Chinese Carry Out Boxes
A Complete Guide for Food Businesses

Chinese carry out boxes are one of the most recognizable takeout packaging formats in the United States. Originally designed for oyster pails in the early 1900s, these distinctive folded containers with wire handles have become the standard packaging for Chinese restaurants, Asian fusion eateries, and food businesses across the country. At Color Icon Packaging, we manufacture custom Chinese carry out boxes that let restaurants and food brands put their logo and branding on this iconic packaging format.

What Are Chinese Carry Out Boxes

Chinese carry out boxes, also called Chinese takeout containers or oyster pails, and are folded paperboard containers with a wire handle that locks the top flaps together. The box is made from a single die cut sheet of food grade paperboard that folds into a leak resistant container without any adhesives. The design is brilliant in its simplicity: the interlocking top flaps create a secure closure, the wire handle makes the box easy to carry, and the wide opening allows customers to eat directly from the container.

These boxes are available in sizes ranging from 8 ounces for side dishes and appetizers to 32 ounces for full entree portions. They can be manufactured with or without wire handles and are available in both wax coated and poly coated versions for different levels of grease and moisture resistance.

Types of Chinese Carry Out Boxes

Standard White Takeout Boxes

The classic white Chinese carry out box is the most widely used version. It provides a clean surface for custom printing and is available in all standard sizes. White boxes work well for restaurants that want their logo and brand colors to stand out clearly. Browse our cardboard box options for additional food packaging substrates.

Kraft Brown Takeout Boxes

Kraft Chinese carry out boxes deliver a natural, eco-friendly look that appeals to environmentally conscious diners. The brown Kraft material signals sustainability and pairs well with simple logo prints. Visit our eco-friendly packaging for additional green packaging options.

Custom Printed Takeout Boxes

Custom printed Chinese carry out boxes feature your restaurant’s logo, contact information, social media handles, and brand graphics printed directly on the container. Full color printing transforms a generic takeout box into a mobile advertisement that customers carry out of your restaurant and into their homes, offices, and public spaces.

Why Custom Chinese Carry Out Boxes Matter for Your Restaurant

• Brand recognition grows every time a customer carries your branded box through a lobby, office, or public space
• Custom printing adds your phone number, website, and social media handles for easy reordering
• Professional branded packaging builds trust with delivery app customers who cannot see your restaurant
• Custom sizing eliminates food waste by matching portion sizes to the right container volume
• Eco friendly material options appeal to environmentally conscious diners

(A pie chart showing the percentage of restaurant revenue from takeout and delivery orders in the US would highlight why branded takeout packaging is a smart marketing investment for food businesses today.)

Common Uses Beyond Chinese Restaurants

While the name suggests a Chinese restaurant specific product, these versatile containers are used by a wide range of food businesses across the United States:

• Asian fusion restaurants, Thai restaurants, and Japanese noodle shops
• American restaurants packaging sides, salads, and pasta dishes for takeout
• Catering companies using them as individual portion containers at events
• Food trucks offering walk away portions in easy to carry containers
• Party supply companies offering themed takeout boxes for event favors
• Wedding and event planners using custom printed boxes for party favors and midnight snacks

Materials and Food Safety

All our Chinese carry out boxes are manufactured from food grade paperboard with FDA compliant coatings. We offer two interior coating options:

• Wax coating for standard moisture and grease resistance, suitable for most takeout foods
• Poly coating for enhanced leak resistance, recommended for saucy dishes, soups, and high moisture foods

Both options are safe for direct food contact and maintain structural integrity when holding hot foods. For restaurants that use their window boxes for bakery and dessert display, custom takeout boxes complete the branded packaging collection.

How to Order Custom Chinese Carry Out Boxes

Ordering from Color Icon Packaging is simple. Share your size requirements, artwork, and quantity needs with our team. We provide free professional design services, no die or plate charges, and free nationwide shipping. Orders start at just 100 units with standard production in 10 to 12 business days.