Foil vs. Clear vs. Kraft: Choosing a Mylar Bag Material

June 5, 2026 · Material Guides

“Mylar bag” is really a family of laminates, and the outer look you choose changes both the barrier and the brand impression. The three most common options are full foil, clear (or clear/foil window), and kraft-laminate. Here’s how they compare.

Full foil: maximum protection

A fully metallized or foil-layer bag blocks light, oxygen, and moisture almost completely, giving the longest shelf life. It’s the default for coffee, supplements, and anything sensitive to oxidation. The trade-off is that the product is hidden, so your print has to do all the selling.

Clear and windowed: show the product

A clear bag or a foil bag with a clear window lets shoppers see what they’re buying — valuable for colorful candy, pasta, or granola. Clear films offer less barrier than full foil, so they suit products that turn over quickly or aren’t highly oxygen-sensitive. A common compromise is a foil bag with a small window: strong barrier plus a peek at the product.

Kraft: the craft, natural look

Kraft-laminate bags show a natural paper exterior while hiding a foil or PE barrier layer inside, so you get an earthy, small-batch aesthetic without sacrificing freshness. They photograph as “artisan” and pair well with spot-color or minimal designs.

Quick comparison

Many brands mix materials across a line — full foil for the flagship, a window for the visual SKU, kraft for the seasonal. We’ll help you match the laminate to each product when you request a quote.

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