What Is an SOS Bag? Sizes, Paper and How to Choose

If you run a takeaway, bakery or cafe, you've handled thousands of SOS bags without necessarily knowing the name. This guide explains what they are, how they differ from other paper bags and how to choose the right one.

What does SOS stand for?

SOS stands for self-opening sack. It's a paper bag with a flat, square base and folded sides. Give it a flick and it opens and stands upright on its own, so one hand can fill it while the other holds the food. That's why it's the standard bag for busy counters.

SOS bags have no handles. That keeps them simple and economical, and it also decides what they're best at.

What are SOS bags used for?

• Chips and fries
• Burgers, wraps and sandwiches
• Pastries, cookies and bread
• Snacks and single items
• Individual delivery orders, folded and sealed

For a bigger order, an SOS bag is often packed inside a handled takeaway bag or delivery bag.

SOS bag, grab bag or handled bag?

• SOS bags have a flat base and stand on their own. Best for chips, sides and anything you fill quickly.
• Grab bags are a flatter paper bag for quick items like sandwiches and pastries.
• Handled bags are for larger orders that need carrying, usually with several boxes inside. Twisted handle bags use twisted paper cord that spreads the weight, so they suit delivery and heavier orders. Flat handle bags have a lighter, retail-style look that suits collection orders.

Which paper should you choose?

• Kraft is natural and hard-wearing, and suits simple one or two colour designs.
• White is brighter and cleaner, and suits colourful or detailed artwork.
• Grease resistant is the choice for chips, fried food, pastries and anything warm. Standard paper can mark when oil passes through it.

Our materials are recyclable and food safe.

How do you choose the size?

Most suppliers sell a short list of standard sizes and expect you to fit your food around them. With custom printed bags you don't have to. Start with what goes in:

1. Measure the box, wrap or items you'll be filling the bag with.
2. Think about your typical order, not your smallest one.
3. Leave room for the top to fold over, especially if you seal it with a sticker.

We can make SOS bags in any size, so tell us what the bag needs to hold and we'll size it to fit.

Branding an SOS bag

A bag is seen by every customer, in the street, on the doorstep and in photos. A logo on the front is the simplest option. An all-over pattern is easier to recognise at a glance and can look stronger on a delivery app. We design the artwork with you at no extra cost, even if you don't have a logo yet.

For delivery orders, a printed sticker across the folded top seals the bag and shows it hasn't been opened.

Summary

• SOS means self-opening sack: a paper bag that stands up on its own.
• It suits chips, sides, bakery items and small orders. Use a handled bag for bigger ones.
• Choose grease resistant paper for hot or oily food.
• Size the bag to your food. We make any size.

See our printed SOS paper bags, or tell us what you serve and we'll recommend the size and paper.