MrTakeOutBags.com Foodservice Jesse Harster Blog

The COVID pandemic forced us all to stay home, and sit-down restaurants suffered. Their lifeblood–customers who came to their location to eat or drink–couldn’t come to them anymore. Many of those restaurants pivoted into take-out to be able to service those hungry customers. No matter what type of food a given business provides, they probably have a need for a simple, sturdy food tray. 

A food tray can be any portable, flat surface that holds food. If this sounds like it encompasses a lot of different types of products, you’d be right! Most of the trays we provide are disposable, portable containers for food. Sometimes it’s square, sometimes it’s round, and sometimes it’s kind of in the middle. Some food trays are made for customers taking food home, while others are for caterers serving food at a function. 

MrTakeOutBags.com has a wide variety of food trays to choose from, but it might not be immediately obvious which one of the many choices will work best for your specific needs.

Types Of Takeout Food Trays

If you’ve ever picked up takeout food, you know that there are a variety of different types of food trays that can be used. Let’s take a closer look at three of the most common types: kraft paper, plastic, and molded fiber.

Kraft paper trays like the classic brown tray are inexpensive and lightweight, making them a popular choice for many restaurants. However, they’re not as durable and can’t withstand much heat, so they might not be ideal for every business. Plastic trays, like our catering trays, are more durable than kraft paper. Molded fiber or bagasse food trays are made from recycled materials and are biodegradable, making them a more environmentally friendly option. However, they’re not as rugged as plastic trays and can be more difficult to stack and transport.

If you’re looking for an affordable option that’s easy to transport, kraft paper may be the way to go. If you need something more durable, plastic or molded fiber may be a better choice. And if you’re concerned about the environment, molded fiber is the way to go. There are also disposable wood trays that are ideal for a natural presentation in bakeries and catering applications, while still being biodegradable. Whichever option you choose, make sure to test it out with your food before using it for customers. That way, you can be sure that it will meet their needs and expectations.

Which Type Of Food Tray Is Best For Your Takeout Business?

Aside from the obvious size requirements, which will change depending on the type and quantity of food you’re serving, the shape of the tray can also impact the overall look of your meal. Rectangular trays are traditional, but square or round trays can also be used to present your food in an attractive way. 

The material of the tray is important both for durability and insulation. Plastic or foil trays are lightweight and inexpensive, but they may not hold up well to repeated use. Foam trays are more durable, but they can be more expensive and are not environmentally friendly. Ultimately, the best type of food tray for your takeout business depends on your individual needs and preferences.

How To Choose The Right Type Of Food Tray For Your Takeout Business

When it comes to takeout food, presentation is everything. After all, you only have one chance to make a first impression, and that first impression starts with the type of food tray you use. But with so many different types of food trays on the market, how do you choose the right one for your business? 

The first thing to consider is the type of food you plan to serve. If you’re serving hot food, you’ll need a tray that can withstand high temperatures. For cold foods, you’ll need a tray that won’t sweat or leak. 

Once you’ve considered the type of food you’ll be serving, it’s time to think about size. Your takeout operation might be small now, but you don’t want to be stuck with trays that won’t accommodate future growth. 

It’s also important to think about the material. Some materials, like plastic, are cheaper but aren’t as environmentally friendly. Finally, you’ll need to decide on a shape. Rectangular trays are more space-efficient, while round trays can be easier to carry. 

Ultimately, there’s no wrong answer when it comes to choosing the right type of food tray for your business. By taking the time to consider your needs, you can find a tray that will help your business thrive.

The Benefits of Using High-Quality Food Trays

A high-quality food tray can make a subtle but important difference in the overall dining experience. Not only does it provide a stable and attractive surface for carrying food, but it can also help to keep food items hot or cold for longer periods of time. In addition, a well-made food tray can be reused multiple times, which can save money in the long run. For businesses that rely on serving food to customers, investing in high quality food trays is an essential part of ensuring a positive dining experience.

What Kind Of Businesses Use Disposable Food Trays?

Aside from the obvious uses for takeout restaurants and catering companies, other businesses that use disposable food trays are usually trying to save on costs in the long run. The upfront investment might be higher, but it eliminates the need for washing and sanitizing reusable trays. This is especially important in food service businesses where dishwashing takes up a lot of time and resources. Plus, it’s much easier to just throw away a dirty tray than to scrub it clean. 

Disposable food trays are also convenient for businesses that cater to large events or functions. Oftentimes, these businesses don’t have the manpower or space for washing hundreds of dishes, so they opt for disposable trays instead. By understanding the different types of food trays and how to choose the right one for your needs, you can improve your business’ efficiency and reduce costs. The benefits of using the right type of food tray are many, so if you’re looking for a way to improve your takeout business, be sure to check out the selection of food trays at MrTakeOutBags.com today.

When it comes to to-go containers, there are a lot of options for materials that businesses can use. But with so many options, from take out boxes to our take out bags, it can be difficult to know which type of material is best for your needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right material for your business.

One thing you’ll learn pretty quickly is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the material that take-out containers are made of. The best material for your to-go containers will depend on the type of food you’re serving, how often you’ll be using the containers, and your budget.

What Kind of Food Are You Transporting?

To-go can mean a whole lot of different types of food. From a light salad to a hearty soup, the weight and type of food you’ll be transporting will play a role in what material is best for your needs.

If you’re transporting light foods like salads, you’ll want to avoid materials that are too heavy or bulky. This is where plastic or paper containers can be a good option. They’re lightweight and won’t add a lot of extra weight to your food.

On the other hand, if you’re transporting heavier foods like soup or stew, you’ll want to make sure your containers can stand up to the weight. This is where sturdier materials like these grab-and-go containers are probably a better option. They won’t collapse under the weight of your food, and they’ll keep everything hot or cold as it should be.

How Often Will You Be Using the Containers?

The frequency with which you’ll be using your to-go containers is another important factor to consider. If your customers will only use them once, which is the case for most to-go containers, you might be more concerned with cost than durability. In this case, paper containers are a great option. They’re relatively inexpensive, they’ll get the job done, and the environmental impact is minimal.

On the other hand, if the containers will be reused, you’ll want to make sure they’re made of more durable material.  Plastic containers are a good option in this case. They’re more expensive than paper, but they’ll last longer and can be used multiple times.

What’s Your To-Go Container Budget?

Of course, one of the most important factors to consider is your budget. Every business has to keep a sharp eye on the bottom line, but offering to-go options is a big part of many businesses. Even though the worst of the COVID pandemic seems to be behind us, take-out has remained an important component of many restaurants.

If you’re on a tight budget, paper containers are almost always going to be the better bet. Paper is relatively inexpensive, so you can get a lot of bang for your buck. And, if you’re worried about the environment, a lot of paper options are made from recycled materials or can even be recycled itself (or composted).

Other Frequently Asked Questions About To-Go Containers

What is bagasse?

Bagasse is a type of paper that is made from sugarcane. It’s a sustainable material that is often used for to-go containers because it is durable, compostable, and can be molded into any shape.

What plastic is used for takeout containers?

The most common plastics used in take-out containers are low-density polyethylene or polypropylene. These plastics are lightweight and durable, making them a good option for transporting food.

What is the most eco-friendly take-out container?

No matter how you define eco-friendly, either in the carbon footprint of its construction to the environmental impact after it’s been used, there is no better option than paper.  Paper is a renewable resource, meaning it can be replenished quickly. And, if it’s made from recycled materials, the environmental impact is even lower.

Are aluminum takeout containers safe?

Yes, aluminum take-out containers are safe. They’re made from a food-grade metal, so you don’t have to worry about the leaching of chemicals into your food.

What kind of containers are best for meal prep?

There are a lot of different options for meal prep containers, but the best ones are going to be made from durable materials.  This is because you’ll be using them multiple times, so you want something that will withstand repeated use.  Plastic or metal containers are a good option for meal prep.

How do you keep moisture out of food containers?

If you’re using paper containers, you can line them with wax paper to help keep moisture out.  You can also use silicone lids, which create a tight seal and help to keep moisture out. The great thing about solutions that keep moisture out is that they also keep moisture in, which is an important concern when you want to prevent leaks or keep food moist. Another option is to also use plastic containers with vents – which will release steam and moisture.

Great Containers For Great Food

There are a lot of options for to-go containers, but every type of food has different needs. Paper and bagasse containers are probably the best choice across the board, checking all the important boxes: eco-friendly, easy to make, and won’t leak. Plastic containers might be the best choice if you’re looking for an extremely durable option that won’t break or leak, either, and can even be reused. Consider your needs carefully before making a decision so that you can choose the best option for your business.

When it comes to takeout containers, there are a lot of factors to consider. What type of food will you be serving? What is the size and shape of the container? And most importantly, what are your customers expecting? In this blog, we’ll break down all the important factors you need to take into account when shopping for to-go containers. We’ll also provide some tips on how to find the perfect boxes for your business.

Identify Your Needs

Getting takeout food containers to keep and preserve food is a must whether you operate a take-out, offer take-out alternatives, or need to transport meals to locations.  The first step is to take an inventory of everything you’ll need containers for. Will you be packaging up large entrees, small sides, or a la carte items? Do you need separate compartments for different food types? Once you know what kinds of foods you’ll be serving, it will be easier to find the right type of container.

Material Matters

Once you know what kind of takeout containers you need, it’s important to identify what those containers will be made out of.  The most common takeout container materials are paper, plastic, and foil. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. 

Paper takeout containers can be compostable and recyclable, making some varieties a good choice for businesses that are looking to be eco-friendly. They’re also leak-resistant and can keep food hot or cold, depending on what you’re serving. The downside to paper takeout containers is that they’re not as durable as other options, so they might not be the best choice if you’re transporting food over long distances.

Plastic takeout containers are very durable and can be used for hot or cold foods. They’re also leak-resistant and easy to stack. However, many plastic takeout containers are not compostable or recyclable, so they’re not always the best choice for businesses that are looking to be eco-friendly. For an example of plastic containers that are easily recyclable, check out MrTakeOutBags.com’s extensive PET offerings. 

Foil takeout containers are a good option if you’re serving hot foods. They hold heat well and can be stacked on top of each other. Foil takeout containers are also leak-resistant. However, they’re not compostable or recyclable, so they’re not the best choice for businesses that are looking to be eco-friendly.

Choose the Right Size Takeout Containers

When it comes to takeout containers, size matters. You want to make sure you’re choosing a container that’s big enough to hold all the food you’re serving, but not so big that it’s wasteful. 

If you’re packaging large entrees, you’ll need a larger container. But if you’re only serving small sides or a la carte items, you can get away with a smaller container. There are also containers with compartments, which can be helpful if you’re serving multiple items.

Think About Your Customers

Your take-out containers also need to be appealing to your customers. After all, they are the ones who will be opening up the boxes and taking out the food. If your take-out containers are not up to par, it will reflect poorly on your business.

When it comes to take-out containers, there are two main things customers care about: convenience and sustainability. They want containers that are easy to open and close and that won’t leak or spill. And they also want containers that are eco-friendly and won’t add to the growing landfill problem.

There are a lot of take-out containers on the market that meet both of these criteria. You can find boxes made from recycled materials that are also easy to open and close. Or you can go with biodegradable options that will decompose quickly and won’t add to the landfill problem.

Consider Your Budget

Of course, you also need to take your budget into account when shopping for take-out containers. The good news is that there are a lot of options available at different price points. You can find cheap plastic containers or more expensive eco-friendly options. It all depends on how much you’re willing to spend.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can always go with the classic plastic take-out container. These are typically very affordable and widely available. You can also find some reusable options made from durable materials like metal or glass. These will cost more upfront, but they’ll last longer and save you money in the long run.

Find a Takeout Containers Supplier

Once you know what kind of take-out containers you need, it’s time to find a supplier. There are a lot of companies that sell take-out containers, so take your time and find one that offers the best selection and price. You can also look for online retailers that offer discounts when you buy in bulk. 

Other Questions People Ask About Takeout Containers

How much does a takeout container weigh?

The weight of a takeout container will depend on the material it’s made from and the size of the container. A small plastic takeout container, for example, might weigh less than an ounce. 

Are plastic take out containers safe?

Yes, plastic take out containers are safe for food storage. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re using the right type of plastic. Avoid storing food in containers made from PVC or polystyrene, as these materials can leach chemicals into the food. Instead, choose takeout containers made from PET or HDPE plastic. These are considered safer for food storage.

One type of plastic product to look out for is BPA-free containers. BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical believed to contribute to a variety of illnesses. Look for the BPA-free icon on MrTakeOutBags.com plastic products.

How do delivery drivers keep food hot?

There are a few different ways that delivery drivers can keep food hot. Some use heated bags, while others rely on thermal containers. Heated bags have an electric heating element that keeps the food warm. Thermal containers, on the other hand, use insulation to trap heat and prevent it from escaping. Either way, delivery drivers can ensure that your food will arrive hot and fresh.

Do takeout containers need to be airtight?

No, takeout containers don’t need to be airtight. In fact, it’s often better if they’re not, as this allows steam to escape and prevents the food from getting soggy. However, if you’re transporting soup or another liquid, you might want to choose an airtight container to prevent leaks. 

Free air flow through vents is especially good to keep fried foods crispy, as you can see on our fried food packaging at MrTakeOutBags.com. 

What are the most popular takeout foods?

The most popular takeout foods vary from country to country. In America, pizza and Chinese food are two of the most popular takeout options. In Britain, fish and chips is a popular choice, while in India, chicken tikka masala is a popular takeout dish.

MrTakeOutBags.com Checks All the Boxes

Mr. TakeOutBags.com is a clear winner in every category. We provide eco-friendly containers of every size and shape imaginable, made out of durable materials. And our prices won’t break the bank.