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The Ultimate Guide to Deli Container Sizes for Food Service Businesses
Table of Contents
What Are Deli Containers?
Deli containers are round, typically clear plastic food containers used for storing and transporting food. They are made from a variety of materials, usually including Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Polystyrene (PS). The containers made from PP are recommended because they are microwave safe and commonly used for hot and cold food.
You will find deli containers in supermarket and food service like restaurants and meal prepping. They come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different food portions, ranging from 8oz to 32oz. Now, let’s explore common deli container sizes and their different uses.
Common Deli Container Sizes and Uses
8 oz Deli Containers with Lids
8 oz deli container is the smallest size that we have, which is ideal for small portions such as sauces, dips, dressings.
Volume: 8 oz (240 ml)
Dimensions: 4.6 inches in diameter and 1.7 inches in height (11.68*4.32 cm）
12 oz Deli Containers with Lids
12 oz deli container is suitable for individual and small-sized side dishes. Best for individual salads, soup and sides like hummus, guacamole, or veggies.
Volume: 12 oz (355 ml)
Dimensions: 4.6 inches in diameter and 2.4 inches in height (11.68*6.1 cm）
16 oz Deli Containers with Lids
16 oz deli container is one of the most commonly used sizes for serving food and is favored by restaurants. It commonly used in takeout packaging and best for soups, stews, and medium-sized sides.
Volume: 16 oz (470 ml)
Dimensions: 4.6 inches in diameter and 3 inches in height (11.68*7.62 cm）
20 oz Deli Containers with Lids
20 oz deli container is a versatile mid-sized food storage option that fits nicely between smaller individual portions and larger portions of food.
Volume: 20 oz (570 ml)
Dimensions: 4.75 inches in diameter and 3.66 inches in height (12.06*9.3 cm）
24 oz Deli Containers with Lids
It’s best for serving larger quantities of food. Used for big portion of food such as soups and stews, and ideal for takeout and food storage.
Volume: 24oz (710ml)
Dimensions: 4.6 inches in diameter and 4.3 inches in height (11.68*10.92 cm）
32 oz Deli Containers with Lids
The largest standard size commonly used for large portions of food. Frequently used for takeout meals, family-style meals or catering orders. These sizes accommodate large portions of soups, stews, pasta salads.
Volume: 32oz (950ml)
Dimensions: 4.6 inches in diameter and 5.6 inches in height (11.68*14.22 cm）
Deli Container Sizes Summary
|
Deli Container Size |
Volume |
Dimensions |
Best for |
|
8 oz |
240 ml |
Φ4.6*1.7 inch (11.68*4.32 cm) |
Sauces, dressings, condiments |
|
12 oz |
355 ml |
Φ4.6*2.4 inch (11.68*6.1 cm) |
Small sides |
|
16 oz |
470 ml |
Φ4.6*3 inch (11.68*7.62 cm) |
Medium portions of food |
|
20 oz |
570 ml |
Φ4.75x3.66 inch (12.06*9.3 cm) |
Medium portions of food |
|
24 oz |
710ml |
Φ4.6*4.3 inch (11.68*10.92cm) |
Big portions of soups, stews |
|
32 oz |
950ml |
Φ4.6*5.6 inch (11.68*14.22 cm) |
Large portions of soups, stews |
These containers are mostly related to food service, food storage, and packaging. They are commonly favored by wholesalers, distributors, restaurants, meal prep business, supermarkets, etc. Next, let’s explore and choose the ideal deli container size for your needs.
How Can I Choose the Right Deli Container Size for My Business?
Choosing the ideal deli container depends on meal type, use case, and type of food service.
Match Container Size to Food Type and Portion
Small deli containers (8–12 oz): Best for sauces, dressings, dips, and small side dishes.
Medium deli containers (16–24 oz): Ideal for soups, stews, salads, and medium meal portions. The 16 oz size is especially popular for takeout soups.
Large deli containers (32 oz and above): These sizes accommodate large food portions, such as soups, stews, and pasta salads, which is also popular for takeout soups.
Understand Your Customer’s Needs
Start by analysing your menu items and portion sizes to select suitable containers for each dish. Prepare a variety of deli container sizes depending on the number of meal orders you have accumulated from your customers. Consider your typical customer’s appetite and preferences. Offering a range of sizes allows you to meet diverse customer demands and avoid waste through inventory control.
Food Presentation and Portion Control
Test different sizes with your actual food to ensure the fit is right, the presentation is good, and customers are satisfied. Achieve a balance between food presentation and portion control for each meal and takeaway order. Properly sized containers allow you to present food attractively, without overcrowding or excessive empty space, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction. Ensures generous portions without spillage when containers are filled to around 95% capacity.
Containers Material and Quality
Choose deli containers with lids made from durable, hot-resistant, leak-resistant materials, such as premium PP injection plastic or eco-friendly options, depending on your brand image and food temperature requirements. The most importantly, make sure the lids fit the bases well to keep your food secure and fresh and prevent leaks during transport.
Cooperate with a Reliable Deli Container Supplier
Consider ordering sample packs from suppliers to experiment with before committing to larger orders. Prioritise containers that align with your brand image and operational needs while balancing cost, durability and sustainability.
Conclusion
These containers are usually round and made from PP materials. They are microwave-safe, leak-resistant, stackable for easy storage and takeaway delivery and have airtight lids to keep food fresh and secure.
Deli container sizes commonly range from 8 to 32 oz to meet various food portion requirements, from small sides and sauces to large entrées and soups. The right size for your business depends on the type of food, portion requirements, your customers' needs, your brand image and the quality of the container.
Where Can I Buy Various Sizes of Deli Containers in Bulk?
Looking for high-quality disposable food 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.