Burger Boxes and Clamshells: Sizes, Materials and What to Use

For a single burger, a clamshell box around 6 inches square is the standard, in kraft board or bagasse. Kraft boxes look premium and print well. Bagasse boxes, made from sugarcane fibre, handle grease and steam very well and are compostable. Fold-out boxes open flat into a tray, which suits burger and fries eaten on the spot. For quick counter service, a greaseproof burger wrap or bag is cheaper and faster.

Here is how to pick the right box for your menu, without overpaying for packaging that does not suit the food.

In this guide

• What burger packaging options are there?
• Kraft or bagasse burger boxes?
• What size burger box do I need?
• When is a wrap or bag better than a box?
• Any tips for packing burgers for delivery?
• FAQ

What burger packaging options are there?

Option	Best for	Price ex VAT
#8 kraft burger box	Premium burgers, delivery, food trucks	€37.40 per 250
6x6" bagasse burger box	Juicy burgers, compostable menus	€25.99 per 200
Fold-out kraft burger box	Burger and fries on one tray	€30.99
Burger wraps 250x300mm	Fast counter service, chippers	€27.95 per 1000
Greaseproof burger bags	Quick service, eat on the go	€28.99 per 1000

Kraft or bagasse burger boxes?

Both work well. The choice comes down to the look you want and how wet the burger is.

• Kraft board: a natural brown look that suits gourmet and street food brands. It is rigid, so a stacked burger keeps its shape in the delivery bag.
• Bagasse: moulded sugarcane fibre. It copes very well with grease and steam, and it is compostable. A good fit for juicy smash burgers, or for events that ask for compostable packaging.

For burger and chips together, step up to a 9x6" bagasse meal box. There is more on materials in bagasse vs kraft vs plastic containers.

What size burger box do I need?

Measure your burger at its widest, bun included, then add a little room so the lid closes without squashing it.

• Standard single burger: a box around 6 inches (about 150mm) square.
• Double stacks and loaded burgers: check the box height as well as the width. A tall burger needs a deeper clamshell.
• Burger with fries: a 9x6" meal box, or a fold-out box that opens into a tray.
• Sliders and kids portions: a smaller meal box, like the 6x4" bagasse meal box.

When is a wrap or bag better than a box?

If the burger is eaten within a few minutes, a box can be overkill. Chippers and busy counters often wrap burgers instead, because it is faster and cheaper per order.

• Burger wraps come in red, blue and yellow. Colour coding by burger type saves mix-ups at the pass.
• Tick-box burger bags let staff mark the order on the bag.

For delivery, a box still wins. Wrapped burgers get squashed in a bag. See the paper bags guide for carrier bags.

Any tips for packing burgers for delivery?

• Let the burger rest for a few seconds before boxing, so steam does not soak the bun.
• Keep sauces on the side in a sauce pot for long delivery runs.
• Pack fries separately if the trip is long, since they soften next to a hot burger.
• Keep boxes flat in the bag, with drinks carried separately.

For the rest of your packaging list, see the takeaway packaging checklist.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a standard burger box?

Around 6 inches, or about 150mm, square suits most single burgers.

Are kraft burger boxes compostable?

Many kraft burger boxes are made to be compostable. Check the product details and your local waste rules.

Is bagasse good for burgers?

Yes. Bagasse handles grease and steam very well, so the box stays firm with a juicy burger inside.

What is a fold-out burger box?

A box that opens flat into a tray, so the customer can eat the burger and fries straight from it.

Should I use a box or a wrap for burgers?

Use a box for delivery and loaded burgers. A wrap or burger bag is quicker and cheaper for food eaten straight away.