What Is the Best Takeaway Packaging for Restaurants and Takeaways? 

Quick answer: The best takeaway packaging depends on the food, portion size, temperature, transport method, customer experience and budget. Bagasse, Kraft, food containers, aluminium foil containers, paper bags and takeaway cups can all be suitable for different food service applications. 

Choosing the right takeaway packaging is about much more than putting food into a container. The packaging needs to suit the type of food being served, protect it during transport, maintain its presentation and provide a practical experience for both the business and customer.

Restaurants, cafés, takeaways and food delivery businesses all have different requirements. A burger takeaway may need sturdy clamshell containers, while a café may prioritise paper cups, lids and carriers. A restaurant offering curries or rice dishes may need secure food containers, whereas a catering business may require a combination of bowls, trays, plates, cutlery and bags.

The best takeaway packaging is therefore the packaging that balances food protection, functionality, size, presentation, cost and material requirements for the specific application.

At Taltex UK Ltd, businesses can explore a range of takeaway food packaging options, including bagasse packaging, Kraft food packaging, food containers, aluminium foil containers, paper bags, hot drink cups and disposable tableware.

What Is Takeaway Packaging?

Takeaway packaging refers to the containers, bags, cups, trays and other disposable packaging used to prepare food and drinks for collection, takeaway service or delivery.

Depending on the type of food business, takeaway packaging can include:

• Food containers
• Bagasse clamshell containers
• Kraft food bowls
• Kraft trays
• Aluminium foil containers
• Paper takeaway bags
• Paper coffee cups
• Ripple cups
• Cup lids and carriers
• Disposable plates and bowls
• Disposable cutlery and napkins

The right combination depends on the food being served, portion sizes, expected journey time and how the food needs to be presented when it reaches the customer.

What Is the Best Takeaway Packaging?

There is no single packaging type that is best for every takeaway business.

The best takeaway packaging is packaging that matches the food, portion size, service method and operational requirements of the business.

For example:

Food or drink	Suitable takeaway packaging
Burgers and meals	Bagasse clamshell containers
Curries and rice dishes	Food containers
Salads	Kraft food bowls
Chips and sides	Kraft food trays
Hot drinks	Paper or ripple cups
Coffee orders	Cups, lids and carriers
Catering portions	Food containers, bowls and trays
Takeaway orders	Paper bags
Disposable meal service	Plates, bowls and cutlery

Rather than selecting packaging based solely on appearance or price, food businesses should consider how the packaging will perform throughout the entire customer journey.

Types of Takeaway Packaging to Consider

Different packaging materials and formats provide different benefits. Understanding the main options makes it easier to select packaging that suits your menu and service model.

1. Bagasse Takeaway Packaging

Bagasse is a plant-based material commonly used to manufacture disposable food containers, plates and bowls.

Bagasse clamshell containers can be particularly useful for takeaway meals because their design provides a practical way to package food for collection and delivery.

They can be considered for:

• Burgers
• Meal portions
• Fried foods
• Sides
• Catering
• Prepared takeaway meals

If you are considering bagasse for your food business, choosing the right container size is important. A container that is too small can compromise presentation, while excessive space can make food move around during transportation.

Explore: Bagasse Food Packaging

2. Kraft Food Packaging

Kraft packaging is another versatile option for takeaway businesses.

It can include food bowls, trays and other paper-based packaging formats suitable for different food applications.

Kraft food packaging can work particularly well for:

• Salads
• Noodles
• Pasta
• Rice dishes
• Snacks
• Sides
• Prepared takeaway meals

Its versatility makes Kraft packaging useful for businesses that serve several types of food and want packaging that can be incorporated across different menu items.

Explore: Kraft Food Packaging

3. Food Containers

Food containers are available in different capacities and formats, making them suitable for a wide variety of takeaway meals.

When choosing food containers, consider:

• Capacity
• Shape
• Portion size
• Food temperature
• Leakage risk
• Lid compatibility
• Storage requirements

For businesses serving multiple menu items, having several container sizes can make portioning and packaging more consistent.

Explore: Food Containers

4. Aluminium Foil Containers

Aluminium foil containers can be useful for takeaway meals where a durable container is required.

They are commonly considered for prepared meals, catering applications and food that needs a practical container for takeaway service.

When choosing foil containers, pay attention to the dimensions and capacity rather than relying only on the stated size.

For businesses offering different portion sizes, having several capacities available can make it easier to match packaging to individual menu items.

Explore: Aluminium Foil Containers

5. Paper Takeaway Bags

The container is only one part of takeaway packaging.

Paper bags provide a practical way to group individual food items into a complete takeaway order.

Businesses should consider:

• Bag dimensions
• Handle style
• Bag capacity
• Number and size of food containers
• Ease of carrying
• Storage space

The right bag should comfortably accommodate the order without excessive empty space or putting unnecessary pressure on the packaging.

Explore: Paper Bags

6. Paper and Ripple Coffee Cups

Cafés, coffee shops, restaurants and takeaway businesses also need suitable packaging for hot drinks.

Paper coffee cups are available in different capacities, including smaller sizes for espresso-based drinks and larger formats for takeaway coffees.

Ripple cups can provide an additional layer around the cup, making them a popular option for takeaway hot drinks.

When selecting coffee cups, consider:

• Cup capacity
• Drink type
• Lid compatibility
• Customer handling
• Cup carriers
• Storage requirements
• Expected order volume

Explore: Hot Drink Cups

How to Choose the Right Takeaway Packaging

Selecting takeaway packaging should begin with the food rather than the packaging material.

Here are the most important factors to consider.

1. Consider the Type of Food

Different foods place different demands on packaging.

A container suitable for a dry food item may not be appropriate for a meal containing sauces or liquids.

Think about:

• Dry versus wet foods
• Sauces and gravies
• Hot versus cold food
• Fried foods
• Salads
• Desserts
• Portion-based meals

For example, a business selling curries may prioritise secure containers, while a burger takeaway may focus on clamshell-style packaging.

2. Choose the Correct Size

Packaging size can influence both food presentation and purchasing costs.

If the container is too small, food may be compressed or difficult to close. If it is too large, the food can shift during transportation and the business may use more packaging material than necessary.

A useful approach is to match packaging capacity with the actual portion size of the food.

Businesses with varied menus may benefit from maintaining a small selection of container sizes rather than using one container for every meal.

3. Think About Leakage and Spillage

Leakage is one of the most important considerations for takeaway and delivery food.

Foods containing sauces, gravies, dressings or liquids require packaging that is appropriate for the application.

Before selecting a container, consider:

• How liquid the food is
• Whether a secure closure is required
• How the order will be transported
• How long the food may remain in the container
• Whether the container will be stored upright

Good packaging should help reduce avoidable mess during handling and transportation.

4. Consider Food Temperature

Hot and cold foods can have different packaging requirements.

Restaurants and takeaways should consider whether the packaging is appropriate for the intended food application and service conditions.

For hot meals, businesses may also want to consider how packaging affects:

• Heat retention
• Steam
• Food texture
• Handling
• Presentation

For example, packaging that works well for a dry fried food may not necessarily be the best choice for a saucy meal.

5. Consider the Customer Experience

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

Packaging should ideally make the order:

• Easy to carry
• Easy to open
• Secure during transport
• Appropriate for the food
• Presentable when received

For delivery businesses in particular, packaging becomes part of the experience before the customer even tastes the food.

6. Compare Packaging Costs

Price matters, particularly for businesses ordering packaging regularly.

However, the cheapest packaging option is not necessarily the most cost-effective.

Consider the cost per usable item, rather than simply the price of one pack.

For example:

Cost per item = total pack price ÷ number of items in the pack

Businesses should also consider whether the packaging performs reliably, fits the food correctly and can be stored efficiently.

Bulk purchasing may reduce the effective cost per item, provided the business has sufficient storage and predictable demand.

7. Consider Storage Requirements

Takeaway packaging can occupy considerable storage space, particularly when purchased in larger quantities.

Before ordering, consider:

• Available storage space
• Pack dimensions
• Ordering frequency
• Stock rotation
• Minimum quantities
• Seasonal demand

Buying larger quantities can make sense for high-volume businesses, but only when the packaging can be stored safely and used within a reasonable period.

Which Takeaway Packaging Is Best for Different Foods?

There is no universal solution, but the following approach can help businesses narrow down their options.

Burgers

Bagasse clamshell containers can be considered for burgers and meal combinations where a hinged container is convenient.

Curries and Rice Dishes

Food containers with suitable capacity can be useful for meals containing sauces, rice or other prepared foods.

Salads

Kraft food bowls can provide a practical format for salads and similar dishes.

Chips and Side Dishes

Kraft trays can be considered for chips, snacks, sides and other foods where an open or tray-style format is appropriate.

Hot Drinks

Paper cups or ripple cups paired with suitable lids can be used for takeaway coffee, tea and other hot beverages.

Catering

Catering businesses may require a broader selection, including bowls, plates, food containers, trays, cutlery and napkins.

How Much Takeaway Packaging Should a Restaurant Buy?

The right purchasing quantity depends on order volume, menu size and storage capacity.

A small café may need relatively modest quantities of cups, lids and carriers, while a busy takeaway may consume hundreds or thousands of containers, bags and pieces of cutlery.

A simple starting point is to estimate:

Average daily orders × packaging items used per order × number of trading days

For example, if a takeaway serves 100 orders per day and uses one primary food container per order, its estimated monthly requirement will be considerably different from a business serving 30 orders per day.

It is also sensible to maintain some stock above the estimated requirement to account for unexpected demand.

For businesses purchasing regularly, wholesale food packaging and bulk purchasing can make stock management more predictable and may help control the effective cost per item.

Takeaway Packaging for Food Delivery

Food delivery creates additional packaging considerations because the food may spend considerably longer in transit than a traditional counter-service order.

When selecting packaging for delivery, consider:

Secure containment

The packaging should be suitable for the food and reduce the likelihood of spills during handling.

Portion fit

Food should fit comfortably without excessive empty space.

Transport

Consider how containers will be stacked, carried and positioned inside delivery bags.

Presentation

The food should remain presentable when it reaches the customer.

Bag capacity

The outer takeaway bag should comfortably accommodate the order without overloading the packaging.

A restaurant may therefore need to evaluate the entire packaging system rather than selecting individual products in isolation.

Sustainable Takeaway Packaging: What Should Businesses Consider?

Many food businesses are looking for packaging options with more environmentally considerate material characteristics.

However, there is no single material that is automatically the best choice for every food application or business.

When comparing packaging options, consider:

• Material composition
• Intended food application
• Product performance
• Disposal requirements
• Packaging quantity
• Operational needs
• Cost
• Available alternatives

Options such as sugarcane bagasse and Kraft paper packaging may appeal to businesses looking for packaging choices with different material characteristics.

The most appropriate choice should still be based on the practical requirements of the food and service.

Takeaway Packaging Checklist

Before ordering takeaway packaging, businesses can use this checklist:

Food requirements

• What food will the packaging contain?
• Is the food hot, cold, dry or liquid?
• Does it contain sauces or dressings?
• What portion sizes do you serve?

Packaging requirements

• What container size is required?
• Does the packaging need a lid?
• Is leak resistance important?
• Will the food be delivered?
• Does the packaging need to be stackable?

Business requirements

• How many orders do you serve?
• How frequently will you reorder?
• How much storage space is available?
• What is your target packaging cost per order?
• Would buying larger pack quantities be practical?

Customer experience

• Is the packaging easy to carry?
• Is it suitable for the food?
• Does it help protect the meal during transport?
• Is the presentation appropriate for your business?

This checklist can help restaurants and takeaways avoid choosing packaging based solely on price or appearance.

What Takeaway Packaging Does a New Food Business Need?

A new takeaway does not necessarily need every type of packaging available.

A practical starting range might include:

• Main food containers
• Bagasse clamshells or suitable meal boxes
• Kraft bowls or trays where required
• Paper takeaway bags
• Hot drink cups if drinks are offered
• Cup lids and carriers
• Disposable cutlery and napkins

The exact combination should reflect the menu.

A burger takeaway may prioritise clamshell containers and bags, while a café may require a much larger selection of cups and accessories.

Businesses should establish their core packaging requirements first, then expand the range as their menu and order volumes develop.

 

Why Buy Takeaway Packaging From a UK Supplier?

Choosing a suitable supplier is another important part of packaging procurement.

Food businesses should consider:

• Product range
• Pack quantities
• Pricing
• Delivery times
• Customer support
• Product availability
• Ordering convenience

Working with one supplier for multiple packaging categories can also simplify purchasing and stock management.

For UK food businesses, Taltex UK Ltd provides a range of disposable food packaging and catering supplies, including bagasse packaging, Kraft packaging, food containers, aluminium foil containers, paper bags, hot drink cups, disposable cutlery and tableware.