Cardboard and kraft takeaway food containers are widely used by restaurants, takeaways, cafés, caterers and street-food businesses for serving hot and cold meals.
This guide explains the main types of paper and cardboard food containers, including leakproof meal boxes, round kraft bowls, rectangular containers and noodle boxes, together with common capacities and lid options.
Browse our full cardboard, bagasse and pulp food container range.
What Are Cardboard Takeaway Food Containers?
Cardboard takeaway containers are made from paperboard that is formed into boxes, bowls or tubs for foodservice use. Many products include an internal barrier or coating to improve resistance to moisture, oil and sauces.
They are available in a wide variety of shapes and capacities, making them suitable for dishes such as rice, curry, noodles, pasta, salads, street food, side dishes and complete takeaway meals.
What Types of Cardboard Food Containers Are Available?
Common formats include:
- Leakproof folding meal boxes
- Round kraft food containers
- Rectangular kraft containers
- Noodle boxes
- Cardboard burger boxes
- Paper soup containers
- Containers with separate PET, PP or paper lids
Leakproof Kraft Meal Boxes
Leakproof folding meal boxes are popular for takeaway meals because they combine a compact folded design with a secure closing top.
They are commonly used for rice dishes, noodles, pasta, curries, fried food and other takeaway meals.
No.1 Takeaway Meal Boxes
No.1 boxes are a useful medium-size option for individual portions.
The No.1 brown paper leakproof takeaway food container has a capacity of approximately 26oz / 750ml.
White versions are also available, including the No.1 white 750ml leakproof paper meal box.
No.1A Meal Boxes
No.1A boxes are more compact and work well for smaller individual meals, side dishes and portions where a large box is unnecessary.
The No.1A white cardboard leakproof meal box has an approximate capacity of 20oz.
No.2 Meal Boxes
No.2 containers provide substantially more capacity and are suitable for larger main meals.
Options include the No.2 brown kraft takeaway meal box with a capacity of approximately 1450ml.
A No.2 white leakproof paper meal box is also available.
No.3 Meal Boxes
No.3 containers are designed for very generous individual meals, sharing portions and larger takeaway dishes.
The No.3 brown kraft meal box has a capacity of approximately 1900ml.
Smart Food Packaging also stocks a No.3 white 1900ml takeaway meal box.
No.5 Meal Boxes
No.5 boxes offer a practical intermediate size and work well for many individual takeaway meals.
The No.5 brown kraft leakproof meal box provides approximately 900ml of capacity.
No.6A Meal Boxes
No.6A cardboard meal boxes provide a longer format that can suit rice dishes, noodles, kebabs, pasta and other takeaway meals.
The No.6A white cardboard leakproof meal box has an approximate capacity of 710ml.
No.8 Takeaway Meal Boxes
No.8 boxes offer around 1300ml of capacity and suit substantial takeaway mains.
The range includes the No.8 brown kraft takeaway meal box and a No.8 white takeaway meal box.
Quick Kraft Meal Box Size Guide
| Meal Box | Approximate Capacity | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| No.1A | 20oz | Smaller meals and sides |
| No.6A | 710ml | Standard individual meals |
| No.1 | 750ml | Standard takeaway portions |
| No.5 | 900ml | Medium to large meals |
| No.8 | 1300ml | Large takeaway meals |
| No.2 | 1450ml | Large mains and generous portions |
| No.3 | 1900ml | Very large meals and sharing portions |
Round Kraft Food Containers
Round kraft containers provide a bowl-style format for soups, curries, rice, noodles, salads and prepared meals.
Smaller portions can be served in the 500ml round kraft takeaway food container.
For medium portions, the 750ml round kraft paper food container provides additional capacity.
Larger meals can use the 1000ml round kraft paper container or the Go-Pak 1300cc round kraft takeaway container.
Choosing Lids for Round Kraft Containers
Some round kraft containers use separate lids, so it is important to choose a lid designed for the specific container diameter and capacity.
Options include PET lids for 500ml, 750ml and 1000ml round kraft containers and PP lids for 500ml, 750ml and 1000ml round containers.
For larger bowls, Smart Food Packaging also stocks PET lids for 1300cc kraft containers and PP lids for 1300cc round kraft containers.
Rectangular Kraft Food Containers
Rectangular paper food containers are useful for takeaway meals, pasta, noodles, rice, salads and meal-prep dishes.
Available sizes include the 500ml rectangular kraft paper container, 650ml rectangular kraft container, 750ml rectangular kraft container and 1000ml rectangular kraft food container.
Rectangular Container Lid Options
Some rectangular kraft food containers are compatible with separate clear or paper lids.
For chilled food where product visibility is important, rPET lids for rectangular kraft food containers provide a clear presentation.
Smart Food Packaging also stocks PP lids for rectangular kraft food containers.
Noodle Boxes
Cardboard noodle boxes have a tall folded design and are commonly used for noodles, rice, pasta, stir-fries and street food.
The 32oz / 1000cc white cardboard noodle box provides a larger individual portion size.
Smart Food Packaging also stocks a smaller 26oz white cardboard noodle box.
Are Cardboard Takeaway Boxes Leakproof?
Many takeaway meal boxes are designed with a moisture-resistant lining or barrier to help contain sauces, oils and food moisture.
However, “leakproof” performance varies by product and food type. Very thin liquids, prolonged storage or transporting boxes on their side can increase the risk of leakage.
Always keep liquid-heavy meals upright and choose a container designed for the food being served.
Can Cardboard Food Containers Hold Hot Food?
Many cardboard and kraft takeaway containers are designed for hot meals such as curries, rice, noodles, pasta and fried food.
Always check the individual product description before use, particularly for unusually high temperatures or extended holding times.
Can Kraft Food Containers Be Used for Cold Food?
Yes. Many kraft containers are also suitable for salads, desserts, chilled meals and other cold foods.
Containers with clear PET or rPET lids can be particularly useful for chilled display because customers can see the food inside.
Are Cardboard Food Containers Microwave Safe?
Microwave suitability depends on the construction, lining and lid of the individual container. Do not assume that every cardboard food box is microwave safe.
If microwave reheating is an important requirement, check the individual product specification or consider our dedicated microwavable food containers.
Cardboard vs Plastic Takeaway Containers
| Feature | Cardboard / Kraft Containers | Plastic Containers |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Paper or natural kraft finish | Clear, black or translucent options |
| Shapes | Boxes, bowls, noodle boxes and tubs | Rectangular, round, oval and compartment formats |
| Hot food | Many products suitable | Depends on plastic type |
| Microwave reheating | Product-specific | Many PP containers are designed for microwave use |
| Clear presentation | Available with compatible clear lids on some ranges | Clear PET containers can provide full visibility |
Cardboard vs Bagasse Food Containers
Cardboard containers are made from formed or folded paperboard, while bagasse containers are moulded from plant fibre, commonly sugarcane residue.
Cardboard is well suited to folding meal boxes, round tubs and noodle boxes. Bagasse is commonly used for rigid clamshells, bowls, plates and compartment trays.
You can compare both types in our cardboard, bagasse and pulp packaging range.
How to Choose the Right Cardboard Food Container
Consider:
- The type of food being served
- The portion size and required capacity
- Whether the food contains sauces or oils
- Whether you prefer a folding box, bowl or rectangular tub
- Whether the food will be served hot or cold
- Whether a clear, PP or paper lid is required
- Whether customers need to reheat the meal
- Your storage space and expected daily usage
Frequently Asked Questions About Cardboard Takeaway Containers
What sizes do cardboard takeaway boxes come in?
Sizes vary considerably. Common leakproof meal boxes include No.1A, No.1, No.5, No.8, No.2 and No.3 formats, while round and rectangular paper containers are commonly available from around 500ml to 1300ml or more.
What is a No.1 takeaway box?
A No.1 takeaway box is a compact folding paper meal container. In the Smart Food Packaging range, No.1 boxes are available at approximately 750ml capacity.
Which takeaway box is larger, No.1 or No.2?
No.2 is substantially larger. Our No.1 boxes are approximately 750ml, while No.2 boxes are approximately 1450ml.
Are kraft takeaway containers suitable for curries?
Many leakproof kraft meal boxes are designed for saucy meals such as curries, but performance varies by product. Choose a suitable leak-resistant container and keep liquid-heavy meals upright during transport.
Can cardboard takeaway containers hold hot food?
Many are designed for hot food service, but always check the individual product specification before use.
Are paper food containers microwave safe?
Some may be suitable, while others are not. Microwave compatibility depends on the paperboard, lining, construction and lid, so check the specific product information.
What is the difference between PET and PP lids?
PET lids are commonly chosen for clear food presentation, particularly for cold food. PP has different heat characteristics and is used on some ranges where greater heat resistance is required. Always match the lid to the correct container and intended use.
Where can I buy cardboard takeaway food containers in bulk?
Smart Food Packaging supplies kraft and white cardboard food containers in bulk packs for restaurants, takeaways, cafés, caterers and other foodservice businesses.
Shop Cardboard & Kraft Takeaway Containers
Smart Food Packaging stocks leakproof meal boxes, round kraft containers, rectangular paper containers, noodle boxes and compatible lids in a wide range of sizes.
Browse our complete cardboard, bagasse and pulp food packaging range or explore all hot and cold takeaway food packaging.