How to Choose the Right Takeaway Food Containers for Your Menu

Choosing the right takeaway food containers is an important part of running a restaurant, takeaway, café or food delivery business. The container needs to do more than hold the food. It should suit the type of meal, accommodate the portion size, protect the contents during transport and provide a practical experience for the customer.

A container that works well for chips may not be suitable for a curry, salad or pasta dish. Factors such as food temperature, moisture, portion size, leakage risk, presentation and storage requirements can all influence the right choice.

This guide explains how to choose takeaway food containers for different menu items and what food businesses should consider before buying packaging in bulk.

What Are Takeaway Food Containers?

Takeaway food containers are disposable or reusable packaging products designed to hold food for collection, delivery, takeaway service or catering.

Depending on the menu, food businesses may use:

• Bagasse takeaway containers
• Clamshell food containers
• Kraft food containers
• Kraft food bowls
• Aluminium foil containers
• Paperboard food trays
• Plastic food containers
• Soup and meal containers
• Containers with matching lids

The most suitable option depends on the type of food being served, the portion size, how long the food needs to remain contained and how it will be transported.

How Do You Choose the Right Takeaway Food Container?

The right takeaway food container should match the food rather than simply being selected by price or appearance.

Before choosing a container, consider:

1. The type of food
2. Portion size
3. Food temperature
4. Moisture and sauce content
5. Leakage and spill risk
6. Transport and delivery requirements
7. Presentation
8. Storage space
9. Pack quantity and cost

A good packaging choice should protect the food throughout the journey from the kitchen to the customer.

1. Choose a Container Based on the Type of Food

Different meals place different demands on takeaway packaging.

Burgers and Main Meals

Burgers, sandwiches and prepared meals generally need containers that provide enough space without allowing the food to move around excessively.

Clamshell-style containers can be useful for burgers and complete meal portions because they provide a defined space for the food and can make packing and handling straightforward.

For businesses serving burgers with chips, sides or additional items, consider whether one larger container or separate food packaging will provide better portion control and presentation.

Curries, Rice Dishes and Saucy Meals

Curries, rice dishes, pasta with sauce and other meals containing liquids require containers with secure closures and suitable capacity.

When choosing packaging for these foods, pay particular attention to:

• Lid fit
• Container depth
• Capacity
• Leakage resistance
• Food temperature
• Stability during delivery

A container that is too shallow may increase the risk of spills, while an oversized container can leave excessive empty space around the meal.

Salads and Cold Foods

Salads, fruit portions and other cold foods can require a different type of takeaway container.

Kraft food bowls and suitable food containers can provide a practical option for salads and prepared cold meals. The container should provide enough space for the portion without compressing the contents.

If sauces or dressings are included, consider whether they should be packed separately to help maintain the texture and presentation of the food.

Chips, Sides and Snacks

Chips, wedges, fried snacks and smaller side portions are often better suited to trays, boxes or smaller food containers.

Kraft food trays can be useful where easy access and presentation are important. The size should correspond with the portion so that the food is not unnecessarily compressed or left with excessive unused space.

For fried foods, businesses should also consider ventilation and moisture management because trapped steam can affect texture.

Hot Meals and Prepared Food

Hot takeaway meals can include rice dishes, pasta, noodles, curries, vegetables and mixed meal portions.

For these applications, consider containers based on:

• Heat requirements
• Capacity
• Depth
• Lid compatibility
• Food consistency
• Transport time
• Portion size

The container should be appropriate for the intended food application and used according to the manufacturer’s product guidance.

2. Select the Correct Container Size

Container size is one of the most important considerations when buying takeaway packaging.

A container that is too small can compress food, make closing difficult and affect presentation. A container that is too large may increase packaging costs and leave the food moving around during transport.

Instead of choosing a container based only on its stated dimensions, consider the actual portion it needs to accommodate.

For example:

It can also be useful to test several container sizes with actual menu portions before placing a large packaging order.

3. Consider the Food’s Temperature

The temperature of the food can influence the type of takeaway packaging you need.

Hot meals, chilled foods and room-temperature products may have different packaging requirements. A container suitable for one application should not automatically be assumed to be suitable for another.

When selecting food containers, check the manufacturer’s specifications for the intended use, including any guidance relating to hot food, refrigeration, reheating or microwave use.

For restaurants and takeaways serving several types of food, having different packaging options can be more practical than trying to use one container across the entire menu.

4. Think About Sauces, Oils and Moisture

Moisture is an important consideration when choosing takeaway containers.

Foods containing sauces, gravies, oils or dressings require packaging that can contain the meal securely. Moist foods can also affect certain packaging materials and may influence how the food looks and feels when it reaches the customer.

Consider:

• How much sauce the meal contains
• Whether the food is oily or greasy
• Whether condensation is likely
• How long the order will be in transit
• Whether the lid provides a secure closure

For delivery-focused businesses, it is worth testing the complete packaging setup rather than assessing the container on its own.

5. Consider Leakage and Spillage

A takeaway container should help keep the food contained during handling and transportation.

However, leakage prevention depends on the entire packaging system, not simply the container material. The lid, closure, fill level, food consistency and way the package is handled can all affect performance.

Before choosing a container for delivery, test it under realistic conditions.

For example, place a typical portion inside the container, secure the lid and assess how it performs when:

• Carried by hand
• Placed inside a takeaway bag
• Moved between surfaces
• Transported over a typical delivery journey

This type of practical testing can help identify packaging problems before they affect customer orders.

6. Consider How the Food Will Be Delivered

Takeaway packaging needs to work beyond the kitchen.

If your business offers delivery, consider how the packaged food will move from the preparation area to the customer. Containers may be stacked, placed inside paper bags, carried by delivery drivers and transported alongside drinks or other menu items.

The packaging should therefore be compatible with your wider takeaway packaging system.

Consider:

• Container stability
• Lid security
• Stackability
• Bag compatibility
• Available delivery space
• Expected delivery time
• Number of containers per order

For restaurants with varied menus, choosing containers that stack efficiently can also make storage and order preparation easier.

7. Match the Packaging to Your Menu

A restaurant does not necessarily need one type of takeaway container for every menu item.

A more practical approach is to create a packaging range based on the dishes you sell.

For example:

Burger restaurant

• Clamshell containers
• Chips or side trays
• Paper takeaway bags
• Disposable cutlery where required

Indian or Asian takeaway

• Food containers
• Kraft bowls
• Suitable containers for curries, rice and noodles
• Paper takeaway bags
• Disposable cutlery

Café

• Paper coffee cups
• Ripple cups
• Cup lids
• Cup carriers
• Food containers or bags for snacks and takeaway meals

Restaurant offering delivery

• Main meal containers
• Side containers
• Bowls
• Paper bags
• Cutlery and napkins

This menu-led approach can help businesses avoid buying unnecessary packaging while ensuring that each major food item has an appropriate container.

8. Think About Customer Experience

Takeaway packaging is also part of the customer’s experience.

A suitable container should make the food easy to carry, open and consume. It should also present the meal appropriately when the customer receives it.

Consider how the packaging affects:

• Food presentation
• Portion visibility
• Ease of opening
• Handling
• Stacking
• Cleanliness
• Overall perception of the takeaway order

Packaging does not need to be elaborate to provide a good experience. It needs to be functional and appropriate for the food.

9. Consider the Packaging Material

Food containers are available in a variety of materials, each with different characteristics and applications.

Bagasse

Bagasse is made from sugarcane fibre and is commonly used for takeaway containers, clamshells, plates and trays.

It can be an option for businesses looking for fibre-based food packaging for suitable takeaway applications.

Kraft

Kraft packaging is widely used for bowls, trays, containers and other takeaway products. Its paper-based construction makes it a popular choice for businesses looking for practical paper food packaging.

Aluminium Foil

Aluminium foil containers are commonly used for prepared meals, catering and takeaway food. They can be particularly useful for applications where a rigid container is required.

The most appropriate material depends on the food, intended use, packaging specifications and the requirements of the business.

10. Calculate Your Packaging Cost Per Order

Price per pack is not the only figure worth considering when comparing takeaway containers.

Calculate the cost per individual container:

Cost per container = Total pack price ÷ Number of containers in the pack

For example, if a pack costs £25 and contains 500 containers:

£25 ÷ 500 = £0.05 per container

You can then consider how many containers are used per order and whether additional packaging such as lids, bags, cutlery or napkins is required.

This gives you a clearer picture of the actual packaging cost associated with each takeaway order.

How Many Takeaway Containers Should You Buy?

The quantity you need depends on your average order volume, menu and storage capacity.

A simple starting calculation is:

Daily orders × containers used per order × trading days = estimated packaging requirement

For example, a business processing 100 takeaway orders per day and using one main container per order would require approximately 3,000 containers for 30 trading days.

However, this is only a starting estimate. Businesses should also consider menu variations, seasonal demand, multiple container sizes and the amount of safety stock required.

Buying food packaging in suitable pack quantities can make stock planning easier, particularly for businesses with consistent takeaway demand.

Should You Buy One Container Size or Several?

Using one standard container can simplify purchasing and storage, but it may not be suitable for every menu.

A restaurant with several portion sizes may benefit from having two or more container capacities. For example, smaller containers can be used for sides or individual portions, while larger options can accommodate complete meals.

The objective is not to have the largest possible packaging range. It is to have enough suitable options to serve the menu efficiently without creating unnecessary stock complexity.

Takeaway Food Container Checklist

Before ordering takeaway food containers, ask:

• Does the container suit the food?
• Is the capacity appropriate for the portion?
• Is the container suitable for the food temperature?
• Can it handle sauces, oils or moisture appropriately?
• Does the lid fit securely?
• Is it suitable for delivery?
• Can it be stacked efficiently?
• Does it fit inside your takeaway bags?
• Is the material suitable for your intended application?
• What is the cost per container?
• How many containers do you need to keep in stock?
• Does the supplier offer suitable pack quantities?

Testing your preferred containers with real menu portions can help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

Where Can You Buy Takeaway Food Containers in the UK?

Food businesses can purchase takeaway food containers from specialist food packaging suppliers and catering packaging wholesalers across the UK.

When comparing suppliers, look beyond the individual product price. Consider the available range, pack quantities, delivery arrangements, product specifications, customer support and whether you can source multiple packaging products from one supplier.

Buying several packaging requirements from the same supplier can also simplify purchasing and stock management.

Taltex UK Ltd supplies a range of disposable food packaging and catering supplies for restaurants, cafés, takeaways and caterers across the UK. The range includes food containers, bagasse packaging, Kraft food packaging, aluminium foil containers, paper bags, hot drink cups, disposable cutlery and other catering essentials.