the proof.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Tall tuck-end folding carton |
| Board | Food-contact paperboard, white or kraft |
| Edge to edge, one color to full color | |
| Inserts | None needed with an inner bag |
| Add-ons | Die-cut window, handle, perforated flap |
| Size | Drawn to your bag |
| Ships to you | Flat |
| Recyclability | Paperboard recycles. Window film adds plastic, so use a die-cut hole if that matters |
| Minimum order | 50 units per design |
| Structural design | $0. We draw the dieline around your product |
| Proof | Digital proof on your dieline, checked for bleed, folds and barcodes |
| Production | 10–12 days on most orders, from proof approval. Shipping time is on top |
| Default finish | Aqueous coating on every box. Water-based, and it recycles with the box |
| Point of contact | One packaging specialist, from first sketch to delivery |
Board and build
Which board for a cereal box?
Cereal boxes are paperboard. The board color sets how the print looks.
| Board | Looks like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| White paperboard | Bright. Takes full-color print cleanly | Photos, bold colors, retail shelves |
| Kraft paperboard | Brown and natural | Natural, granola and organic brands |
Kraft prints darker than white board, so it suits one or two strong ink colors. See custom kraft boxes.
Compare
Cereal box or paper pouch?
Two ways to sell cereal and granola. They suit different brands.
| Cereal box | Paper pouch | |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf presence | Tall, printed on four sides | Stands up, one front panel |
| Needs an inner bag | Yes | No. The pouch holds the food |
| Ships | Flat | Flat |
| Best for | Retail shelves | Small-batch and online |
For loose food in a standing pack, see custom coffee pouches.
Sizing
Sizing a cereal box
Send the size of your filled bag, flat and standing, plus how much headspace you want at the top. We draw the carton around the bag and add clearance on the dieline.
Tall boxes are specified width x depth x height. If you're not sure which number goes where, read how to measure a box.
Who uses custom cereal boxes
- Granola and muesli brands. Kraft cartons with a die-cut window.
- Snack and bar makers. Smaller cartons, same structure.
- Meal and breakfast kits. Printed on four sides for shelf impact.
- Subscription brands. A carton inside a mailer box.
Finishes
Keep it simple and food-safe.
Aqueous coating goes on every box by default. Food boxes rarely need more than one extra finish.
Aqueous coating
Default.
Spot UV
A glossy logo on a matte front.
Foil stamping
For gift or limited versions.
Quote
Get a quote for custom cereal boxes
One measurement and a quantity is enough to start. Your specialist replies with a structure, so you can see the box before you commit to anything.
How it works
Four steps, one person.
The specialist who picks up your first email stays with the project until the boxes arrive.
Step 01
Tell us what you're packing
Send the product dimensions, how it ships and how many you need. A photo on a ruler is enough to start.
Step 02
We draw the structure
Your packaging specialist builds the dieline around your product. Structural design is free.
Step 03
You approve the proof
Drop your artwork onto the dieline. We check bleed, folds and barcodes, and send a digital proof.
Step 04
We make and ship
Production takes 10–12 days on most orders. Boxes ship flat, packed in cartons, to your door.
FAQ
Custom cereal boxes: questions.
What is the minimum order for custom cereal boxes?
50 units per design. That's enough to test a box with real customers before a bigger run.
Are your cereal boxes food safe?
We specify food-contact board and inks when food touches the box. Cereal normally sits in an inner bag, so tell us what you plan and we'll confirm.
Do cereal boxes need an inner bag?
Almost always. The bag keeps cereal crisp and the carton stays clean. Tell us if you plan to fill the box directly.
Can cereal boxes have a window?
Yes, as a die-cut hole. We recommend leaving it open rather than adding film, so the box stays plastic-free.
What sizes do you make?
Whatever your bag needs. Send the filled bag's size and we draw the carton around it.
How long do custom cereal boxes take?
10–12 days on most orders, counted from proof approval. Shipping time is on top.
Honest fit
When not to hire us.
You haven't picked your bag
The carton is drawn around the bag. Settle the bag first, then order the box, or you'll pay for a redraw.
You need fewer than 50 boxes
Our minimum is 50 units. For 10 or 20, a stock box with a printed sticker will cost you less.
You need boxes next week
Production runs 10–12 days before shipping. If your launch is sooner, buy stock boxes now and switch to custom for the next run.
You want plain brown boxes
If nothing gets printed, a stock box supplier is cheaper and faster. We're worth it once the box carries your brand.
What goes in your carton?
Send the size of your filled bag, or a photo of it on a ruler, and how many you need.
Start a projectPopular boxes
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Gable box
Folding carton
Paper pouch