Types of takeaway containers for different businesses and food offerings
Choosing the right takeaway container helps protect food quality, reduce leaks and make delivery easier. The best option depends on what you serve, how hot or cold the food is, whether it contains sauce, and how long it will be in transit.
| Business or food type | Recommended takeaway container | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Cafés and bakeries | Kraft paper boxes, window boxes, paper bags and clamshells | Sandwiches, pastries, muffins, slices, croissants and light meals |
| Takeaway shops | PP plastic containers, paperboard meal boxes and foil containers | Burgers, chips, grilled meals, pasta, rice dishes and mixed takeaway orders |
| Asian restaurants | Round soup containers, PP containers, noodle boxes and compartment trays | Noodles, stir-fries, rice, curries, dumplings, soups and shared dishes |
| Indian restaurants | Leak-resistant PP containers, round curry tubs and compartment trays | Curries, rice, dhal, chutneys and combination meals |
| Thai and Vietnamese restaurants | PP containers, soup tubs, noodle bowls and paper bowls | Pho, laksa, curries, salads, noodles and rice meals |
| Sushi and Japanese restaurants | Sushi trays with clear lids, bento boxes and sauce cups | Sushi rolls, sashimi, bento meals, tempura and condiments |
| Pizza shops | Corrugated pizza boxes, slice boxes and sauce cups | Whole pizzas, pizza slices, garlic bread and dipping sauces |
| Burger shops | Burger clamshells, grease-resistant paper wraps and chip boxes | Burgers, sliders, fries, onion rings and fried sides |
| Fish and chip shops | Ventilated paperboard boxes, chip boxes and grease-resistant wrapping | Battered fish, chips, calamari and fried seafood |
| Kebab and charcoal chicken shops | Foil-lined bags, clamshells, meal trays and salad containers | Kebabs, wraps, charcoal chicken, chips, rice and salad packs |
| Salad bars and healthy food stores | Clear PET bowls, kraft salad bowls and tamper-evident containers | Salads, poke bowls, fruit, cold noodles and meal-prep dishes |
| Meal-prep businesses | Microwave-safe PP containers with secure lids | Portion-controlled meals, fitness meals, frozen meals and weekly meal packs |
| Supermarkets and delis | Tamper-evident tubs, deli containers, meat trays and clear hinged containers | Dips, olives, salads, cold meats, fruit and prepared meals |
| Butcher shops | Foam or PET meat trays, absorbent pads and lidding film | Fresh meat, poultry, sausages and marinated products |
| Caterers | Aluminium foil trays, gastronorm foil trays, platters and lidded meal boxes | Large-volume meals, event catering, hot dishes and buffet service |
| Food trucks and market stalls | Compostable clamshells, paper bowls, burger boxes and snack trays | Street food, burgers, tacos, loaded fries and quick-serve meals |
| Dessert and cake shops | Cake boxes, slice boxes, dessert cups and clear dome containers | Cakes, cheesecakes, pastries, mousse, puddings and dessert portions |
| Ice cream and gelato shops | Paper dessert cups, clear PET cups and insulated takeaway tubs | Gelato, ice cream, frozen yoghurt and chilled desserts |
| Soup and noodle outlets | Leak-resistant paper soup tubs or PP round containers | Soups, broths, noodles, congee and hot liquid meals |
| Mexican restaurants | Compartment containers, foil trays, clamshells and sauce cups | Tacos, burritos, nachos, rice, beans and salsa |
| Childcare, schools and aged care | Compartment meal trays and portion containers | Balanced meals, snacks, dietary meals and controlled portions |
Common Takeaway Packaging Examples
Common takeaway container materials
PP plastic containers are one of the most versatile choices for hot meals. They are generally microwave-safe, resistant to oils and suitable for curries, rice, pasta and meal-prep dishes.
PET containers offer excellent clarity and are best for cold food such as salads, fruit, desserts and deli items. They are usually not suitable for hot food or microwave reheating.
Paperboard and kraft containers give food a natural presentation and work well for cafés, bakeries, burgers, noodles and dry takeaway meals. Coated options provide better resistance to oil and moisture.
Sugarcane containers are made from plant fibre and are popular for hot meals, burgers, rice dishes and takeaway food. Many are microwave-safe and compostable under suitable commercial composting conditions.
Aluminium foil containers retain heat well and are useful for catering, baked dishes, barbecue meals and family-size portions. They should not be used in a standard microwave unless specifically approved.
Foam containers are lightweight and provide good insulation, but many businesses are moving to paper, fibre or recyclable plastic alternatives due to environmental concerns and local restrictions.
Shop Takeaway Containers Australia
Browse what Bens Hospitality Equipment offers for your takeaway menus
Matching containers to the food
Hot, saucy meals need strong, leak-resistant containers with tight-fitting lids. PP plastic, lined paperboard and foil trays are often the safest choices.
Fried food benefits from ventilated packaging that allows steam to escape. This helps chips, fried chicken and battered seafood stay crisp instead of becoming soggy.
Cold display food looks best in clear PET packaging, where customers can see salads, fruit, desserts and deli products before purchasing.
Meals with several components are easier to serve in divided takeaway containers. Compartments keep rice, vegetables, meat and sauces separated during transport.
Soups and liquids need round containers with secure lids and a good seal. Always match the lid to the exact container series to reduce spills during delivery.
Useful Container Accessories
Sauce cups are ideal for dressings, gravy, dips, condiments and small side portions. Tamper-evident lids are useful for delivery platforms, supermarkets and pre-packed food. Absorbent pads help manage liquid in fresh meat trays, while paper sleeves, bags and carry cartons make multiple-item takeaway orders easier to transport.
A well-matched takeaway container protects the food, improves presentation and gives customers a better experience from pickup to the final bite.