Takeaway Containers by Menu Type: What Suits Each Dish

The right takeaway container depends on what is on the menu: sugarcane tubs suit curries and rice, PLA-coated paper lunch boxes suit noodles and boxed meals, windowed cardboard wedges suit sandwiches, and clear RPET deli tubs suit salads and deli items. Carton and per-item prices are listed for each, at wholesale carton rates delivered Australia-wide.

Key takeaways

• Curries and rice: white sugarcane tubs, 23oz at $0.23 each or 30oz at $0.27 each.
• Noodles and boxed meals: PLA-coated paper lunch boxes come in Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large, from $0.35 (see the product page for the current price).
• Sandwiches: a cardboard wedge with a PLA window at $0.25 each.
• Hot dogs: a brown cardboard hot dog box at $0.18 each.
• Deli items: a clear 8oz RPET tub at $0.16 each.

What container should I use for curries and rice?

For curries, rice and other saucy mains, a round sugarcane tub is the simplest choice. The 23oz Takeaway Container – 700ml (Carton of 400) is $74.51 per carton, or $0.19 each, and the 30oz Takeaway Container – 900ml (Carton of 400) is $88.65 per carton, or $0.22 each.

Both are white sugarcane: the 23oz for a standard portion, the 30oz for a large serve. For a rectangular option, the PLA Takeaway Container – White Coated Rectangular 750ml (Carton of 300) is $88.96 per carton, or $0.30 each, and the 1000ml version (see the product page for the current price). Both are white PLA-coated paper.

Which takeaway box works for noodles and boxed meals?

Noodles, stir-fries, fried rice and bento-style meals sit well in a flat, rectangular box. The brown PLA-coated paper lunch boxes come in Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large, in cartons of 200.

The PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Lunch Box Medium (Carton of 200) (152x120x64mm) is $83.55 per carton, or $0.42 each, and suits a single noodle serve. Step up to the Large (197x140x64mm) (see the product page for the current price). The Small (110x90x64mm) at $0.35 each works for sides like dumplings or spring rolls.

Windowed versions in cardboard with a PLA window cost $0.47 (Small), $0.61 (Medium) and $0.71 (Large) each.

What should I pack salads in?

Salads suit either a clear tub or a windowed lunch box, depending on portion size. For side salads, coleslaw or potato salad, the 8oz Takeaway Container – RPET Deli (Carton of 500) is $66.06 per carton, or $0.13 each, and is clear RPET so the contents are visible in a display fridge.

For a meal-size salad, the Large Lunch Box with Window at $0.71 each or the Medium at $0.61 each shows the food through the window.

Which box suits sandwiches, wraps, burgers and hot dogs?

Sandwiches go in a wedge, and hot dogs go in a long box. The Takeaway Container – Sandwich Wedge (Carton of 500) is cardboard with a PLA window, 122x72x122mm, at $95.23 per carton, or $0.19 each. For a heat-sealed pack, the PLA Takeaway Container – Heat Seal Sandwich Wedge with Coating and Window (123x123x72mm) is $207.05 per carton of 600, or $0.35 each.

Wraps and rolls that will not fit a wedge go in the Small or Medium lunch box. For hot dogs, the Kraft Takeaway Container – Hot Dog Box Board (Carton of 400) is brown cardboard, 208x70x75mm, at $57.75 per carton, or $0.14 each. Burgers usually go in a dedicated burger box; for a burger with chips, the Medium lunch box also works.

Which small containers suit deli items, dips and sauces?

Deli items need small, clear tubs; dips and sauces need a small portion cup. The 8oz RPET Deli tub at $0.16 each covers olives, marinated vegetables, dips and dressings. For sauces, condiments and tasting portions, the 2oz Sugarcane Serving Container – Cup Unbleached (Carton of 2000) is natural, unbleached sugarcane at $78.62 per carton, or $0.04 each.

For more on portion-sized options, see our guide to small takeaway containers.

Compare takeaway containers by menu type

Which one should I buy?

• Indian, Thai or curry house: the 23oz Takeaway Container – 700ml (Carton of 400) for standard serves and the 30oz Takeaway Container – 900ml (Carton of 400) for large serves, plus the 2oz sugarcane cup for chutneys and sauces.
• Noodle bar or Asian takeaway: the PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Lunch Box Medium (Carton of 200) for single serves, with the Small for sides.
• Café with a sandwich fridge: the Takeaway Container – Sandwich Wedge (Carton of 500) for sandwiches and the 8oz RPET Deli tub for side salads.
• Food truck or market stall: the Kraft Takeaway Container – Hot Dog Box Board (Carton of 400) for hot dogs, and the Medium lunch box for loaded fries or burgers with sides.
• Deli or caterer: the 8oz Takeaway Container – RPET Deli (Carton of 500) for display-fridge items and the PLA Takeaway Container – White Coated Rectangular 750ml (Carton of 300) for portioned mains.

The lunch boxes, sandwich wedges, hot dog box and RPET deli tub can be printed with your logo (see custom print). Stocking several menu items? Read our guide to buying takeaway containers in bulk.

How do I order?

Everything is sold by the carton at wholesale carton prices, and each product page shows the carton price and price per item. 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). Browse the full takeaway containers range or reorder fast with quick order.

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