5 Examples of Food that Boxes Are Used As Packaging

For small and mid-sized fried chicken and burger restaurants in the U.S., investing in smart packaging improves food safety, boosts your brand identity, and aligns with growing demand for eco-conscious solutions. This article will guide you through box types, customization strategies, safety considerations, and sustainability, all tailored to help you make the best decisions for your food service business.

Types of Food Packaging Boxes: Which One Fits Your Menu Best?

Best Boxes for Hot Meals (Fried Chicken, Burgers)

Hot meals demand packaging that resists grease, traps heat, and holds shape during transport. Coated paperboard and kraft paper boxes are top choices, offering both sturdiness and insulation. Clamshells and tuck-top boxes are particularly effective for fried chicken and burgers, preserving crisp textures and preventing sogginess.

Ideal Boxes for Cold Foods and Sides (Salads, Desserts)

Cold items like side salads, fruit bowls, and desserts need moisture-resistant boxes to avoid soggy bottoms. Laminated cardboard and biodegradable fiber-based boxes work well here. These materials help keep chilled items fresh and prevent structural collapse from condensation.

Food Delivery Boxes: Secure and Leak-Proof Options

Third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash put packaging to the test. For long trips, consider corrugated or reinforced paperboard boxes. Features such as snap-tight lids, locking tabs, and double-layered corners reduce the risk of leaks, crushed contents, or heat loss.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance for Food Boxes

Food Safety Standards: FDA, LFGB, and More

Compliance with food-contact safety regulations like the FDA (U.S.) and LFGB (Europe) is non-negotiable. Ensure suppliers can provide documentation proving that boxes won’t release toxins when in contact with hot, greasy foods. Partnering with certified manufacturers protects both your brand and customers.

Microwave and Refrigerator Safety: Ensuring Versatile Use

Boxes should handle reheating and cold storage without warping or releasing chemicals. Look for PLA-lined or CPLA coatings for compostable boxes that withstand both microwaves and refrigerators. These materials support functionality and sustainability.

Customization: Make Your Food Boxes Stand Out

Branding Through Customized Food Boxes

Custom-printed boxes are mini billboards for your business. Use your logo, color palette, and catchy taglines to increase brand recognition. Choose between digital printing for short runs or offset printing for bulk orders to ensure clarity and color consistency.

Cost and MOQ for Custom Food Boxes

Pricing depends on box size, material, design complexity, and order volume. For example, standard burger boxes may start around $0.12/unit at low volumes. Minimum order quantities (MOQs) typically range from 1,000 to 5,000 units. Fusenpack helps clients reduce costs with low MOQs, bulk discounts, and free design support.

Eco-Friendly Food Boxes: Sustainable and Practical Choices

Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging Options

Restaurants are shifting to sustainable alternatives like sugarcane, bamboo fiber, and compostable kraft boxes. These materials match or exceed the performance standards of traditional packaging while lowering environmental impact.

How Eco-Friendly Packaging Enhances Brand Image

Going green isn’t just about the planet—it’s good business. Sustainable packaging appeals to eco-conscious diners, especially Millennials and Gen Z. Case studies show restaurants switching to compostable boxes see higher customer satisfaction and social media engagement.

Packaging Size and Style Options: Flexible Solutions for Every Menu Item

From mini fry boxes to large family meal containers, size matters. Offering multiple sizes lets you reduce waste, optimize portioning, and maintain a polished presentation. Choose from square, rectangular, or custom die-cut shapes to match menu diversity.

Best Practices for Designing High-Impact Food Boxes

Design impacts more than looks—it affects functionality. Use inserts for combo meals, ventilation holes for crispy fries, and window cut-outs for visual appeal. Pair strong visuals with clear messaging: reheating instructions, brand story, or QR codes for loyalty programs.

FAQs

Q: What are the best boxes for fried food delivery? A: Grease-resistant coated paperboard or corrugated boxes with locking mechanisms work best to retain crispness and prevent leaks.

Q: Can custom boxes be made in small quantities? A: Yes. Fusenpack offers low MOQs starting from just 1,000 units with bulk discounts available.

Q: Are your boxes microwave or refrigerator-safe? A: Yes. We offer PLA-lined and other heat- and cold-safe materials ideal for versatile usage.

Q: How long does it take to receive a bulk order? A: Production typically takes 10–15 days. Rush options and free storage are also available.

Q: Can I get a sample before ordering? A: Absolutely. Contact Fusenpack for free samples and packaging consultations.

Conclusion

Selecting the right food packaging box is not just a back-of-house decision—it’s a brand-defining move. From grease-proof clamshells to PLA-lined eco boxes, each choice impacts food quality, operational ease, and customer perception.

Ready to upgrade your packaging game? Fusenpack offers high-quality, customizable boxes with low MOQs, free design services, and fast delivery across the U.S.