Clamshell Takeaway Containers vs Boxes: Which to Buy

Choose a hinged clamshell when one meal needs to close in a single piece with no separate lid to match. Choose a folding box or lunch box when you want a choice of sizes, a window to show the food, or your logo printed on the outside. Here is how the takeaway containers in our range compare on material, size and price per item.

Key takeaways

• A clamshell is one piece with the lid attached. A folding box is a flat sheet that folds up and closes with tabs or a top flap.
• Our paper lunch boxes come in Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large, from $0.35 (see the product page for the current price).
• For wet or saucy meals, look at the sugarcane containers: the 23oz is $0.23 each and the 30oz is $0.27 each.
• The paper lunch boxes and the hot dog box can be custom printed with your logo. The sugarcane containers cannot.
• Every product is sold by the carton. Each product page shows the carton price and the price per item.

What is the difference between a clamshell and a takeaway box?

A clamshell is a container with the base and lid joined by a hinge, so it opens and shuts like a shell. A takeaway box is usually a flat sheet of board or paper that is folded into shape on the bench and closed with a flap or tuck-in tabs.

The difference matters at the pass. A clamshell means one less item to grab, and the lid stays with the base. A folding box takes a moment to assemble but stores flat, comes in more sizes, and gives you a printable surface.

Sugarcane containers are moulded from bagasse, the fibre left after sugarcane is crushed. Folding lunch boxes in our range are paper or cardboard with a PLA coating or a PLA window. PLA is a plant-based plastic.

When does a hinged clamshell suit better than a box?

A clamshell suits single serves that go straight from the fryer or grill into the container: burgers, chips, schnitzels, dumplings or a hot dog. These are quick, one-item orders where speed at the counter matters more than having many size options.

If you run a counter like this, check the lid style in the photos on each product page before you order, so you know whether the lid is attached or separate.

For a hot dog or a long roll, the Kraft Takeaway Container – Hot Dog Box Board (Carton of 400) is cardboard in brown, 208x70x75mm, at $57.75 per carton or $0.14 each. It can be printed with your logo.

When is a folding lunch box the better choice?

A folding lunch box suits meals that are bigger, layered or eaten later: rice and curry, salads, noodles, pastries and catering platters. The four sizes let you match the box to the portion instead of using one container for everything.

The PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Lunch Box Small (Carton of 200) is 110x90x64mm at $0.28 each. The PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Lunch Box Medium (Carton of 200) is 152x120x64mm at $0.42 each. The PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Lunch Box Extra Large (Carton of 200) is 197x140x90mm at $0.58 each. All are paper with a PLA coating, in brown, and all can be custom printed.

If the look of the food helps it sell, for example at a grab-and-go fridge, the PLA Takeaway Container – Lunch Box with Window Small (Carton of 200) has a clear PLA window over a cardboard base. It is 110x90x64mm at $0.31 each.

Which container works for wet or saucy food?

For curries, stir-fries and rice dishes with sauce, a moulded container has no folded seams, which makes it a common pick over a folding box. Check each product page for lid details before you order. Our sugarcane containers are white and sold in cartons of 400.

The 23oz Takeaway Container – 700ml (Carton of 400) is $74.51 per carton or $0.19 each. The 30oz Takeaway Container – 900ml (Carton of 400) is $88.65 per carton or $0.22 each. Neither can be custom printed.

How do the prices compare per item?

The table below lists each option by material, size, carton quantity, carton price and price per item. All.

Carton sizes differ, so compare the price per item rather than the carton price. A carton of 200 lunch boxes and a carton of 400 sugarcane containers are not the same quantity.

Which one should I buy?

Match the container to what leaves the kitchen most often.

• Hot dog stands, food trucks and sausage sizzles: the Kraft Takeaway Container – Hot Dog Box Board (Carton of 400) at $0.14 each, with your logo printed if you want it.
• Curry houses, Thai and Asian takeaway: the 23oz Takeaway Container – 700ml (Carton of 400) for single serves and the 30oz Takeaway Container – 900ml (Carton of 400) for larger mains.
• Cafés selling sandwiches: the Takeaway Container – Sandwich Wedge (Carton of 500), cardboard and PLA in brown and clear, 122x72x122mm at $0.19 each.
• Salad bars and lunch counters: the Coated Lunch Box Medium at $0.42 each for a standard serve, with the Small for sides.
• Caterers and large meals: the Coated Lunch Box Extra Large at $0.58 each.
• Grab-and-go fridges: the Lunch Box with Window Small at $0.31 each, so customers can see what is inside.

For more on buying by the carton, read our guide to takeaway containers in bulk, and for sides and sauces see small takeaway containers.

How do I order?

There is no minimum order, so you can buy a single carton to test a container with your menu before you commit. Delivery is a flat fee set by your postcode, and free once an order passes a set amount; checkout shows the exact cost, and today's rates are on the shipping page. Delivery takes 3–5 business days to capital cities and 4–6 business days regional. All orders are prepaid online. Damaged or faulty items are replaced or refunded free; unopened stock cartons can be returned within 7 days of delivery (10% restocking fee, return delivery at your cost). Custom printing with your logo is available on selected products (see our custom print page). Browse the full range of takeaway containers or add cartons fast on the quick order page.

Setting up or restocking your packaging?

Send us your list for a trade quote, or price it yourself in the cost calculator.

No minimum order · free delivery over $750 (metro) / $1000 (regional) · damaged items replaced free · Delivery details