The best takeaway paper bag for your business is the one that matches your menu: small SOS or block-bottom bags for pastries and single items, medium SOS (around 8") for a standard container plus a drink, and large 12–16" bags for multi-container and family orders. Get the size right and packing is faster, food travels safely, and orders look the part. Get it wrong and you're either forcing containers into bags that split, or paying for oversized bags that make a single meal look lost. This guide walks Australian cafés, restaurants, and delivery operators through bag types, menu-based sizing, GSM, food safety, and wholesale ordering.
The takeaway bag is the last thing your customer touches before they eat—it affects service speed, food protection, carry comfort, and how your business is judged at the kerb. Smartbag supplies foodservice paper bags in bulk across Australia, made from heavy-duty recycled kraft and built for busy service.
Part of a series. For the full purchasing process see our wholesale paper bags buying guide; to brand your bags, see custom logo printing explained.
Understanding Takeaway Paper Bag Types
Five bag styles cover almost every foodservice need. Each suits a different service style and order size.
SOS (Self-Opening Satchel) Bags
The workhorse of foodservice. A reinforced gusseted base lets the bag stand upright when filled—easy to pack one-handed during a rush, stable in transit.
- No assembly: Flat-packed, opens instantly with one hand.
- Gusseted base: Reinforced bottom adds stability for larger, heavier items.
- Self-sealing top: Rolling the top over creates a sturdy, tear-resistant carry point.
- Sizes: Baby (4"), Small (6"), Medium (8"), Medium Plus (12"), Large (16").
Brown Kraft Takeaway Bags
The most recognisable foodservice bag—natural, eco-conscious, and durable. Smartbag's are made from 100% recycled post-consumer waste, similar to the Uber and Menulog delivery style but stronger and cheaper. Biodegradable, compostable, and easy to brand. Browse the takeaway paper bag range.
Flat Handle Paper Bags
The most economical handle option, made in-line with the bag for fast, low-cost production. The wide, flat band is comfortable to carry and handles moderate loads (5–8 kg)—well suited to high-volume takeaway. Available in brown and white.
Twisted Handle Kraft Bags
The mid-range step up: reliable grip, a more professional appearance, fully recyclable, and better for heavier orders. Available in brown kraft and white kraft. (For a full handle breakdown, see our handle comparison guide.)
Block Bottom / Deli Bags
Flat-bottomed bags that stand upright when filled—ideal for bakery items, pastries, and quick counter service. Smartbag's grocery and no-handle bags cover this format for delis and food trucks.
Foodservice Sizing Guide by Menu Type
The right size depends entirely on what you're packing. A bag too narrow makes clamshell packs awkward; one too deep wastes material and makes a single item look undersized.
| Size | Dimensions (W × Gusset × H) | Best For |
| Baby / Small | 4"–6" (127–150 × 77–90 × 235–270 mm) | Individual pastries, sandwiches, light items, bakery bags |
| Medium | 8" (157 × 100 × 310 mm) or 340 × 145 × 320 mm | Standard meals, container + drink, one or two boxed items |
| Large | 12" (178 × 112 × 330 mm) to 16" (390 × 240 × 120 mm) | Large orders, family meals, catering, multiple containers |
| Extra Large | 20" (432 × 305 × 175 mm) | Bulk catering, multiple large boxes, oversized items |
Match the Bag to the Order
| Order | Recommended Bag |
| Muffins, pastries, single donut | Small flat-bottom / SOS (4"–6") |
| Sandwich or wrap + side | Medium SOS (8") |
| Single takeaway container | Medium SOS (8") or 340 × 320 × 145 mm flat handle |
| 2–3 containers | Medium Plus (12") to Large (16") SOS |
| Large meal boxes (2+) | Large (16") SOS (390 × 240 × 120 mm) |
| Whole cake / pizza box | Large flat handle (300 × 300 × 175 mm) or 16"+ SOS |
| Large chicken / fish portions | 300 × 165 × 56 mm foil-lined paper |
So what? Most cafés and quick-service venues need just two or three sizes: a small for single items, a medium SOS for the standard order, and a large for multi-item and family orders. Stocking the right two or three avoids both over-ordering and the daily friction of cramming food into the wrong bag.
GSM & Material Selection
GSM (paper weight) determines how much the bag carries before it strains.
| GSM | Best For |
| 50–70 GSM | Lightweight, dry, single items |
| 70–90 GSM | Standard takeaway food packaging |
| 100–120 GSM | Heavy-duty—multiple containers, heavier orders |
Grease and heat: For oily foods, choose grease-resistant coated bags. For items that need to stay hot and fresh—fried chicken, hot chips—foil-lined paper helps hold temperature. Match the lining to the food, not just the weight.
Food-Grade & Safety Considerations
Takeaway bags are in direct contact with food, so material safety matters.
- Food-safe materials: Look for certified food-contact-safe paper.
- Breathability: Paper lets steam escape, preventing the condensation that turns pastry soggy and chips limp—a real advantage over plastic.
- Hygiene: Single-use paper is a clean, hygienic alternative to reused plastic.
So what? Breathability isn't a nice-to-have—it directly protects food quality. A breathable kraft bag keeps a hot order crisp on a 20-minute drive home where plastic would steam it.
Eco-Credentials for Foodservice
Sustainability is now a customer expectation in hospitality, and paper delivers on it.
- Compostable SOS bags are available for home and commercial composting.
- Biodegradable kraft breaks down naturally.
- FSC-certified and post-consumer recycled options are widely available.
- Soy and linseed-based inks give food-safe, solvent-free printing.
Offering visibly sustainable packaging builds goodwill—customers increasingly notice and reward businesses that take it seriously. Recycled kraft takeaway bags let you make that statement on every order without compromising strength.
Wholesale Ordering Logistics
Foodservice bags are bought by the carton, with pack sizes varying by bag size.
- SOS bags: roughly 250–2,000 per carton.
- Flat handle medium: around 250 per carton / 125 per pack.
- Brown kraft takeaway: roughly 500–1,000 per carton.
Smaller bags pack more per carton; larger bags fewer. When comparing wholesale suppliers, check the per-bag price and the carton quantity—a low carton price on a small pack can work out dearer per bag. Buying full cartons of your two or three core sizes is almost always cheaper than topping up small packs.
Storage tip: Bulk cartons need dry, dust-free storage. Calculate your weekly usage and order a volume you can store properly—stale or damp stock is wasted money.
Smartbag: Your Foodservice Packaging Partner
Smartbag Australia supplies cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and food trucks nationwide:
- Takeaway, bakery, and grease-resistant bag options.
- Heavy-duty recycled kraft—100% recyclable and biodegradable.
- Custom printing to put your brand on every order—full colour from 50 bags.
- Bulk supply with fast Australian delivery and competitive pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SOS bag and why is it good for foodservice? SOS (Self-Opening Satchel) bags have a reinforced gusseted base so they stand upright when filled. They open one-handed with no assembly, making them fast to pack during busy service and stable in transit.
What size takeaway bag fits a standard container? A medium SOS (8") or a 340 × 320 × 145 mm flat-handle bag fits a single standard takeaway container, with room for a drink or side. For two to three containers, step up to a 12"–16" SOS.
What size bag fits a whole pizza or cake box? A large flat-handle bag (around 300 × 300 × 175 mm) or a 16"+ SOS suits whole cakes and pizza boxes—wide enough for the box footprint without forcing it.
Which paper GSM should I choose for food orders? 50–70 GSM for light dry items, 70–90 GSM for standard takeaway, and 100–120 GSM for heavy or multi-container orders. Add grease-resistant or foil lining for oily or hot foods.
Are takeaway paper bags food-safe? Yes, when made from certified food-contact-safe paper. Paper is also breathable, which prevents condensation and keeps food fresher than plastic during transport.
What's the difference between a takeaway bag and a retail carry bag? Takeaway bags prioritise stability (gusseted/SOS bases that stand upright), fast one-handed packing, and food-safe, breathable paper. Retail carry bags prioritise appearance and branding over self-standing function.
What are the MOQ and bulk pricing for foodservice bags? Bags are sold by the carton—roughly 250–2,000 per carton depending on size. Smaller bags pack more per carton. Contact Smartbag for bulk pricing on your core sizes.
Which handle type works best for takeaway? Flat handles for high-volume, cost-sensitive service; twisted handles for heavier orders and a more professional look; SOS (no handle) for fast counter service and stability.
Ready to Stock Your Takeaway Bags?
The right takeaway bag matches your menu and service style—usually two or three core sizes covering single items, standard orders, and family meals.
- Explore the range: Browse Smartbag's takeaway paper bags.
- Get a quote: Request bulk pricing for your café or restaurant's core sizes.
- Talk to an expert: Not sure which sizes fit your menu? Contact the Smartbag team for foodservice packaging advice.