Opening a Takeaway in the UK: Your Packaging Checklist

When you're opening a takeaway, packaging tends to land at the bottom of a very long list, somewhere after the fit-out, the menu, the suppliers and the delivery apps. But it's one of the few things every single customer touches, and it's easy to leave too late.

This checklist covers the packaging most UK takeaways need before opening day, how to choose each item, and how to plan the order so it arrives on time. If you'd rather skip ahead, tell us what you're opening and we'll build the list with you.

Start with your menu, not the catalogue

The right packaging list comes from your menu. Before looking at any boxes, write down:

• Your main dishes and how they're served (boxed, in a bowl, wrapped)
• Your sides, sauces and drinks
• How much of your trade will be collection, delivery or eating in
• Your busiest and heaviest typical order

That last one matters most. A bag or box that copes with your heaviest normal order will cope with everything else.

The takeaway packaging checklist

Boxes and bowls for your mains

Most takeaways cover their whole menu with two or three containers: a general takeaway food box, a food bowl for rice, noodles or curries, and a specialist box if you sell burgers or wraps, such as burger boxes or wrap boxes. Fewer box types means simpler ordering and less storage.

Packaging for sides

Chips and fries need their own boxes or scoops, sized so a regular portion looks generous. If you sell loaded fries, use a loaded fries bowl rather than a box, because sauces soak through thinner packaging.

Lids

Anything wet or saucy that travels needs a lid that fits properly. Order bowl lids together with your bowls so the fit is guaranteed.

Bags for collection and delivery

You'll usually need two bags: a takeaway bag for single meals and a stronger delivery bag for larger orders with drinks. The base must be wide enough for your boxes to sit flat.

Seal stickers

Delivery customers increasingly expect to see that their order hasn't been opened. A printed seal sticker across the top of the bag is a simple, inexpensive fix that also carries your logo.

Napkins and the small things

Napkins, cutlery and sauce pots are easy to forget until the first busy night. Add them to your list now.

Tip: if you'll be on delivery apps, your packaging is often the first thing a new customer sees of your business. It's worth branding the boxes and bags they'll photograph.

How to choose the right strength

New takeaways often make one of two mistakes: buying the thinnest packaging to save money, or paying for heavy delivery-grade packaging they don't need. The right choice depends on how wet and heavy your food is and how far it travels. Test samples with your heaviest dish on a real delivery run before you commit.

When to order before opening

Allow more time than you think. You'll need to agree your list, get a quote, approve artwork and test a sample, and then production and delivery typically take 30 to 35 days from approval. Starting around eight weeks before opening gives you room to test properly and still have stock in time. Our guide to when to order packaging before opening goes through the timeline step by step.

How much to order

Estimate the orders you expect each day, multiply by the days of stock you want, and add a margin for the opening weeks. For example, 150 orders a day for two months is around 9,000 of your main box. Larger runs usually lower the price per unit; if you don't have the space, we can keep your stock in UK storage and you take what you need as you go.

Branding without overspending

You don't need everything printed on day one. Brand what customers see most, usually boxes, bags and cups, and use printed stickers on lower-volume items. We can design your packaging with you at no extra cost, even if you don't have a logo yet.

Summary

• Build your packaging list from your menu and your heaviest typical order.
• Cover your menu with as few box and bowl types as possible.
• Choose strength for how your food travels, and test samples on a real delivery.
• Start around eight weeks before opening; production and delivery take 30 to 35 days after approval.
• Brand the most visible packaging first.

See all our packaging checklists for new food businesses, or tell us what you're opening and we'll build your list with you.