Plastic Food Containers Buying Guide

Plastic food containers with lids are the workhorse of takeaway, meal prep and deli counters. We stock several styles, and the right one depends mainly on two questions: will the food be hot or cold, and how do you want it to look? This guide walks through each range.

Plastic takeaway containers at a glance

• Hot food and reheating: high density clear rectangular containers, round plastic containers, black base containers and black base meal boxes.
• Cold food and display: hinged salad containers and standard density clear rectangular containers.
• Premium look for hot meals: black base containers with clear lids.

Clear rectangular containers with lids

Lidded clear PP containers in 500ml, 650ml, 750ml and 1000ml, in two grades:

• High density: extra strong and rigid, with better heat resistance for hot food and reheating. Microwave safe with the lid removed, and freezer safe. 500ml, 650ml, 750ml, 1000ml.
• Standard density: lighter and more cost-effective, for cold food and everyday storage. 500ml, 650ml, 750ml, 1000ml.

Round plastic containers with lids

Classic round tubs for curries, soups, rice and sides, with a clear lid included. Microwave and freezer safe, which also suits batch cooking and leftovers. Sizes: 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 16oz and 38oz.

Black base containers

A black base with a clear lid makes hot food look its best on the counter and in delivery photos. Three ranges:

• Round black base containers with PP clear lids, lid included: 16oz, 24oz, 32oz. Microwave safe with the lid removed.
• Rectangular black base containers with clear lids, lid included: 16oz, 24oz, 32oz. Microwave safe with the lid removed.
• Round black base rPET containers in 500ml, 750ml and 1000ml, with one clear lid that fits all three sizes (sold separately).

Black base meal boxes

Compartment boxes keep mains, rice and sides apart. Choose a 1 compartment, 2 compartment or 3 compartment box, with matching clear lids for the 1, 2 and 3 compartment boxes. Remove the lid before reheating food in the box.

Hinged salad containers

Clear rPET (recycled PET) clamshells with the lid attached, for salads, fruit, sushi sets, sandwiches and desserts. They’re designed for cold food only. Sizes run from small snack pots to large platters: 150ml, 250ml, 375ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1000ml, 1250ml, 1500ml and 2000ml. For hot meals, use the containers above or our kraft food cartons.

Quick buying checklist

• Hot food or reheating: high density rectangular, round plastic, black base or meal boxes.
• Cold food or display: hinged salad containers or standard density rectangular.
• Check whether lids are included: most ranges include them; the rPET round black base lids and the meal box lids are sold separately.
• Add sauce pots, cutlery and bags.

Plastic food container FAQs

Which containers can go in the microwave? The high density clear rectangular containers, round plastic containers, black base containers and meal boxes, always with the lid removed. Hinged salad containers and standard density containers are for cold food.

Can I freeze food in them? The round plastic containers and high density rectangular containers are freezer safe.

Can they be recycled? Clean plastic containers can be recycled where local facilities accept them. Check your local waste guidance, or use the Recycle Now locator.

How fast is delivery? Orders placed by 12pm are dispatched for next-day UK delivery (T&Cs apply), with free delivery on orders over £150 ex VAT.

Ready to order? Browse all takeaway containers, or call or WhatsApp our team for help choosing.