The functional beverage market is moving fast, and single-serve stick packs are at the forefront. Sometimes called sachets, these slim, portable packets of powdered drink mix make it easy for consumers to enjoy wellness products anywhere — at home, at the gym, or on the go.
For brands, stick packs aren’t just a convenient packaging choice. They’re a way to differentiate your products, test innovative formulations, and deliver consistent, high-quality experiences that consumers appreciate. Whether your focus is CBD, hydration, energy, or vitamins, the ingredients you choose will shape the functionality, appeal, and potential success of your line.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top active ingredients for stick packs, the ways brands commonly use them, and how to launch a line that meets today’s on-the-go consumer expectations.
Why Stick Pack Ingredients (and Sachets) Are Driving Growth
Consumers love products that are easy to use, portable, and fresh — and stick packs deliver all three. Here’s why consumers are turning to this format:
- Portability: Lightweight and travel-ready, stick packs fit in purses, backpacks, or gym bags.
- Freshness and dosing: Each single-serve packet helps keep ingredients stable and ensures every serving is consistent.
- Convenience: Simply tear, pour, and mix into water or your favorite beverage — no mess, no guesswork.
- Market demand: From hydration powders to CBD sachets, consumers increasingly expect on-the-go functional solutions.
For brands, stick packs:
- Are cost-effective to ship and easy to scale for e-commerce or retail distribution
- Take costs out of shipping and distribution (vs. ready-to-drink beverages). Why ship water?
- Are easy to formulate to create unique consumer options.
- Are simple and easy to merchandise.
Stick packs and sachets are an attractive option for private label and custom formulations alike.
Top Ingredients for Stick Pack Drink Mixes
Let’s break down the key actives commonly included in functional stick pack products.
Cannabinoids: CBD, THC, and Minor Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are a cornerstone of wellness-focused formulations, and stick packs make it simple to deliver precise, consistent servings.
- CBD: Often included in products designed for calm, relaxation, or general wellness.
- Hemp-derived THC: In markets where legal, THC stick packs provide a discreet, single-serve option. Nano-ionized formulations help ensure fast absorption, clean mixing, and consistent delivery.
- Minor cannabinoids: CBG, CBN, and CBC are frequently used in products targeting focus, relaxation, or balanced wellness experiences.
By combining cannabinoids thoughtfully, brands can create flexible formulations that appeal to a variety of consumer preferences.
Terpenes
Terpenes enhance both flavor and formulation appeal.
- Many terpenes are chosen for their flavor profile, such as citrus, berry, or herbal notes.
- They are commonly included to support mood, focus, or relaxation in products, without relying on artificial additives.
- Terpenes allow brands to create distinctive stick pack experiences even in non-THC products.
Adaptogens: Ashwagandha and Others
Adaptogens help formulations address stress management and general balance.
- Ashwagandha: Frequently added to support formulations focused on wellness and calm.
- Mushrooms: Lion’s mane, Reishi and other mushroom types can provide specific cognitive and physical benefits.
- Other adaptogens: Rhodiola, ginseng, and similar ingredients are often used in functional stick packs for focus, endurance, or general vitality.
Incorporating adaptogens allows brands to align their products with wellness trends and consumer expectations.
Performance Ingredients: Creatine, BCAAs, and Electrolytes
Stick packs are ideal for single-serve performance and sports formulations.
- Creatine monohydrate: Commonly used for strength and recovery-focused products.
- BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids): Often included to support exercise recovery and endurance.
- Electrolytes (like sea salt): Help maintain hydration and replace minerals during activity.
These ingredients allow brands to create portable, convenient options that compete with traditional ready-to-drink performance beverages.
Vitamins & Immunity Support
Vitamins are a versatile addition to stick packs, especially for daily wellness formulations.
- B vitamins (B6, B12, B9): Typically used to support energy metabolism.
- Vitamin C: Often added in formulations aimed at overall wellness.
- Vitamin D3: Frequently included in products targeting daily health and bone support.
These nutrients can easily be incorporated into daily-use stick packs or sachets for broad consumer appeal.
What Makes a Great Stick Pack Formula?
To create a high-quality stick pack, brands should consider:
- Bioavailability: Nano-ionized ingredients, including cannabinoids and fat-soluble vitamins, can improve solubility and absorption.
- Stability: Well-formulated powders mix cleanly without clumping, clouding, or separation.
- Clean-label appeal: Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and prebiotic options help meet consumer expectations.
- Consistency: Every stick pack should deliver the same serving for predictable results.
Attention to these factors helps ensure a product that’s reliable, professional, and appealing to end consumers.
Stick Packs vs. Sachets
In the U.S., stick pack is the preferred term, while sachet is commonly used globally. Both describe single-serve, slim packets of powdered product. Using both terms naturally can help your content reach a broader audience without confusing readers.
How to Launch Your Own Stick Pack Line
Brands entering the market can leverage stick packs for speed, flexibility, and product innovation.
- Private label stick packs: Quickly launch a line using proven formulas and packaging.
- Custom formulations: Develop blends that meet your audience’s preferences, from CBD powders to hydration mixes.
- Expert manufacturing support: Work with a trusted partner to ensure quality, compliance, and scalable production.
FAQ about Stick Pack Ingredients
What are stick packs used for?
Single-serve stick packs or sachets are used for powdered beverages, including hydration, CBD, THC, vitamins, and sports nutrition products.
What ingredients work best in stick packs?
Common ingredients include cannabinoids, terpenes, adaptogens, creatine, BCAAs, electrolytes, and vitamins. These can be combined for functional purposes without making regulatory claims.
Are stick packs and sachets the same?
Yes — they are generally interchangeable. “Stick pack” is used in North America, while “sachet” is used internationally.
How do I manufacture private label stick packs?
Partner with a contract manufacturer experienced in private label or custom formulations. They will guide you through formulation, packaging, and production scale-up.
Conclusion
Stick packs — or sachets — are more than just packaging. They provide a versatile platform for functional beverage innovation. From cannabinoids and adaptogens to electrolytes and vitamins, thoughtful ingredient selection helps brands create products that meet modern consumer expectations.
For brands ready to launch private label or custom stick pack lines, American Extractions offers formulation expertise, nano-ionized ingredient technology, and full-service manufacturing support.
👉 Contact us today to explore custom stick pack formulations and private label opportunities for your brand.
Disclaimer:
Statements about ingredients are based on common usage in functional beverage formulations and are not evaluated or approved by the FDA.