Top 10 Restaurant Food Packaging Ideas With Examples

The online food culture is expanding rapidly, and so is the customization trend. The crowd is inclining towards attractive and aesthetically appealing packaging. Apart from this, the saying goes, “First Impression is the Last Impression.” This also applies to food packaging. The first impression a customer will get of your restaurant is when they look at your packaging. If the packaging is visually appealing, they’ll be drawn toward the food, and if the case is otherwise, they might lose interest in the delicacy. So attractive food packaging is of utmost importance for any restaurant business. Also read How to start a cloud kitchen business? a complete guide to begin.

Heading 2: 10 Restaurant Packaging Ideas to make your customers go wow!

Here’s a list of the packaging designs to make your packaging outstanding.

Tell a story

The story is a way of connecting with people. Design your packaging in such a way that it narrates a story. The story can be based on how the particular cuisine came into existence or what inspired chefs to make this particular cuisine or any other tale. 

For example, Ben & Jerry's often includes whimsical stories on their packaging about each flavour. 

Interactive packaging

Create a packaging that interacts with the consumer. It can be a box turning into a cup or game or adding a QR that guides the consumer behind the scenes of that cuisine or contains a special message for the consumer. Interactive packaging makes the consumer feel valued and gives them a one-of-a-kind experience thus ensuring their retention and loyalty. , 

For example, Pizza Hut’s “Box of Joy”, turned into a gaming board, associating pizza night with the fun gaming experience. 

Eco-friendly packaging

Eco-friendly and environment-friendly approaches are gaining quite a momentum these days. People prefer eco-friendly products. So, you may include eco-friendly packaging materials, like using cardboard boxes. You may also use biodegradable packaging, such as the box containing seeds that can be planted. 

For example, Starbucks has promoted the concept of “reusable cups” to avoid waste and take a step towards saving the environment.  

Customization

Offer customers, the option for customization, wherein they can add customized messages or quotes on the packaging. This will enable them to add a touch of customization to their order. 

For example, Chipotle’s “customized burrito box” offers the option of adding a customized wish inside the burrito box. 

Seasonal packaging

Seasons influence choice and food preference. Every season has a unique story to tell and has a special connection with each consumer. Create holiday or season-special boxes that change with the season and give uniqueness to the packaging. 

For example, McDonald’s “Holiday McFlurry” has a thematic packaging box which is a limited edition for a particular season. 

Unique formation

Skip the transitional boxes and go for boxes that open uniquely or have built-in compartments for different elements of food. 

For example, an In-N-Out burger uses square boxes for packaging instead of traditional round ones.  

Add personal touch

Add a handwritten note from the restaurant or the chef. This small effort will make a huge impact and make the customer feel valued. 

For example, Insomnia Cookies includes handwritten notes from their team.

Functional packaging

Create a packaging that separates the food contents and makes it easier for the customers to consume it easily from the box or the packaging itself without being messy. 

For example, Panda Express uses two-compartment boxes to keep rice and entrees separate, enabling a better food experience. 

Multiple use packaging

Use packaging that can be reused by the customers. Make use of such materials as cups, glasses, or containers that can be used by customers in their routine lives. This will act as a reminder which would remind them of your restaurant every time they use it. 

For example, PepsiCo’s Lay’s Stax potato can is a resealable can that can be used as a storage container by the customer. 

Transparent and minimalist packaging

Less can convey more. You may also go for transparent packaging and let the fresh food be an attraction and appeal in itself. 

For example, Blue Apron’s meal kits use clear, minimal packaging that displays the fresh food inside the container.

Heading 2: 10 Tips for Restaurant food packaging ideas

So, food packaging designs should be unique to attract and retain the customer. The food packaging design should be a promotional tool that offers free promotion for your restaurant. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind while deciding the design for food packaging.

1. Understand the likes of our customers
2. Prioritize functionality
3. Reflect and label your brand clearly and concisely.
4. Pay attention to visually appealing features
5. Emphasize your uniqueness
6. Align with the cultural standards 
7. Incorporate smart technologies like QR
8. Keep up with the trend.
9. Avoid environmentally hazardous packaging.
10. Create a sense of royalty with premium packaging.

Crafting successful food packaging involves a blend of creativity, practicality, and strategic know-how. So, seize the chance to design packaging that captivates, connects with your audience, and enhances your brand's narrative. You may also like to try our free restaurant bill generator to generate customized bills.