How to Choose the Right Takeout Container for Your Restaurant Menu
Share
Ordering takeout containers for your restaurant shouldn't require guesswork. Whether you're running a quick-service restaurant, a ghost kitchen, or a food truck, the right container keeps food fresh, prevents leaks, and protects your margins. This guide covers clamshells, soup containers, and how to match each one to your menu.
Clamshell Containers: Size Guide
Clamshells are the workhorse of takeout packaging — one-piece hinged containers that close securely without separate lids. Here's how each size maps to common menu items:
| Size | Best For | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 6x6 | Appetizers, sides, small portions | Samosas, spring rolls, fries, coleslaw, single burger |
| 8x8 | Standard entrees | Rice + protein, pasta dishes, stir fry, fish and chips |
| 9x6 | Elongated items | Subs, wraps, burritos, hot dogs, shawarma |
| 9x9 | Large entrees, combo meals | Family portions, large plates, multi-item combos |
Most restaurants need 8x8 as their primary clamshell. It handles the widest range of entrees. Add 6x6 for sides and appetizers, and 9x6 if your menu includes subs or wraps.
Soup Containers: Size Guide
Paper soup containers with lids handle any liquid or semi-liquid food — not just soup. They're leak-resistant and microwave-safe.
| Size | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 8oz | 1 cup | Side soup, dipping sauces, small chili, condiment portions |
| 12oz | 1.5 cups | Standard soup serving, oatmeal, small poke bowl |
| 16oz | 2 cups | Large soup, ramen, stew, curry, noodle dishes |
| 24oz | 3 cups | Extra-large portions, pho, family-size soup, salad bowls |
For most restaurants, 12oz and 16oz cover 80% of soup and liquid food orders. Add 8oz if you serve sides of soup or sauces. Add 24oz if you serve large noodle dishes or family portions.
Material Comparison: Bagasse vs Plastic vs Foam
| Bagasse (Sugarcane) | Plastic | Foam (Styrofoam) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compostable | Yes — breaks down in 90 days | No | No |
| Microwave safe | Yes | Some types | No |
| Grease resistant | Good | Excellent | Poor |
| Heat resistance | Up to 220°F | Varies | Poor — warps |
| Municipal bans | Compliant everywhere | Restricted in some cities | Banned in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal |
| Customer perception | Eco-friendly, premium | Neutral | Negative — seen as outdated |
| Cost per unit | $0.45–$0.75 | $0.20–$0.50 | $0.10–$0.25 |
Bagasse costs more than foam but less than you'd expect — and the gap is closing. When you factor in disposal fees, potential fines in regulated cities, and customer preference for eco-friendly packaging, bagasse often comes out ahead on total cost.
Matching Containers to Your Menu
Here's a quick reference for common restaurant types:
- Burger/sandwich shop: 8x8 clamshells (mains) + 6x6 (sides/fries)
- Chinese/Thai/Indian: 16oz soup containers (curries, noodles) + 8x8 clamshells (rice dishes)
- Pizza shop with sides: 6x6 clamshells (wings, garlic bread) + 8oz soup (dipping sauce)
- Cafe/bakery: 12oz soup containers (soup of the day) + 6x6 clamshells (pastries, sandwiches)
- Sub/wrap shop: 9x6 clamshells (subs, wraps) + 8oz soup (side soup)
- Poke/salad bowl: 24oz soup containers (large bowls) + 16oz (regular bowls)
- Food truck: 8x8 clamshells (main plates) + 6x6 (sides) — keep it simple with 2 sizes
Estimating Your Monthly Container Usage
A simple formula to forecast your monthly container needs:
Daily takeout orders × 30 days × 1.2 (buffer) = monthly container count
The 1.2 multiplier accounts for days when orders spike (weekends, holidays) and occasional breakage or waste. For example:
- 30 takeout orders/day × 30 × 1.2 = 1,080 containers/month
- 50 takeout orders/day × 30 × 1.2 = 1,800 containers/month
- 100 takeout orders/day × 30 × 1.2 = 3,600 containers/month
If each order uses multiple containers (main + side + soup), multiply accordingly. A typical full meal takeout uses 1.5–2 containers on average.
Why VerteVida
All VerteVida containers are made from bagasse (sugarcane fiber) — genuinely compostable, not just "biodegradable." We offer the lowest prices on compostable packaging in Canada, with bulk pricing available for restaurants ordering regularly.
- Browse clamshell containers — 6x6, 8x8, 9x6, and 9x9 in stock
- Browse soup containers — 8oz, 12oz, 16oz, and 24oz with lids
- Request a free sample pack — try before you commit
Need help choosing? See our full product lineup or read our guide on what bagasse is and why it matters.