Best Custom Paper Bags for Restaurants & Takeout

The best takeout paper bag is a sturdy kraft bag with a flat bottom, enough gusset depth for containers, and a bold 1-color logo because it packs fast, carries reliably, and stays readable after handling. Start here: Custom Paper Bags.

Restaurant packaging has different constraints than retail: speed, stacking, heat/steam, grease risk, and customers carrying food one-handed. This page gives selection rules that prevent the two most common failures: tipping containers and handle tears.

Top recommendations (choose based on your menu + workflow)

1) Best all-around for most takeout orders

Medium kraft paper bag with flat bottom + bold 1-color front logo

• Why it wins: fast pack-out, forgiving surface, strong everyday look.
• Shop: Custom Paper Bags

2) Best for multiple containers / family meals

Large kraft paper bag with deeper gusset + reinforced bottom + simple logo

• Why it wins: gusset depth stabilizes stacked containers; fewer “double-bag” moments.
• Shop: Custom Paper Bags

3) Best for premium presentation (higher ticket orders)

White handled paper bag with minimal design (logo-only)

• Why it wins: clean presentation for catering, gifting, or upscale pickup counters.
• Shop: Custom Paper Bags

If your goal is long-life reuse (not typical for takeout), paper may be the wrong carrier—see: Custom Paper Bags vs Custom Tote Bags: Which Should You Print?

Good / Better / Best table (takeout edition)

Handle decisions are workflow decisions use:

Twisted-Handle vs Flat-Handle Custom Paper Bags: Which Should You Choose?

What to print (restaurant packaging design rules)

Your bag is read for 1–2 seconds. Print for instant recognition.

Recommended print approach

• 1-color logo (high contrast) centered on the front panel
• optional short line: website or location (not a paragraph)

Avoid in takeout packaging

• thin lines and tiny text (looks muddy after handling)
• low-contrast designs on kraft (light inks can disappear)
• printing important details near folds/handle holes

If you’re deciding bag color:

• Kraft vs White Custom Paper Bags: Which Should You Print?

For print method + file rules:

• Logo Printing on Paper Bags: Imprint Methods, Artwork Rules, and Common Mistakes

Quantity planning (takeout math you can run in 2 minutes)

Baseline planning

• Start at ~1.0–1.2 bags per takeout order (some orders consolidate; some require split bags).
• Add +10% buffer for packing errors, torn bags, or unexpected spikes.

If you have weekly order data

1. Take your average weekly takeout orders: Orders/week
2. Multiply by your bag-per-order target: 1.0–1.2
3. Add buffer: +10%

Example planning logic (no hard numbers assumed):

Bags/week = Orders/week × (1.0 to 1.2) × 1.10

If you have daypart spikes

• Keep a “rush-hour reserve” of one shift’s worth of bags staged near the line.
• Restock in bundles to prevent mid-rush box rummaging.

Operations: prevent spills, sogginess, and handle failures

1) Choose gusset depth for containers, not for “volume”

• Clamshells and round bowls need depth so they sit flat and don’t tilt.
• A bag that’s “tall enough” but shallow is a tipping hazard.

2) Build a stable load (this reduces tears)

• Put heavier containers on the bottom, flatter items on top.
• Avoid hanging weight off one side of the bag (causes seam stress).

3) Heat and steam are real

• Hot food creates condensation. If your packaging tends to steam, prioritize sturdy construction and avoid overstuffing.
• Keep the print simple; heavy full-coverage graphics can show rub marks faster.

4) Handle choice = packing speed vs carry comfort

• Flat handles usually win for speed + stacking at the counter.
• Twisted handles can win when customers carry farther (parking lots, campuses).
• Decision help: Twisted-Handle vs Flat-Handle

For bag sizing/structure basics, keep this open:

Custom Paper Bags Buyer’s Guide

Build a branded takeout kit (bag + the pieces customers actually touch)

A bag works best when the “touchpoints” match.

• Food-service essential: Custom Printed Napkins
• Hot drink pairing: Custom Paper Cups
• Cold drink pairing (if applicable): Custom Plastic Cups
• Sampling / tastings: Custom Sample Cups

Primary carrier: Custom Paper Bags

Mistakes to avoid (restaurant-specific)

1. Bag too shallow for bowls/containers → choose more gusset depth.
2. Overstuffing “just to make it fit” → causes seam stress and tears.
3. Low-contrast art (especially light inks on kraft) → logo becomes invisible after handling.
4. Printing key info near folds/holes → distortion and clipping risk.
5. No buffer inventory → you run out during peak hours and switch to unbranded bags.
6. Assuming “premium look” matters more than pack speed → for busy counters, workflow wins.

FAQs

1) What size paper bag is best for takeout?

Most restaurants do best with a medium bag for single meals and a large, deeper-gusset bag for multi-container orders. Choose based on your largest common container set.

2) Are flat handles better for restaurants?

Flat handles are often better for takeout because they stack neatly and support faster pack-out. Twisted handles can be better if customers carry farther.

3) Kraft or white bags for food orders?

Kraft is usually more forgiving for scuffs and handling; white is best when a clean, bright presentation matters.

4) What should I print on a takeout bag?

A bold logo and optionally a short URL or location. Keep it readable and avoid paragraphs.

5) How many bags should I order?

Start around 1.0–1.2 bags per takeout order and add a 10% buffer. Adjust after you track your real bag-per-order rate.

6) How do I reduce spills and tipping inside the bag?

Use enough gusset depth, load heavier items at the bottom, and avoid overstuffing. Container stability beats “tall” bags.

7) When should I consider a different bag type entirely?

If you need reuse beyond the meal (not typical), a tote may fit better. See Custom Paper Bags vs Custom Tote Bags.

8) Where do I find printing and artwork rules?

Use the printing support page for placement and file prep: Logo Printing on Paper Bags