Hopapops: Innovative Packaging for Healthy Snack Food

Revolutionizing the Way We Snack

Angela Spindler, the creative director and designer behind Hopapops, was approached by the founders of this snack startup to create a brand that would introduce popped water lily seeds to the US market. The main challenge was how to grab the attention of consumers who may not be familiar with this unique ingredient. Spindler and her team decided to focus on creating packaging that would stand out on the shelf, with a simple information hierarchy and strong ingredient visuals.

The focal point of the packaging is the colored circle in the middle, which houses the brand mark and all the need-to-know information. The typography, with its uneven nature, adds a cheeky bounce to the packs, complementing the fun tone of voice created for the brand. The illustration, which covers both the front and back of the packaging, drives home the product and flavor variant, making it easy for consumers to understand the texture, shape, and size of the product at a glance.

What sets Hopapops apart is its commitment to nutrition. These popped water lily seeds are a nutritionally dense snack, and the packaging reflects that. The entire face of the pack is filled with the product, emphasizing its filling nature. This unique approach not only showcases the product but also communicates its health credentials to the target audience.

The realization of the design involved using digital printing for the initial short production run, followed by gravure printing. The pouches are printed in CMYK, with two spot colors and spot UV gloss for added visual impact. The flow wrap packaging is digitally printed in the US, with two pack sizes available: 1 oz for individual snacking and 2.3 oz for sharing with family and friends.

The Hopapops project commenced in March 2019 and was completed in September 2019. All the work, from research to design, was generated in Sydney for a launch in the USA. The timeline was a challenge, as the team had to research, name, and develop the brand and packaging in just four months, ready for a major US trade show.

The innovative design of Hopapops has garnered recognition in the industry. In 2020, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Hopapops' packaging stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.

With Hopapops, Angela Spindler has not only created a visually stunning packaging design but has also revolutionized the way we snack. By introducing popped water lily seeds to the US market in a unique and engaging way, Hopapops is changing the perception of healthy snacks and making nutrition more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.