Greaseproof Paper for Catering: Choosing the Right Bags

Caterers move a lot of food in a short time, often to venues without a full kitchen. Greaseproof paper bags help keep fried and buttery food tidy, stop grease reaching serving trays and guests’ hands, and make portioning quick. This guide explains where they fit in a catering setup and which of our bags suit which job.

Where greaseproof bags help in catering

• Finger food and canapés – samosas, spring rolls, sausage rolls and pastries served to guests individually.
• Street-food style service – chips, churros, doughnuts and fried snacks at events and festivals.
• Packed lunches and boxed meals – wrapping sandwiches, pastries or cookies before they go into a box.
• Breakfast service – croissants, bacon rolls and hash browns handed out quickly.

Our greaseproof bags for caterers

Our greaseproof paper bags are grease-resistant and supplied by the case, usually 1,000 bags (10 packs of 100).

Small bags for single portions

The plain 5″ x 5″ and 6″ x 6″ bags suit individual snacks, cookies and small savouries. They are inexpensive enough to hand out freely at events.

Gusseted chip bags

Our gusseted chip bag (6″ x 4″ x 4″) opens into a stand-up pocket, so it is easy to fill with a scoop and comfortable for guests to hold while standing. It works for chips, wedges, popcorn chicken and churros.

Medium and large bags

The 8.5″ x 8.5″ and 10″ x 10″ “Thank You” bags take larger pastries, wraps and burgers. For bigger portions or shared items, the 12″ x 12″ is supplied in cases of 500.

Baguette bags

For filled baguettes and long rolls at lunches and events, use the 14″ x 6″ x 4″ baguette bag.

Pairing bags with the rest of your kit

Greaseproof bags rarely work alone in catering. Common pairings include:

• Kraft boat trays for chips and snacks that need a sturdier base.
• Sauce cups and lids for dips served on the side.
• Brown kraft paper bags for carrying several wrapped items together.
• Catering disposables such as straws.
• Cutlery in wooden, paper or bagasse options for plastic-free events.

Planning quantities for an event

A simple rule of thumb is to allow one bag per item per guest for anything handed out individually, plus around 10% extra for spillages and second helpings. Order bags in the same delivery as your containers so everything arrives together. Paper bags store flat, so a spare case takes up little room in a van.

Storage on site

Keep bags in a closed box away from fryers, urns and rain. Damp paper sticks together and is slow to open during service.

Learn more

Read our complete guide to greaseproof paper bags for more on materials, food safety and recycling, or see catering disposables: what to stock.

Order catering bags from Grab n Go Packaging

All of these bags are sold by the case, with next-day UK delivery on orders placed by 12pm (T&Cs apply). Contact us if you’re planning a large event and want help working out quantities.