Cold and soggy food can be particularly unappetizing for a customer looking to purchase a grab-and-go hot meal from their grocery store. If your customers notice before the purchase, you may lose out on their business just this time. However, if they purchase the meal and bring it home, only to find it cold and soggy, the negative impact can be more lasting than the loss of a refunded item. 

As a result, customers may no longer wish to purchase hot food from your store, losing you all the business from their future hot food purchases. Worse yet, they may choose to shop at another grocery store that offers hot food items, costing your store their regular grocery purchases as well.

Unhappy customers are also more likely to negatively perceive your business and leave lodging complaints and poor negative reviews online. This can cost you additional customers. 

Keeping your food hot, fresh, and appealing to your customers is important to satisfy customers and your business. Selecting the best hot food containers is one of the best ways to ensure happy returning customers. Different foods have different storage needs, and several types of hot food containers meet those needs. They can also promote higher sales through presentation and certain containers can deter theft. 

So, how do you pick the best hot food containers for your store? You’ll need to determine what features your hot food container needs and what product type will best suit your needs.  

Hot Food Container Features to Consider

When determining the best hot food containers for your food, there are several different considerations. The most prominent are: 

• Temperature Tolerance
• Heat Transfer
• Oven and Microwave Compatibility
• Ventilation
• Grooved Bottoms
• Appearance/Merchandising
• Tamper-Evident Packaging
• Sustainability

Depending on your facility’s menu, goals, and customer needs, some of these options may be more important. 

Temperature Tolerance

Temperature control is one of the most important features to consider when picking your food packaging. You want a container that will keep hot food hot and cold food cold.

Whether you need hot or cold storage, polypropylene (PP) plastic containers are good at preserving food temperatures. However, you will still need to consider how they handle extreme temperatures, such as when the product is microwaved or frozen. 

PP plastic, for example, is a microwave-safe container material. While some plastics are microwave-safe, they may not be suitable for oven use. 

If you expect your customers to freeze or reheat your food products, you’ll want to ensure the containers are oven-safe, microwave-safe, and/or freezer-safe. A container’s temperature tolerance is an important part of this. 

What is temperature tolerance? Temperature tolerance is the range of temperatures in which a container can be safely used. When temperatures exceed this range, the containers can lose their integrity, leak chemicals, catch fire, or become unusable in other ways. 

When you sell hot food, you must keep it hot while on display for the customer. Your hot food container must have a high-temperature tolerance to prevent it from melting under the heat lamp or where it is being stored hot. It’s also crucial to prevent customers from burning themselves. 

Heat Transfer

Heat transfer refers to how easily the container will transfer heat to a person’s hand. This is an important consideration as you do not want to cause burn injuries to staff or customers. 

Microwave Compatibility 

You may want microwave-safe food containers. This is especially important if you want customers to reheat in the same container. However, not all hot food containers are microwave-safe. Typically, they will need a temperature tolerance of 250°F, but that does not necessarily mean they are microwave-safe food containers. Some plastic containers will melt or leak chemicals into the food, while aluminum containers pose a fire risk if microwaved. 

Oven Compatibility

You may need oven-safe food containers for your team to heat the meal. You may also consider these types of hot food containers with your customers in mind. They may prefer to have a container they can use to reheat the food later. Oven-safe food containers typically have a temperature tolerance of 400°F or more and can be made of plastic, paperboard, or aluminum.

Ventilation

Vented hot food containers can help prevent food from becoming soggy and losing its quality. Hot food can produce steam, and containers without ventilation trap the moisture inside. Ventilated containers allow steam to escape to help keep food fresh. 

Hot food containers can have permanent or optional vents. Permanent vents are already part of the container or lid and cannot be altered or adjusted. Optional vents are perforated areas on a lid or container that can be removed to create ventilation when needed. 

If you need to vent all your food, hot food containers with permanent vents are a great option, as your staff will never have to worry about making sure the container vents have been opened. On the other hand, if you have multiple products that need varying ventilation levels, hot food containers with optional ventilation will allow you to use the same container and adjust as needed. This can save you time and space by not requiring multiple hot food containers.   

Grooved Bottoms

If your food is oily or greasy, you’ll likely want a hot food container with a grooved bottom. This prevents oils and fats from soaking into your food as it sits. 

Without grooves, oil or grease can soak into the food in a flat-bottom container, potentially ruining the product for your customer.

Appearance/Merchandising 

The appearance of your food is also an important consideration for merchandising. You may want a hot food container that showcases your food to appeal more directly to the customer. It can also help them identify which item they want to purchase. Typically, showcasing your food is done with a clear-lidded container or one with open sides to allow a window to view the product. 

For example, if you are selling chicken parmesan, your customers will want to see that the food is fresh and not soggy. The colorful appearance may also attract new customers who would not have previously purchased the food. Perhaps you are also selling chicken alfredo out of the same case. A clear lid will also help customers identify which option they want to purchase immediately. 

Tamper-Evident Packaging 

Depending on your market, tamper-evident packaging may be an important feature. 

Pro Tip: What is tamper-evident packaging? Tamper-evident packaging has a secure barrier or barriers that, when opened, clearly display to consumers that tampering has occurred or that the product has been altered in some way.

These containers can be as simple as a sticker over the side. Others have special snaps on the outside of the container.

Tamper-evident packaging helps assure your customers that other patrons have not touched or tampered with the food. This can increase sales, as customers are more confident they are buying safe food. Tamper-evident packaging can also help deter theft. It can help prevent thieves from taking anything out of the container and make it more difficult for them to hide additional items under the lid. 

Best Hot Food Containers

Given the many options available, determining what type of hot food container is the best option can be difficult or overwhelming. This article aims to provide guidance in that decision.  

There are three main types of hot food containers used in grocery store merchandising: 

1. Hot Food Containers for Food
2. Hot Soup Containers
3. Roast Chicken Containers

While many options exist for each purpose, some are better than others. Let’s look at the best options for each use.

Best Hot Food Container Substrate for Food

• Aluminum Containers
• Polypropylene Containers

Best Hot Soup Containers Substrate

• Paper Hot Soup Containers

Best Roasted Chicken Container Substrate

• Polypropylene Roast Chicken Containers
• Polypropylene Roast Chicken Bags 

Each of these options has pros and cons. It’s important to consider your needs before selecting the appropriate container.

Aluminum Hot Food Containers

Aluminum containers are the best option if you’re looking for a hot food container with high versatility.

Temperature Tolerance

With a high-temperature threshold of up to 400°F, these hot food containers are ideal for oven and heat lamp use.

Heat Transfer

Aluminum does not effectively conduct or absorb heat. Instead, it reflects heat waves. Because of this, aluminum cools almost immediately after being removed from the heat source. Therefore, the risk of burns for your customers and staff when removing the product from a food warmer is low. 

Microwave Compatibility

Aluminum containers are not microwave-safe. The heat waves generated by microwaves can overwhelm the thin metal, causing the aluminum to heat up quickly and potentially catch fire. 

Oven Compatibility

Aluminum containers are oven-safe, which means you can cook the food in the package without transferring it to a new container. Your customers can also use them to reheat their leftovers in the oven. 

Ventilation

There are several types of lids for aluminum hot food containers, including paperboard, plastic, and aluminum. Paperboard lids are the most cost-effective option, but they typically do not have ventilation. Aluminum lids are great if you cook in the same container as you are merchandising. If you want to showcase the product inside, your best option is a clear plastic lid. However, keep in mind plastic should not be heated. Both plastic and aluminum lids can be purchased with ventilation features. 

Grooved Bottoms

Aluminum hot food containers do not have grooved bottoms but rather flat bottoms. For certain hot food items, a flat bottom is not the most appealing option. However, the absence of grooved bottoms makes some hot foods susceptible to sogginess and grease absorption.

Appearance/Merchandising

Using an aluminum hot food container can make showing off your food difficult. Paperboard and aluminum containers completely cover the food, making it impossible for people to see what it looks like. If you use a plastic lid without ventilation, the steam can fog up the plastic, making it difficult for customers to see the food. 

Tamper-Evident Packaging

There are no aluminum tamper-evident containers. However, you can seal packages with stickers, such as the purchase label, for a tamper-evident package. The sticker will be perforated when the package is opened. 

Sustainability 

Aluminum is infinitely recyclable when done properly. This means that aluminum containers need to be cleaned and dried with no food remnants to be recycled. You’ll also need to verify that a facility near you accepts aluminum for recycling. Paper lids may also be recyclable if they are cleaned. If they are lined with polylactic acid (PLA), they may also be compostable. 

While aluminum containers are one of the most cost-effective options on the market, they may not meet your or your customers’ needs.

If aluminum containers are not the right fit for your hot food merchandising, a polypropylene container is another great option.

Polypropylene Hot Food Containers

Polypropylene containers are another versatile option for general hot food use. They also come in various shapes and sizes, which is less extensive than aluminum. Some polypropylene hot food containers have multiple compartments, which are great for individual meals with multiple food items.

Temperature Tolerance

A temperature tolerance of up to 230°F also makes it great for heat lamp use. It will not warp or leak chemicals into the food.  

Heat Transfer

Polypropylene hot food containers conduct heat. The risk of burns is low when taken from the hot food case. However, if your customer microwaves the container, there is a higher risk of burns from touching the plastic. 

Microwave Compatibility

They are also microwave-safe, which can be appealing to your customers because they can reheat leftovers in the same container. 

Oven Compatibility

Polypropylene hot food containers are not oven-safe. With a temperature tolerance of only up to 230°F, the containers will melt in the oven. 

Ventilation

Some polypropylene hot food containers can be paired with vented lids to help prevent sogginess. Not all manufacturers offer vented lids, so you’ll want to confirm that your lids are vented before purchasing. 

Grooved Bottoms

Grooved bottoms are available with polypropylene hot food containers to help prevent food from sitting in grease or oil collected at the bottom. You’ll want to confirm before purchasing, as this option is not available with every container. 

Appearance/Merchandising

Polypropylene containers with clear lids can help showcase your delicious food and attract more customers with their visual appeal. They are also immediately visible, deterring shoplifters from filling containers with other items, reducing theft and saving you money. 

Tamper-Evident Packaging

Polypropylene hot food containers are available in tamper-evident selections. Some of these options have snaps on the outside of the container, while others have strips that must be torn off to open the package. You can also place stickers over the seal to create tamper-evident packaging. 

Sustainability 

While a considerable amount of plastic can be in the container, more recycling programs are accepting properly cleaned polypropylene products.

Containers can have separate or hinged lids. Hinged lids ensure that you never have to worry about lid fit. However, they may take up additional storage space.

Although they are more expensive than aluminum containers, there is a wide range of pricing for polypropylene hot food containers that can fit your budget.

While there are more options for hot food containers on the market, polypropylene and aluminum containers are the best hot food containers for general use due to their versatility and effectiveness.

Hot Soup Containers

There are several different types of hot food containers for soups, but paper containers are typically the best option.

Hot soup containers have historically been made of poly-coated paper, which is generally preferred by customers and what we are talking about below. Paper looks and feels better than plastic or polypropylene, and customers are more comfortable using it.  

Temperature Tolerance

Paper containers are a great option if you need to use a hot lamp. They can withstand temperatures up to 180°F.

Heat Transfer

Paper hot soup containers do have a potential burn risk as the heat from the soup seeps through the paper. However, manufacturers have taken different steps to reduce that risk. A double-wall design has two separate layers of paper with an air gap in between that traps the heat, preventing the outer surface from becoming too hot. Others are coated with a heat resistant material on the outside. 

Microwave Compatibility

Paper hot soup containers are not microwave-safe food containers. These containers have a liner inside to prevent the paper from absorbing the moisture from the soup and may also be sealed with glue. If microwaved, these can leak chemicals into the food.   

Oven Compatibility

Paper hot soup containers are not oven-safe food containers. Heating these containers in the oven can potentially cause a fire.  

Ventilation

Some paper hot soup containers can be ventilated with small holes in the lid, and some lids feature a double layer of ventilation. This system has several ventilation holes on the interior layer and additional ventilation holes on the exterior that are not aligned. This prevents moisture build-up while also preventing spillage from the ventilation holes. 

Grooved Bottoms

Paper hot soup containers have flat bottoms. There is no need for a grooved bottom as you are not trying to separate the soup from grease or oil. 

Appearance/Merchandising 

Customers are not able to see your soups through paper hot soup containers. 

Tamper-Evident Packaging

If you need tamper-evident packaging for your paper hot soup containers, you’ll need to place a sticker over the seal of the container. 

Sustainability 

Paper containers can be made from recycled materials, which is particularly valuable as the push for sustainability grows. Some are even lined with polylactic acid (PLA), a compostable liner.

However, paper hot soup containers lack versatility and can’t be used for many hot foods.

While polypropylene and plastic alternatives are available, paper containers are typically a better-selling vehicle, even if they are more expensive.

Roast Chicken Containers

Polypropylene containers are one of the most popular choices across the foodservice industry for roasted chicken.

Temperature Tolerance

As we previously discussed, polypropylene containers have a temperature threshold of up to 230°F, so they can withstand the lamps’ heat.

Heat Transfer

Polypropylene hot food containers taken from the hot food case have a low burn risk. The risk increases if the customer microwaves the containers. 

Microwave Compatibility

Polypropylene containers are microwave-safe food containers.

Oven Compatibility

Polypropylene containers are not oven-safe food containers as they can melt. 

Ventilation

These containers are designed specifically for roasted chicken. They have a deep bottom and deep lid to accommodate the chicken’s size and prevent it from being flattened. The deep lid also provides an ample view of the chicken and has ventilation to prevent moisture buildup on the chicken. 

Grooved Bottoms

They are also designed with grooved bottoms. You won’t have to worry about your chicken soaking up grease while it sits. 

Appearance/Merchandising

The clear top will showcase your delicious chickens and entice your customers.

Tamper-Evident Packaging

For roast chicken containers, tamper-evident packaging can be achieved by using sleeves or straps, which can also make the container easier to carry. You can also place the purchase label over the seal of the container. 

Sustainability 

Roast chicken containers use a large amount of plastic, though more facilities are now able to recycle polypropylene products. 

Polypropylene roast chicken containers offer a wide range of pricing and are accommodating to a variety of budgets. 

Roast Chicken Bags

Another population option are roast chicken bags, especially since they require significantly less storage space than the bulky roast chicken containers. 

Temperature Tolerance

These polypropylene bags have a varied temperature threshold, usually between 200°F and 220°F. You’ll need to verify which temperature threshold applies to the bags you purchase. 

Heat Transfer

These bags are generally designed with handles to make it easier for staff and customers to transport the food. If these handles are used, there is almost no heat transfer and, therefore, no burn risk. However, if the customer chooses to grab the bag around the chicken, they risk being burned as the bag will not insulate them from the heat of the chicken. 

Microwave Compatibility

These bags are generally microwave-safe food containers. Always check with the manufacturer first

Oven Compatibility

These bags are not oven-safe food containers as they will melt. 

Ventilation

Some bags have ventilation to release steam, and some do not. Those without ventilation can make the skin on your roast chicken soggy. 

Grooved Bottoms

There are no grooved bottoms for plastic bags, so the chicken will sit in the oil and grease that run off. 

Appearance/Merchandising

Some roast chicken bags have designs on them, whether standard prints or custom branding. While many include a window without printing that allows customers to see what the chick looks like, this is more limited than what a roast chicken container shows. 

Some bags also have anti-fog technology to keep the windows clear to allow customers to view the chickens. 

Tamper-Evident Packaging

Some roast chicken bags have tamper-evident packaging features. Typically, this is a special seal on the bag that requires customers to pull it apart to open it. 

Many bags are simply sealed by plastic zippers and you should not put a sticker over the seal to create your own tamper-evident packaging. This will make it very difficult for your customer to open the bag after purchase. 

Sustainability 

Roast chicken bags use much less plastic than roast chicken containers. These bags are generally not recyclable. 

There are pros and cons for both roast chicken containers and bags and the best option will depend on your business needs. If your most important considerations are appearance and preventing sogginess, the roast chicken containers will be your best choice. If you are low on storage space or wanting to increase your sustainability, the bags are the better option.    

Final Thoughts

There are many different options for merchandising hot food items, and choosing the right one is important. When selecting hot food containers, consider factors such as temperature tolerance and ventilation. Depending on the type of food in the products, some factors may carry more weight than others.

You’ll also need to weigh the pros and cons of each product type against your business needs. While budget is an important consideration, you may also consider the versatility of different hot food containers or what they’re made from.

To select the best possible hot food container, you may consider trying out multiple options and testing them for your customers. If you expect your customers to refrigerate the food and reheat later, try it out yourself and see how well it reheats in the container. Doing test runs can help you determine what is the best possible option for your customer and their needs. 

If you’re still having difficulty deciding which options are the best hot food containers for you, connect with one of our food experts today for a free evaluation of your food service operation.

We have access to a wide range of hot food containers suited for every need. With a better understanding of your needs, our team can provide expert advice on which hot food containers will be the best option for your business.

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