Catering and Meal Boxes for Every Food Occasion

Catering boxes, combo boxes, meal boxes and food sleeves for office lunches, events and meal deals. These formats carry more than one item, so structure and inserts matter as much as print. Send the menu and headcount, and we will size the box around it.

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  • Birthday Burger Boxes
  • Christmas Burger Boxes
  • Halloween Burger Boxes
  • Valentine Day Burger Boxes
  • Choosing Catering, Combo and Meal Packaging

    Match the box to how the food is served

    Occasion packaging is about serving format, not just the menu. A catering box feeds a table and is opened once; a meal box is carried by one person and opened on a desk; a combo box holds a burger, fries and a sauce in fixed compartments. Each needs a different board weight and lid style. For office drops and event orders, catering boxes for group orders in corrugated board hold up under a stack and open flat for self-service.

    Formats compared

    FormatServesBoardTypical add-on
    Catering boxGroup, sharedCorrugated E/B fluteInside print, handle cutouts
    Meal boxOne personSBS or kraftDivider insert
    Combo boxOne person, fixed itemsSBS paperboardCup holder, sauce well
    Printed food boxAny single itemKraft or SBSWindow
    SleeveWraps an existing containerSBS paperboardSpot UV logo

    Combo boxes save labor because the line fills one piece instead of three, but every compartment has to be sized to your actual fries portion and cup. Send the cup diameter with the quote request for combo boxes with a built-in cup holder and we will cut the proof to it.

    Price, quantity and timing

    These are larger boxes, so the per-unit price sits above a standard burger box, but the same rules apply: from $0.20 per unit at the low end, minimum 100 units, and a price that falls as quantity rises. No die or plate charges means a one-off event run is realistic. Production is 7 to 10 business days after you approve the free 2D or 3D proof, rush is available, and shipping is free to the US, UK, Canada and Australia. If this is your first custom order, the custom box order process explained step by step shows what we need from you and when.

    Mistakes to avoid

    • Ordering catering boxes in single-wall paperboard. They sag under a full load.
    • Designing a combo box before fixing the fries portion and cup size.
    • Skipping the divider in a meal box, so the hot side steams the cold side.
    • Printing a full custom box when a sleeve would do. Printed sleeves over plain food containers give you branding on stock boxes you already buy.

    Design Your Custom Catering and Meal Boxes for Every Food Occasion

    Not sure which one to pick? Start with a box from this range, set your size, board and print, add your logo, and get a free quote with a digital proof.

    Choose your box, size, board, printing, finish and quantity, add your logo, and send it for a free quote. If this section does not load, request your free quote here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I size a catering box for a group order?

Start with the number of burgers or sandwiches each box should hold and how they sit, side by side or in rows. Add space for sides, sauces and napkins. Most catering boxes are built from corrugated board so they can be carried and stacked without bowing. Send the headcount per box and the items, and we will work out the internal dimensions.

What goes into a good combo box design?

A combo box should give each item its own zone: burger, fries and a dip or dessert. Inserts or folded dividers stop fries from sliding onto the bun and keep sauce cups upright. Leave enough height for the tallest item. Printing the deal name on the lid helps staff pack the right box and helps customers remember what to reorder.

Are meal boxes suitable for delivery apps?

Yes, if they are built for travel. Choose a closed box with a locking lid, a grease-resistant lining and vent holes for fried items. Corrugated E flute holds its shape when several boxes are stacked in a delivery bag, and a sticker seal across the lid reassures the customer. Our guide to packaging burgers for delivery covers more trip-time tips.

When does a food sleeve make more sense than a fully printed box?

Sleeves suit businesses running several products in the same plain box, such as a meal deal and a catering pack, or changing promotions often. The box stays the same and only the sleeve changes, which keeps stock simple. Sleeves also work for events where a client wants specific branding. For permanent menu items, a fully printed box usually looks more finished.

Can catering boxes carry a client's logo for a corporate event?

Yes. Caterers often print a client's logo, event name or date on boxes for corporate lunches, conferences and launches. With a 100-unit minimum, a single event can justify its own print run. If you cater for many clients, a branded sleeve or sticker on your standard catering box is more practical. Confirm logo use with the client before sending artwork.

How do I keep burgers hot in a large catering box?

Heat loss is mostly about air space and lid fit. Keep the box sized close to the food, close the lid firmly and stack boxes together during transport so they share warmth. Corrugated board insulates better than thin paperboard. Add a small vent so fried sides stay crisp. For long trips, an insulated carrier over the boxes makes the biggest difference.

What is the difference between a meal box and a custom printed food box?

A meal box is a format: a container sized to hold a complete meal, usually with compartments. A custom printed food box describes how a box is branded, and it can be any shape, from a sandwich box to a bakery box. Many orders combine the two, such as a compartment meal box printed in full color with the restaurant's logo and menu.

Can a combo box include a holder for a drink cup?

Yes. A drink holder can be built into a larger combo or catering box as a cut-out in an insert, sized to your cup base. This keeps the drink upright and stops it tipping into the food. Send the cup size and base diameter with your quote request. If drinks travel separately, a carrier or a branded bag is usually the simpler choice.

How far ahead should I order packaging for a dated event?

Production typically takes 7 to 10 business days after artwork approval, then add shipping time and a few days for proofs. For a fixed event date, start about three to four weeks ahead to leave room for changes. Rush production is available if the date is closer. Shipping is free within the US, and we ship worldwide for events abroad.

What does a catering box order cost?

Catering and meal boxes start from $0.20 per unit with a 100-unit minimum, though larger multi-item boxes cost more than a single burger box because they use more board. Price also depends on material, inserts, print coverage, finish and quantity, and the unit price falls as quantity rises. Send dimensions, item count and artwork for an exact figure.

Get a Free Quote on Catering and Meal Boxes for Every Food Occasion

Tell us the size, style and quantity you need and we will come back with wholesale pricing and a production timeline. Free design and free shipping on every order.

  • Custom sizes and styles, made to your dimensions
  • Gloss, matte and spot UV finishes
  • Free design service and free shipping

Prefer to talk it through? Call (503) 461-4788.