The best plastic takeaway containers for restaurants

Written by: Rose Lloyd11 November 2026

The right takeaway container survives the microwave, stops sauces leaking on the way to the door, and stacks neatly behind the counter. We've picked the best plastic containers from the Catering24 range for restaurants and takeaways, plus lidded platters for caterers.

Every pick is available at trade prices. Orders over £25 ex VAT get free delivery in our delivery area, and you can order by 4pm, Monday to Friday, for next day delivery.

The best plastic takeaway containers at a glance

Our best all-rounder is the 650cc Microwaveable Container, and the 500cc size is the cheapest per item. The table runs from lowest to highest cost per item.

Container	Size	Per pack	Pack price (ex VAT)	Per item (ex VAT)	Best for
500cc Microwaveable Container	500cc	250	£26.16	£0.10	Sides and starters
650cc Microwaveable Container	650cc	250	£27.49	£0.11	Best all-rounder
750cc Microwaveable Container	750cc	250	£28.90	£0.12	Larger portions
8oz Round Deli Container	8oz	250	£30.99	£0.12	Sauces and dips
1000cc Microwaveable Container	1000cc	250	£31.25	£0.13	Sharing dishes
Black Fastpac Rectangular Food Container	600ml	300	£56.95	£0.19	Upmarket presentation
Black Serving Platters, Medium	35 x 24cm	25	£26.43	£1.06	Sandwiches and buffets
Black Serving Platters, Large	46 x 30cm	25	£45.98	£1.84	Large buffets and events

Fastpac lids are sold separately, at £41.45 ex VAT for 300. Prices were checked on 11 November 2026 and can change, so check the product page before you order.

Our picks for takeaways

Best all-rounder: 650cc Microwaveable Container

The 650cc size is one of our most popular because it takes most single mains, from curries and rice to noodles. Like the rest of the range, it's made from polypropylene, so it's microwave and freezer safe, and the clip-on lid keeps sauces in during delivery.

Shop 650cc containers

Sides and starters: 500cc Microwaveable Container

Our smallest rectangular container is made for sides and starters, and it's the cheapest per item in the range. Like every size in the range, it comes in packs of 250 with lids included.

Shop 500cc containers

Larger portions: 750cc Microwaveable Container

Step up to 750cc for larger single portions, so generous mains fit without overfilling.

Shop 750cc containers

Sharing dishes: 1000cc Microwaveable Container

For sharing dishes and meal deals, the 1000cc container leaves room between the food and the lid, so toppings arrive intact.

Shop 1000cc containers

Sauces and dips: 8oz Round Deli Container

Round 8oz deli containers are a neat fit for sauces, dips, and sides. They're microwaveable and recyclable, like the rest of the range.

Shop deli containers

Upmarket presentation: Black Fastpac Rectangular Food Container

For a more upmarket look, choose the black 600ml Fastpac container. It's sturdy polypropylene that's microwaveable, freezable, leak resistant, and suitable for hot cabinets, and the containers stack to save space. Lids are sold separately, so add a pack to your order.

Shop Fastpac containers

Lidded platters for caterers

If you cater buffets, office lunches, or events, plastic platters with lids do the same job as takeaway containers on a bigger scale.

Buffets and delivered lunches: Black Serving Platters with Lids

Our black platters come with clear lids that slot on securely, keeping sandwiches, finger food, and desserts fresh in transit. They run from small (24 x 17cm) to extra large (55 x 37cm), and they're recyclable.

Shop plastic platters

How to choose your containers

Match the size to the portion, check the lid, and think about what happens after the food arrives.

• Seal every lid. Press clip-on lids down all the way round before bagging, so sauces stay put in transit.
• Plan for reheating. Polypropylene is microwave and freezer safe, so customers can save leftovers for later.
• Save shelf space. The containers stack neatly, and packs of 250 keep reordering simple.
• Recycle after use. The containers are recyclable, so customers can rinse them and recycle them.

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