{"id":121195,"date":"2022-03-21T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-21T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www-review2.sapaad.com\/why-food-packaging-for-takeout-and-delivery-really-matters-2\/"},"modified":"2025-11-06T05:57:21","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T05:57:21","slug":"food-packaging-for-takeout-and-delivery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sapaad.com\/us\/food-packaging-for-takeout-and-delivery\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Food Packaging For Takeout and Delivery Really Matters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Food packaging is one of the most essential aspects of any takeout and delivery order. When packed properly, warm, delicious meals arrive at the customer\u2019s doorstep as intended. Done poorly \u2013 well, expect customer complaints and restaurant reviews criticizing the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No restaurant online order is complete until the customer receives it. If you want to keep your customers satisfied with their orders, you have to ensure that the food arrives intact,  presentable, and that the quality of the food does not degrade during delivery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Does Good Food Packaging Matter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"food<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As a restaurant, your purpose is to prepare safe, delicious, and well-prepared meals to your customers. If your restaurant relies on takeout and delivery<\/a> to generate revenue, proper food packaging is an essential, non-negotiable priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food packaging comes in different shapes, materials, and sizes to ensure each food item is delivered as intended. It\u2019s not as simple as putting an item in a box and calling it a day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, food packaging needs to be successful on several levels to maintain the quality of the food as it leaves the kitchen, so it needs to do the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. It prevents contamination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Restaurant food should be free <\/strong>from bacteria or microorganism transfers that come from handling, preparation, to packing and all the way to delivery. There should not be any cross-contamination with other food or dirty equipment, or any food handling issues coming from the kitchen staff and delivery drivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contamination can happen at any stage during order processing, which is why food should be handled, assembled, packed, and <\/em>delivered to prevent the spread of contaminants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Good packaging keeps food intact during delivery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is especially important to preserve the intended presentation of the food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping food intact in its delivery packaging is in fact your sole chance at food presentation. Nobody likes receiving spilled, damaged, or food that\u2019s been turned upside down in its packaging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Food arrives warm and ready to eat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Food that arrives still warm helps preserve the taste and texture of many menu items. Food gone cold can taste soggy, lose some of its best flavors, and acquire an unpleasant greasiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temperature plays a big part in taste experiences for many people \u2013 which is why the most common complaint in takeout and delivery orders is about cold food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Great packaging showcases your brand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How you package your food can also reflect the quality of service your restaurant provides. Good packaging reinforces restaurant brand recognition and improves the perceived value of your products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Badly packed food mistakenly conveys the idea that your brand doesn\u2019t care about the food it serves to its customers.<\/p>\n\n\n

[acf_delivery_banner]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proper Food Packaging Essentials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Packaging can come in all shapes and sizes, and for good reason. Some containers are more suitable for certain menu items, which is why each type of packaging has to be meticulously chosen to get the perfect combination of cost-effectiveness and usability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When looking for the right packaging for your food, consider these factors in your decision.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Packaging Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"food<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are many kinds of packaging solutions offered by packaging manufacturers, which can make it hard for businesses new to online delivery<\/a> to initially choose what\u2019s right for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your packaging needs to consider your menu items in terms of item portioning, transport temperatures, transport safety and convenience, as well as your brand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What packaging you choose for the items you prepare in your kitchen affects its overall performance in terms of durability, heat retention, and usability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different materials are useful for different food items. Here are the common food packaging materials used and their characteristics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Styrofoam <\/strong>is a commonly used material with good insulating properties. This means that cold food stays cold, and warm food can stay warm for longer periods of time in styrofoam containers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main problem with styrofoam is its poor durability and environmental impact. Styrofoam can be easily crushed and torn, which can cause leaks during transportation. Styrofoam is also non-biodegradable, and its simplest, cheapest form, releases ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plastic<\/strong> is also cost-effective and durable. Although it does not have insulative properties, plastic containers can be ordered in different shapes and unique sizes, making them a highly versatile material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plastic, however, can degrade when exposed to sunlight or high temperatures which can cause toxins to leach into liquid and solid food. Plastic is also poor for the environment, as it is also non-biodegradable for hundreds of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cardboard and paper <\/strong>packaging are more sustainable and environmentally-friendly options used by restaurants. Thicker cardboards can retain heat well, which is why most pizza boxes are made out of cardboard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cardboard\u2019s main problem is its inability to handle moisture properly. Wet foods can cause cardboard boxes to sweat, collapse, and eventually break apart unless they are lined with food-grade wax. Wax-lined cardboard, however, takes longer to decompose and is not as eco-friendly as regular cardboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Size and Shape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"eco<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The size and shape of your containers also matter. These two play a big factor in keeping your food intact. Too big, and your food will slosh around inside your container, become messy, and give customers the wrong impression about your food portions. If your container is too small, liquids or even part of your food may spill from the sides. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although having a specific container for different items on your menu is ideal, it is not the most economical option. One kind of container that can be used for different menu items, can help restaurants save on buying in bulk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s worth investing time and money experimenting with packaging in different sizes and shapes or designing modified packaging of your own, such as printed decorative stickers, labels, or actual stamped branding on various packaging materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pre-assembled vs Assembled<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some food containers need to be assembled before they can be used. This is usually the case with cardboard packaging; boxes will come in flat sheets with perforations, or fold indents to guide their assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pre-assembled food packages have predefined shapes and sizes which can take up more space inside the inventory, whereas assembled packages can stack nicely on top of each other and minimize storage space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deciding between the two boils down to how much time and space you want to save on packaging your food, as assembling food packages in large volumes can become tedious and time-consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the last factor you may want to consider for your food packaging is its usability. Package usability<\/strong> often refers to how easily you can close or open the package and how smooth it is to the touch. Materials, size, and shape also dictate user experience with the packaging.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, styrofoam containers with little tabs to close the lid oftentimes experience tab breakage, making the packaging unusable without tape to hold the cover down. Cardboard boxes without protective lining that causes boxes that swell or break after exposure to moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aim for Quality Packaging <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

High-quality packaging should not only look good but feel good to use as well. Packaging is an important indicator of brand value and positioning and can influence the way your customers perceive you, so it is important to choose to package consistent with your values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if you are a quick service, competitively priced noodle and dimsum restaurant, styrofoam packaging might be okay for your customers. It may not work for you if you are a premium-priced business that espouses more eco-conscious values that you know your customers believe in.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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How to Package Food Safely and Conveniently for Delivery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"food<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After you\u2019ve decided which packaging solutions are suitable for your orders, it’s time to learn how you should package your orders. Even if every food item is placed in the correct packaging, how you place them next to each other in your delivery package can cause troubles during transportation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although there may be variance in how each order is delivered, there are simple rules of thumb you can follow to ensure that your food is delivered as intended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Secure Hot and Cold Beverages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Drinks are oftentimes ordered alongside take-out. Over time, cold drinks can cause condensation around their packaging, which can add moisture to the surrounding areas and lead to soggier food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only that, the temperature of cold drinks can cause warm food to rapidly cool down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When packaging cold beverages, it\u2019s best to place them away from your warm meals. Don\u2019t forget to secure them with tight lids to prevent any spilling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hot beverages require packaging that maintains temperature and protects against spillage, which can inconvenience or even harm customers if not done properly. Pulp trays or carriers, cup sleeves, and leak-resistant lids are essential considerations for hot drinks that are included in your delivery menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Pack Cooked Meals To Stay Warm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As much as possible, pack cooked meals to stay as warm as possible to retain flavors. The best time to package a cooked meal is just before it is sent for delivery. The exception to this rule are french fries fried food with a flour-based or breaded crust, which may steam inside the package if not allowed to cool properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have to prepare multiple cooked meals for dispatch, keep them warm under a heat lamp or keep them inside a low-temperature oven or container right before delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seal your food packaging carefully, and put sauces and dips in separate containers. These days, online food deliveries are localized and will not take more than one hour to arrive. Make small holes in your packaging to release heat for hot prepared food if it will travel a long distance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Keep Seafoods\/Salads Fresh<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When packaging fresh foods, keep them away from hot items to prevent them certain ingredients in your item from spoiling, such as seafood (shrimp, for instance), or eggs.  If your item needs to stay cold, it’s best to refrigerate them until just before delivery to keep them from getting soggy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Insulate Frozen Food and Pack at the Last Moment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like before, you want to keep your frozen foods separate from your warm ones to prevent them from melting faster. To maintain the quality of your frozen products, it’s best to keep them inside the freezer until right before delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When packaging frozen foods,  consider double packaging for maximum insulation or transporting the items with an ice pack to keep them frozen for as long as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Secure Your Utensils<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When packaging utensils, always ask your customer first if they want them to be included in their takeout or delivery order. This is just to ensure that no packaging is wasted or unused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If they do request utensils, package with care. Keep your disposable utensils in clean and sanitary conditions and package them the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s best practice to package utensils separately to avoid contamination. It\u2019s also best to add utensils to the take-out bag last as they could break or remain unused if placed underneath or between other items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food Packaging Trends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Food packaging is a continuously evolving part of the restaurant industry. New manufacturing processes and materials are constantly being developed to improve packaging usability and sustainability for both restaurant owners and customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some trends that restaurant owners may want to look out for to keep them ahead of the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Restaurant Label Printing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Restaurant label printing<\/a> is now a widespread industry standard for restaurants looking to optimize their food packaging and dispatch process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food labels are small, legible labels printed on sticker paper that contain relevant order information, such as the customer\u2019s name, order, and any add-ons. These labels are then stuck onto food packaging in easy-to-find locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food label printing streamlines the order fulfillment process by reducing the amount of error in the order process. With food labels\u2019 help, kitchen or restaurant staff can sort orders effectively, while takeout customers can locate their orders at the restaurant counter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linerless label printing<\/a>, in particular, is gaining greater recognition over traditional die-cut labels by increasing the convenience of this process. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. QR-code Stickers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

More and more restaurants are adding design elements to their packaging to make them eye-appealing and recognizable to customers. One of the latest trends in package design is the use of QR-code stickers which can serve multiple purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With QR-codes, restaurants can direct customers to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The restaurant\u2019s website;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

An online ordering system<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other promotional materials<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coupons for future checkouts; and<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customer feedback\/surveys. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

QR-code stickers add a layer of interactivity to the ordering experience. They\u2019re highly customizable and versatile, which is a great benefit for any restaurant looking to deliver the best customer experience possible.<\/p>\n\n\n

[acf_delivery_banner]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Premium and Eco-friendly Packaging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Eco-friendly<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Customers perceive higher quality packaging as an indicator of higher quality food and value. In other words, the better the packaging, the better your restaurant appears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although more expensive than disposable packaging, reusable packaging features visibly better-looking material and higher build quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This has its pros and cons. Premium packaging can actually allow restaurants to charge a premium for packaging, which some customers may or may not like. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging such as coffee ripple cups or kraft food tubs may impress customers who are now more environmentally conscious. More and more delivery customers now want to help reduce the amount of non-recyclable packaging waste generated by food deliveries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


The Future of Food Packaging<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Food packaging is an essential part of the food takeout and delivery experience, both for restaurant staff and customers. As people continue to optimize the dispatch process, restaurants are continuously looking for better ways to make delivery orders faster, easier, and more profitable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always take care of your food packaging. Don\u2019t be afraid to switch to new packaging processes or materials if it makes your restaurant more profitable and successful. Continue to ask for customer feedback and refine your packaging along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How your food packaging looks and feels will always reflect your restaurant\u2019s standards. New packaging styles and trends that improve the way package your meals are a good investment for your restaurant in the long term.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Food packaging comes in different shapes, materials, and sizes to ensure each food item is delivered as intended. It\u2019s not as simple as putting an item in a box and calling it a day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":118107,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,15],"tags":[275,250,277,278,235,236,279,36],"class_list":["post-121195","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-online-ordering","category-operations","tag-cloud-printing-my","tag-food-delivery","tag-food-packaging-my","tag-food-takeout-my","tag-label-printing-my","tag-linerless-label-printing-my","tag-linerless-labels-my","tag-online-ordering"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sapaad.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/121195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sapaad.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sapaad.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sapaad.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sapaad.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=121195"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.sapaad.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/121195\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":125722,"href":"https:\/\/www.sapaad.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/121195\/revisions\/125722"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sapaad.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/118107"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sapaad.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=121195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sapaad.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=121195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sapaad.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=121195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}