When was the last time you bought a snack or a drink just because it looked good?
Chances are, it was recent. In food, beverage, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), your packaging color does more than just “look nice.” It drives split-second decisions, triggers cravings, builds trust, and influences brand recall.
In this article, we’ll explore the best color combos for F&B and FMCG brands, based on psychology, cultural context, and what we’ve seen actually work for our clients at Veesham Printing Press.
Colors affect how people feel. In the world of food and daily-use products, they do even more—they hint at flavor, freshness, health, indulgence, safety, and speed.
In under 7 seconds, consumers decide whether to pick up your product or not. And most of that decision is visual.Here’s why color combos are crucial:
- They create emotional response (e.g. red = appetite, blue = trust)
- They convey your product category (e.g. green = organic, yellow = snack)
- They help your product stand out on shelves
- They support brand recognition across platforms and packaging types
Best Color Combos for F&B Brands
1. Red & Yellow – Appetite Boosters
This iconic combo is a powerhouse for fast food, snacks, and drinks.
Red stimulates hunger and excitement
Yellow adds warmth, joy, and energy
Used by: McDonald’s, Burger Kings, Lays
Best for: Chips, fast food boxes, bottled drinks, condiments
Why it works: These are attention-grabbing colors with a universal appeal. They also perform well on both matte and gloss laminated packaging.
2. Green & White – Fresh and Organic
Green signals health, nature, and sustainability
White implies purity and simplicity
Used by: Starbucks, Subway
Best for: Juices, milk, salads, plant-based products
Pro tip: Use matte lamination for an earthy feel, or soft-touch for luxury organic lines.
3. Brown & Orange – Earthy but Flavorful
Brown grounds the brand in natural tones
Orange adds energy and taste appeal
Used by: Dunkin’
Best for: Granola bars, nuts, baked goods
4. Black & Red – Bold and Premium
Black brings authority and luxury
Red adds urgency or passion
Used by: KFC, Pizza Hut, Nando’s, Tim Hortons
Best for: Adult-oriented snacks, beverages, high-calorie indulgences
5. Blue & White – Clean and Trustworthy
Blue communicates trust, coolness, and hydration
White enhances clarity and calm
Used by: Pepsi, Aquafina, Anchor
Best for: Dairy products, water bottles, cold beverages
Fun fact: Blue suppresses appetite, so it’s used more for drinks than food.
Best Color Combos for FMCG Packaging
1. Blue & Silver – High-Tech and Trustworthy
Blue = consistency, trust, authority
Silver = precision, modernity, hygiene
Used by: Oral-B, Gillette, Dove Men+Care
Best for: Grooming products, hygiene kits, male-targeted goods
2. Pink & White – Gentle and Fresh
Pink = softness, care, floral
White = cleanliness and transparency
Used by: Johnson’s Baby, Olay, feminine hygiene brands
Best for: Skin care, baby products, bath & beauty
3. Yellow & Navy – Cheerful Yet Trustworthy
Yellow brings brightness and visibility
Navy balances it with dependability
Used by: Surf Excel, Lipton
Best for: Detergents, household cleaners, tea products
4. Teal & Grey – Calm and Modern
Teal offers a fresh take on health
Grey tones it down for a modern, minimalist vibe
Used by: Method, Ecover
Best for: Eco-friendly cleaning, wellness items
5. Purple & Gold – Premium Everyday Use
Purple is rich and luxurious
Gold gives a sense of exclusivity
Used by: Cadbury, Royal brand lines
Best for: Chocolates, personal care, upscale FMCG products
Color Tips from Veesham’s Print Experts
1. Test in Real Lighting
2. Think of Shelf Context
3. Try Color Blocking
4. Use Finish to Elevate the Palette
Your Takeaway
In a world of overflowing supermarket shelves, good design starts with color. And the right color combo? That’s your product’s first impression.
So whether you’re selling a protein bar, a cold-pressed juice, or a multi-purpose cleaner, choose your colors with strategy, psychology, and your brand story in mind.
At Veesham Printing Press, we help F&B and FMCG brands bring their packaging to life, from color matching to custom finishes that make their products fly off the shelf.