As the consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) and on-the-go food and beverages continues to increase, QSR packaging trends show that operators are responding to consumer demands for quality packaging that meets their experience expectations.
Why QSR Packaging Trends Matter
The WestRock study, “Packaging Matters,” reveals that 42 percent of consumers will use a product more frequently due to its packaging and that 65 percent of consumers will try something new, simply because of its packaging. This includes food purchases.
Combine those figures with the global fast food and quick service restaurant market forecast showing a CAGR of 4.9% during 2022-2027 that will reach US$ 308 Billion by 2027, more and more consumers will be exposed to QSR food packaging even for orders they did not place. This is advantageous product placement advertising that will appeal to the brand’s target consumers.
Millennials Driving QSR Food Packaging Trends
The hectic lifestyle pace of millennials is driving the consumption of fast food and quick-service restaurant (QSR) meals. For operators, their willingness to meet their dining preferences and experience expectations, is fueling market growth.
For millennials, their desire for product value and overall dining experience encourages manufacturers and QSR operators to focus on packaging along with the food itself.
For millennials who are environmentally savvy, they are more loyal to brands that match their worldview when it comes to protecting the planet. For QSRs, this means providing non-toxic packaging that is biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable.
Independent QSR Packaging Trends
Independent QSRs, or those that consist of no more than four identically named locations, are also driving innovative QSR packaging trends.
These restaurants are expected to grow at the greatest annual rate, placing them in a position to create unique dining experiences in-restaurant and via delivery. A unique factor is that they tend to offer quick food oriented towards tastes in their region, appealing to their general populace.
These independent QSRs fulfill the demand for a greater variety of cuisines. Their ethnic and fusion cuisines and vegan options are helping the industry thrive, and creating opportunities for upstart brands to drive food packaging innovation.
Third Party Delivery Driving QSR Packaging Trends
Pre-COVID, third party food delivery services such as DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats were a factor in the rise of fast food and QSR growth. Not only did they expand their sales through the sheer convenience of hot meal delivery, they were able to expand their working hours using less staff. Late hour food delivery was a product market fit, which led to consideration for the overall dining experience – including the packaging food was delivered in.
As increasing amounts of food are consumed at home, brands lose control of how food is ultimately served. The QSR packaging has to take into consideration that a customer can’t simply go back to the counter if there is a problem
QSR packaging trends have largely been driven by the need to keep customers coming back for more, especially since they expect their home dining experience to be just as good as if they were sitting in the restaurant. Since control is lost when using a third-party delivery system, packaging becomes a major factor for operators to help regain some element of control between the time a food order leaves their establishment and the time it arrives at the customer’s doorstep.
Having the proper food packaging is necessary to ensure that the food is delivered in an appealing way and that quality control is maintained. The packaging that QSR’s use can go a long way to ensuring that customers get the best possible experience with a brand while at home.
Important Factors for Home Delivery QSR Packaging
Considering that the average time between when food leaves a restaurant and when it is delivered at the diner’s door is 40 minutes, QSR packaging has to consist of several important features and functions.
First, the packaging must be sturdy enough to withstand the lengthy travel time while keeping hot food hot and cold food cold.
Second, the packaging must be leak-proof. Takeout and delivery orders that end up with leaks provide an unsavory experience for the customer that leaves them more likely to opt for another restaurant the next time.
Third, the QSR packaging needs to be sturdy enough to not result in a soggy mess. Just as with leaks, packaging that allows food to soak through the container conveys to the customer that the food, itself, is also subpar. With the increase in the cost of QSR meals plus the charges associated with delivery, consumers expect their experience to take into account the taste of the food as well as the packaging and delivery.
Strength & Durability: QSR Packaging Trends
With the increase in takeout and delivery, restaurant operators are leaning towards food packaging solutions that meet their strength and durability requirements. For consumers that also have a preference for eco-friendly packaging, there are now many options for restaurant owners that can maintain the quality of food from kitchen to table.
Bagasse Trays for QSR Packaging
100% biodegradable bagasse trays are increasingly popular for menu items that are either raw, like a salad, or cooked, like a fully prepared meal. Besides the biodegradability factor, the advantages to bagasse trays is that they are sturdy and durable, are soak proof, and are great for storage in the event of leftovers.
For QSRs that want to make their mark with consumers showing that they are not only eco-conscious but customer experience focused as well, bagasse trays are an outstanding option.
Clamshell Containers for QSR Packaging
Clamshell containers have made the QSR packaging trends list due to the renewability of the materials, their resistance to moisture and grease, and their transportability from restaurant to diner’s door for takeout and delivery orders.
They are also the perfect blend of being 1000% biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, carbon-neutral, and toxin and chemical free. For discerning customers, having their food delivered in a bagasse clamshell container that keeps their food in great condition during transport but also helps them make smart purchase choices when it comes to the environment, benefits restaurants who live on repeat orders and word-of-mouth.
For quick-service restaurants that want to wow their customers with form and function, eco-friendly clamshell containers, made of bagasse material, are a popular choice.
Bagasse Bags for QSR Takeout and Delivery Orders
Many luxury brands have learned that the experience of opening a product is just as important as the experience of using or consuming the product – just ask Apple! For QSRs that are focused on unique dining experiences, the bag that a food order is delivered in must be as memorable as the food itself.
Typical takeout and delivery orders use either plastic or paper bags. While recyclable, plastic rarely is and paper is not enough of a barrier for most food packaging to avoid absorbing moisture or oils. Having food delivered in a greasy paper bag is not only messy, it’s a turnoff for the diner. QSR packaging trends now include improvements in the bag food is delivered in so that the brand’s image is maintained and the consumer doesn’t end up with a mess.
Bagasse bags eliminate the concerns of brands and improve their image through an attractive, reusable bag that can be customized with the restaurant’s name and logo. Eco-friendly, bagasse bags are stronger than paper bags and after their reusable life is over, can be safely recycled or composted.
QSR Packaging Trends for Health-Conscious Consumers
New QSR brands, and even traditional fast food restaurants, are trending towards offering more healthy food options. QSRs are a step up from fast food, offering more creative cafe-style menu options commonly with a focus on natural, organic, and plant-based ingredients.
Customers who prefer healthier dining choices when eating out are also conscious of the overall experience, including food packaging. Whether dining in or taking to go, packaging choices are noticed by health-conscious consumers who also tend to prefer eco-friendly recyclable and biodegradable packaging.
These consumers are encouraging more QSR establishments to consider eco-friendly packaging that serves to benefit the brand’s overall appeal.
Final Thoughts
As the QSR sector continues to grow to meet consumer preferences for takeout and home delivery orders, we can expect to see more creative food packaging innovations that highlight a brand’s appeal and serve to better protect our environment through sustainable and renewable packaging materials.
QSR packaging trends will continue to focus on appealing form and function while creatively addressing challenges when it comes to the transport of food and beverages, including cups, lids and straws.
Contact Servous for QSR Food Packaging
At Servous, we provide eco-friendly food packaging options for quick-service restaurants and traditional restaurant takeaway orders. We’re pleased to offer a wide range of options that fit any restaurant’s budget, handle your food with excellence, and represent your brand well.
Contact us today to see what options might be the best for you and be sure to ask us about our packaging customization!
