Choosing the Right Packaging for Food Temperatures

Did you know that choosing the wrong packaging for the temperature of your food can hurt the customer experience—and even lead to food waste?

When it comes to food packaging, temperature matters. Using materials that aren’t suited for hot or cold conditions can compromise safety, freshness, and product quality.

Why Temperature Matters

Different food temperatures require different packaging solutions. Whether you're freezing products, keeping food cold, transporting hot meals, or using packaging in a microwave or oven, each situation demands materials that can handle the heat—or the chill.

Let’s break down the best Darnel packaging options based on temperature needs:

For Freezing (0°F to -4°F / -18°C to -20°C)

Ideal for frozen foods in supermarkets, restaurants, and food delivery. The packaging must resist cold temperatures without cracking or leaking.

Recommended materials: Foam, PET, HIPS, Naturals® Line, PP

Best for:

• Supermarkets and wholesalers
• Frozen meal delivery
• Bakeries (frozen doughs, pies)
• Restaurant and buffet storage

For Refrigeration (32°F to 41°F / 0°C to 5°C)

Perfect for fresh items like salads, cheeses, deli meats, and desserts. Packaging must maintain shape and freshness.

Recommended materials: Foam, aluminum, PET, HIPS, PP, Naturals® Line

Best for:

• Refrigerated displays
• Health food and grocery stores
• Cafés, bars, and restaurants
• Cold food deliveries

For Room Temperature (50°F to 100°F / 10°C to 38°C)

For foods that don’t need heating or cooling, but still require protection and presentation.

Recommended materials: Foam, aluminum, PET, HIPS, Polypropylene, Naturals® Line

Best for:

• Sandwiches, baked goods, snacks
• Convenience stores and delis
• Catering and events
• Food trucks

For Hot Foods (150°F to 200°F / 65°C to 93°C)

Packaging must be heat-resistant to maintain food temperature and prevent warping.

Recommended materials: Aluminum, foam (PS), PET, PP, EPS, HIPS, Naturals® Line

Best for:

• Takeout and delivery
• Buffet and catering services
• Fast food and quick-serve restaurants

Microwave-Safe (Up to 250°F / 121°C)

Microwaveable packaging offers convenience and safety for reheating food.

Recommended materials: PP, Naturals® Line

Best for:

• Prepared meals in supermarkets
• Cafeterias and office lunches
• Hospital food service
• Fast food takeout

Oven-Safe (Up to 400°F / 204°C)

Oven-safe packaging is designed for baking, browning, and reheating.

Recommended material: Aluminum

Best for:

• Baked dishes for delivery
• Catering and restaurant kitchens
• Bakery and pastry shops

How to Choose the Right Packaging for Your Business

When selecting packaging, consider these four key factors:

1. Food temperature: Can the packaging handle it—hot, cold, or somewhere in between?

2. Purpose: Is it for storage, transport, heating, or display?

3. Sustainability: Choose recyclable or reusable options like Darnel’s Resq® line, made with at least 70% post-consumer recycled plastic.

4. Cost-effectiveness: Look for packaging that’s both efficient and reliable.

Count on Darnel for Smart, Sustainable Packaging

At Darnel, we offer innovative, food-safe packaging solutions for every temperature and every type of food service—from takeout and catering to retail and frozen foods.

Want to find the right packaging for your business?

Check out our full portfolio and see how we can help you deliver quality, safety, and sustainability—every step of the way.