Food Packaging Bags
Food Packaging Bags: The Simple Guide for Cafes and Restaurants
You’re here because you’ve had enough of juggling takeaway orders while customers grumble about flimsy bags, grease leaks, or bags that split before they even make it to the car. You need bags that actually do the job—tough enough for hot chips and saucy burgers, yet affordable enough to keep your margins healthy. The good news? You don’t have to compromise. The bad news? Many suppliers will sell you the wrong thing right off the bat.
Let’s dive into what you should buy, what to steer clear of, and how to stop wasting money on bags that rip or cost too much.
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What to Look For in Food Packaging Bags
Not all food packaging bags are created equal. The two biggest blunders cafes make are:
1. Choosing bags that aren’t grease-resistant – Kraft paper bags soak up oil like a sponge. By the time your customer gets home, their burger’s sitting in a greasy puddle.
2. Over-ordering small cartons – If you’re serving 50+ takeaway meals a day, buying cartons of 100 or 250 is a false economy. You’ll end up spending more on freight than you save on unit price.
The bags listed below tackle both issues. They’re grease-resistant, strong enough for hot food, and come in cartons that actually make sense for hospitality businesses.
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The Only Three Food Packaging Bags You Need
Kraft Bag – 2WB Flat (Carton of 500)
Best for: Dry takeaway orders like pastries, sandwiches, or pre-packaged salads.
Why it works: The flat-bottomed design stands upright, allowing customers to see their order without tipping it out. The 2WB (double-wall) construction adds stiffness without bulk. A carton of 500 keeps your storage neat and your unit cost low.
Kraft Bag – Brown Twisted Handle Takeaway Medium (Carton of 250)
Best for: Hot food like burgers, fries, or fried chicken.
Why it works: Twisted handles distribute weight evenly, so bags don’t tear under pressure. The reinforced bottom holds heavy sauces without leaking. A carton of 250 is the sweet spot—small enough to store, large enough to avoid constant reordering.
No.16 Bag – Brown SOS (Carton of 250)
Best for: Bulk takeaway orders or family-sized meals.
Why it works: The SOS (self-opening square) design means one-handed opening—critical when you’re busy. It holds up to 2 litres of liquid without bulging. A carton of 250 is perfect if you’re serving groups or catering events.
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Common Mistakes That Waste Money
- Buying single-wall bags for hot food – They might look fine on the shelf, but oil soaks through in no time. Customers will complain, and you’ll end up redoing orders.
- Ignoring carton sizes – A carton of 100 seems cheaper per unit, but freight costs can eat into your savings. Stick to cartons of 250 or 500.
- Skipping grease-resistant coating – If the bag isn’t labelled “grease-resistant” or “wet-strength,” assume it isn’t. Test it yourself: pour a spoonful of oil on the bag. If it soaks through, don’t buy it.
- Overstocking “just in case” – Food packaging doesn’t spoil, but it does take up space. Order what you’ll use in 4–6 weeks, not 6 months.
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Where to Buy Food Packaging Bags in Bulk
If you’re in Australia, you’ve got two solid options:
1. Buy from a specialist supplier – They’ll deliver nationwide, stock grease-resistant options, and offer cartons that make sense for hospitality. (Hint: That’s us.)
2. Buy from a generic packaging store – While they might seem cheaper per unit, you’ll pay for freight, wait longer, and likely end up with bags that aren’t fit for purpose.
When ordering from a supplier, keep an eye on:
- Free delivery threshold – Most hospitality suppliers offer free delivery over $350. If you’re not hitting that, you might be ordering the wrong cartons.
- Stock availability – Some suppliers run low on grease-resistant bags during peak seasons. Order ahead to avoid disappointment.
- Returns policy – If the bags don’t perform, can you return them? Most hospitality suppliers won’t take returns on packaging, so it’s wise to test a carton first.
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How Much Should Food Packaging Bags Cost?
Prices can vary, but here’s what to expect in Australia (before GST):
| Bag Type | Carton Size | Typical Unit Price (ex GST) |
|----------|-------------|-----------------------------|
| Kraft Flat 2WB | 500 | $0.12–$0.15 |
| Kraft Twisted Handle | 250 | $0.18–$0.22 |
| No.16 SOS | 250 | $0.20–$0.25 |
Remember, the cheapest bag isn’t always the best. A $0.05 bag that leaks oil or tears under weight will cost you more in refunds and customer complaints than a $0.20 bag that holds up.
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The Bottom Line
You don’t need a dozen types of food packaging bags. You need three:
1. Kraft Flat 2WB for dry orders.
2. Kraft Twisted Handle for hot food.
3. No.16 SOS for bulk or family orders.
Order cartons of 250 or 500, check for grease resistance, and stop wasting money on bags that don’t do their job. If you’re in Australia, we can deliver nationwide with free shipping over $350—no supplier names, no hidden costs, just bags that work.
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Next Step
Stop guessing. Shop all packaging and choose the cartons that match your daily orders. If you’re unsure, start with a mixed carton of 250 of each. You’ll know within a week if they’re right for your menu.
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