Inside: “Disposable lunches” is the new challenge with preschools, daycares, and schools having new health and safety guidelines for the upcoming school year. If you’re worried, we’ve got you covered with disposable lunch products and lunch ideas to make your life easier.
I’ve spent YEARS perfecting my system of packing cute lunches for my kids. In fact, that is probably how we became friends in the first place! Oh the times I’ve had poking red bell peppers through the end of star-shaped food cutters with a straw just so my child will eat a vegetable in their school lunch. I place it nicely in their pretty sectioned lunch boxes so my picky eater’s food doesn’t touch (because the world will end if it does, right?) They take it to school and most of the time they eat it. My efforts paid off.
Fast forward to today, when we’re already stressed out about if there will even BE school in the fall and what that will look like, I’ve heard from parents all over the country that say their towns and daycares are calling for completely. disposable. lunches. Whaaa..?
What “disposable lunches” means will likely vary from location to location, but I’ve come up with 9 strategies for building disposable lunches successfully.
School provided lunches are a beautiful thing. They involve zero thinking or effort on our part and provide convenience for parents who already have so much on their plate.
While “hot lunch” could look different this year as schools may be favoring disposable lunch options like prepackaged sandwiches & fruit cups, those are wonderful options that provide nutrients your kids need to make it through the school day.
You will have peace of mind knowing your child had a full belly and was able to focus on learning!
If you’ll be sending lunches every day, you need the right supplies to make a disposable lunch packing system!
Here are a few of my must-have disposable lunch packing items for the fall
You may have a bag stuffed with other plastic bags that you save for… something. Well, now might be their time to shine! They are great for kids because you can tie them which makes for an easy handle. They fit in backpacks and of course, are disposable.
When you have a picky eater, if the foods touch it can be a complete no-go. Which means, throwing all the lunch components in one bag may not work. Instead you can choose to use individual snack bags to separate out veggies, crunchy snacks, soft sacks, or wet snacks like cut fruit, etc. Sandwiches can be wrapped in parchment/wax paper, cling wrap, or aluminum foil. I like these sealable paper sandwich bags because they are recyclable. But, any of these standard bags will do the job perfectly and your kids can even decorate them (bonus activity for when you just need 5 minutes to yourself!)
Maybe your child is really missing their ninja turtles lunchbox they picked out for school last year. You can likely find some zip top bags with their favorite characters like Mickey Mouse or Buzz Lightyear.
I’m not sure about you, but my child is a dipper. I almost always pack a dip or spread with any vegetables in hopes they’ll come back devoured! These condiment cups with lids are the perfect size for dips, hummus, or sunflower seeds.
These disposable fruit cup containers with lids are perfect for daycare and great for all kinds of lunch sides like yogurts & pudding.
Yogurt Hack: fill plastic popsicle bags with your favorite yogurt. Freeze it & use it as an ice pack. By lunch time it will defrost and your kid has a no mess disposable yogurt tube snack!
There are lots of options for this, you can grab some at your local dollar or party store to save some money and get some fun colored forks and spoons for your little one. There are also some great recyclable options out there if that is your thing too, like these wooden disposable lunch utensils.
Toothpicks are essential to our food packing formula. I often add food picks with lunches to make them more novel. Since our favorite food picks won’t be compliant, I found these disposable ones that still offer just as much fun!
Not being able to stick a fresh ice pack in with lunch will be a struggle for so many. But, luckily I have some disposable lunch hacks on how to make your own!
Official guidance is to include 1 or 2 ice packs in all lunches to ensure that the food stays safe. Since you may not be able to add in an ice pack, you’ll need to choose foods that do not require refrigeration or that can make it to lunch time without going bad.
Lunch items with protein that tend to be safe for a few hours without refrigeration:
Foods that are most likely to cause food borne illness in a lunch box without refrigeration are: leafy greens or pre-prepared salads, cooked rice, cooked potatoes (or potato salad), deli meat, and cut or pre-prepared (purchased at the store) fruit – melons and berries are the highest risk, but others can be contaminated as well. Make disposable ice packs and include in the lunches if you want to send these foods.
If in doubt, send a disposable ice pack!
Wash your hands and all produce thoroughly before putting into a lunchbox. If you cut the fruits and veggies, use a clean knife and cutting board and quickly put into a clean disposable container.
Uncut fruits and veggies that do not require cooling:
If you cut these fruits and veggies up, include a disposable ice pack if you can.
It’s a really good idea to include a disposable ice pack if you send these fruits and veggies, as these are the fruits and veggies most likely to cause food borne illness:
Related: Need More Ideas for Including Variety Into School Lunches? Snag My Free Veggie Shopping List & Meal Planner!
It is okay to include packaged snacks in disposable lunches, even if it is not your norm. This is a great time and reason to use pouches if your child likes them. If you do send pouches, check to make sure the pouches you choose do not require refrigeration.
In an effort to avoid shared water fountains, many schools are talking about water bottle policies. If your school will allow the use of a reusable water bottle, choose a sturdy one & write their name on it.
If a reusable water bottle is not allowed, buy prepackaged water in bulk & use stickers to decorate the outside. You can also use a sharpie to write your child’s name or color the caps so they know which one is theirs.
I compiled a list of 10 simple & balanced disposable lunch ideas that we’ll be using in the fall:
There is so much for us to wrap our heads around as adults and I imagine it is very confusing for our little ones. This is a good chance to come up with a strategy for talking to your children about the changes that will be happening at school this year.
They may be used to lunch time being their chance to socialize with friends and could feel anxious or uncertain about these new rules. It is so important to talk through these emotions so they feel prepared and can start the year on a positive note!
So, you’re running a food business, and you’ve got plenty of disposable containers for storing meals, sauces, and frozen ingredients.
But how do you know if those containers are actually freezer safe?
After all, nothing’s worse than opening a frozen meal only to find your container cracked or your food freezer-burnt.
This is a real worry, especially if you’ve invested in bulk packaging.
Let’s cut through the noise. Here’s everything you need to know about freezer-safe containers for your business.
Let’s start with the basics.
Not all disposable containers are built the same.
Freezer-safe containers are designed to withstand the freezing process without cracking, warping, or breaking.
In simple terms, they’re made to hold up in the cold and stay intact, ensuring your food stays fresh.
However, many containers, especially cheaper or low-quality options, might look great but fail when the temperature drops.
So, if your containers aren’t freezer safe, it could lead to big problems:
If your disposable containers are intended for freezing, they need to meet certain standards.
But how do you tell which ones really qualify? Let’s dig in.
Plastic containers are lightweight, moisture-resistant, and budget-friendly, but they can warp or crack in high heat or cold. Make sure to look for the type of plastic that’s freezer safe. Some plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene are safe and dependable for freezing. These materials are moisture resistant, light weight and hold up under extreme durability, even in sub-zero temperatures. Their flexibility allows them to be bent and twisted to help prevent cracking, making them ideal for long-term food storage. Polystyrene (PS) doesn’t work either, as it breaks down and becomes brittle, leading to a higher likelihood of breakage.
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Below is a comparison:
While paper-based containers are lightweight, environmentally preferred, and easily recyclable, they are not moisture resistant and may lose structure under frozen conditions. They do great with dry foods.
Paper-based containers are hit or miss. While some are fine for short-term freezing, they’re generally not designed for long-term use. To avoid any leakage, seal them with freezer tape or look for wax linings that offer added protection.
Aluminum is an excellent conductor of extreme cold and is very lightweight. It’s recyclable and leak-resistant, so it’s perfect for casseroles or baked goods.
However, it can definitely warp if you’re not careful about how you use it, so make sure to seal tightly if using foil lids.
While many bioplastics perform well in freezing conditions(such as corn starch-based bioplastics can withstand freezing temperatures ranging from -5°C to -10°C, PLA can endure temperatures as low as -18°C), some may exhibit reduced mechanical strength or become brittle if exposed to extreme cold for extended periods. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the specific type of bioplastic and its formulation when determining its suitability for freezing applications.
They’re perfect for short-term freezing of made ahead meals.
This is a surprisingly good material for freezing. It’s sturdy and holds up well under low temperatures. For example, InNature Pack’s bagasse containers are tested to withstand -40°C in the freezer for up to 24 hours, and can be stored at -20°C for 30 days without any loss in strength or performance. This makes bagasse an excellent choice for businesses that need reliable, eco-friendly, freezer-safe packaging.
Glass is strong, chemically inert, and the best material for freeze long-term storage. Tempered and borosilicate glasses are best, as they do not shatter with thermal shock.
While airtight lids are great for keeping out freezer burn, glass containers aren’t flexible. If the food expands in there as it freezes, it can break.
Not all containers are created equal. You’ll need different options depending on what you’re storing.
Here’s a breakdown:
When buying disposable containers in bulk, always test them first. Here’s how to do it:
Got containers you think might be freezer-safe? Here’s how to tell they’re not:
One of the biggest mistakes people make when freezing food is overfilling containers. You’ll want to make sure to leave some space—about an inch is typically sufficient—for the food to expand while freezing. Containers that are too full will crack or shatter under pressure, particularly if the material is rigid. For example, high moisture soups or stews can make this a challenge, so proper portioning is key.
Another common error is not using a lid or cover that makes an airtight seal. A loose, ill-fitting, or cracked lid invites freezer burn, which will ruin food with discoloration over time. Investing in containers with secure, tight-fitting lids makes all the difference.
Using the wrong materials is another common mistake to avoid. Polystyrene (PS) containers are prone to cracking at low temperatures. On top of that, many BPA-free plastics don’t hold up well against the freezer’s wrath. Research shows that up to 20% of plastic containers marked BPA-free may still leach harmful chemicals when frozen. This is why it’s important to always verify the material type before using them.
This step is frequently forgotten, but it’s key to a helpful freezer. An obvious indication of what is inside and when it was made will help ensure there is no mix-up. Without it, you will lose track and possibly uncooked meals or food may be in there longer than the safe limit.
Container shape and overall design significantly affect performance. Those that are square or rectangular take up less space when stacked. This thoughtful design feature keeps freezer space maximized and organized at all times.
Finally, storing food at the appropriate temperature ensures food is safe and fresh. Keep freezers at 0°F for best quality. Inspecting containers for cracks, brittleness, or other signs of failure after 24-48 hours will help ensure that they’ve withstood the stresses of freezing without damage.
Picking the right containers can be overwhelming.But it doesn’t have to be.Here are some key points to consider:
Let’s get real about costs.You want to save money but not at the expense of quality.Here’s how to strike that balance:
Investing in the right freezer safe containers is smart for the long haul.Here’s why:
Satisfied customers are more likely to return and recommend your business.
Wondering what’s next for freezer safe disposable containers?Let’s take a look at some exciting trends shaping the future.
New materials are stepping up to the plate.Think about:
Consumers are increasingly making eco-conscious choices.Here’s how that’s affecting the market:
Design isn’t just about looks; it’s about usability too.Check out the latest innovations:
These features cater to convenience and enhance user experience.
Convenient and simple, freezer safe disposable containers offer an easy way to store food, keeping it fresh longer. Choosing the correct ones from the start saves time, prevents waste and ensures quality is protected. The right material works wonders in protection from extreme cold and creates an airtight seal, locking in freshness. For business owners, durable containers can create more efficient workplaces and happier customers. Keeping an eye out for signs of low quality or non-freezer safe materials prevents expensive missteps. Something like bulk orders require extra layers of scrutiny to make sure they’ll hold up and be safe for users.
The outlook is bright for improving materials and more sustainable options. By investing in the right products now you can ensure smoother operations and happier customers down the road. Want to take your food storage to the next level? Contact InNature Pack today to find a solution that meets your unique needs and learn about the impact reliable freezer-safe containers can make.
Freezer safe containers are specially made to handle the cold temps of a freezer without cracking, warping, or leaking. They prevent freezer burn and keep food fresh and flavorful. Be sure to check the packaging to ensure they are freezer safe.
Yes, eco-friendly and insulating, bagasse containers are made from sugarcane fibers. These are ideally suited for the eco-conscious freezer who is freezing single portions or prepped meals.
Check for freezer safety symbols such as a snowflake icon or packaging that says “freezer safe.” Look for the material type and product description to ensure that they are compatible with freezing temperatures.
No, some disposable containers are not freezer safe. Not all materials are freezer safe, for example, Polystyrene will crack or break down in a freezer. Don’t use containers that aren’t marked as freezer safe.
Don’t overfill containers, as food expands when frozen. Avoid using containers that have broken seals or are not marked freezer safe. These errors can cause leaks or freezer burn.
Yes, freezer-safe disposable containers are ideal for bulk storage. Opt for stackable containers with secure lids to save space and keep food safe.
They help preserve the quality of food, waste less, and save time. Durable, dependable, and convenient, freezer-safe containers are ideal for meal prep, catering, or storing food in bulk.
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