More and more restaurants are finding safe ways to package their food for delivery
Especially due to the rising consumer demand, restaurants have begun to prepare go-to versions of their menu items.
Instead of dining in, customers now prefer to have their meal off-premises mostly because of the Covid-19 outbreak.
So, if you sell packaged food exclusively or offer takeaway/delivery from your restaurant, this is the definitive guide to package food for delivery.
How to Ensure Food Safety and Quality During Delivery
There is considerably less fuss over quality and safety when customers dine-in. It is easier to control.
But, when there are delivery or takeaway orders, businesses must take several precautions into consideration.
Separate foods by temperature
Imagine ordering mee kari and then get everything in one packaging – overcooked mee, chilled broth, and soft vegetables. Unappetizing.
Customers expect a near similar food experience if they were to dine in. So you need to divide hot and cold foods with condiments kept apart.
Another thing customers appreciate is when sellers provide brief instructions on the best way to prepare the food for the packaged meal kit.
Read more on Tips for Restaurants to Make Packaged Meal Kits
Packaging that maintains quality
Tough crusts, soggy fries, uncrispy fried chicken are the possible complaints you’ll receive if your food packaging doesn’t maintain food quality.
Moisture is hot foods worst enemy so it needs innovative packaging to keep them fresh until it arrives at a customer’s doorstep.
The smart packaging to keep moisture out is a vacuum sealer which is conveniently best for frozen foods too!
Keep food fresh before pickup
You received an order and prepare it straight away. But, the delivery driver hasn’t arrived yet!
Before the food loses its freshness, keep all your cold/chilled items in a cooler and the hot items in a warming cabinet.
Prevent tampering
One of the main concerns of customers who stay at home is whether their food has been tampered with.
There have actually been cases of delivery drivers or postmen who allegedly took a bite of food before sending it to the customer.
So, to avoid this completely, food businesses should always apply anti-tamper seals or other means for secure food packaging.
Types of Safe Food Packaging for Delivery
In Malaysia, there has been a growing number of food businesses in the market. However, not all of them package food safely for delivery to their customers.
Certainly, there are several types of packaging suitable for food to arrive safely to customers without spillages, contamination or quality loss.
Zip Lock Bag
A zip lock pouch is perfect for beans, cookies, nuts, and other dry food that needs long term storage. There is even a stand up zip lock option that allows more volume packaging.
Vacuum Packaging
Also known as a sous vide bag, a vacuum bag is ideal for frozen food such as meats and seafood as it prevents freezer burn. It is the best packaging option to keep air and moisture out.
How To Sell Frozen Seafood Online in Malaysia
Retort Food Pouch
This food packaging is ideal for food pastes that need to maintain the taste, color, and flavor with less nutrient loss. Usually made from aluminium, they are freezable, reheatable, and storable for a long period of time.
Tray Food Packaging
This is a great packaging for takeaway and ready-to-eat foods as it is safe for reheating. Usually, lidding film is used for an easy seal for total spill-proof and cost-effectiveness.
Which food packaging is the cheapest?
The winner of the cheapest material for food packaging goes to cardboard box.
But, we both know it isn’t the most practical so be sure to choose the most cost-effective packaging option.
Another close contender is paper food packaging that most restaurants use for ready-to-eat meals.
All in all, when it comes to cost, functionality should be your top priority to maintain your food’s quality during delivery.
Safely Package Food for Delivery in Malaysia
In conclusion, it is always good to invest more thought and money into the choice of safe food packaging for delivery.
Hopefully, you will be able to use this guide to upgrade your food delivery or if you’re looking into starting a packaged food business.
But, if you need further assistance, drop us an inquiry so we can give you expert advice on smart food marketing solutions.
Suggested read: How to Increase Packaged Food Sales with Food Packaging
We help food businesses skyrocket their marketing. Are you next?
CONTACT US NOW
DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Please opt for a one-to-one consultation with us or a relevant professional for your specific concerns regarding food business solutions in Malaysia before making any decisions.
