How to Choose the Right Takeaway FoodPackaging for Your Business

Choosing the right takeaway food packaging is very important for restaurants, cafes, takeaways and catering businesses. The right packaging also helps protect food, prevents it from spilling and makes the meals easier to carry and deliver.

Every type of food has different requirements. A burger may need a box to be packed, whereas soup needs a container with a secure lid. Salads, hot food, desserts and drinks also need the right packaging.

When choosing packaging, always consider the various food type, temperature, moisture, portion size, transport, presentation and sustainability.

What do you mean by Takeaway Food Packaging?

Takeaway food packaging may include boxes, containers, cups, lids and other products used to pack food and drinks for customers

Some of the common examples include:

• Food containers and takeaway boxes
• Burger boxes
• Salad bowls
• Bagasse plates, bowls and food boxes
• Kraft food packaging
• Hot drink cups and lids
• Cup carriers
• Sauce containers
• Wooden cutlery
• Foil platters

The main purpose is to protect food and make it convenient to carry, serve, and enjoy.

Why Does the Right Packaging Always Matter the Most?

Good food packaging should always match the food and how it will be transported.

• Food protection: Suitable packaging always helps keep meals protected during handling.
• Leak prevention: Soups, sauces and gravies need suitable containers and secure lids so that it prevent them from spilling
• Food quality: Packaging should be suitable for the food’s temperature, moisture and consistency.
• Transportation:Food may be carried by customers or delivery drivers; packaging should always be practical and convenient for transportation.
• Presentation: Good packaging ensures the food arrives looking neat and ready to eat.
• Sustainability: Many companies are looking at materials that include bagasse, kraft paper and recycled plastic. However, the environmental properties of each product may differ, so always check product info before making claims.

Consider the Type of Food You Serve

The food on your menu should always be the starting point when choosing takeaway packaging.

Burgers

Burgers need packaging that keeps the food together and is easy to carry. Burger boxes can
be suitable for individual burgers and similar foods.

Salads

Salads may contain vegetables, grains, toppings and dressing. Salad bowls provide suitable space for these type of ingredients. Dressing can also be packed separately in a sauce container.

Hot Meals

Curries, pasta and rice dishes may contain heat, moisture, oil or sauces. Choose takeaway food
containers that are suitable for the food and its intended use.

Soups and Sauces

Soup needs a suitable container and secure lid because it is a liquid. Sauces, dips and dressings can be packed separately in small sauce containers.

Desserts

Cakes, puddings and cold desserts have different needs. Always consider their size, shape, temperature and moisture before choosing packaging.

Drinks

Cafes and coffee shops requires suitable cups and lids. Cup carriers can also make carrying several drinks easier.

Pizza

Pizza needs packaging with plenty of space for the food and practical handling. Pizza accessories may also be needed for takeaway orders.

Consider Temperature and Moisture

Food temperature and moisture can severly affect your choice of food packaging if not packed properly.

Hot food can create heat and steam inside a container. Sauces, gravy and oily foods may also
require suitable packaging.

Before choosing a product, always ask:

These questions can help you select packaging that matches your food.

Choose the Right Size and Shape

Packaging should be large enough for the food without being unnecessarily large.

A container that is too small can make food difficult to pack. One that is too large may take up extra storage space and make carrying less convenient.

Consider:

Businesses with different portion sizes may benefit from having different packaging sizes.

Popular Takeaway Packaging Materials

Different materials are used for different food-service products. The best choice depends on the specific product and its intended use.

Bagasse

Bagasse is a plant-based material used for products such as food boxes, plates and bowls. Bagasse food packaging is one option businesses can consider.

Always check the individual product information for its intended use and disposal requirements.

Kraft Paper

Kraft food packaging is used for boxes, bags and other food-service products. Its simple paper appearance can also provide a clean presentation.

Paper and Cardboard

Paper and cardboard are commonly used for takeaway boxes and other packaging. Their suitability depends on the product and the food being packed.

Wooden Cutlery

Wooden cutlery can be provided with takeaway meals and catering orders where suitable. Common items include forks, knives and spoons.

Recycled Plastic

RPET and PET are used for certain food packaging products. RPET contains recycled PET material. Check the product details to confirm its intended use.

Aluminium and Foil

Aluminium and foil products are used for various catering needs. Foil platters and similar products may be suitable for particular serving requirements.

Understanding Sustainable Food Packaging

Several terms are used when discussing sustainable food packaging, but they have different meanings.

Recyclable means a product or material can be processed through a suitable recycling system.

Recycled means the material has been recovered from previous use.

Biodegradable means a material can break down through biological processes.

Compostable means a product is designed to break down through composting under specific conditions.

Do not assume that every paper, bagasse or recycled product is automatically recyclable or compostable. Check the information for the individual product and consider the disposal facilities available to your business and customers.

Packaging for Different Food Businesses

Different food businesses may have different packaging needs.

Restaurants may need containers, boxes, sauce containers and cutlery for takeaway meals.

Takeaways often need practical boxes and containers in different sizes for different dishes.

You also need catering disposables for platters, containers and other items for food service and events.

Food delivery businesses should focus on safe packaging, transportation, and minimising the risk of spills.

PHK Packaging Ltd. provides food packaging and catering disposable products to food
businesses in the United Kingdom.

PHK Packaging Ltd. supplies food packaging and catering disposable products for food businesses in the UK.

Simple Checklist for Choosing Takeaway Packaging

Before choosing your packaging, consider:

Conclusion

Choosing the right takeaway food packaging starts with understanding your food and how it will reach the customer.

Consider food type, temperature, moisture, portion size, durability, transportation and presentation. Also check the specific product information when considering sustainable materials.

Whether you need takeaway boxes, food containers, bagasse products, kraft packaging, salad bowls, drink cups or catering disposables, choose packaging that matches your food and business needs.

PHK Packaging Ltd. provides a range of food packaging and catering disposable products for UK food businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Suitable packaging helps protect food during transport and can help reduce spills, damage and handling problems.