How to Choose the Right Restaurant Takeout Containers?

Table of Contents

1. Common Material Used for Restaurant Takeout Containers

2. Types of Takeout Containers That Restaurants Use

3. What to Consider When Choosing Restaurant Takeout Containers?

4. Where to Buy Food Takeout Containers in Bulk?

5. Conclusion

Takeaway has become a regular item for many restaurants. Whether it’s a small café, a local bistro or a five-star restaurant, takeaway orders are an important part of business operations. As demand for food delivery grows, reliable, high-quality restaurant takeout containers are becoming increasingly important. The ideal takeaway containers not only ensure the safe transportation of your food, but also present your restaurant’s brand and commitment to quality. Customers can perceive your brand value from details such as the quality of your takeaway containers.

Restaurant takeout containers play an important role in food storage and food delivery. They are mainly used for keeping meals fresh, hot, intact, and attractive. When considering food quality preservation, convenience, brand image, and cost efficiency, it is crucial to choose the right takeout container. In this article, we’ll explore types of takeout containers that restaurant use and how to choose the right takeaway containers is crucial for your food service business.

Common Material Used for Restaurant Takeout Containers

Compostable Containers

Compostable containers are made from renewable plant fibres such as bagasse, bamboo, wheat straw and polylactic acid (PLA). They are suitable for hot or cold food and are often certified for composting in commercial facilities. If your brand is committed to environmental sustainability, these containers could be the perfect choice for you.

Plastic Containers

Plastic containers are usually made from polypropylene (PP5), a material that is microwave-safe, freezer-safe and dishwasher-safe. They are available in various shapes, such as round and rectangular, as well as multi-compartment options for separating different foods. Generally, high-quality plastic takeaway containers are 100% recyclable, BPA-free and have airtight lids that prevent leaks and spills perfectly.

Paperboard and Kraft Paper Containers

These containers are typically made from recyclable, compostable or sustainably sourced paperboard or kraft paper. They are grease-resistant, PFAS-free and eco-friendly.

Next, let’s look at how these materials are used to package and deliver restaurant meals.

Types of Takeout Containers That Restaurants Use

Restaurant operators have a wide variety of takeaway containers to choose from. The following overview of some of the most common types of takeaway packaging is designed to help you choose the right combination of containers for your business.

Rectangular Containers

Round or rectangular takeaway containers are commonly used in restaurants and are usually made of plastic. They are durable enough to be washed, reheated and reused for storing food, and are ideal for both hot and cold food, including solids and liquids.

Multi-Compartment Containers

Multi-compartment containers are usually made of plastic and offer various options, such as two or three compartments. They typically come with a container and a separate lid, making them ideal for transporting combo meals, mains and sides. Generally, cold and hot foods are not packed in the same container.

Noodle Bowls

Noodle bowls are typically made from plastic or paper, making them ideal for serving hot and cold foods. However, the type of container used depends on the meal type and its temperature. For noodle dishes with soup, plastic bowls are recommended because they are heat-resistant and durable. Bowls with an insert tray are better for keeping food separate to help maintain its freshness and original texture. For pasta, you can choose between paper and plastic.

Salad Bowls

Salad bowls are usually made of paper or plastic, or plastic-coated paper, and have a plastic lid. Small, round or square containers that are freezer-safe and water-resistant are popular choices.

Clamshell Containers

Clamshell containers are a type of hinged lid container made from MFPP: the base and lid are connected and open like a clamshell. They are usually made of styrofoam or compostable materials and are ideal for dry foods such as French fries, fried chicken, burgers and sandwiches. However, if you prioritise brand image, quality and environmental consciousness, styrofoam containers would not be recommended.

Deli Containers

Deli containers with lids are usually made of plastic and range in size from 8oz to 32oz; 16oz and 32oz containers are the most popular. They are designed to store a wide variety of food items, such as salads, soups, sauces, stews, pastries and leftovers.

Catering containers

Catering containers are available in a range of materials, including plastic, aluminium, paperboard and eco-friendly options such as bagasse and cornstarch-based compostable materials. Designed to handle larger volumes and a greater variety of food than typical deli containers, they are ideal for events, large orders and food delivery.

Pizza Box

Pizza boxes are perhaps the most specialized type of all takeaway containers. They are made of cardboard and are designed to deliver hot pizzas, calzones or sandwiches straight from the oven to customers.

Folding Boxes

These containers are made of recyclable, coated paper or cardboard. They are ideal for takeaway and delivery food that does not require perfect sealing.

The above are the most commonly used types of restaurant takeaway container. When choosing them, we should consider factors such as quality and materials. Let's take a closer look.

What to Consider When Choosing Restaurant Takeout Containers?

Container Material

Restaurant takeaway containers are usually made from plastic, paperboard or compostable/biodegradable materials. Eco-conscious restaurants may prefer the compostable, renewable options offered by bagasse and PLA bioplastics, which have good durability and heat tolerance. Polypropylene containers are reliable and widely used for meals that can be reheated in a microwave. Ultimately, consider whether the materials are harmless, durable and airtight.

Durability and Leak Resistance

Restaurant takeout containers must be sturdy enough to withstand reheating in microwave and pressure during transporting. Materials like heavy weight plastic (BPA-free), foil-lined cardboard, and reinforced paperboard offer good durability. For reusable options, high-quality plastics are recommended due to their leak resistance and durability. Containers with secure, snap-fit lids help prevent leaks and spills, keeping food intact and fresh.

Food Type and Temperature

For hot or cold foods, choose containers that are designed to maintain the appropriate temperature. Hot foods such as soups and stews require insulated, heat-resistant containers to prevent heat loss and warping. Containers for cold foods like salads should keep them chilled and fresh.

Leak-proof containers with tight-sealing lids are vital for liquid-based foods such as soups or sauces to prevent spills during transport. Containers for solid foods may need to be sturdy enough to prevent them from collapsing or cracking.

Size and Portion Control

Containers come in various sizes to suit different portions of food, from small side dishes to family-sized meals. Selecting the appropriate size and volume can help to reduce waste and manage food costs.

It is recommended that you test different sizes with your actual food to ensure the fit is right, the presentation is appealing, and your customers are satisfied. Strike a balance between food presentation and portion control for each meal and takeaway order.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

People are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact. It's recommended to choose sustainable takeout containers, like those made from recycled materials or biodegradable options, to some extent, can help improve the image of your business.

Food Presentation and Brand Image

Qualified containers should help to keep food looking attractive and tasting fresh, matching the restaurant’s menu photos and enhancing customer satisfaction. Clear lids allow customers to clearly see their food at a glance. High-quality takeaway containers can improve your brand image and increase orders thanks to their presentation, durability and leak resistance. Customers can perceive your brand value from details such as the quality of your takeaway containers.

Where to Buy Food Takeout Containers in Bulk?

Looking for high-quality and durable restaurant takeout containers? At Taishan Changjiang Plastic Products Co., Ltd., we provide a wide range of disposable food containers, including: PP food containers, clamshell containers, deli containers.

All our products are made from food-grade and BPA-free materials, which are recyclable, microwave-safe, dishwasher safe, freeze safe, stackable, leak-proof and pressure-proof.

We're here to help you boost your food business.

Contact us at lr@lrpacking.com

Or call us at +86-13326828480 for samples and pricing.

Conclusion

Restaurant takeout containers come in a wide variety of materials, styles, and sizes to suit different food types and business needs. Restaurants often use different kinds of takeout containers, including plastic round and rectangular containers, divided compartment containers, clamshell containers, salad bowls, deli containers, pizza box, catering containers, etc. When you choose and buy takeout containers, it’s suggested to consider various factors, such as their material, durability, leak resistance, heat resistance, food size, brand image and environmental impact.