By: Sabrina Huda Sanchez

If you are in the food business, chances are you need takeout containers – more so now since food delivery is in high demand. It is important to select the correct container for the type of food to avoid issues such as leakage or cross-contamination. With so many options for to-go containers, selecting the right one may seem like a daunting task. This cheat sheet will tell you everything you should know when buying these quintessential restaurant supplies.

Container Subcategories

Determining which Container Subcategory you require depends on your menu. The types of questions you will want to consider are:

‧ Is the food hot or cold?
‧ Will it need to be reheated?
‧ Is it a solid or a liquid (i.e., soup or sandwich)?
‧ Do you need multiple compartments to separate dish and sides?

As you take into consideration the answers to those questions, here is an overview of the different types of containers:

Within each container subcategory, there are additional attributes best suited for different purposes. Among those attributes are material, size, color, number of compartments, and unique features.

Container Materials

The various materials that make containers are recyclable plastic, biodegradable paper, or compostable PLA. Plastic containers include polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET); the strength and heat tolerance will vary among each type of plastic. Paper containers are still lined with plastic to prevent leakage and they are great for either hot or cold food. PLA containers are not ideal for hot foods, but they are commercially compostable, making it an eco-friendlier option. Another eco-friendly option is bagasse which is good with warm or cold foods. Aluminum is great for keeping foods hot; however, customers cannot reheat them.

Container Sizes

Each container subcategory comes in multiple sizes so you can serve small, medium or large portions from your menu. The hinged containers are the only type that provides sizing in length by width measurements such as the 8” x 8” square PET Hinged Container or the 9” x 5” rectangular PET Hinged Container. All others are measured by fluid ounces such as 85 oz or 130 oz Paper Food Buckets.

Container Colors

Some containers are available in other colors including clear, black, white or kraft (brown). For example, the Fold to Go boxes can be purchased in white or kraft. Paper Food Containers are uniquely available in colorful stock prints as well.

Number of Compartments

For orders that include a main dish and some sides, selecting 2 or 3 compartments may make more sense for your business. Hinged containers and Microwavable Take Out Boxes can be bought with 1, 2 or 3 compartments for better separation of items.

Special Features

Another key factor to cogitate when purchasing to-go containers are the qualities and special features your cuisine may need. If you serve food items that customers will need to heat up and eat warm, then you will need microwave-safe containers. Menus that offer a variety of food temps should have a versatile container to hold both. For saucy or greasy menu items, a leak-resistant coating will keep all the goodness inside. With a growing conscious for the environment, customers will appreciate restaurants that operate with compostable or recyclable containers.

Custom Print

Customize all your foodservice products by printing your logo or design. With great turnaround times and high-quality printing, you can easily advertise your business by showing off your brand. These containers can be custom printed:

✓ Deli Containers
✓ Paper Food Buckets
✓ Paper Food Containers
✓ Fold to Go Containers

Ordering Containers

Once you have determined what type of product you need, you can purchase directly on LollicupStore.com. For orders over $1,500 or for custom print requests, feel free to call our sales team at (626) 965-8882. Still not sure what the best product is for you? Call us to learn more.