In today’s competitive restaurant landscape, the journey of a meal doesn’t end at the kitchen door. A reliable, professional take-out box is the final touchpoint with your customer, ensuring their food arrives as beautifully as it was prepared. The right container protects your culinary creations, maintains temperature, and reinforces your brand’s image long after the sale.
From eco-friendly options for the environmentally conscious establishment to sturdy, leak-proof designs for saucy dishes, the variety of take-out boxes available is vast. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting eight of the best options, detailing their unique features and benefits to help you find the perfect packaging solution for your restaurant’s specific needs.
Our Top Picks for Restaurant Take Out Boxes
- CulinWare 50 pack- Eco-Friendly Microwavable Take Out Boxes
- Eco-Friendly Meal Prep Containers [50-Pack 6x6x3″] White Disposable Clamshell
- Stock Your Home Take Out Food Containers Microwaveable Kraft Brown Boxes
- 100% Compostable Clamshell Take Out Food Containers [8X8″ 50-Pack]
- Grease-Proof 6×6 Clamshell To Go Box 25pk. Disposable, Microwavable
- DART 32MJ48 Foam Containers 32oz White 25/Bag 20 Bags/Carton
- WebstaurantStore 9″ x 9″ x 3″ White Paper Take Out Container – 50 Ct
- Genpak 12 oz. Rectangle Food Container with Clear Lid – 50 Pack
CulinWare 50 pack- Eco-Friendly Microwavable Take Out Boxes
These CulinWare takeout boxes offer a blend of durability and classic style. Constructed from sturdy SBS paperboard, they are designed to withstand the rigors of transport. The secure four-flap closure with a tab lock ensures the container stays firmly shut, while the glistening black exterior provides a sleek, professional look that enhances your brand’s presentation.
Functionality is a key strength, with a poly-coated interior that provides reliable leak and grease resistance. This feature is essential for preventing messy spills and keeping the container’s exterior clean. With dimensions of 7 3/4″ x 5 1/2″ x 2″ and sold in a convenient 50-pack, these boxes are a practical and dependable choice for a wide range of to-go meals.
Eco-Friendly Meal Prep Containers [50-Pack 6x6x3″] White Disposable Clamshell
This 50-pack of white clamshell containers is an excellent all-purpose solution for food service. The secure snap-hinged lid makes for easy opening and closing, streamlining the packaging process during busy periods. Its ideal size is perfect for burgers, sandwiches, and other single-entrée items, making it a great fit for restaurants, food trucks, and catering events.
Made from sustainable and renewable materials, these containers provide an eco-conscious alternative to standard plastic or paper options. They are microwave-safe, adding convenience for your customers who wish to reheat their meals. The clean, white appearance offers a neutral canvas that works with any food presentation, ensuring your dishes look their best.
Stock Your Home Take Out Food Containers Microwaveable Kraft Brown Take Out Boxes
For restaurants prioritizing an eco-friendly image, these kraft brown boxes are a standout choice. They are manufactured using a chlorine-free process and integrated soy blend eco-wax, supporting sustainable practices without compromising on performance. The natural kraft aesthetic communicates a commitment to the environment that many modern customers appreciate.
Beyond their green credentials, these boxes are highly functional. The heat-tolerant and leak-proof design is capable of holding greasy foods, preventing liquids from seeping through. They are also safe for both refrigeration and microwaving, providing versatility for your customers. This combination of sustainability and utility makes them a reliable option for a variety of take-out applications.
100% Compostable Clamshell Take Out Food Containers [8X8″ 50-Pack]
These 8×8 inch clamshells represent the pinnacle of eco-friendly packaging. Made entirely from 100% sugarcane fiber, or bagasse, they are a sustainable, renewable, and tree-free alternative to traditional paper or plastic containers. Their large size is perfect for serving a main dish with sides, making them suitable for hearty meals from a variety of cuisines.
The most significant feature is their 100% compostable certification. They meet ASTM D6400 standards and are designed to break down quickly in a commercial composting facility, diverting waste from landfills. For restaurants with a strong environmental mission, these containers offer a heavy-duty, functional solution that aligns perfectly with green initiatives.
Grease-Proof 6×6 Clamshell To Go Box 25pk. Disposable, Microwavable
This 25-pack of plant fiber clamshells addresses common concerns with both foam and paper containers. They are explicitly designed to be safer for microwaving, as they are flame-resistant and free from the harmful chemicals that can leach from styrofoam. This provides peace of mind for both your business and your customers.
The containers are naturally grease-proof, making them ideal for fried foods, burgers, and other oily items. As a more sustainable option, they are a significant upgrade from foam containers, which persist in landfills for centuries. The manufacturer’s strong satisfaction guarantee further underscores the confidence in the product’s quality and performance.
DART 32MJ48 Foam Containers 32oz White 25/Bag 20 Bags/Carton
DART foam containers are a classic in the food service industry, known for their excellent insulation properties. The one-piece construction of these 32oz white containers is simple and effective, helping to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold during transit. This ensures that your customers receive their meals at the intended temperature.
Sold in a bulk carton of 500 units, this option is geared toward high-volume establishments that need a cost-effective and reliable packaging solution. The lightweight nature of foam makes these containers easy to handle and store. For businesses where thermal retention is the top priority, these containers remain a trusted and efficient choice.
WebstaurantStore 9″ x 9″ x 3″ White Paper Take Out Container – 50 Ct
For larger meals, salads, or appetizers meant for sharing, this 9″ x 9″ x 3″ white paper container offers ample space. Its generous dimensions make it versatile for a wide array of menu items, from large entrees with multiple sides to family-sized portions. The clean, white paper construction presents a simple and professional appearance.
The container’s design is straightforward and functional, providing a no-fuss solution for packaging. Being a paper-based product, it offers a more traditional alternative to foam or plastic. This container is an excellent choice for establishments that need a spacious, reliable, and classic-looking option for their larger to-go orders.
Genpak 12 oz. Rectangle Food Container with Clear Lid – 50 Pack
Genpak’s rectangle food containers are ideal for deli items, side dishes, desserts, or smaller entrees. The 12 oz. capacity is perfectly suited for portion-controlled servings. The clear plastic lid allows the contents to be visible at a glance, which is great for display cases and helps customers see what they are purchasing without opening the container.
The combination of a opaque base and a transparent lid offers a clean, organized look that is practical for both staff and customers. These containers are stackable for efficient storage and are a staple in many food service settings for their versatility and straightforward design. They provide a professional and functional way to package a variety of smaller food items.
What to Look For in the Best Take Out Boxes for Restaurants
Choosing the right take out boxes for your restaurant isn’t just about picking a container. It’s a direct extension of your brand and a critical part of the customer’s final impression. I’ve found that getting it wrong can lead to soggy food, messy leaks, and unhappy diners, which is the last thing you want after they’ve paid for a meal. So, when I’m evaluating options, I focus on a few key areas that really make a difference.
First and foremost is functionality. What kind of food are you packing? A box that works for a burger and fries will fail miserably for a saucy curry or a delicate salad. For liquid-heavy dishes, you need containers with a secure, leak-proof seal. For fried foods, ventilation is key to preventing steam from making everything soggy. I always consider the meal’s journey—will it be a short car ride home or a longer delivery trip? This determines how robust the container needs to be.
Next up is material. This is a huge one. You have classic materials like aluminum for things like pizzas or baked pasta that need to retain heat. Then there’s plastic, which is versatile and often comes with secure locking lids. But you have to think about microwave safety and whether your customers will appreciate the environmental impact. That leads me to the growing demand for sustainable options. Materials like bagasse (made from sugarcane fiber), molded fiber, and compostable PLA-lined paper are becoming the standard for many establishments. I look for boxes that are not only eco-friendly but also sturdy enough to hold up without getting limp.
Finally, never underestimate branding and presentation. A plain, white box does the job, but a custom-printed container with your logo and colors turns a simple takeout order into a branded experience. It’s a mobile billboard for your restaurant. I also think about the unboxing experience. Is it easy for the customer to open and re-close? Is the food presented nicely inside, or is it a jumbled mess? These small details contribute to how your food is perceived and enjoyed at home. Balancing cost with these factors is the real challenge, but investing in the right packaging pays off in customer satisfaction and repeat business.
FAQ
What are the most important features in a takeout box?
For me, the top three features are durability, functionality, and material. The box has to be sturdy enough to survive the trip without breaking, leaking, or collapsing. It also needs to be functional for the specific food it’s holding—think leak-proof seals for soups and vents for fried foods. The material impacts everything from insulation and microwave safety to your restaurant’s environmental footprint, making it a crucial decision point.
Are sustainable takeout boxes worth the extra cost?
This is a question I get a lot. While compostable or recycled boxes often have a higher upfront cost, I believe they are an investment. Many customers actively prefer restaurants that use eco-friendly packaging, and it can be a significant point of differentiation for your brand. It shows you care about your impact, which can build loyalty and justify the slightly higher expense. Plus, as production scales up, the cost difference is steadily decreasing.
How can I prevent my food from getting soggy in takeout boxes?
Soggy food is a common complaint. My solution is to use the right box for the job. For items that release steam, like hot fries or fried chicken, I always choose boxes with built-in vents. These small holes allow moisture to escape, keeping the food crisp. For dishes with wet and dry components, consider compartmentalized boxes to keep everything separate until the customer is ready to eat. It’s a simple fix that makes a world of difference.
Should I get my takeout boxes custom printed?
If your budget allows, I absolutely recommend it. Custom printing turns your packaging into a powerful marketing tool. Every time a customer sees your logo or a nicely designed box, it reinforces your brand. It makes the takeout experience feel more premium and professional. Even starting with a simple logo stamp on a standard box is a great first step toward building a stronger brand identity with your takeout service.
What type of takeout box is best for hot soups and sauces?
For liquids, you cannot compromise. I insist on containers specifically designed to be leak-proof. Look for plastic or high-quality compostable containers with a secure, snap-tight lid that creates a full seal. It’s also a good practice to put the soup container in a separate bag, just in case. Testing a box by filling it with water and shaking it is a trick I use to be completely sure before committing to a large order for the restaurant.
Where can I buy the best take out boxes for restaurants in bulk?
I typically source from large restaurant supply distributors, either locally or through their online stores. WebstaurantStore is a popular online option with a massive selection. You can also go directly to packaging manufacturers or wholesalers like Uline. For more specialized or eco-friendly options, there are companies that focus exclusively on sustainable food packaging. I always recommend ordering samples first to test the quality and functionality with your actual menu items before you buy in bulk.