A kraft take-out box is a folded paperboard container, usually with a grease-resistant liner, sold in standard numbered sizes. Canadian operators use them for burgers, sandwiches, fries and small plated meals that need to travel.
2026 Nov 5th
Best Kraft Take-Out Boxes for Canadian Restaurants 2026
Canadian-Owned No MOQ Ships Canada-Wide Calgary Warehouse Food Safe Focus
Packaging Buying Guide
Best Kraft Take-Out Boxes for Canadian Restaurants 2026
Which kraft take-out box sizes cover most menus, how they compare with plastic clamshells, and how to keep packaging cost per order down.
Quick Answer
Sysco Classic kraft take-out boxes are a practical choice for most Canadian restaurants and food trucks, and the #3 (8.5 × 6.25 in, 200 per case) covers the majority of single-item and small combo orders. The #8 (850 mL) and #4 (160 per case) suit larger portions or taller items. Kraft boxes hold up for delivery better than thin paper and usually carry a lower unit cost than rigid plastic clamshells. Chicken Pieces ships them with free shipping on qualifying Canada-wide orders from Calgary.
At a Glance
Key Takeaways
#3 is the workhorse
The 8.5 × 6.25 in #3, 200 per case, covers most single-item and small combo orders.
Size up only when needed
The #8 and #4 suit full meals or taller items, but only use them where the menu item needs the space.
Lower unit cost than PET
Kraft boxes generally cost less per unit than equivalent PET clamshells while still looking clean.
Mix your order
Adding lids, portion cups and bags to a box order helps it qualify for free shipping.
Track cost per ticket
Operators who track packaging cost per ticket catch waste and mismatched box sizes faster.
Stores flat
A case of folded kraft boxes takes little dry storage compared with bulky rigid containers.
Basics
What Is a Kraft Take-Out Box?
Methodology
How We Compared Them
We pulled case counts and sizes from the Chicken Pieces catalogue on November 5, 2026 and compared relative unit cost, interior volume, stackability and real-world durability reported by restaurant and food-truck accounts. We only included in-stock items and looked at how each box fits a typical mixed packaging order.
Comparison
Sysco Classic Kraft Box Sizes Compared
| Product | Case Qty | Relative Unit Cost | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sysco Classic Kraft #3 8.5 × 6.25 in | 200 | Low | Burgers, sandwiches, small combos |
| Sysco Classic Kraft #8 850 mL | 200 | Lowest of the three | Full meals and larger portions where the item fits |
| Sysco Classic Kraft #4 8.5 × 6.25 in | 160 | Highest of the three | Mid-size items where height matters |
The Sysco Classic Kraft #3 is the volume winner for most independent restaurants and food trucks. The #8 can bring the unit cost down further, but it only makes sense when the menu item actually suits that box. Buying full cases instead of small retail packs is where most of the savings come from.
Cost
How Much Should Take-Out Packaging Cost per Order?
Many Canadian restaurants aim to keep packaging to a small, single-digit percentage of the ticket. The box is usually the biggest line, followed by lids, portion cups, bags and napkins.
Matching each menu item to the smallest box that holds it, and buying the box, lids and bags on one order, keeps the all-in cost per ticket low and helps the order qualify for free shipping on qualifying Canada-wide orders from Calgary.
Kraft vs Plastic
Are Kraft Boxes Better Than Plastic Clamshells?
For most hot and cold items that are not liquid, kraft boxes cost less, stack flatter and look clean on delivery platforms. Plastic wins when an item is very saucy or needs a clear view of the food. Many operators run both and assign them by menu item.
Field tip: Vent steamy items like fries briefly before closing the box to keep them crisp in transit.
Shop the Range
Browse kraft take-out boxes and snack packaging
Sysco Classic Box Food Take-Out Kraft #3 8.5x6.25 (200/Case)
Workhorse #3 kraft box for burgers, sandwiches and small combos.
Sysco Classic Box Food Take-Out Kraft #4 8.5x6.25 (160/Case)
#4 kraft box when height or mid-size portions matter.
Sysco Classic Box Food Take-Out #8 850 mL Kraft (200/Case)
#8 kraft box for full meals and larger portions.
Sysco Classic Box Food Take-Out Kraft #1 5x4x2.5 in. (300/Case)
Small #1 kraft box for sides and compact items.
Sysco Classic Box Hamburger Clamshell Kraft Sysco Snack Box 250/EACH
Kraft hamburger clamshell snack box, 250 per case.
Sysco Classic Box For Fries Medium Kraft Sysco Snack Box 5 oz. (250/Case)
Medium kraft fry box to pair with take-out meals.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do kraft take-out boxes need a separate lid?
Most numbered kraft take-out boxes have a hinged, attached lid. Some containers use a separate lid sold by the case, so check the product page for the exact configuration before you order.
Source: Where do you buy your to go boxes/containers? - r/restaurantowners
Can I microwave kraft take-out boxes?
Many kraft take-out boxes are suitable for short reheat cycles. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance printed on the case.
Source: Has anyone switched to eco packaging and actually seen customer feedback? - r/restaurantowners
Which kraft box size should a food truck start with?
Start with the #3. Its 8.5 × 6.25 in footprint fits burgers, sandwiches and small combos, which cover most food-truck orders.
Source: Carryout packaging for wings - r/Restaurant_Managers
When should I use a #8 or #4 instead of a #3?
Use the #8 or #4 for full meals, larger portions or taller items that would crush or overflow in a #3. Keep the #3 as your default to control cost.
Are kraft boxes good for delivery?
Yes. Kraft boxes with a grease-resistant liner hold up better than thin paper and stack well in delivery bags. Very saucy items still travel better in plastic.
Source: Do you charge for to-go containers? - r/restaurateur
Are kraft boxes cheaper than plastic clamshells?
Generally, yes. Kraft boxes usually carry a lower unit cost than equivalent PET clamshells and take less storage space.
How many boxes come in a case?
The Sysco Classic Kraft #3 and #8 come 200 per case and the #4 comes 160 per case.
How do I lower packaging cost per order?
Match each item to the smallest box that holds it, buy full cases rather than small packs, and combine boxes, lids, cups and bags in one order.
Do you offer volume pricing for multi-unit groups?
Yes. Multi-unit groups can request a custom quote by calling 1-833-462-8550 or emailing hello@chickenpieces.ca.
How do you calculate shipping on bulk orders?
We calculate shipping on live carrier rates at checkout, not on flat or subsidized tiers. Every order is priced against real LTL, parcel, or pallet-freight quotes from our Calgary warehouse to your dock. That means you never absorb hidden shipping costs into product margins - what we charge is what the carrier charges us, plus a small handling pass-through. For bulk and pallet orders this typically runs 15–25% lower than competitors who bake shipping into their unit prices, because the rate is transparent and tied to the actual shipment weight and distance.
Why Partner With ChickenPieces
Canadian foodservice supplies for restaurants and food trucks: take-out boxes, containers, cups, bags and disposables in foodservice sizes. Chicken Pieces is a Calgary foodservice and hospitality supply company founded in 2018. We supply pantry ingredients and kitchen supplies. We are not a poultry or meat distributor.
Local Calgary Support
Based in Calgary, we understand regional operator needs and ship Canada-wide.
Wide Product Range
Source pantry ingredients, sauces, syrups, disposables, janitorial, bar, and hospitality supplies from one supplier.
No Membership Needed
Order what your kitchen needs with no minimum order quantity and no forced membership model.
Food Safe Focus
We write for operators working under CFIA- and Health Canada-aware food-safety plans.
References: CFIA - Food Safety for Industry FDA - Food Safety at Home.