Paper Bags for Takeaway: How to Choose the Right Size, Handle Type & Strength
Paper bags seem simple—until you’re in the middle of a busy service and one tears, drinks wobble, hot food steams the base, or the bag is the wrong size and everything looks messy. The right takeaway bag setup doesn’t just “carry food”—it helps you pack faster, reduce spills and complaints, and improve the customer’s experience from counter to car to doorstep.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose paper takeaway bags by size, handle type, strength, and hot-food performance, plus a practical “bag setup” checklist you can use for cafés, takeaways and catering.
If you want to browse options first, you can view takeaway bags here:
https://ifpack.com.au/collections/bags
1) Start with Bag Size: The Most Common (and Most Expensive) Mistake
The number one reason bags fail is not the handle—it’s the bag being the wrong size for the order. Bags that are too small lead to overstuffing, crushed packaging, and handle strain. Bags that are too large create movement inside the bag, which increases tipping and spills during delivery.
A simple rule that works for almost every venue: leave 10–15% empty space at the top. That small buffer makes packing easier, protects your presentation, and reduces tearing.
Browse takeaway bag sizes and styles here:
https://ifpack.com.au/collections/bags
A practical way to choose sizes (without overthinking it)
Instead of trying to plan for every possible order, choose sizes around your top 3 order types:
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Small orders (coffee + pastry, single snack items)
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Medium orders (two drinks + bakery items, light meals)
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Large orders (multiple meals, family packs, catering portions)
Once your team has “default bag choices” for those three, packing becomes faster and more consistent—and customers notice that reliability.
2) Flat Handle vs Twist Handle: Which Should You Use?
Handle type isn’t just about style; it affects comfort, perceived quality, speed of packing, and how the bag behaves when it’s heavy.
Flat handle bags: the best all-rounder for takeaway
Flat handle bags are a strong choice for most cafés and takeaways because they’re:
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comfortable to carry
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reliable for everyday loads
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quick for staff to pack
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great value for bulk ordering
If you want one handle style that fits most operations, flat handle is usually it.
See bag options here:
https://ifpack.com.au/collections/bags
Twist handle bags: more premium presentation
Twist handle bags add a premium feel—especially for boutique cafés, upscale takeaways, events and catering orders. Customers often perceive twist handle bags as “higher quality,” and they can elevate the overall handover experience.
If your brand is focused on premium positioning, twist handle bags are worth considering for higher-value orders.
3) Strength Matters: How to Stop Tears, Breaks and Double-Bagging
Many venues accept double-bagging as “normal”—but it’s usually a sign the bag choice isn’t matching the load. Over time, double-bagging quietly increases costs, slows packing, and creates more waste.
A strong takeaway bag depends on a few factors working together:
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paper thickness/weight
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base structure (a stable base helps prevent tipping)
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handle bonding and reinforcement
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the way the order is packed inside
Shop reliable takeaway bags here:
https://ifpack.com.au/collections/bags
A simple load test (you can do in seconds)
Ask: “What is the heaviest common order we hand out?”
If you regularly pack heavy items, hot meals, multiple drinks, or dense foods, choose a bag that handles that load confidently without stretching the handles to their limit.
Also think about sharp corners from boxes and containers. Even if the bag is strong, sharp edges increase failure risk. That’s where liners and smarter packing make a huge difference (next section).
4) Hot Food, Steam and Grease: Prevent the “Soggy Bottom” Problem
Paper bags and hot food can work perfectly together—if you plan for the two biggest enemies:
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steam
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grease
When hot food is sealed immediately, steam builds up and moisture softens the bag’s base. Add oil or sauce, and the bottom can weaken quickly—especially during delivery.
What helps immediately (and costs almost nothing)
1) Use a greaseproof liner
A simple sheet of greaseproof paper inside the bag adds a protective layer and helps prevent oil transfer. It also improves presentation and makes orders look more intentional and premium.
Greaseproof paper options:
https://ifpack.com.au/collections/greaseproof-paper
2) Let hot items vent briefly before bagging
Even 30–60 seconds can reduce steam buildup. This is especially helpful for fried items or anything that produces strong heat and moisture.
3) Separate sauces where possible
Sauces and dressings are the top cause of messy bags and customer complaints. Keeping them separate reduces leakage risk and protects the rest of the order.
If you want grease-resistant bag options as well, you can explore here:
https://ifpack.com.au/collections/grease-proof-paper-bags
5) Build a Better “Takeaway Bag Setup” (This Is Where You Win)
The best takeaway packaging isn’t one item—it’s a small system that works together. When bags, liners, napkins and carriers are consistent, your team packs faster and customers get a cleaner, more professional experience.
Café setup (coffee + bakery + light meals)
A reliable café setup typically includes:
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paper bags for pastries and food items
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napkins for quick service and takeaway handover
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cup carriers for multiple drinks (reduces spills immediately)
Paper napkins:
https://ifpack.com.au/collections/paper-napkins
Cup trays and sleeves / drink carriers:
https://ifpack.com.au/collections/cup-tray-sleeves
Bags:
https://ifpack.com.au/collections/bags
Takeaway shop setup (hot food + delivery)
For hot food and delivery orders, a strong setup includes:
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bags matched to heavy loads
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greaseproof paper liners
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cutlery packs (especially for delivery convenience)
Greaseproof paper:
https://ifpack.com.au/collections/greaseproof-paper
Cutlery and skewers:
https://ifpack.com.au/collections/cutlery-skewers
Wooden & sugarcane cutlery (eco option):
https://ifpack.com.au/collections/wooden-sugarcane-cutlery
6) Quick Checklist: Choose the Right Bag Setup in 60 Seconds
Before you place your next bag order, run through this checklist:
Order profile
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What’s your heaviest common order?
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Do you pack drinks in the bag (or alongside)?
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Are most orders hot, cold, or mixed?
Spill risk
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Do you include sauces or dressings often?
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Are leaks a frequent customer complaint?
Speed & consistency
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Does your team know the default bag sizes for small/medium/large orders?
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Are you double-bagging too often?
Extras that reduce complaints
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Do you include napkins by default?
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Do you use cup carriers for 2+ drinks?
Shop the core essentials here:
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Greaseproof paper: https://ifpack.com.au/collections/greaseproof-paper
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Cup carriers: https://ifpack.com.au/collections/cup-tray-sleeves
Final Thoughts: Stronger Bags = Fewer Refunds, Faster Packing, Better Reviews
When your takeaway packaging is reliable, it shows. Customers feel it when the handover is clean, the bag is sturdy, and everything arrives intact. Your team feels it too—less stress, fewer re-packs, and fewer complaints.
If you want to upgrade your takeaway bag setup, start with bags and build out the essentials from there:
https://ifpack.com.au/collections/bags
And if hot food is a big part of your menu, don’t skip liners—they’re one of the simplest ways to reduce mess and bag failures:
https://ifpack.com.au/collections/greaseproof-paper