Food bags are used across takeaways, restaurants, cafés, bakeries, delis, caterers and retail shops for everything from carrying complete takeaway orders to packing bread, pastries, ingredients, snacks and prepared food.
There is no single bag that suits every application. Kraft paper carrier bags are ideal for boxed takeaway meals and retail orders, plastic carrier bags can offer greater resistance to moisture, clear polythene bags are useful for food storage and preparation, while film-fronted and self-seal bags suit bakery, deli and retail display.
This guide explains the main types of food and takeaway bags, the differences between paper and plastic carriers, common handle and base styles, and how to choose suitable packaging for different foodservice uses.
Browse our kraft paper bags and takeaway carrier bags, or compare the other food bag categories throughout this guide.
What Types of Food Bags Are Used by Takeaways & Foodservice Businesses?
The main bag types used in foodservice include:
- Kraft paper carrier bags
- SOS paper bags
- Twisted-handle paper bags
- Plastic carrier bags
- Clear food-safe polythene bags
- Film-fronted paper bags
- Self-seal clear bags
- Vacuum bags
Each format is designed for a different purpose, so it is important to choose the bag according to the food, weight, moisture level, presentation and transport requirements.
What Are Kraft Paper Carrier Bags?
Kraft paper carrier bags are widely used for takeaway meals, bakery orders, cafés, restaurants and retail because they provide a sturdy paper-based way to carry food containers, boxes and other packaged products.
Brown kraft provides a natural appearance, while different handle and base styles allow businesses to choose bags according to the size and weight of the order.
What Is an SOS Paper Bag?
SOS stands for Self-Opening Square. These bags use a block-style bottom that opens into a relatively flat base, allowing the bag to stand upright while it is being packed.
This is particularly useful for takeaway orders because containers can be positioned flat inside the bag rather than being stacked into a narrow envelope-style carrier.
Many of the brown SOS carrier bags in the Smart Food Packaging range also include flat paper handles for convenient carrying.
What Sizes of Kraft Takeaway Carrier Bags Are Available?
Takeaway carrier bags are available in several sizes so businesses can match the bag to the number and dimensions of food containers being packed.
| Bag Size | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Small | Single meals, bakery items and smaller takeaway orders |
| Medium | Standard takeaway orders and several small containers |
| Large | Multi-item food orders and larger containers |
| Extra Large | Large takeaway meals, catering and bulky boxed food |
| XX-Large | High-capacity orders, multiple food boxes and large retail items |
Small Paper Carrier Bags
Small paper carrier bags work well for single takeaway meals, bakery purchases, sandwiches, small food boxes and lighter retail orders.
The small brown paper carrier bags are supplied in bulk packs and provide a compact option for everyday counter service.
Medium Kraft SOS Carrier Bags
Medium bags are useful for standard takeaway orders where one small bag is not sufficient but a large carrier would create unnecessary space.
Browse the medium brown kraft SOS paper carrier bags for a stand-up block-bottom format.
Large Kraft SOS Carrier Bags
Large bags are suited to multi-item orders, larger meal boxes and takeaway deliveries containing several food containers.
The large brown kraft SOS paper carrier bags provide additional width and capacity for busy takeaway operations.
Extra-Large & XX-Large Paper Carrier Bags
Extra-large bags are useful for large family orders, catering packs, bakery boxes and bulky foodservice items.
Choose the extra-large brown kraft SOS carrier bags when standard large bags are not sufficient.
For maximum capacity, the XX-large brown kraft SOS carrier bags measure approximately 32 x 22 x 35cm and use a reinforced block-bottom design with flat paper handles.
What Are Twisted-Handle Kraft Paper Bags?
Twisted-handle paper bags use paper handles formed into a twisted cord-style shape rather than flat folded handles.
They are commonly used by cafés, bakeries, restaurants and retail shops where both carrying convenience and presentation are important.
Smart Food Packaging stocks the twisted-handle kraft range in several sizes.
Small Twisted-Handle Kraft Bags
The small kraft paper bags with twisted handles are suited to lighter takeaway, bakery and retail purchases.
Medium Twisted-Handle Bags
The medium kraft twisted-handle bags measure approximately 23 x 9 x 31cm.
Large Twisted-Handle Bags
For larger orders, the large ribbed kraft twisted-handle bags measure approximately 26 x 11 x 35cm.
Extra-Large Twisted-Handle Bags
The X-large twisted-handle kraft bags offer more room for bigger takeaway and retail orders.
Flat Handles vs Twisted Handles
| Feature | Flat Paper Handle | Twisted Paper Handle |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Simple, practical foodservice look | More retail-style presentation |
| Common use | Takeaways, restaurants and delivery | Cafés, bakeries, food retail and takeaway |
| Storage | Usually stacks compactly | Handles may require slightly more space |
| Best choice | High-volume practical service | Where presentation is particularly important |
Both handle styles can work well for foodservice. The best option depends on the appearance, capacity and packing style required by your business.
Paper Bags vs Plastic Carrier Bags
Paper and plastic carrier bags serve different purposes.
| Feature | Paper Carrier Bags | Plastic Carrier Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Kraft, white or retail-style finish | Typically white or coloured plastic |
| Moisture resistance | More vulnerable to moisture | Generally more resistant to wet conditions |
| Stand-up base | Common on SOS paper bags | Available on some carrier formats |
| Typical use | Takeaways, bakery, cafés and retail | Food delivery, groceries, retail and wet items |
Browse our plastic carrier bags if moisture resistance or a plastic format is preferred.
Plastic Carrier Bags for Takeaway & Retail
Plastic carrier bags are commonly used for takeaway food, groceries and retail orders where lightweight carrying capacity and resistance to moisture are important.
For example, the medium white plastic carrier bags provide a high-volume option for takeaways and retail shops.
When using plastic carriers for food, the food itself should normally remain inside its appropriate primary packaging, such as a takeaway container, box or food-safe inner bag.
What Are Food-Safe Clear Polythene Bags Used For?
Clear food-safe polythene bags are used for food preparation, storage and packaging where visibility is useful.
Common applications include:
- Ingredients and food preparation
- Bread and bakery products
- Fruit and vegetables
- Dry foods and ingredients
- Portioning products in commercial kitchens
- Food storage and organisation
Browse our full clear food-safe polythene bag range.
The 12 x 15 inch 100-gauge clear food-safe polythene bags are one example intended for food packaging, preparation and storage.
What Does Gauge Mean on a Polythene Bag?
Gauge is commonly used to describe the thickness of polythene film. A higher gauge generally means a thicker and stronger bag.
The appropriate gauge depends on the weight, edges and nature of the product being packed. Light dry goods may require less material than heavier or more demanding contents.
What Are Film-Fronted Bags?
Film-fronted bags combine a paper backing with a clear film front, allowing the customer to see the product while retaining a traditional paper-bag presentation.
They are particularly useful for:
- Sandwiches
- Baguettes
- Rolls
- Pastries
- Cookies and bakery goods
- Grab-and-go food
Browse our film-fronted food bags for bakery, café and food-to-go display.
What Are Self-Seal Bags?
Self-seal or grip-seal bags use a resealable closure that can be opened and closed without additional tape or sealing equipment.
They are useful for portioning and organising smaller products such as dry ingredients, spices, confectionery, samples and other suitable food items.
For example, the 2.25 x 2.25 inch clear self-seal bags provide a compact option for very small portions.
Browse all self-seal bags.
What Are Vacuum Bags Used For?
Vacuum bags are designed for use with compatible vacuum-packing equipment, which removes air from around the food before sealing.
They are commonly used in professional kitchens for food preparation, portioning, chilled or frozen storage and sous-vide applications where the specific bag is suitable.
Browse our vacuum bag range.
Which Bag Is Best for a Takeaway Restaurant?
For most takeaway restaurants, a block-bottom kraft paper carrier bag is a practical choice because food containers can sit relatively flat inside the bag.
A small or medium carrier may suit single meals, while large, extra-large and XX-large bags are better for family orders and multiple containers.
If the order is particularly wet, heavy or exposed to poor weather, a suitable plastic carrier may be more practical.
Which Bags Are Best for Bakeries?
Bakeries often need several types of bags because different products require different presentation and protection.
- Paper carrier bags: for boxed cakes, pastries and multi-item orders
- Film-fronted bags: for baguettes, rolls, pastries and products customers need to see
- Clear food-safe bags: for suitable breads, ingredients and packaged bakery items
- Twisted-handle bags: for premium retail presentation
You can also browse our bakery packaging range for cake boxes, cake containers and related products.
Which Bags Are Best for Delis & Food-to-Go?
Delis and grab-and-go businesses may use kraft carriers for complete orders, film-fronted bags for sandwiches and pastries, and clear bags for suitable pre-packed foods and ingredients.
Choosing several bag formats rather than relying on one type can make packing more efficient and improve presentation.
Can Food Be Placed Directly Into a Paper Carrier Bag?
Paper carrier bags are generally intended to carry food that is already wrapped or packed in a suitable food container.
For unwrapped, greasy or wet foods, use suitable food-contact packaging such as greaseproof paper, a food container or an appropriate food-safe inner bag before placing the item in the carrier.
How to Choose the Right Takeaway Food Bag
Before ordering bags, consider:
- Order size: single meal, multiple items or family order
- Container dimensions: especially the width of food boxes
- Weight: heavier orders require stronger bags
- Moisture: consider whether the bag may become wet
- Food contact: distinguish carrier bags from direct food-contact bags
- Presentation: kraft, white, clear or film-fronted
- Handle style: flat, twisted or handle-free
- Base style: flat/block-bottom bags are useful for takeaway containers
- Storage: consider the space needed for bulk cases
- Volume: choose pack sizes that suit your daily usage
Quick Food Bag Buying Guide
| Requirement | Suggested Bag Type |
|---|---|
| Single takeaway meal | Small or medium kraft carrier bag |
| Large takeaway order | Large or extra-large SOS carrier bag |
| Family or catering order | XX-large paper carrier bag |
| Premium café or retail presentation | Twisted-handle kraft bag |
| Wet or moisture-prone conditions | Suitable plastic carrier bag |
| Food preparation and storage | Food-safe clear polythene bag |
| Sandwiches and bakery display | Film-fronted bag |
| Small dry portions | Self-seal bag |
| Vacuum packing | Compatible vacuum bag |
Frequently Asked Questions About Takeaway & Food Bags
What is an SOS paper bag?
SOS means Self-Opening Square. The bag opens to form a block-style base that can stand upright, making it useful for packing takeaway containers and retail orders.
What size paper bag should I use for takeaway food?
The best size depends on the dimensions and number of food containers. Small and medium bags suit lighter orders, while large, extra-large and XX-large carriers are better for several containers or family-size orders.
Are paper carrier bags suitable for takeaway delivery?
Yes. Kraft paper carrier bags are widely used for takeaway and delivery where the food is already packed in suitable boxes or containers.
What is the difference between flat and twisted paper handles?
Flat handles provide a simple practical foodservice format, while twisted handles create a more retail-style appearance. Both are used for takeaway and food retail.
Are clear polythene bags food safe?
Only use polythene bags specifically described as suitable for food contact when packing food directly. Smart Food Packaging has a dedicated range of food-safe clear polythene bags.
What are film-fronted bags used for?
Film-fronted bags combine paper with a clear viewing panel and are commonly used for sandwiches, baguettes, pastries, rolls and other bakery or grab-and-go foods.
What are self-seal bags used for?
Self-seal bags are useful for small portions, ingredients, samples, dry goods and other suitable products that benefit from a resealable closure.
Are paper bags recyclable?
Clean paper bags are widely accepted through paper recycling systems, but acceptance can vary by local authority and contamination with food, grease or other materials can affect recyclability. Check local recycling guidance.
Where can I buy takeaway bags in bulk?
Smart Food Packaging supplies kraft paper carrier bags, plastic carriers and specialist food bags in bulk packs for restaurants, takeaways, cafés, bakeries, delis, caterers and retail businesses.
Shop Takeaway & Food Bags
Smart Food Packaging stocks bags for carrying, packing, storing and presenting food across restaurants, takeaways, bakeries, cafés, delis and retail businesses.
Browse our kraft paper carrier bags, plastic carrier bags, clear food-safe polythene bags, film-fronted bags, self-seal bags and vacuum bags.