The optimal packaging for takeaway – your checklist

The optimal packaging for takeaway – your checklist

How best to pack for out-of-home business

 “Please take it away” This wish is no longer just a trend but is deeply ingrained among consumers. Whether it is a trendy street food stall, a long-established snack bar on a corner, a high-end restaurant or a bakery in a pedestrian zone-everyone can benefit from this demand and taste a variety of delicious food and drinks. But what is the best way to package all of this? Our checklist will show you!

The outdoor market has been booming for many years, and this is for a good reason. Because the fixed structure of three meals a day served with the family has long become flexible. The fixed meal time no longer determines the day, but the daily life and appointment calendar determine when to fill the stomach. Development can also be seen in the so-called sanctification, the trend of small snacks between meals. Especially because of more and more single families, people cook less and less at home and consume more and more on the go. 

What it takes for the to-go business

If more and more people want to dine on the move, they need corresponding takeaway discounts, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner. It’s important for all takeaway suppliers: keep it up to date. In many cases, what to eat is a spontaneous decision, especially when it comes to snacks; consumers become more open to new preparations and tastes. 

Think about what is suitable for this season or what is currently popular. Fast food or Asian burgers and fries are still very popular, but they have long been supplemented by more. 

For example, put Tarte flambee on the menu instead of pizza or bowls instead of classic salads. In this way, you can provide an ideal and diverse menu with a variety of desserts and present it to your guests in an attractive way. 

Takeaway packaging – that’s what counts.

With the help of our list, you can see the most important features, so depending on the purpose, these features have different relevance to you. 

• The material of the packaging is suitable for the type of food. 

The packaging ensures that food is protected during transport and consumption. However, this is only possible if the material conforms to the content. If it’s greasy food, make sure it’s packaged properly and not soggy; if it’s liquid, make sure it’s leak-proof.

• The size and design of the packaging match the portion and food. 

To ensure that all items remain in place during transportation, the size of the packaging must match the size of your service. This prevents your feet from slipping during transportation while saving resources and wallets. Does your plate consist of multiple components? Separate bowls or boxes are ideal for main dishes and side dishes. For salad packages with built-in seasoning cups, transparent cups with so-called “press & dress” lids are ideal. 

• For consumption on site: The packaging is conveniently in hand.

 Your guests will not transport their food too far, but use a high table in your snack bar, or take it on a street food festival? Therefore, it is particularly important to make the packaging feel comfortable and easy to transport. The oval shape is particularly suitable for these round high-leg glasses. You can also leave your packaging uncovered. 

• For transport: The packaging is securely closed and protects its contents.

Does your customer bring food and drinks home or to the office? In addition to the proper size and shape (see above), closure is also important for this purpose. Everyone can imagine what happens when it doesn’t last. Packaging with integrated closure is a safe choice. Alternatively, you can use sealed bowls and cups to keep your contents fresher for longer (you can find more information in our sealing guide). Or, the label gives you the option to additionally close or secure a separate bag or lid in the tray.

• Packaging is quick and easy.

Takeaway business needs speed. Therefore, using so-called convenience packaging makes your work easier. For example, a box with an integrated lid is particularly practical and can be packaged quickly. In addition, oven bags heated on a contact grill and then delivered to your customers are also ideal. 

 It is also for the good of your customers: if the packaging is also well thought out for consumption, it can provide them with comfort and enjoyment at the same time. For example, snack bags not only save time when packing, but because of the detachable viewing window, they are also particularly useful for snacking. Another example: a menu box made of bagasse, the lid can be removed before eating, so it no longer “hinders” enjoyment. Package 

• The packaging is suitable for a self-service counter.

Do you offer sandwiches, salads, sandwiches and other take-out meals at the self-service counter? More importantly, the following is decisive: Ensure a safe closing for the first opening. For example, cups with tamper-evident seals, sealed trays or labelled packages are used here. It is also important that your customers see your offer in advance. So, choose clear containers or lids. You can read more tips in our guide “5 tips for food prepackage”. 

• The food can be heated in the packaging or kept warm in it.

Depending on when and where your customers enjoy the food they take away, it can be an advantage if the food can be heated in the package. You score with such a service! Sealed PP trays are well suited for this. Thanks to the dense film, the food can not only stay fresh for a longer period but can also be simply placed in a microwave oven after removing the film and then used as a plate. 

Also, bowls and cups made of bagasse and some cardboards are suitable for heating. Before telling your customers that it is suitable for heating, please pay attention to the packaging information here. Another method is to use special heat preservation containers to keep the food warm. These include solutions made of aluminium or thick cardboard, double-walled cups or coated paper bags.

• The packaging is environmentally friendly.

 Sustainability is in everyone’s mouth, and more and more consumers expect it. Especially in the takeaway business, it is worthwhile to rely on environmentally friendly solutions to leave a positive impression on customers. So, choose to package made of renewable raw materials. On the one hand, these look natural due to their appearance. On the other hand, for example, items made from bagasse or palm leaves can even be composted. 

 If you want to take advantage of the material properties of plastic (such as its stability and moisture resistance), depending on the application, recycled PET containers or CPLA bioplastic tableware are ideal choices. You can also read all about sustainable materials in our “Sustainable Packaging” guide. 

Useful helpers for the to-go business

In addition to packaging your food, practical accessories for your customers are also very important. Whether you are distributing napkins when delivering meals or installing a dispenser in a store, napkins can keep your hands and mouth clean. Disposable tableware is also a practical “gift” when your customers go to the park or go to the pedestrian zone later. 

Equally important: transportation aids. If your packaging is not too big, you can repack it in a gusseted paper bag. Does your guest need more time to join? In this case, the ecological lunch box is an ideal choice for you to carry with you. For large orders, a paper bag with a wide bottom is ideal because everything here has its place. Also, think about your thirsty customers, and hand them a few cups with a convenient transportation tool made of environmentally friendly pressed paper. Chapter 

This makes the takeaway business a success!

Read our blog on E-Commerce Strategy – 5 Ways to Success