Industry Insights
Custom Food Packaging UK: Cost, Lead Time and How Ordering Works
Oct
If you run a café, restaurant, takeaway or food brand, you probably want three answers before you order packaging: how much will it cost, how long will it take, and what happens if the boxes are not right? This guide answers all three.
The short answer: custom food packaging at Custom Boxes Aazz starts from £0.10 per box, is ready within 15 working days, and includes free design and free delivery. The final price depends on size, material, print and quantity. You only pay 50% upfront, and we do not deliver until you have approved your finished order.
Custom Boxes Aazz is a manufacturer of custom food packaging UK businesses use for takeaways, cafés, bakeries and food brands. We also make a wider range of custom packaging boxes for other industries.
Quick Answers
- Price: from £0.10 per box (varies by size, material, print and quantity)
- Minimum order: no strict MOQ
- Turnaround: within 15 working days
- Design: free
- Delivery: free across the UK
- Payment: 50% upfront, 50% after you approve the finished order
- Approval: we send you a video of your finished order, and nothing is delivered until you are happy
How Much Does Custom Food Packaging Cost in the UK?
There is no single price, because every food packaging order is different. A small printed sandwich box and a large pizza box do not use the same amount of material or print. Our prices start from £0.10 per box, and the final figure is set by these factors:
| What affects the price | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Box size and style | Larger boxes and more complex shapes use more material and take longer to produce. |
| Material | Kraft, cardboard and corrugated board each have a different cost and strength. |
| Printing | A one-colour logo usually costs less than a full-colour, all-over design. |
| Finishes and extras | Window cutouts, coatings and inserts add to the cost. |
| Quantity | Larger runs normally bring the cost per box down. |
The quickest way to get an exact figure is to request a free quote with your box type, size and quantity.
How Long Does Custom Food Packaging Take?
Our turnaround is within 15 working days. That covers confirming your design, production, quality checks and your approval of the finished order. If you have a launch date, a menu change or a busy season coming up, work backwards from that date. Christmas and other peak periods are when food businesses most often leave packaging too late.
How Ordering Works, Step by Step
- Tell us what you need. Send your product, size and quantity through our free quote form.
- Get your free design. Send us your logo and ideas, and our team prepares the artwork at no extra cost.
- Confirm the details. Agree the material, size, print and finish.
- Pay 50% upfront. This starts production.
- Production. Your order is made within 15 working days.
- Watch your video. When your order is complete, we send you a video of the finished boxes.
- Request changes if needed. We make any changes within your agreed budget. We do not deliver until you are satisfied.
- Pay the remaining 50% and receive your boxes. Delivery is free across the UK.
This payment structure keeps the risk low for you. You see the finished product before the second payment and before delivery.
Which Material Is Right for Your Food?
The right material depends on what goes inside. As a general guide:
| Material | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Kraft paper and board | Sandwiches, snacks, bakery items, dry food | Natural look, strong, and popular with eco-minded customers |
| Cardboard (food-safe coated) | Burgers, takeaway meals, desserts | Good print quality and resistance to grease and moisture |
| Corrugated board | Pizza, large meals, delivery orders | Extra strength and insulation for stacking and transport |
If you are comparing food packaging solutions, always ask what coating or lining is used for greasy or hot food, and test the box with your real menu item before you order in bulk.
Choose the Right Box for Your Menu
Different foods need different designs. Here are the options most UK food businesses ask us about:
- Burgers and fries: burger boxes
- Pizza: pizza boxes
- Asian takeaway: Chinese takeout boxes and noodle boxes
- Sushi: custom sushi boxes
- Sandwiches and snacks: sandwich boxes and snacks boxes
- Bakery and desserts: bakery boxes, dessert boxes and macaron boxes
- Coffee and drinks: coffee cups with logo
You can see the full range on our custom food packaging page.
What to Check Before You Order Food Packaging
When you compare food packaging companies, these checks help you avoid expensive mistakes:
- Is it suitable for your food? Greasy, hot or saucy food needs a box that resists grease and leaks.
- Does the size fit your portion? A box that is too tight crushes food, and one that is too big lets it move around.
- Does it stack and carry well? This matters for delivery orders.
- Is it intended for food contact? Ask your supplier about food-contact suitability and what documentation they can provide. For the latest rules, check the Food Standards Agency guidance on food contact materials.
- Can you see a proof before delivery? A video or proof of your actual order protects you from surprises.
- Are the delivery and design costs included? Hidden costs are common in food packaging supplies, so ask for the full price.
Branding and Printing Tips That Get Results
Good branding food packaging does more than carry a logo. It makes your food look professional in the customer’s hands and on social media.
- Keep the logo clear and large enough to read on the lid or front panel.
- Limit the number of colours if you want to keep costs down.
- Use your brand colours consistently across boxes, cups and bags.
- Add a short message or social handle so customers can find you again.
- Choose personalised food packaging that matches your food. A kraft box suits a rustic bakery, while a matte black box suits premium desserts.
When you print food packaging in bulk, keep your artwork files ready (logo as a vector file, if you have one). Our free design service can prepare artwork from your logo even if you do not have a designer.
Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Options
More UK customers are paying attention to packaging waste. If sustainability matters to your brand, ask about kraft boxes and biodegradable food packaging. Our guide to sustainable and flexible options explains where each one works best.
Common Mistakes When Ordering Custom Food Packaging
- Ordering the wrong size before testing with real food
- Ignoring grease and steam, which can make boxes soggy
- Using too many print colours when a simple design would do
- Leaving it too late before a launch, event or Christmas period
- Paying everything upfront to a supplier you cannot verify
- Not asking for a proof or video before the order ships
Why Food Businesses Choose Custom Boxes Aazz
- We are a manufacturer, not just a reseller, so you deal directly with the team making your boxes.
- Prices start from £0.10 per box, with no strict minimum order, free design and free delivery across the UK.
- You pay 50% upfront and the rest only after you approve your order.
- We send you a video of your finished order before it ships.
- We thank our customers for 3,000 orders last month.
- You can read feedback on our customer reviews page and learn more about us.
Small food business? See our guide to custom packaging for small business UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does custom food packaging cost in the UK?
At Custom Boxes Aazz, prices start from £0.10 per box. The final cost depends on the box size, material, print and quantity. Request a free quote for an exact figure.
How long does custom food packaging take?
Our turnaround is within 15 working days. This includes production and your approval of the finished order.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No. We do not have a strict minimum order quantity, so small food businesses can order too. Send us the quantity you need and we will quote it.
Is design really free?
Yes. We prepare your artwork from your logo and ideas at no extra cost, and delivery is free across the UK too.
How does payment work?
You pay 50% upfront. When your order is complete, we send you a video. We do not deliver until you are satisfied. You then pay the remaining 50%, and we deliver.
What if I want changes after seeing the video?
We make changes within your agreed budget. We deliver only when you are happy with the result.
Can I get personalised or customised food packaging for different foods?
Yes. You can have separate sizes and styles for burgers, pizza, sushi, noodles, bakery items and more, all with the same branding.
Is eco-friendly food packaging available?
Yes. Ask us about kraft and biodegradable options when you request your quote.
Get Your Free Quote
Ready to order? Tell us what you are packing, your size and your quantity, and we will send you a price. Get a free quote or call +44 7988 595628. You can also email sales@customboxesaazz.co.uk.
