Choosing the Optimal Packaging Color for a New FMCG Snack Product
An FMCG brand is planning to launch a new variety of snacks. Market research suggests that packaging color plays a crucial role in determining the success of the product.
The client is considering a combination of three colors for the packaging: Black, Blue, and Green.
Task:
Evaluate the potential impact of each color on consumer perception and market appeal.
Determine the best color combination for maximum brand visibility and consumer preference.
Provide recommendations based on market trends and psychological influence of colors in FMCG packaging.
What color combination would be the most effective for the new snack product launch?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Recommended Color Combination: Black, Green, and a subtle accent of Blue
Explanation
In the competitive Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, packaging color significantly impacts consumer attention, brand positioning, and purchase decisions. Among the proposed colors—Black, Blue, and Green—a strategic combination of Black and Green, with subtle Blue accents, offers the strongest blend of visibility, psychological impact, and market alignment for a snack product.
Black conveys premium quality, sophistication, and boldness. While traditionally associated with luxury products, its increasing use in snack branding (e.g., kettle chips, gourmet protein bars) signals richness and indulgence. For a new product launch, Black packaging can communicate uniqueness and elevate perceived value—especially in a saturated market.
Green is widely associated with health, freshness, and sustainability. In the snack category, especially with growing consumer interest in wellness and clean eating, Green packaging signals natural ingredients, environmentally friendly production, and better-for-you snacks. It appeals particularly to health-conscious millennials and Gen Z consumers.
Blue, while often seen as a calm and trustworthy color, is less dominant in the snack aisle due to its limited association with food. However, used as an accent, Blue can effectively convey trust, cleanliness, and reliability, especially when promoting functional benefits (e.g., protein, vitamins, or low-calorie content).
From a market visibility standpoint, a Black-Green combo stands out on shelves crowded with reds, yellows, and oranges. It breaks the conventional “junk food” color codes and instead hints at a healthier, premium snack—an increasingly important perception for modern consumers.
Conclusion: The most effective combination is Black (main base) + Green (secondary) + Blue (accent). This trio balances premium appeal, health-conscious cues, and brand trustworthiness, increasing shelf impact and aligning with current consumer trends in the FMCG snack market.
