What's New at Intelligent Blends

One of the first questions we often get at IB from clients looking to launch a product is:

Should I launch in stick packs or pouches?

While both formats have been proven out by major players in the industry—Sticks (Liquid IV) and pouches (Everyday Dose), picking your initial format for launch could be the difference between your brand ‘making it’ or being a cautionary tale.

The functional CPG market is booming as consumers look for products that do more than taste good—they want clean ingredients, wellness benefits, and formats that fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles. Powdered products deliver on all three, with stick packs and pouches leading the way.

Stick Packs: On-the-Go Precision

Stick packs are built for portability and single-serve accuracy. They’re perfect for hydration blends, greens powders, collagen, or adaptogens—products where dosing matters and convenience is key. Stick packs also shine as a sampling format, helping brands drive trial.
The trade-off? Higher production costs and more packaging per serving. They’re also less practical for larger dosages like full protein shakes.

Pouches: Flexible and Value-Driven

Pouches are versatile, accommodating both small and bulk sizes. They’re resealable, efficient, and ideal for at-home routines like protein powders, collagen, and meal replacements. They also use less material than rigid tubs, appealing to sustainability-conscious consumers.
However, pouches lack the grab-and-go ease of stick packs, requiring measuring and prep—an extra step for convenience-first shoppers.

The Balance

The smartest brands often use both formats: stick packs for portability, sampling, and trial; pouches for larger-volume, daily-use products. Together, they let consumers integrate functional products at home, at the gym, or on the go.

Intelligent Blends: A Partner in Both

At Intelligent Blends, we’ve positioned ourselves at the intersection of function and convenience. From our San Diego facility, we co-pack functional products in stick packs, pouches, K-cups, and more—always with a focus on clean ingredients, sustainable materials, and uncompromising quality.
Whether it’s proteins, hydration mixes, bone broths, or adaptogenic blends, our advanced blending and packaging capabilities help brands meet consumer demand without sacrificing integrity.

Conclusion

Powdered formats are reshaping functional CPG. Stick packs deliver precision and portability; pouches offer flexibility and value. By leveraging both, brands can meet consumers wherever life takes them—and Intelligent Blends is proud to help make that possible.