Paper Bags for Cafés: Sizes, Printing and Prices 2026

Paper bags for cafés in Latvia are usually ordered in three sizes: small 25×11×32 cm for cakes and pastries, medium 30×17×35 cm for lunch boxes, and large 45×16×48 cm for bigger orders. The material is kraft paper 70–100 g/m², printing up to 2 colours, minimum quantity 100 pieces, and prices start from EUR 0.15 per piece excl. VAT. The exact price depends on quantity, size and the number of print colours.

How to choose a size based on contents

The key factor isn't the bag's height but the width of the base — that's what determines whether a box or coffee cup will stand upright inside it. A takeaway food bag needs a base at least 15 cm deep, otherwise containers tilt and sauce spills out.

Prices are indicative, excl. VAT, and at 500 or 1000 pieces the price per unit drops noticeably. If you're torn between two sizes, in practice it's more cost-effective to order two sizes at 250 pcs each than one universal size — a small bag for a coffee at the counter looks neater than a large bag that's half empty.

Handles: flat or twisted

Flat paper handles are glued from the same kraft paper. They're cheaper, look simpler and suit bakeries and cafés where the bag is carried for 10 minutes. Twisted handles (rope-style) are more resistant to cutting into your hand and hold weight above 3 kg better — these are chosen by restaurants offering takeaway and retail shops.

Important: a paper bag's real load capacity depends on the paper's thickness, not the handle type. A 70 g/m² bag is meant for light contents up to about 2 kg, while 90–100 g/m² can take up to 5 kg. If the food is greasy or moist, you still need a container or baking paper inside, as kraft paper isn't moisture-resistant.

Printing: how many colours and what to put on the bag

The standard print for these bags is up to 2 colours. That's not a limitation for most cafés — a logo in one colour on a natural kraft background looks clean and doesn't look cheap. The second colour is usually used as an accent: for the address, opening hours or social media handle.

What's recommended on the front of the bag:

• the logo in a large enough size — at least 80 mm wide, so it can be read from a metre away;
• the address or neighbourhood, if there's a single location ("Kandavas iela 29A, Riga");
• an Instagram handle or short website address;
• a QR code linking to the menu — no smaller than 25×25 mm, otherwise the phone won't read it;
• a recycling symbol, if you want to highlight it.

Don't put small text, a full menu or photographs on the bag — photo printing on kraft paper looks murky, since the paper is naturally brown and unbleached.

Files for printing

Send the artwork as vector graphics: .ai, .eps, .pdf or .svg, colours in CMYK or Pantone. If you only have a raster image, it must be 300 dpi at the actual print size. If there's no vector file, we'll redraw the logo — this is a one-off preparation fee that appears in the quote next to the relevant item.

Examples from our catalogue

• Paper bag with flat handles 25×11×32 cm – kraft paper 70/80/90 g/m², recyclable, printing up to 2 colours, from EUR 0.15/pc at 100 pcs; a classic for bakeries and takeaway coffee.
• Paper bag with twisted handles 25×15×32 cm – kraft paper 70/80/90 g/m², 2 colours, from EUR 0.16/pc at 100 pcs; a 15 cm base fits one lunch container.
• Paper bag with flat handles 30×17×35 cm – kraft paper 80/90 g/m², 2 colours, from EUR 0.22/pc at 100 pcs; the most popular size for takeaway.
• Paper bag with twisted handles 32×12×40 cm – kraft paper 80/90 g/m², 2 colours, from EUR 0.22/pc at 100 pcs; a tall bag for bottles and thermal mugs.
• Paper bag with flat handles 34×20×35 cm – kraft paper 80/90 g/m², 2 colours, from EUR 0.25/pc at 100 pcs; a wide base for catering orders.
• Paper bag with flat handles 45×16×48 cm – kraft paper 90/100 g/m², 2 colours, from EUR 0.28/pc at 100 pcs; the largest of the standard sizes, suits heavier contents.
• Paper bag with flat handles 49.5×14×44 cm – kraft paper 90/100 g/m², 2 colours, from EUR 0.29/pc at 100 pcs; a narrow, very wide format, suits boxes laid flat.

You can view the full range with quantity-based pricing in the promotional products section and in the catalogue.

Lead times and how an order works

Printed bags are a manufactured product, so the lead time is usually 6–10 business days: 4–7 business days for production depending on quantity, plus 2–3 days for delivery. We look at urgent jobs separately, so ask straight away if you have a fixed date, for example, opening a new location.

The process is simple: you send us the size, quantity and logo, or simply a description of what to put on the bag. Within one business day we prepare an online quote and a PDF with images, prices, the print area, the preparation fee and the lead time for each item. On request, we add a 3D preview with your logo so you can see what the finished bag will look like. We only go into production after the artwork has been approved by email.

If you also need glass stickers, menus or staff T-shirts at the same time, we can combine them into a single order — we handle both stickers and digital printing ourselves, in Riga, at Kandavas iela 29A.

Frequently asked questions

What's the minimum quantity for paper bags with a logo?

For printed bags, the minimum is 100 pieces. At smaller quantities, the printing cost per unit becomes disproportionately high, since the setup costs stay the same.

How many colours can be printed on a kraft bag?

The standard option is up to 2 colours. On natural brown kraft paper, a single dark colour or white print works best; full-colour photo printing isn't recommended on this type of paper.

Are the bags moisture-resistant?

No. Kraft paper absorbs moisture and grease, so warm or saucy food needs a sealed container inside. For durability, choose 90–100 g/m² paper.

How long does an order take?

Usually 6–10 business days from artwork approval: 4–7 business days in production plus 2–3 days for delivery. Urgent jobs — by arrangement.

What format should the logo be sent in?

Vector graphics — .ai, .eps, .pdf or .svg, colours in CMYK or Pantone. A raster image must be 300 dpi at the actual size. If there's no file, we redraw the logo for a one-off fee.

Does the price drop at larger quantities?

Yes. The difference between 100 and 1000 pieces is usually significant, as the artwork setup cost is spread over a larger print run. We always show several quantities in the quote so you can compare.

Email info@attaprint.lv, call or message us on WhatsApp at +371 25776699, and specify the size, quantity and logo — we'll prepare a quote with prices and lead time within one business day. Contact details and examples of our work: contacts.