Takeout and delivery have become essential revenue streams for restaurants, but poor packaging can quickly turn a great meal into a disappointing experience. Leaky containers, soggy food, and flimsy bags not only frustrate customers but also lead to negative reviews and lost business.
If your restaurant relies on takeout and delivery, avoiding common packaging mistakes is crucial. Here’s how to prevent packaging mishaps and ensure every order reaches your customers exactly as intended.
1. Choose Leak-Proof and Durable Containers
One of the biggest complaints about takeout is spills and leaks that leave a mess in the delivery bag. Flimsy or poorly sealed containers can ruin presentation and create unnecessary frustration for customers.
How to Fix It:
- Use containers with secure, snap-tight lids to prevent spills. Clamshell containers with interlocking edges work well for solid foods, while tamper-evident lids are great for liquids.
- Opt for grease-resistant and leak-proof materials, especially for sauces, soups, and oily foods.
- Place sauces, dressings, and condiments in separate, sealed containers to avoid mixing with main dishes.
2. Prevent Soggy Food with the Right Ventilation
Nothing ruins crispy fries, fried chicken, or delicate pastries faster than trapped steam. If food is placed in a sealed container without proper ventilation, condensation builds up, making once-crispy items soggy by the time they arrive.
How to Fix It:
- Use vented takeout containers to allow steam to escape while keeping food hot.
- For fried foods, avoid foam or non-breathable plastic containers. Instead, choose paperboard or perforated lids.
- Wrap hot and crispy foods in dry wax paper or parchment liners inside containers to help absorb moisture.
3. Use Sturdy Takeout Bags That Won’t Rip
Weak takeout bags can be a disaster waiting to happen. If a bag tears before a customer reaches their car or home, it creates a terrible experience and damages your brand’s reputation.
How to Fix It:
- Choose heavy-duty paper or reinforced plastic bags that can support the weight of multiple containers.
- Opt for bags with sturdy handles to make carrying easier for both customers and delivery drivers.
- If orders contain liquids or heavy meals, double-bag or use flat-bottom bags to keep everything stable.
4. Maintain Temperature Control
Customers expect their hot food to be hot and their cold food to be cold upon arrival. If packaging doesn’t provide proper insulation, food can lose its ideal temperature before reaching the customer.
How to Fix It:
- Use insulated takeout packaging for soups, hot meals, and frozen desserts.
- Separate hot and cold items into different bags to prevent heat transfer.
- Encourage delivery drivers to use insulated bags for transportation.
5. Ensure Tamper-Proof and Secure Packaging
Food safety is more important than ever. Customers want to feel confident that their food hasn’t been tampered with during transport. Poorly sealed containers or open bags can make customers uneasy.
How to Fix It:
- Use tamper-evident seals or stickers on lids and bags to give customers peace of mind.
- Choose clamshell containers with secure closures to prevent accidental openings.
- Avoid stapling plastic bags shut—use adhesive bag seals or sticker labels for a professional look.
6. Optimize Packaging for Delivery and Takeout Orders
Not all packaging is designed for travel. If containers stack poorly, absorb moisture, or shift too much in transit, it can lead to damaged food and unhappy customers.
How to Fix It:
- Use stackable, sturdy containers that won’t collapse under weight.
- Choose packaging that fits the meal—too much space allows food to move around, while too little space can lead to crushed portions.
- Add cardboard dividers or inserts for meals with multiple components to keep everything intact.
7. Keep Branding in Mind
Functional packaging is essential, but branded takeout packaging creates a more memorable experience and keeps your restaurant top of mind.
How to Fix It:
- Invest in custom printed takeout bags, cups, and containers to reinforce your restaurant’s identity.
- Use branded stickers, labels, or tissue paper to add a professional touch.
- Add a thank-you note or QR code on the packaging to drive repeat business or encourage social media engagement.
Final Thoughts
The quality of your takeout packaging directly impacts customer satisfaction, repeat business, and online reviews. By choosing durable, well-ventilated, and tamper-proof packaging, you can prevent common takeout mishaps and deliver a premium experience every time.
At Morgan Chaney, we offer high-quality, branded packaging solutions designed to keep food fresh, secure, and visually appealing. Whether you need takeout bags, food containers, or custom branding, we can help you make every meal a great experience for your customers.
Ready to upgrade your takeout packaging? Contact us today!