Which restaurant food containers are right for you?

If you’re like us, you’ve probably ordered in more this year than ever before. But food delivery apps such as Grubhub, DoorDash, and UberEats had already been gaining popularity even before the pandemic hit. And as the demand for getting restaurant food to go continues to increase, consumer expectations are rising across the board – floppy pizza isn’t going to cut it anymore.

For any restaurant during this time and beyond, having the right kind of to go food containers is so important. So what kind of takeaway containers are right for your establishment’s food? Here are some of the pros and cons to common materials for restaurant take out containers.

Plastic

Plastic take out containers are strong and protective. Clear containers are also a nice option you only get with plastic, and disposable plastic containers with lids are perfect for transporting soups. But because plastic containers hold in moisture so well, they could make foods like fries or hamburger buns soggy. They’re also the least environmentally friendly option. There are, however, disposable take out containers made from recycled plastic, like these ones from Eco Products.

Cardboard

When it comes to to go packaging, cardboard food containers are a more sustainable option. They are also cost-effective and easy to customize. Corrugated cardboard take out boxes even provide insulation and regulate temperature, making them perfect for keeping pizzas hot and fresh.

Aluminum

A more sustainable option for keeping food warm are aluminum to go containers, which are recyclable. These disposable food containers with lids are perfect for hearty pastas, personal size pizzas, and other hot dishes.

Styrofoam

Styrofoam to go containers are another great option for temperature control. Styrofoam food containers are also light but sturdy and offer the option of secure hinged carry out boxes. However, styrofoam to go boxes do take a toll on the environment.

Biodegradable and other sustainable alternatives

As environmentally friendly options become more and more popular, there are so many innovative new eco friendly food containers coming onto the market. Eco-Products for example has a line of products called Folia made from 100% renewable, reclaimed sugarcane fibers that would have just been thrown away otherwise. Wheatstraw fiber is another sustainable material being used that was once considered a waste product, by companies such as World Centric. There are even companies working on making disposable food containers sturdier and more hygienic, such as Kemira, with innovations like dispersion barriers to protect food and consumers while keeping packaging recyclable.

So which food containers are right for your business?

When it comes down to it, it’s all about what kind of food you’re transporting, how you’re transporting it, and what options are available in your budget. Clear take out containers made from plastic or recycled plastic are ideal for soups and hot food that doesn’t easily go soggy. Corrugated cardboard food boxes and styrofoam containers provide good temperature control. Eco friendly containers might be more expensive in some cases, but there are so many new options available it’s easier than ever to make an environmentally conscious choice with your to go containers. Whatever type of disposable containers you decide on, TundraFMP has you covered with our wide selection of disposables.

About Nicole Montalvo

Nicole Montalvo is a copywriter at TundraFMP. She brings the brand's voice to life, creates meaningful content, and handles the copywriting side of social media marketing and SEO. When she's not writing, you can find her drinking coffee, trying out new recipes, or exploring nature.

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