Fish and Chip Shop Packaging: Paper, Boxes or Bags?

A fish and chip shop has one of the most recognisable kinds of packaging in the country: a hot parcel wrapped in paper. But today's customers don't only eat on the harbour wall. They collect, they order on delivery apps and they take food a long way home. The right packaging depends on how your food travels.

This guide explains when paper works, when a box is better and how to put together a packaging list for a chip shop.

Chip paper: the classic

Printed chip paper is the traditional choice, and it still does a lot for a shop. It keeps food hot for a short time, it's quick to wrap and it carries your name to every customer. A repeating logo or a traditional pattern looks good in photos and on social media.

Paper works best for:

Eating in or a short walk
Counter service and queues
Customers who want the traditional experience

For juicy or very oily food, use a paper with enough grease resistance and strength to survive wrapping. Greaseproof paper also works well for lining and wrapping fish.

Boxes: better for longer journeys

For collection from further away and for delivery, a printed fish and chip box protects the food better than paper alone. It stops the portion being squashed in a bag, keeps heat in and keeps grease off the bag and the customer's hands.

A box is worth considering when:

You deliver, directly or through apps
Customers drive or travel a distance
You want to keep fish and chips separate, so the batter stays crisp

Bags: carry it all

Whether you wrap or box, you'll need a bag. SOS paper bags are quick to fill and suit single portions. For bigger orders, a takeaway bag with handles is easier to carry. Choose bags that cope with grease, and seal delivery bags with a printed sticker.

Keeping batter crisp

The biggest problem in fish and chip delivery is steam. Hot food in a tightly closed container softens batter and chips quickly. A few things help:

Choose a box and board that suit hot, oily food
Don't seal food the moment it leaves the fryer if you can avoid it
Keep fish and chips apart for long journeys
Test your packaging on a real delivery before you commit

A chip shop packaging list

Printed chip paper
Greaseproof paper for wrapping and lining
Fish and chip boxes in the portion sizes you sell
SOS bags for single portions
Takeaway bags for larger orders
Seal stickers for delivery
Pots or small boxes for sauces and sides
Napkins

Opening a new chip shop?

Start with our packaging checklist for new food businesses. Production and delivery typically take 30 to 35 days after you approve your sample and artwork, so start around eight weeks before you open.