As a restaurant owner or any type of establishment in the food industry, choosing the type of takeaway container is a topic of debate. You are constantly weighing a mix of practical concerns, like heat retention, leak protection, and cost, against growing customer expectations around sustainability and branding.
Around 40% of people in the UK get up to three food deliveries in a week. With the demand for food takeaway orders at an all-time high in the UK, the food packaging option you choose is important.
Some containers keep food hot but aren’t eco-friendly. Another thing that you need to keep in mind while packing hot food is that the container should do more than just hold the food. It should even protect it. There are just too many aspects that need to be considered nowadays to keep your customer satisfied and your brand name safe.
So, let’s simplify it for you and understand what type of food packaging options are suitable for hot and cold food.
A Quick Overview: Packaging Materials Suitable for Hot and Cold Food
| Material Type | Food Type (Hot/Cold) |
| Bagasse | Hot and Cold |
| Aluminium (Foil Containers/Wraps) | Hot |
| Microwaveable Plastic (PP/ CPET) | Hot and Cold |
| Pulp Packaging | Hot and Cold (Depends on grade) |
| Cardboard Paper Box | Hot and Warm |
| PET Plastic Containers | Cold |
| Glass Jars and Containers | Cold |
| Paper Bags and Kraft Pouches | Cold and Dry |
Let’s discuss in detail.
Food Packaging Containers Suitable for Hot Food?
When a customer orders a piping hot meal, only to receive it lukewarm and soggy can ruin the experience and affect your restaurant’s reputation. Proper packaging of hot food is important to retain its heat and protect the food’s integrity. For choosing a packaging container for hot food, it is important to keep three things in mind:
- Heat retention: The material should not let the heat dissipate in the environment or allow air to escape.
- Leak resistance: The packaging must prevent leaks and spills during transit.
- Structural strength: The container must stay firm when holding heavy or moist items.
- Steam and moisture control: Trapped steam can make fried or crispy food soggy. The packaging should allow minimal ventilation without losing too much heat.
- Food safety: The packaging should not melt, deform, or release chemicals when in contact with hot food.
Considering all the factors, here are some suitable packaging materials that are suitable for packing hot meals:
- Bagasse (Sugarcane) Containers
Bagasse is a biodegradable and eco-friendly food packaging material, as it can tolerate high temperatures without softening or warping. It doesn’t leak when it comes into contact with oil, curry, or steam. Also, the natural fibres create a sturdy structure that holds its shape even with heavy or saucy meals.
- Aluminium Foil Containers and Wraps
Aluminium foil is another food packaging option when it comes to packing hot food, as it retains heat exceptionally well and doesn’t react with most spices or oils. It can be safely used in ovens and withstands reheating without melting or deforming. Its non-porous surface prevents moisture loss and prevents leakage.
- Greaseproof or Coated Cardboard Boxes
If you want affordable options, then cardboard boxes with a grease-resistant or heat-safe lining can be used for warm and hot foods. The coating prevents absorption of oils and sauces, and the cardboard structure allows steam to escape. This helps in maintaining the crispness of fried or baked items. These boxes are lightweight, easy to stack, and can hold their shape when carrying burgers, noodles, pizza, and other hot items.
- Microwaveable Plastic Containers (PP/CPET)
Polypropylene (PP) or Crystallised Polyethylene Terephthalate (CPET) are specifically engineered to withstand high temperatures. PP can withstand heat upto 120°C, while CPET can go up to 220°C. So, they are even suitable for reheating purposes in microwaves. These plastic food containers are leakproof and secure, and their rigidity and tight-fitting lids make them convenient for transport.
Food Packaging Options for Cold Food
For cold food like desserts, salads, or sushi, restaurants need packaging containers that maintain crispness and freshness. So, here are some options that you can consider:
- PET Plastic Containers
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) containers can keep salads, fruits, desserts, cheeses, and chilled meats fresh without reacting to moisture or temperature changes. These containers are crack-resistant, even when refrigerated, and their transparency makes the food item visible. PET is non-reactive and BPA-free, so these plastic takeaway containers preserve the taste and quality of food items.
- Glass Jars and Containers
Glass is an excellent choice for premium cold food packaging. It is non-porous and non-reactive, so it doesn’t absorb oils, moisture, or odors. The containers often come with airtight lids, which prevent air exposure and oxidation. This helps in maintaining freshness and hygiene for longer periods. However, glass is heavier and more fragile, so it needs to be safely handled.
- Pulp Packaging
Non-heat-treated pulp packaging is ideal for cold snacks, appetisers, baked goods, fruits, and pastries. It is lightweight, biodegradable, and offers a natural, eco-friendly appeal. The slight absorbency of pulp helps prevent condensation and sogginess, so it is a perfect option for dry or low-moisture foods. Its structural strength works best for cold or room-temperature items that don’t generate heat or moisture.
- Paper Bags and Kraft Pouches
Paper bags and kraft pouches are perfect for hot and cold foods, like sandwiches, wraps, cookies, and pastries. Their breathable nature helps prevent trapped steam, keeping bakery and bread-based items from becoming soggy. Some versions include grease-resistant linings made of PLA, wax, or PE, which allow them to handle lightly oily foods as well. These bags are lightweight, foldable, customizable for branding, and easy to recycle.
Conclusion
Choosing the right packaging option is important because it directly reflects your food quality, brand identity, and customer experience. When choosing the takeaway packaging, you need to consider your food type, ease of access, cost, and branding to make a decision.
If you have made your decision, then at Food Packaging Direct, you can get your desired takeaway food packaging containers in bulk at cost-effective rates. We have a range of food containers available, from non-biodegradable to biodegradable, and even hot drink cups, plastic smoothie cups, and plastic salad bowls. Explore and place your order today!