A custom paper grocery bag is a flat-bottom kraft bag, often called an SOS bag, that opens square and stands on its own so a cashier can load it quickly. TBPB prints them with your logo in the size you choose with no minimum order, and a written quote for the same specs gets beaten.
How an SOS grocery bag is built
The bag is a tube of kraft paper with a folded, glued bottom and pleated side gussets. The gussets let it collapse flat for storage and pop open to a rectangular shape when you load it. That shape is the reason these bags are used at grocers, farmers markets, delis and bakery counters: items stack in neatly, tall products stay upright, and the bag does not tip when you set it down.
Standard grocery bags have no handles. If your customers carry the bag a distance, or you are handing out takeout to people on foot, a handled style is a better answer, and our custom paper bags cover those options. Choose the SOS style when speed at the register matters more than carrying comfort.
Sizing for what you actually put in them
Size is written as width by gusset by height. Start with the largest thing you commonly pack: a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine, a carton of eggs. Measure it standing up, then add a few inches at the top so the bag can be folded over. Do not size to the average order. Size to the order that breaks the bag, then decide whether a second smaller size makes sense for lighter orders.
Paper weight (basis weight) decides how much the bag can take. Heavier kraft handles cans and glass jars; lighter kraft is fine for bread, produce and dry goods. We will talk you through the sensible weight for your product, and we will say so if your load needs something stronger.
Kraft, print and a note on wet loads
Natural brown kraft is the classic look and takes one- or two-color logos very well, which is also the most practical print for a bag that will be thrown away within hours. Bleached white kraft gives cleaner color for full-color artwork. Paper bags are not waterproof, so wet groceries, ice and hot grease will soften the bag. A liner or a different style is the better call for those uses.
One practical detail people miss: the bottom of an SOS bag is where it fails. A bag that is too narrow for its load pushes the contents against the glued bottom fold, and that is where the seam opens. A wider base spreads the weight. If you pack heavy items such as bottles, ask us about a heavier sheet, and test one bag with a real order before committing to a bigger quantity. We are happy to make a single sample for exactly that reason.
- Natural brown or white kraft paper
- Choice of paper basis weight for the load
- One- to full-color printing on the front and back
- Custom width, gusset and height
- Recyclable paper; check local recycling rules for coated or heavily inked bags
Choosing between similar bags
For a plain look in bulk, compare brown paper bags. For a stiffer, more retail look, kraft paper bags may fit better. The whole custom bag range is worth a scan before you decide.
To get a price, send the largest item you pack, the number of bags you want, and your logo. One bag or ten thousand is fine.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a paper grocery bag and an SOS bag?
They are the same thing in most cases. SOS stands for self-opening satchel, a flat-bottom bag with side gussets that opens square and stands on its own. Grocery bag is the common name for that style when it is used in stores, markets and delis.
Do paper grocery bags come with handles?
The standard grocery style has no handles. If customers walk with the bag, a handled paper bag is more comfortable and safer for heavier loads. Tell us how people carry your product and we will suggest the right style from the range.
How do I choose the right size grocery bag?
Measure your largest typical item standing up, then add several inches of height so the top can fold. Use that to set width, gusset and height. Sizing to the average order leads to torn bags, so size to the heaviest and bulkiest order you see.
Can I print my logo on kraft grocery bags?
Yes. Kraft bags take one- and two-color logos well, and white kraft is better for full-color artwork. Send your logo and the bag size and we will provide a proof so you can see the placement before anything is printed.
Are custom paper grocery bags recyclable?
Plain paper bags are generally recyclable, but local programs differ, and heavy ink coverage or coatings can change that. If recyclability is part of your message, tell us your print plan and check your local rules before you state it on the bag.
What is the minimum order for custom paper grocery bags?
There is no minimum order. You can order a single bundle for a pop-up market or a large quantity for a store opening. Send your size and quantity and we will quote it, and if you have a written quote for the same specs, we will beat it.
More Custom Bags
See the full Custom Bags range, or explore related options with no minimum order and our best-price guarantee:
