Disposable Takeaway Containers: Cost Per Meal Method

To work out the packaging cost per meal for disposable takeaway containers, divide the carton price by the units per carton to get the price per container, then add the per-item price of the lid (if the container needs a separate one) and anything else that goes out with the meal. Packery shows both the carton price and the price per item on every product page, so most of the arithmetic is already done for you.

Key takeaways

• Per-meal packaging cost = container price per item + lid price per item + any extras (sauce cup, napkin, bag).
• Every Packery product page shows the carton price and the price per item, so you can copy the figures straight into your costing sheet.
• The 23oz Takeaway Container – 700ml (Carton of 400) is $0.19 each and the 30oz Takeaway Container – 900ml (Carton of 400) is $0.22 each.
• Lunch boxes, RPET deli containers and rectangular containers come in different carton sizes, so compare the price per item, not the carton price.
• Use your own menu and portion sizes; the method works the same for every container.

How do I calculate packaging cost per meal?

Take the carton price, divide it by the number of units in the carton, and you have the cost of one container. Then add the per-item cost of every other piece of packaging that leaves with that meal.

A simple costing line for each menu item looks like this:

1. Container: carton price ÷ units per carton (or read the price per item off the product page).

2. Lid: if the container needs a separate lid, add the lid's price per item from its own product page.

3. Extras: add the per-item price of any sauce cup, cutlery, napkin or bag you include with that dish.

4. Total: the sum is your packaging cost per meal. Add it to your food cost before you set the menu price.

If a dish goes out in more than one container (a main plus a side, for example), add a line for each container. Keep the sheet per menu item rather than one average figure.

What do Packery's takeaway containers cost per item?

The table below lists carton quantity, carton price and price per item for the main takeaway container lines. All of these are sold by the carton.

Carton quantities differ between lines, so a lower carton price does not always mean a lower cost per meal. Compare on price per item.

Do I need to add a lid to the cost?

Yes, if the container you choose is sold without one. Check the product page for the container: if the lid is a separate item, find the matching lid and add its price per item to your costing line.

Leaving the lid out understates your packaging cost on every order. If you are not sure which lid fits a container, contact us before you order.

How do the 700ml and 900ml containers compare per meal?

The 700ml container is $0.23 per item and the 900ml container is $0.27 per item. Both are white sugarcane and both come 400 to a carton, so the only cost difference is the price per item shown above.

Choose the size by portion: match the container to how much food actually goes in it, then run your per-meal calculation on that size.

For more sizes in this range, see small takeaway containers.

Are lunch boxes or rectangular containers cheaper per meal?

It depends on the size you need. The PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Lunch Box Small (Carton of 200) is $0.28 per item and the PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Lunch Box Medium (Carton of 200) is $0.42 per item. The Large (see the product page for the current price).

The PLA Takeaway Container – White Coated Rectangular 750ml (Carton of 300) is $0.30 per item and the PLA Takeaway Container – White Coated Rectangular 1000ml (Carton of 300) is $0.31 per item. Both rectangular sizes measure 172x120mm across, with the 1000ml deeper at 75mm against 57mm.

The lunch boxes are brown PLA-coated paper; the rectangular containers are white PLA-coated paper. The lunch boxes, and the RPET deli containers, can also be custom printed with your logo (see custom print), which you would cost separately.

Which one should I buy?

Pick the container that fits the portion, then cost it with the method above.

• Curry houses, noodle bars and rice dishes: the 30oz Takeaway Container – 900ml (Carton of 400) for main serves, and the 23oz Takeaway Container – 700ml (Carton of 400) for smaller mains and sides.
• Delis, salad bars and meal-prep kitchens: the 8oz Takeaway Container – RPET Deli (Carton of 500) for dressings, dips and small sides, and the 12oz Takeaway Container – RPET Deli (Carton of 500) for larger sides. The clear RPET lets customers see what is inside.
• Cafés and food trucks serving burgers, wraps, chips and snacks: the PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Lunch Box Small (Carton of 200) or Medium for single serves, stepping up to the Large or Extra Large for combo meals.
• Caterers and kitchens packing rectangular portions: the PLA Takeaway Container – White Coated Rectangular 750ml (Carton of 300) or the 1000ml size.

If you are stocking several sizes at once, our guide to buying takeaway containers in bulk covers planning carton quantities. You can browse every size in takeaway containers.

How does ordering work?

There is no minimum order. 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). When your costing sheet is ready, use quick order to add cartons by product.

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