Materials
Kraft vs White vs Coated: Choosing a Custom Bakery Box Stock
The stock is the first decision that shows on the shelf. Kraft reads natural and handmade. White reads clean and modern. Coated reads premium and holds up to grease and moisture. All three can carry your logo well.
Here is how the three stocks compare, and how to match one to what you bake.
Natural kraft
Kraft is warm brown, unbleached paperboard. It signals craft, cottage, and eco-minded baking, and it hides light handling marks. Print looks best in one or two ink colors or a foil stamp; full-color photos mute against the brown base. Kraft is the value choice and the most common request from small bakeries.
Bright white
White paperboard gives a clean, modern canvas. Colors print true and logos look crisp, which suits patisseries, dessert shops, and any brand with a colorful identity. It shows scuffs more than kraft, so it rewards careful handling. White sits in the middle on price.
Coated stock
Coated board adds a clay or poly layer that resists grease and moisture and takes rich, full-color print. It is the pick for buttery pastries, cream fillings, and anything that would soak through plain board. Coated also photographs well for retail and gifting. It is the premium option and costs the most per unit.
Side-by-side comparison
| Stock | Look | Grease resistance | Best print | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural kraft | Warm, handmade, eco | Moderate | 1–2 colors, foil | Lowest |
| Bright white | Clean, modern | Moderate | Full color | Medium |
| Coated | Premium, glossy or matte | High | Rich full color | Highest |
Match the stock to the product
Dry goods like cookies, biscotti, and un-iced cakes do fine on kraft or white. Greasy or moist goods like croissants, cream pastries, and frosted cakes hold up better on coated board or a grease-resistant liner. If your brand leans natural, kraft carries the message; if it leans polished, white or coated does.
Choosing for your order
Pick the stock that matches both your product and your brand. Kraft for craft and cost, white for clean full-color branding, coated for grease resistance and a premium finish. If you carry a mixed range, it is common to run kraft for everyday boxes and coated for the messier or higher-end items.
Want to see your logo on each stock before deciding? Request a free mockup — or read more about how we work and browse the rest of the blog.
Kraft is warm, eco, and lowest cost; white is clean and prints full color; coated resists grease and looks premium at the highest cost. Match dry goods to kraft or white, and greasy or moist goods to coated.