4 SKUs · From $16.56 – $30.63 per case
· Freight quoted separately
PP Deli Containers — Translucent Storage and Takeout
PP deli containers are the foodservice industry’s most versatile takeout vessel. Two-piece (cup + separate lid), polypropylene, microwave and freezer safe, and engineered around a common lid diameter so one lid SKU covers 8oz through 32oz. They’ve largely replaced PET clamshells for hot food because of the microwave compatibility and replaced PS deli containers because of the eco perception around polystyrene.
Yes. Polypropylene (PP, resin code #5) is stable up to ~230°F and is the standard microwave-safe foodservice plastic. PP deli containers can go from refrigerator to microwave to dishwasher without warping. This is the key reason PP has displaced PS and PET for hot takeout in many operations.
What sizes do deli containers come in?+
Standard sizes are 8oz, 12oz, 16oz, 24oz, and 32oz, all sharing a common lid diameter (~117mm) so a single lid SKU works across the full range. This common-lid system is the operational advantage of deli containers — buy one lid case and stock multiple cup sizes.
Can PP deli containers go in the freezer?+
Yes. PP stays stable down to -10°F or lower, suitable for prepared-meal storage, soup freeze-and-reheat, and bulk batch storage in commissary kitchens. Some PP grades become slightly brittle at deep-freeze temps but won't crack at normal -10°F to 0°F storage.
Are these compostable?+
No. PP is recyclable in theory (resin code #5) but rarely accepted curbside for foodservice items. For compostable deli containers, use PLA-lined fiber containers or bagasse — note that PLA fiber containers aren't fully heat-stable above ~200°F so they're a different operational profile.
What makes deli containers different from clamshells?+
A clamshell is a hinged single-piece container; you can't separate the lid from the body. A deli container is a two-piece system (cup + separate lid) that allows the empty cup to nest tightly for storage and the customer to fully remove and re-apply the lid as they eat. Deli containers are better for soups, prepared salads with dressing-on-side, and any food the customer mixes or stirs.
What lid options exist?+
Standard PP lids (matching the cup material), clear PET lids (#1) for cold-display visibility, and vented lids for hot food steam release. Most operators stock the matching PP lid for general use and add a PET lid if their cold-prep menu benefits from visibility.