Business

Forget Minimalist Packaging—Why Loud, Bold Designs Are Taking Over

Published by Prime Star on March 25, 2025

The Death of Minimalist Packaging? Not Quite, But…

For years, minimalist packaging dominated the shelves.

Clean lines, muted colors, and subtle branding were the gold standard for brands wanting to appear sleek and modern. But times are changing, and bold, loud packaging designs are making a dramatic comeback.

So, what’s fueling this shift? And more importantly, how can brands leverage this trend without sacrificing their identity?

Let’s dive into the psychology, real-world examples, and actionable insights behind this packaging revolution.

The Psychology Behind Bold Packaging’s Rise

1. Grabbing Attention in a Saturated Market

With thousands of products competing for attention, minimalist packaging often fades into the background. Bold, colorful designs force consumers to stop and take notice.

Fact: Studies show that consumers make purchasing decisions within seven seconds of seeing a product. Bold packaging ensures your product gets noticed in that tiny window.
Example: Brands like Oatly and Liquid Death use oversized typography, loud colors, and rebellious branding to break through the noise.

2. Emotional Impact and Brand Recall

Colors and bold visuals trigger emotions faster than text or subtle designs.

Bright colors evoke excitement and energy.
Oversized typography creates a sense of urgency and playfulness.
Unexpected visuals make a brand more memorable.

3. Social Media and the ‘Shelfie’ Culture

Consumers love sharing aesthetically striking packaging on social media. This is so important as the more visually interesting your design, the more likely customers will post it online, providing free marketing.

Trend: “Shelfie” photos—consumers showcasing their favorite packaged products on Instagram and TikTok.
Example: Brands like Tony’s Chocolonely use bold colors and chunky, imperfect typography to stand out online and on shelves.

Industries Embracing Loud, Bold Packaging

Food & Beverage

Brands are ditching the traditional aesthetic in favor of wild, colorful designs that evoke fun and indulgence.

Example: Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand, uses neon colors and playful fonts to disrupt the crowded beverage aisle. Try it and take the right steps for your custom tea pouches to see how neon clashes with the more common calm and serene color palette.

Beauty & Skincare

While luxury brands still lean into minimalism, indie beauty brands are opting for bold hues and graphic-heavy packaging to appeal to younger audiences.

Example: Drunk Elephant’s colorful, unconventional packaging makes it instantly recognizable on store shelves.

Eco-Friendly Brands

Sustainability doesn’t have to mean bland, beige, and boring. Many eco-conscious brands are using vibrant designs to challenge the notion that ‘green’ equals dull.

Example: Who Gives a Crap toilet paper embraces bright, whimsical packaging to make sustainability feel fun.

How to Use Bold Packaging Without Overwhelming Customers

1. Balance Bold Colors with Clear Messaging

Going all-in on bright colors and chaotic design can backfire if your branding gets lost.

Tip: Use loud visuals to grab attention but keep your typography legible and your key messaging clear.

2. Leverage Contrast for Maximum Impact

A splash of bold color on an otherwise simple design can be just as striking as a fully vibrant package.

Example: Apple’s iPhone boxes are mostly minimalist, but they use bold, high-contrast imagery of the product to create visual impact.

3. Make It Interactive

Incorporate design elements that invite customer engagement, like:

Hidden messages in the packaging.
QR codes leading to exclusive content.
Textures or holographic details that catch the light differently.

The Future: A Hybrid Approach

Minimalism isn’t dead—it’s evolving. The future of packaging lies in the strategic combination of bold visuals with clean execution. Brands that successfully blend both worlds will stay ahead in the market.

Takeaway:

If you’re still playing it safe with minimalist packaging, it might be time to rethink your approach.

Take stock of the different packaging types available to you and draw up a rough draft. Bold, eye-catching designs are here to stay, and brands willing to embrace this shift will thrive in an increasingly visual marketplace.

Are you ready to make your packaging stand out?