A customer will judge your food based on your packaging. Restaurant food packaging will keep your food hot, dry and neat from you to their table. When choosing your food packaging for restaurants, ensure it is specific to the item, is heat and oil proof, the right size and has your branding. This guide will help you choose the perfect packaging for your restaurant, cafe, bakery or cloud kitchen in Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
- Ensure your packaging is specific to the item. Different items such as burgers, cake and bowls of noodles will need specific boxes.
- Ensure it is heat and oil proof.
- Ensure the box is the right size. Loose foods will slip, therefore it is a waste of money to have a large box.
- Boxes with your logo will help to market your business.
- Order a small batch first.
The Purpose of Food Packaging for Restaurants
Food packaging serves four functions:
- Protecting the food.
- Keeping the food at a certain temperature.
- Ensuring it survives the journey.
- Branding.
Many restaurants now offer delivery/takeaway services so the packaging becomes more important. Often it is the only part of your restaurant the customer will get to touch. If your box isn’t firm, oily or squashed it can look like you don’t care about your food. In Lahore’s hot summers, if the box doesn’t let steam escape it can make crispy food go soggy.
Choosing Specific Packaging
Start with what you are selling. Different foods will require different packaging.
| Item to Sell | What the Box Will Need | Box to Look At |
|---|---|---|
| Burgers | Oilproof & tight fitting | Custom Burger Boxes |
| French Fries | Oilproof board with some ventilation | Custom French Fry Boxes |
| Pizza | Flat & stiff base with the correct width | Custom Pizza Boxes |
| Combos | Extra room for multiple items | Custom Fast Food Boxes |
| Children’s Meals | Fun designs & small size | Custom Happy Meal Boxes |
| Noodles | Oilproof & room for steam | Custom Noodle Boxes |
| Sandwiches | Snug fit so fillings stay in place | Custom Sandwich Boxes |
| Waffles | Flat fit & clean design | Custom Waffle Boxes |
| Popcorn & Snacks | Sturdy walls & bold, fun print | Custom Popcorn Boxes |
| Cakes & Bakes | Stiff walls & clean design | Custom Cake Boxes |
| Cupcakes | Inserts to hold individual pieces | Custom Cupcake Boxes |
| Chocolates & Sweets | Neat presentation for gifts | Custom Chocolate Boxes |
| Dry Fruits | Strong walls & neat design for gifts | Custom Dry Fruit Boxes |
| Tea | Neat design for gifts & retail shelves | Custom Tea Boxes |
| Cereal | Firm walls & bright retail print | Custom Cereal Boxes |
Most restaurants will use 2-3 different boxes. For example a burger restaurant may use burger boxes, french fry boxes and combo boxes. By choosing the right packaging for your menu, you won’t be forcing all your items into one box.
Choosing the Right Material
The material will determine how heat, oily and sturdy your box is.
Cardboard & Paperboard
This is the most commonly used option. Burgers, pizza, cakes and fast food are all great for cardboard boxes. They are lightweight, easy to print on and easy to stack. Our custom food packaging boxes are made from sturdy cardboard and can be personalized.
Kraft
This will give a natural look. Great for cafes, bakeries and businesses looking for a minimal look.
White
White food packaging boxes will give vibrant colors. Great for bright logos and full color designs.
Plastic
Some cold items and sauces work well in plastic packaging. However, they can trap steam from hot foods meaning your fried items will be soggy. They will also change your branding so try them out.
Eco Friendly
More customers are becoming aware of waste. If you want to use sustainable food packaging boxes, ask your supplier which types of board they offer. Ensure they are suitable for hot foods. Don’t assume they are food safe or biodegradable.
Always ensure you are using food safe materials.
Choosing the Correct Size
Ensure you measure your portions. Having loose foods in your box will cause a mess. Having a box that is too big will be a waste of board and will make your delivery bags heavy.
Ensure:
- The height is right. If you have burgers or stacked sandwiches ensure there is enough room so the top bun isn’t squashed.
- The width & length are right. Pizza & cake boxes should be the correct size.
- If you have cupcakes, combos or sweets you may want inserts or compartments.
- Do you want a window? Cakes & sweets look great with windows. Hot & oily foods should be solid.
Delivery Considerations
Your packaging will be put in a bag, on a motorbike and stacked with other orders. Therefore, your packaging needs to be strong.
- Ensure they have secure closures.
- Ensure the board is strong enough to support stacks of 2-3 boxes.
- Allow some steam to escape from hot foods. Fully sealed boxes can cause your fried foods to go soggy.
- Ensure your sauces are in small containers.
Order a small batch. Pack an actual order and send it for a test delivery. This will tell you more than any spec sheet.
Branding
All your boxes can include your logo, colors and contact information. With custom printing you can turn a basic box into a mini advert.
Make your design simple. Use one clear logo, one or two colors for your branding and your contact number/social media handle. If you are a bakery/cafe, visit our guide to wholesale cake box prices in Lahore to see what will affect your bulk printed box price.
What Affects the Price of Disposable Packaging?
There are many factors that can affect the price of your disposable food packaging boxes.
- Quantity. The more you order the cheaper the price per item will be. Wholesale food packaging boxes.
- Size & Style.
- Type & Thickness of Board.
- Number of Colors & Finish.
- Design.
Ask for a quote with your specific size, quantity and artwork.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using one size box for your whole menu.
- Picking based on price and losing orders due to leaks/sogginess.
- Not ordering a sample.
- Too many small intricate details in your design that won’t show up on board.
- Ordering too much without testing.
Ready to Choose the Perfect Custom Print or Packaging Solution?
Still unsure what food packaging boxes, custom boxes or prints you need? Get in touch with AQ Printing House to discuss your menu, box size and print design.
📞 +92 324 4000714
📞 +92 345 4442719
💌info@aqprintinghouse.com
📍Office # 17, 18, 3rd Floor, Malik Arcade, New Anarkali Road, Behind Abik Tomb, Lahore, 54000.
FAQ’s
What is the best food packaging for restaurants?
This will depend on what you are selling. Most hot takeaway foods can be stored in cardboard boxes with an oilproof finish. Cakes & sweets should be in stiff & clean boxes.
What is the best material for hot food deliveries?
A strong paperboard with an oil proof finish and some steam escaping works best for fried & baked items.
Can I print my logo on food boxes?
Yes! With custom printing you can include your logo, colors and contact details.
Should I order wholesale food packaging boxes?
By ordering wholesale you will get a cheaper price per item. However, order a small batch first to ensure you aren’t getting a box that won’t work in deliveries.
How do I choose the right sized box?
Measure your portion and ensure it is a tight fit with some room for steam.
Are eco friendly boxes suitable for hot foods?
It depends on the board & coating. Ask your supplier.
