In the restaurant & deli sector, it is important to hygienically prepare & maintain items as well as safely package hot food such as chicken nuggets, fried chicken, and more. The risk of constituents from containers, such as clamshell plastic boxes, seeping & contaminating food items is high, and experts warn against using such containers for storing food for long durations. In this case, what’s a safer alternative that businesses can rely upon? Let’s find out!
What are Hot Food Bags?
Hot food bags are a packaging solution for cooked, hot food items such as chicken wings, Rotisserie Chicken, and more. These are a safer alternative to clamshell plastic containers, where high temperatures may result in microplastic seeping into the good and causing grave health issues. These bags can be made from various materials such as HDPE, LDPE, BOPP, paper, paperboard, etc.
How long can hot food bags keep the food hot?
The duration for which food can remain hot with a hot food meat bag depends on many factors, such as material/type of bag, temperature at the time of packing, ambient temperature, and quality of the bag. A good bag can help your meat and poultry food stay fresh & hot for 45mins to 2 hours.
How do Hot Food Bags Compare To Clamshell Plastic Containers?
It is common to find clamshell plastic containers for storing many food items right, from baked goods to freshly cooked chicken. However, clamshell containers may not be the best choice for the latter, especially when they are not of good quality. This is where hot food bags can step in as a safer alternative. What are the benefits of using these over clamshell plastic containers?
- Hot food bags are more environmentally friendly since they are typically made of recyclable or compostable materials.
These bags are ideal for storing food at high temperatures without the risk of toxins seeping into the food and contaminating it. - Hot food bags occupy less space than clamshell containers making transportation at scale more efficient and their storage easy.
- Hot food bags are more efficient than clamshell containers in retaining the heat of the food and keeping them fresh for consumption.
Are Hot Food Bags Reusable?
Yes, many hot food bags are reusable. This depends on the quality of the bag as well as the material with which it is made. More than often, these are paper, paperboard, and recyclable plastic, which is environment-friendly. Some bags may be machine-washable, so it’s best to consult the guidelines set by the hot food bag manufacturer. These typically also come with instructions to clean and reuse.
To reuse the bags safely and hygienically, here are some tips:
- Keep the bag clean after use. Wash it with mild soap and water.
- Avoid using harsh detergents or chemicals for cleaning.
- Pat dry with a clean cloth or let it air dry over time.
Are Hot Food Bags Microwave-safe?
No, not all hot food bags are microwave-safe. If the bag is not of great quality or made of materials that can distort at the high temperature inside a microwave oven, it can leech toxins and contaminate. It’s best to purchase from a trusted hot food bag manufacturer who can guide your business on microwave safety and the best usage of the bags. Further, it is recommended to avoid reheating food items using bag and instead use a microwave-safe dish or plate.
Can Hot Food Bags Be Used For Cold Food Items?
The primary property of hot food bags is to keep the temperature of the food item high- i.e., at the same temperature it was cooked/packaged with. However, some bags have strong insulation properties that may come in handy to keep the cold food item cool. Even in this case, these bags are less efficient than cooler bags or ice bags.
What are the Benefits & Drawbacks of Hot Food Bags?
Like any other packaging material, hot food bags have their share of benefits and limitations. As we have seen before, these bags are:
- Environment friendly and easy to recycle
- Durable and less susceptible to wear & tear
- Easy to customize and brand with business logo and fonts
- Take up less space, are flexible, and much more efficient for deliveries and transportation
The limitations of hot food bags include the following:
- Since they are made of high-quality materials, they can be more expensive than counterparts such as clamshell plastic containers.
- Size limitations might prevent unusually shaped or large food items from fitting sturdily in the bag.
RediBagUSA: The Best Hot Food Bag Manufacturer
When you set out to purchase hot food bags for your business, it is worth considering the following:
- Opt for the right size(s) so that your food items line is packed correctly, and there is minimal wastage of bags.
- For heavily fried items, go for bags that offer superior leak-proof properties and don’t puncture easily.
- Opt for a hot food bag manufacturer that can customize the bags with your business logo, fonts, and more to reflect branding correctly.
Ensure the bag is of high quality and is certified food-safe.
At Redibag, we provide a wide range of hot food bags that can benefit your business. Our bags are ideal in a restaurant or deli setting and are a perfect alternative for clamshell plastic containers.
With a growing number of food mishandling and contamination cases, your business needs packaging solutions that meet high standards of quality, don’t compromise on efficiency, and are well within your budget. We can help in all these aspects.
Our compact food bag packaging takes up less space for merchandising, allowing you to offer additional items in the same space without additional supplies. These bags are available in single quantities or in bulk with plastic headers. Further, customers also get guidelines on using the bag and the contents with our custom instructions printing.
Rely on the Experience
With a complete and diversified selection of products, RediBagUSA is the company you were searching for. We handle the production, distribution, and logistics capabilities to serve some of the world’s largest international supermarkets and quick-service restaurants.
Contact us for more information about our offer and how we can satisfy your every packaging need!