Choosing the right food packaging is about more than simply finding a container that fits the food.
For restaurants, cafés, caterers, food trucks, and takeout businesses, packaging can affect presentation, convenience, customer experience, and even the way customers perceive your brand.
As more businesses explore alternatives to traditional plastic packaging, compostable food packaging has become an increasingly popular option. But with so many different materials, sizes, and styles available, how do you know which one is right for your restaurant?
Here are a few important things to consider before making your decision.
1. Start With the Food You Serve
The best packaging choice always starts with the food itself.
Different menu items require different levels of strength, depth, moisture resistance, and temperature tolerance.
For example:
- Salads and grain bowls may need wide containers with enough space for toppings and presentation.
- Rice, noodles, and hot entrées often require deeper, sturdier containers.
- Tacos, sandwiches, and bakery items may work better with clamshell-style packaging.
- Catering and events may require durable plates, bowls, and trays that can handle larger portions.
Instead of using one container for everything, consider matching different packaging styles to your most popular menu categories.
This can improve both food presentation and functionality.
2. Consider the Material
Not all compostable food packaging is made from the same material.
One common option is bagasse, a plant-based fiber made from sugarcane residue. Bagasse packaging is often used for plates, bowls, trays, and takeout containers because it offers a sturdy feel while providing an alternative to conventional plastic or foam products.
Other packaging options may include paper-based materials or other plant-derived materials depending on the application.
When comparing materials, consider:
- What type of food will go inside?
- Is the food hot, cold, dry, or moist?
- Will customers eat immediately or transport the food?
- Does the packaging need to stack well?
- Is presentation important for your brand?
The right material should work with your food—not against it.
3. Choose the Right Size
Packaging that is too small can make food look overcrowded.
Packaging that is too large can make portions appear smaller than they actually are.
The right size helps your food look intentional and well presented while also helping your team pack orders more efficiently.
Before ordering packaging in larger quantities, compare the container dimensions with your actual portion sizes.
For restaurants with several menu categories, it may also be helpful to standardize a small group of packaging sizes that can work across multiple dishes.
This can simplify inventory management and reduce unnecessary packaging variations.
4. Think About Takeout and Delivery
Packaging that works well for dine-in service may not always work well for delivery.
If a large percentage of your business comes from takeout or third-party delivery platforms, consider how the packaging will perform during transportation.
Ask yourself:
- Does the lid close securely?
- Will the container stay stable when stacked?
- Is there enough room for the food without crushing it?
- Will sauces or moisture affect the packaging?
- Is the package easy for employees to close quickly during busy hours?
Small packaging details can make a noticeable difference once an order leaves the restaurant.
5. Look at the Entire Customer Experience
Packaging is often one of the first physical interactions customers have with a takeout order.
A clean, sturdy, and thoughtfully selected package can help your food feel more professional before the customer even takes the first bite.
For businesses that emphasize sustainability or environmentally conscious choices, packaging can also become part of the brand experience.
However, environmental claims should always be communicated accurately.
If compostability is important to your purchasing decision, look for relevant product certifications and confirm whether appropriate commercial or local composting facilities are available in your area.
6. Balance Quality and Cost
Price matters—especially when packaging is used every day.
But the lowest-cost option is not always the most economical option.
Packaging that leaks, breaks, opens during delivery, or requires employees to use multiple containers can create additional costs elsewhere.
Instead of comparing products based only on the price per piece, consider the overall value:
Cost + durability + presentation + efficiency + customer experience
For businesses purchasing packaging regularly, case quantity and storage space should also be part of the decision.
A product may offer attractive pricing per unit, but you should still make sure the case size works with your restaurant's storage and ordering volume.
7. Keep Your Packaging System Simple
Restaurants already manage ingredients, staffing, equipment, and dozens of other operational details.
Your packaging system should make things easier.
Try to select a core group of products that can cover most of your menu.
For example, your packaging lineup might include:
- One or two sizes of takeout containers
- A standard bowl
- A few plate sizes
- Cups and lids
- Catering trays or specialty packaging when needed
A more standardized system can make purchasing, storage, and employee training much easier.
Finding the Right Packaging for Your Business
There is no single packaging solution that works for every restaurant.
The right choice depends on your menu, portion sizes, service style, delivery needs, storage space, and brand priorities.
At DEP, we offer foodservice packaging solutions for restaurants, cafés, catering businesses, and other foodservice operators looking for practical packaging options for everyday use.
Whether you are comparing materials, determining the right container size, or looking for wholesale packaging for your business, our team can help you explore options based on your specific needs.
*Wholesale pricing is available for approved business accounts. Contact us to learn more about our products and wholesale account options.