Custom fast food boxes are printed paperboard or corrugated containers made to fit a specific menu item, such as a burger, sandwich, wrap, fried chicken or fries. TBPB makes them with no minimum order, and if you bring a written quote for the same specs, we will beat it.
Match the box to the food, not the other way round
The biggest mistake in food packaging is ordering a box that looks good empty. A burger needs a box with enough depth that the bun does not squash, a fried chicken box needs ventilation or the crust goes soft in ten minutes, and a wrap needs a shape that holds it upright. Before you pick a style, put your actual product in a prototype, time how long it sits before the customer eats, and see what condensation does to it. Your best-selling item usually sets the dimensions for the whole range.
Styles that suit common menu items
A clamshell or hinged-lid box suits burgers and sandwiches. A tray with a lid suits fried chicken and nuggets. A scoop-top or open-top carton suits fries, and our french fry boxes are built for that. A tall pocket or sleeve suits wraps. For mixed meals that include a main and a side, a takeout food box with a divider keeps the sides from sliding into the sauce. Pick the style that matches how the food is eaten, whether in the car or on a counter.
Board, grease and steam
Most fast food boxes are paperboard or kraft board, with a grease-resistant coating or liner, and some use corrugated micro-flute where more stiffness is needed. Oil and steam are what damage paperboard, so a coating or liner is worth discussing for anything fried. Vent holes release steam and keep crisp food crisp, though they also let heat out faster, so it is a trade-off to test with your own menu. Whether any board, coating or ink is suitable for direct food contact is something to confirm with your own regulatory adviser, and you are responsible for labeling. We print the artwork you supply.
Sauces deserve a thought as well. A dip pot that tips inside a sealed box ruins everything around it, so we can add a small compartment or a die-cut holder to keep sauces upright. If the box also has to travel in a delivery bag, check that the closed height lets the bag fold over neatly, because a box that is a quarter inch too tall is the one that gets crushed.
Print, brand and handling
Printing is CMYK or Pantone match, with matte or gloss coating, and single-color print on kraft is a clean, practical look for busy kitchens. Put your logo where it shows when the box is stacked in a bag or carried in one hand, and keep any text large enough to read on a counter. If you are delivering, a lid that locks shut matters more than a clever shape, because a lid that pops open in transit ruins the meal. Our Chinese takeout boxes show the folded-wall takeout style. For drinks to go, look at the beverage boxes, and browse the whole custom food box range.
- Clamshell, tray, scoop and pocket styles to match the menu item
- Paperboard or kraft with grease-resistant coating or liner on request
- Vent holes and dividers where the food needs them
- CMYK or Pantone print, matte or gloss coating
Send the size of the food item, how it is served and your quantity, even if it is one box, and we draw the dieline and quote it.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum order for custom fast food boxes?
No. There is no minimum order. You can order one box to test with your own menu, or thousands for a full rollout. Send the item size and quantity and we draw the dieline and quote it.
What size fast food box do I need?
Put your real item in a prototype, measure it with any wrapper, and leave room so the bun or crust is not squashed. Send us the numbers and we work out the dieline.
Can fast food boxes keep fried food crisp?
Vent holes release steam so fried food stays crisp, but they also let heat out. Test with your own menu and delivery time. We can add vents or a grease-resistant liner where it helps.
Are fast food boxes food safe?
Suitability for direct food contact depends on the board, coating and ink. Confirm with your own regulatory adviser. We print the artwork you supply, and labeling is your responsibility.
Can I print my logo in one color?
Yes. Single-color print on kraft board is a practical, clean look for a busy kitchen. Full CMYK or Pantone is available if you want a brighter, more detailed design.
Can you beat another supplier’s quote?
Yes. Bring a written quote for the same size, board, print and quantity, and TBPB will beat it. We confirm the specs match first so the comparison is fair.
More Custom Food Boxes
See the full Custom Food Boxes range, or explore related options with no minimum order and our best-price guarantee:
