Food packaging is part of the product, an extension of your brand image, and a key factor in user experience and cost control. Today’s blog will walk through 5 common food packaging materials and 5 major packaging types used in restaurants, takeout chains, dessert shops, and more—along with reference costs.
Common 5 types of food packaging materials
Although food packaging comes in many shapes and forms, most options fall into five basic material categories. Each has its own strengths and ideal use cases.
Plastic packaging
Plastic is the most affordable and widely used material for food packaging. Common types include PE, PP, and PET—used in cups, lunch boxes, conatiners, and bags.
There are also eco-friendly options like PLA (a biodegradable plastic), often seen in U.S. and European markets. These are typically labeled with sustainability icons or certification marks to meet consumer demand for greener packaging.
Paper and paperboards
Paper packaging like kraft paper and coated paper is common in straws, cups, wrappers, boxes, and bags. It has a natural texture, is easy to print, and presents a premium look.
Paperboard is thicker and stiffer than standard paper and is often used in juice or milk cartons, usually as aseptic cartons for long shelf life and leak protection.
Glass containers/bottles/jars
Glass is mostly used for wine, beverages, condiments, and more. It’s durable, reusable, and non-reactive—but also heavier, more expensive, and fragile—making it less ideal for fast food or takeaway.
Metal
Aluminum and tin cans are often used for preserved foods, energy drinks, or coffee powder. They offer excellent moisture and oxygen resistance but come at a higher cost, mostly used for shelf-stable products with long expiry dates.
Biodegradable materials
Many brands are adopting biodegradable materials like sugarcane pulp and paper-plastic hybrids. These are ideal for disposable packaging, especially in markets with strong environmental regulations like the EU and Australia.
5 Common types of food packaging
Cups
Paper cups are mostly used for hot drinks like milk tea, lattes, or coffee. They’re made with PE-coated paper to prevent leakage. Standard sizes include 12oz, 16oz, and 22oz, priced at 2-4 cents/piece.
For cold desserts like ice cream, thicker paper cups or bowls are used—they’re stiffer and easier to scoop from. Popcorn buckets are also paper-based, usually made from large-format kraft paper and used in cinemas or dine-in venues.
Plastic cups are common for cold drinks like iced coffee, fruit tea, or layered beverages. PP material is more heat-resistant, while PET offers high transparency for better visual appeal. Most plastic cups come with flat/dome lids, straws, or film seals. Cost ranges from 2–5 cents/pc.
PLA or paper-plastic cups are more eco-friendly and typically cost more—around 3.5–8 cents/pc.
Food packaging boxes
Boxes can be used to package a wide range of items—from cereals, cookies, and baked goods to fast food, bento, and takeaway meals.
Plastic food boxes
Usually made of PP, suitable for hot meals and are microwave-safe. Single or multi-compartment options are available. Price: 5–10 cents/pc depending on thickness & design. Cold food like salad or sushi uses PET boxes for better display.
Paper food boxes
Preferred by eco-conscious branding. Common options include Kraft lunch boxes and folding paper boxes. Easy to print, visually appealing, ideal for less greasy items like pasta, sandwiches, or light meals. Price: 5–11 cents/pc.
Biodegradable boxes
Boxes made of sugarcane pulp or bamboo fiber (no plastic lining, fully compostable) are gaining traction. These range from 8.5–17 cents/pc and are ideal for brands that value sustainability.
Food packaging bags
Different bag types vary in terms of cost, load capacity, visual appeal, and eco performance.
Plastic bags
Most common and lowest-cost option. HDPE and LDPE bags are waterproof, grease-resistant, and strong. For small items like fried snacks or baked goods, PE bags are commonly used. Slightly cheaper than HDPE and LDPE bags.
Kraft paper bags
Feel more premium, preferred by mid-to-high-end food brands. Often used for combos like milk tea + snacks, they are stiff, sturdy, and come with rope handles. Price: 5-9 cents/pc depending on material weight and printing.
Kraft food pouches (no handle) are often used for baked goods, burgers, or sandwiches. Single or double-layer grease-resistant designs available. Ideal for daily high-turnover packaging. Price: 1-4 cents/pc, commonly seen in bakeries or food stalls.
Trays and wrappers
Food trays are used for cold meals, sushi sets, dessert boxes, fresh produce, meat, and ready-to-eat items. Materials include plastic, paperboard, pulp, or foil.
Plastic trays (PET/PP/PS) are the most common. PET is transparent and rigid, great for cold food display; PP is heat-resistant and used for hot food. Most trays come with clear lids. Price: 4-9 cents/pc.
Eco trays like molded pulp trays or foil trays (for ovenable items like baked pasta or desserts) are also widely used. These cost more—around 7-17 cents/pc —but offer better functionality and sustainability.
Wrapper packaging (for single items) is also widely used. Made of paper, plastic, or foil, wrappers are used for candy, cheese, burgers, sandwiches, or hot wings.
Cutlery sets
Several standard combinations are available:
- Single utensils (chopsticks or spoons): 1-2 cents/pc depending on material (plastic, wood, bamboo) and packaging style
- Cutlery kits (chopsticks + tissue/napkin + toothpick/spoon): 2.5-5 cents/set
- Custom-printed sets: Suitable for chains or higher-end brands; slightly higher cost.
The bottom line
Hope this guide helps! Feel free to comment if you have any questions or share it if you found it useful.
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