In the fast-growing food industry, presentation and convenience play as big a role as taste. Whether you run a restaurant, bakery, café, fast-food chain, catering business, or food delivery service, custom food tray have become an essential part of food packaging. These trays are not just containers—they serve as branding tools, hygienic protectors, and user-friendly serving solutions that enhance customer experience.

From eco-friendly kraft trays to luxurious laminated serving trays, the customization possibilities make these packaging items a powerful marketing asset for any food brand.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything about custom food trays—their types, materials, uses, printing options, shapes, benefits, and why businesses rely on custom trays to elevate their presentation.

What Is a Custom Food Tray?

A custom food tray is a specially designed packaging tray used to hold, serve, store, or display various food items. It can be printed with a brand’s logo, color theme, promotional artwork, or product information to enhance marketing and customer communication.

Brands use trays for:

• Fast-food meals (burgers, fries, nuggets)

• Bakery goods (pastries, cupcakes, brownies)

• Snacks (nachos, popcorn, chips)

• Fresh items (fruits, salads, sandwiches)

• Catering and takeout meals

• Food courts and restaurants

The ability to design these trays in any shape, size, material, and style makes them versatile for different cuisines and serving preferences.

Why Choose Custom Food Trays?

1. Strong Branding

Printed trays allow businesses to display:

• Logo

• Brand colors

• Taglines

• Menu deals

• Promotional offers

This increases brand visibility, especially in dine-in settings where many customers see the tray at once.

2. Hygienic and Food-Safe

Most trays are produced using food-grade material, ensuring items remain clean, fresh, and safe.

3. Convenient for Dining & Takeaway

They are lightweight, easy to carry, and ideal for:

• Events

• Food festivals

• Outdoor catering

• Fast food counters

4. Eco-Friendly Options

Recyclable kraft and cardboard trays reduce plastic usage and support sustainability goals.

5. Versatile Design Options

You can create:

• Open style trays

• Compartment trays

• Carry-handle trays

• Grease-resistant fast-food trays

Popular Materials for Custom Food Trays

Different brands choose different materials depending on the food type and usage. Here are the commonly used materials:

1. Kraft Paperboard

• Eco-friendly

• Lightweight

• Perfect for snacks, fries, bakery items

• Natural and rustic feel

• Grease-resistant lamination available

2. Cardboard (Food Grade)

• Ideal for takeout meals

• Offers strength and structure

• Great for printing and branding

3. Corrugated Fiberboard

• Best for heavy meals

• Provides durability

• Suitable for catering services

4. Coated Paperboard

• Shiny or matte finish

• Water and oil-resistant

• Ideal for fried, juicy, or oily foods

5. Plastic (Reusable & Disposable)

• Often used for compartment trays or large serving trays

• Not as eco-friendly but strong and reusable

Common Styles of Custom Food Trays

1. Open-Top Serving Tray

This is the most common style found in restaurants and fast-food chains. Perfect for fries, donuts, chicken wings, or sandwiches.

2. Compartment Food Tray

Divided sections help separate different food items like:

• Rice and curry

• Combo meals

• Kids’ lunch trays

3. Foldable Paper Tray

Ideal for takeout and delivery due to its foldable structure.

4. Grease-Proof Fast Food Tray

Laminated with a wax or PE coating to prevent oils from leaking.

5. Die-Cut Handle Tray

Adds a handle on the sides for easy carrying—commonly used for concession stands and events.

6. Bakery Product Trays

Flat or raised-edge trays for brownies, muffins, pastries, or bread rolls.

Different Shapes of Custom Food Trays

Food trays can be crafted in multiple shapes depending on the type of food being served:

1. Rectangular Tray

Most widely used for meals, snacks, and bakery goods.

2. Square Food Tray

Great for portioned servings and small food items.

3. Round Food Tray

Perfect for nachos, fruit bowls, and café desserts.

4. Oval Food Tray

Stylish option for modern restaurants and gourmet meals.

5. Triangle Food Tray

Commonly used for pizza slices, samosas, cake slices.

6. Multi-Compartment Tray

For combo meals with various food sections.

Industries Using Custom Food Trays

A wide range of food businesses rely on custom trays for presentation and safe serving:

• Fast-food chains

• Bakeries

• Restaurants

• Street food vendors

• Cafeterias

• Catering companies

• Food courts

• Concession stands

• Cinema snack bars

• Airline meals

• School and corporate canteens

Their versatility makes them a universal packaging solution.

Printing Options for Custom Food Trays

Branding on trays enhances customer interaction and boosts recognition. Some common printing techniques include:

1. CMYK Digital Printing

Best for full-color artwork and gradients.

2. Offset Printing

Used for bulk printing with high-quality results.

3. Spot UV Printing

Adds shine to specific parts (logo or tagline).

4. Embossing & Debossing

Creates texture and premium branding.

5. Foil Stamping

Adds gold or silver foil for luxury food brands.

Benefits of Using Custom Printed Food Trays

• Helps with brand recall

• Enhances the aesthetic of food presentation

• Makes food easy to handle

• Supports hygiene and cleanliness

• Boosts professionalism

• Offers marketing through every serving

• Reduces plastic waste (if using kraft or cardboard)

Examples of Custom Food Tray Designs

1. Kraft French Fry Tray (7×4 inch)

• Material: Brown Kraft Paper

• Style: Open top

• Use: Fries, nuggets, snacks

• Feature: Grease-resistant interior

2. Bakery Dessert Tray (9×5 inch)

• Material: Food-grade cardboard

• Style: Raised edges

• Use: Brownies, donuts, pastries

• Feature: Matte laminated

3. Catering Compartment Tray

• Material: Corrugated board

• Style: 3-section

• Use: Rice, salad, curry combinations

• Feature: Leak-proof coating

4. Nachos & Chips Tray

• Material: Coated paperboard

• Style: Bowl-shaped

• Use: Nachos, chips

• Feature: PE coating

FAQs About Custom Food Trays

Q1: Are custom food trays food-safe?

Yes, manufacturers use food-grade materials, making them safe for direct food contact.

Q2: Can I print my logo and brand colors on trays?

Absolutely. Custom trays are fully customizable with digital, offset, or UV printing.

Q3: Are these trays eco-friendly?

Kraft and cardboard trays are 100% recyclable and biodegradable.

Q4: Which tray is best for oily foods?

Coated paperboard or laminated kraft trays are ideal for greasy items.

Q5: Can I order trays in bulk for wholesale?

Yes, most packaging companies offer wholesale custom food trays at reduced pricing.