Paper Bags Buying Guide
From sandwich bags and greaseproof bakery bags to carrier bags and grab bags for big takeaway orders, the right paper bag keeps food fresh, presentable and easy to carry. This guide explains the types of paper bag we stock, the sizes, and which bag suits which job.
Paper bag types compared
- Brown kraft paper bags: flat, natural brown bags for sandwiches, pastries, sweets and counter sales.
- White sulphate paper bags: clean white flat bags for bakeries, delis and sweet shops.
- Greaseproof paper bags: for buttery pastries, doughnuts, hot snacks and chips, with plain and printed “thank you” designs.
- Ribbed and glazed brown kraft bags: a ribbed, glazed brown kraft bag with a classic bakery look.
- Film front bags: white bags with a clear window so customers can see sandwiches, baguettes and pastries.
- SOS carrier bags: flat-bottomed paper carrier bags with handles for takeaway and retail orders.
- SOS grab bags: flat-bottomed bags without handles that stand open for packing boxed takeaway meals.
Flat paper bag sizes
Brown kraft: 6 x 6, 7 x 7, 8 x 8, 9.5 x 7, 10 x 10, 12 x 10, 12 x 12, 13 x 14, 14 x 18, 19 x 21 inch.
White sulphate: 5 x 5, 6 x 6, 7 x 7, 8 x 8, 9.5 x 7, 10 x 10, 12 x 10, 12 x 12 inch, plus printed 14 x 11 inch fish and chips bags.
Ribbed and glazed brown kraft: 8 x 8, 10 x 10, 12 x 12, 14 x 13, 18 x 14 inch.
Smaller sizes suit sweets, cookies and single pastries. 8 to 10 inch bags suit sandwiches and rolls, and the larger sizes suit loaves and multiple items. Most small and medium flat bags come in cases of 1,000, and larger sizes in cases of 500.
Greaseproof bags
Plain greaseproof bags: 5 x 5, 6 x 4, 6 x 5, 6 x 6 inch. Printed “thank you” greaseproof bags: 7 x 7, 7 x 7.75, 8.5 x 8.5, 10 x 10, 12 x 12 inch, plus a 6 x 4 x 4 inch gusseted chip bag and a 14 x 6 x 4 inch baguette bag.
Film front bags
White film front bags in 7 x 7, 8.5 x 8.5 and 10 x 10 inch, plus a 14 x 6 x 4 inch baguette size, in cases of 1,000.
SOS carrier bags with handles
In white or brown, in cases of 250: small 9 x 7 x 3.5 inch (white, brown), medium 10 x 8.5 x 4.5 inch (white, brown) and large 15 x 10 x 5.5 inch (white, brown).
SOS grab bags (no handles)
Plain brown grab bags run from small to extra large: 3.5lb (305 x 150 x 65mm), 5lb (355 x 150 x 65mm), 7lb (345 x 175 x 115mm), 10lb (381 x 204 x 115mm), 14lb (385 x 215 x 100mm), 20lb (405 x 260 x 130mm), 21lb (419 x 254 x 140mm) and 28lb (520 x 260 x 100mm).
For a smarter look, choose black or white grab bags in 20lb (black, white) or large 435 x 320 x 170mm (black, white). For chip shops, see our small and large fish and chips grab bags.
Quick buying checklist
- Flat kraft or white bags for sandwiches, pastries and counter sales.
- Greaseproof bags for anything buttery, oily or hot.
- Film front bags when you want the product on show.
- Grab bags or carrier bags for multi-item takeaway orders.
Paper bag FAQs
Which bag is best for greasy food? Greaseproof paper bags, which resist oil and keep the outside of the bag cleaner.
What’s the difference between a grab bag and a carrier bag? Both are flat-bottomed SOS bags that stand open for packing. Carrier bags have handles, and grab bags don’t.
Can paper bags be recycled? Clean paper bags are widely recyclable. Film front bags have a plastic window, and greasy bags may not be accepted, so 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 paper bags, or call or WhatsApp our team for help choosing.