How to keep food warm during delivery is a key consideration for any business offering takeaway and delivery services. These services are a smart way for food establishments to boost revenue and expand their customer base. For diners, it’s an opportunity to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home. In this article, we’ll look at effective methods for maintaining food temperature during transport — and the essential role packaging plays in preserving heat and ensuring top-quality service.

Key Factors That Affect Food Temperature During Delivery

Whether you’re running a restaurant, café, catering business, or delivery service, your goal is to ensure that every meal reaches the customer hot, fresh, and just as flavourful as when it left the kitchen.

To achieve this, several factors must be considered:

  • The packaging materials used.
  • The insulation method during transport (e.g. thermal bags, heated containers, or delivery backpacks).
  • Weather conditions.
    The delivery method and timing.

It’s also important to note that certain dishes are more temperature-sensitive than others and require extra care. The solution? High-quality packaging made from innovative materials that maintain heat and prevent food from being crushed or deformed.

Best Packaging Materials for Heat Retention

Effective takeaway packaging that helps keep food warm can be made from a variety of materials, including:

  • Plastic or polyethylene coating
    A widely used and affordable material. However, due to environmental concerns, its usage is steadily declining in the UK and globally. Both businesses and governments are working to reduce plastic waste in food packaging.
  • Paper with a water barrier coating
    The most popular and eco-friendly option. These containers are non-toxic, recyclable, and industrially compostable, making them ideal for sustainable foodservice operations.

At Univest, we offer a wide selection of paper food packaging and disposable tableware made from premium cardboard with barrier coating. Our packaging meets international safety and quality standards.

Expert Tips for Keeping Takeaway Food Hot

  • Use sealed containers with tight-fitting lids, and whenever possible, pack them in insulated takeaway bags or heat-retaining pouches.
  • If you operate your own delivery fleet, equip couriers with thermal boxes or delivery bags that prevent heat loss.
  • Optimise delivery logistics by planning efficient routes and coordinating order schedules to minimise transit times.
  • For reliable performance, choose Univest disposable containers and tableware — including paper takeout boxes, buckets, bowls, lids, and cups for hot drinks in a variety of sizes.

We offer both standard ready-made products and custom-branded packaging tailored to your brand’s identity.

To speak with an expert or request a callback, contact us via phone, messenger, or the form on our website.