Deli Pots and Portion Pots Size Guide: Choosing the Right Size for Your Food Business

For restaurant owners, deli food providers, and takeaway food counters, finding the right-sized container for packing and delivering food is always a challenge. Sauces and dips need small pots, whereas pasta and side dishes require a container that holds the right amount of each without compromising their presentation or quality. 

The capacity, fit, lid, portion size, and the impact of storage and delivery on the deli pots are essential criteria to consider when selecting a packaging container for food items you pack for your customers.

This guide covers the different sizes of deli pots, which types of food they are best suited for, and the key characteristics to consider before choosing a packaging option for your food business. 

What Are Deli Pots and Portion Pots Used For? 

Deli pots and portion pots are the most commonly used packaging containers for food business owners. They are usually available in various designs and sizes to store food items such as:

• Fruits and desserts
• Side dips, pickles, and sauces
• Deli salads
• Meal-prep portions
• Condiments and other takeaway sauces
• Prepared ingredients, etc
  

While small plastic deli pots with lids are useful for packing controlled quantities of food, such as toppings or sauces, alongside a main dish, the large deli portion pots are ideal for prepared food that needs more space, such as breads, rice dishes, curries, and noodles.

Deli Pot Sizes at a Glance: Oz-to-ml Conversion Table

From small sauce pots to large deli pots with lids, each packaging container is designed for a different size, typically measured in ounces rather than the weight of the food it can store. This is because the same deli disposable plastic pots with lids might weigh differently when you pack a salad, dressing, sauce, or any other dish. 

The following table highlights how different deli pot sizes are typically used. It also discusses the lid type and the stackable features of the deli pot:

How Do I Choose the Right Size Deli Pot for My Food Business? 

One of the easiest ways to choose deli containers with lids is to select packaging based on the portion size of the food you serve.

• 1oz containers: These pots work well when you want to pack small amounts or portions of food. For example, you can pack small condiments like hot sauces, chutneys, or dips.
  
  
• 2oz containers: The 2oz deli pots are an ideal size for packing takeaway sauces or dips, providing these food items with sufficient room without becoming unnecessarily bulky. These containers are best for packing garlic mayo, salsa, chilli sauce, barbeque sauce, and other condiments.
  
  
• 4oz containers and above: If your customers expect generous portions of dressings, salads, dips, and condiments with their main dish, using 4oz deli containers can be useful. Further, larger containers of size 8oz, 12 oz, or 16 oz can be useful for packing full prepared meals and takeaway dishes. 

Here’s a useful tip: Select deli containers by prioritising the sauce pot based on portion size and convenience, whereas choose large deli containers when you need to pack food items that require a customer to use a fork or spoon.

What Happens If You Choose the Wrong Deli Pot Size? 

Selecting a deli container that does not match the portion size of the food item you serve or pack can lead to problems like:

• Overflowed food item, such as if a large portion of salad is packed in a small deli container.
  
  
• Increased spillage, for example, if generous portions of sauces or dips are packed in a deli container of size  1 oz.
  
  
• A disturbed presentation of the food, for example, if a cake piece or a dessert is packed in a container that affects its icing details.

Packing small portions of food in large containers is also problematic. It unnecessarily increases packaging costs and creates an empty-space visual impact for the receiver.

Compostable vs Recyclable Deli Pots: Which Is Actually Better for Your Business? 

It is tempting to assume that compostable deli pots are automatically the greener choice. After all, they are made to break down rather than stay in the waste stream for years. However, for a food business, the answer is a little more complicated. The better option is the one that fits your products, your customers, and importantly, the waste facilities near you. 

Here’s a quick comparison between compostable and recyclable deli pots which might make the decision-making process easier for you: 

It is recommended not to choose a pot based on the basis of labels (compostable and recyclable) alone. Choose the option that has a realistic disposal route for your business and customers. 

Are Plastic Deli Pots with Lids Food-Safe and Recyclable in the UK? 

Just as not every deli food packaging container is suitable for every type of food, not every plastic deli pot with lids is a food-safe, recyclable option for food packaging in the UK. 

The safety of the food in the deli container depends on the type of plastic used, its temperature resistance, thickness, and the overall quality. Similarly, recyclability depends on the deli container's material composition, local recycling collection infrastructure, and the specific packaging format. Therefore, before investing in a plastic deli pot with a lid, food business owners must evaluate its composition, recycling availability, and the types of food it can store. 

Food Packaging Direct offers a complete range of deli pots with lids in different sizes. You can also find a complete description of its lid features, heat resistance, and other specifications to help you choose the right deli container for your food items.

FAQ’s

1. What size deli pot is best for takeaway sauces?

For small dips and condiments, a 1 oz or 2 oz deli pot is sufficient, but for salads and other side dishes, a 4oz or larger deli pot is ideal.

2. Are deli pots suitable for storing food in the freezer?

This depends on the individual container type. Some deli pots may be freezer-safe, but you should always check the product specifications and safety guidelines for the specific container type.

3. Can deli pots be used in the microwave?

Only deli pots that specifically state they are microwave-safe in their specifications can be used in the microwave.

4. How long can food be stored in deli pots with lids?

The storage time for food in deli pots with lids depends on the type of food, how it is prepared, the temperature, and the intended use.

5. How can I prevent deli pots from leaking during takeaway delivery?

Always select a compatible container with a lid that has a secure closure. Also avoid overfilling the container, and test the pots for a delivery over a sufficient distance to ensure they do not spill or leak.