Takeout and delivery aren’t just about food anymore—it’s an experience. And if your packaging is an afterthought? Well, you’re basically handing your customers a soggy, grease-stained breakup letter.
Nearly 60% of U.S. consumers order takeout at least once a week. That’s a lot of eyeballs on your packaging. If it’s forgettable, so are you.
Your food might be Michelin-star-worthy, but if your to-go game is weak, you’re missing out on free marketing, repeat customers, and social media hype. So let’s fix that.
1. Make It Feel Like a Gift, Not a Chore
Ever unbox an iPhone? The packaging alone makes you feel like royalty. Now, imagine your customer getting that same dopamine hit from opening their pad Thai.
- Use sturdy, well-designed boxes that don’t look like they’ve been stored in a damp basement.
- Add a little surprise—maybe a handwritten note, a free sticker, or a coupon for their next order.
- Go eco-friendly if possible (Gen Z will roast you on TikTok if you don’t).
Why it works: People love a little extra. It makes them feel valued, and they’ll remember you for it.
And don’t just take our word for it—studies show that 72% of consumers say packaging design influences their purchasing decisions. That applies to food just as much as it does to retail.
If you’re looking for ways to upgrade your takeout game, custom packaging and printed materials can help make your brand more recognizable. This guide offers some useful tips on using menus and exclusive offers to boost sales.
2. Brand That Box Like You Mean It
If your packaging is blank, generic, or looks like it belongs in a hospital cafeteria, we need to talk. Every takeout order is a moving billboard for your restaurant—so slap your brand on it.
- Custom printed bags, boxes, and even napkins (because details matter)
- QR codes that link to your menu, loyalty program, or a fun video of your team cooking
- A tagline or fun message—something that makes people chuckle while they inhale their meal
Think about this: 60% of millennials say they are more likely to become repeat customers of a brand with unique packaging (source). Translation? Make it stand out, and they’ll keep coming back.
Subtle plug: Companies like FMC Printing can hook you up with custom packaging that actually makes your brand look like a brand.
3. Stop the Saucepocalypse
Nothing ruins a takeout experience faster than opening a bag and realizing your soup has committed seppuku all over the fries.
- Leak-proof containers—because nobody likes a surprise sauce explosion
- Compartments for things that should not touch (crispy things, meet soggy things = no)
- Sturdy bags that don’t disintegrate from steam
Customers will thank you. Their car seats will thank you. Society as a whole will thank you.
Bonus Tip: If you’re sending out tacos, burgers, or anything that involves toppings, pack them separately. No one wants a soggy bun before they even take a bite.
4. Make It Instagrammable (Yes, Really)
People take more pictures of their food than their own families. If your takeout packaging looks like it was designed in 1994, you’re losing out on free exposure.
- Bold colors, cool typography, or unique designs that stand out on a cluttered feed
- A little message inside the lid—because people love hidden details
- Encourage UGC (user-generated content). A quick “Tag us @yourrestaurant for a chance to win a free meal!” does wonders
Case in point: 81% of consumers have tried a new restaurant simply because they saw it on social media. A little packaging upgrade could make you part of that statistic.
5. Function Over Fancy (But Still Fancy)
Look, we all love a little razzle-dazzle, but if your packaging is more complicated than assembling IKEA furniture, you’ve lost the battle.
- Make it easy to open—no one wants to fight their food
- Stackable & efficient for delivery drivers (stacking Jenga is not a skill they should need)
- Space for utensils, napkins, and condiments (because no one wants to dig through a grease pit for a fork)
A little functionality goes a long way. Case in point: the McDonald’s McDelivery bag design—they made sure fries stayed crispy by adding ventilation holes, and now it’s industry standard. Learn from the pros.
Final Thoughts
Great takeout packaging isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s free marketing, customer retention, and brand loyalty rolled into one. The goal? Make people excited to get your food, not just because it tastes great, but because the whole experience is top-tier.
And if you need help making that happen, FMC Printing has you covered.
