The Global Products Expo, set to take place from June 26–28, 2025, at the New Jersey Expo Center, is where the future of food innovation takes center stage. Among this year’s most buzzworthy trends is edible food packaging—a sustainable, science-forward solution that’s transforming how we think about food, waste, and environmental impact.
From dissolvable drink pods to edible cutlery and rice-paper wrappers, the concept of eating your packaging might sound futuristic—but it’s already happening. And at this year’s food and beverage expo, all eyes are on which startups and established brands will bring the most compelling innovations.
What Is Edible Food Packaging?
Edible packaging refers to food-grade materials that can be safely consumed along with the food they contain. These materials are made from ingredients like seaweed, starches, gelatin, or plant-based polymers. Unlike traditional plastic, they leave no trace—offering a zero-waste alternative that aligns with both consumer values and global sustainability goals.
Whether used for wrapping snacks, sealing beverages, or even forming the utensils themselves, edible food packaging is designed to be:
- Biodegradable
- Safe for human consumption
- Visually appealing and functional
Why Edible Packaging Is Trending in 2025
1. Food Waste and Plastic Pollution Are at a Breaking Point
The average trade show or product launch can produce staggering amounts of single-use plastic waste. As both consumers and event organizers become more eco-conscious, edible packaging offers a double-duty solution: reducing plastic use and minimizing food waste.
2. Aligns with Circular Economy Values
Edible food packaging fits perfectly into the broader movement toward the circular economy—designing products with their full lifecycle in mind, and minimizing leftover waste at every stage.
3. Consumer Curiosity + Novelty
At events like the Global Products Expo, attendees crave fresh, Instagram-worthy experiences. Edible packaging offers a “wow factor” that also invites meaningful conversations about sustainability, innovation, and ethical consumption.
Notable Types of Edible Food Packaging in 2025
Here are some of the most innovative formats showcased at expos and in real-world retail:
• Seaweed-Based Wraps
Flexible, odorless, and high in nutrients, seaweed film is a favorite for wrapping dry goods and snacks. It biodegrades naturally—and adds a touch of umami if eaten.
• Rice Paper Sheets
Perfect for handheld snacks, these dissolvable wraps are already common in certain cuisines. Now, brands are reimagining them for everything from protein bars to powdered supplements.
• Gelatin Pods & Drink Capsules
Think edible coffee capsules or dissolvable drink drops. These eliminate the need for cups or wrappers, making them ideal for on-the-go tastings at expos.
• Edible Cutlery & Straws
Made from wheat bran, corn, or other grains, edible spoons and straws are sturdy enough to use, yet safe and even tasty to consume afterward.
• Starch-Based Coatings
Used for fruits, baked goods, and even meats, these invisible edible films protect products from spoilage while eliminating the need for plastic trays or wraps.
Challenges Still Facing Edible Packaging
Despite the excitement, there are still some practical and commercial hurdles to consider:
- Shelf Stability: Many edible materials degrade quickly in humid or hot conditions.
- Cost: While prices are decreasing, edible materials are still more expensive than plastic on a mass scale.
- Consumer Acceptance: Not all consumers are ready to eat their packaging, especially if it looks unfamiliar or seems unsanitary.
At expos, it’s vital to provide clear education and sampling experiences to help people understand the safety, benefits, and appeal of these innovations.
How Edible Packaging Can Boost Your Expo Strategy
If you’re exhibiting at The Global Products Expo, integrating edible packaging into your product line or booth experience can set you apart:
- Offer edible sample containers or utensils that reduce mess and waste.
- Use QR codes printed on edible labels to link to product info, sustainability stats, or live demos.
- Highlight your brand’s commitment to food tech and sustainability—two key decision-making drivers for today’s buyers and partners.
Who’s Leading the Charge?
Several food tech startups and CPG brands are already paving the way:
- Notpla – Known for seaweed-based drink pods used in sporting events.
- Evoware – Offers edible sachets and films for dry foods and instant noodles.
- Bakey’s – Produces wheat-based edible cutlery and spoons.
Expect to see these names—and more—at The Global Products Expo 2025, showcasing how edible solutions are moving from concept to mainstream.
Final Thoughts: Is Edible Packaging the Future?
Edible food packaging is no longer just a niche curiosity—it’s becoming a serious contender in the race to reduce waste, delight consumers, and align with global climate goals. As trade shows like the Global Products Expo spotlight the intersection of innovation and sustainability, edible packaging stands out as a flavorful—and functional—way forward.
Whether you’re a CPG innovator, a sustainability advocate, or an expo exhibitor, now is the time to explore how edible packaging can shape the next generation of products.
