When Shopping For Takeout Containers, These Are the Most Important Factors

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 takeout 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 for fried foods, 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.