Choosing Disposable Serveware
Disposable serveware is a cost-effective way to provide a convenient yet sanitary method for customers to enjoy your menu. Adding disposable plates, cups, and cutlery significantly reduces the time and labor needed to wash and sanitize traditional serveware in foodservice establishments. Below, we'll cover the different types of disposable serveware available to help you determine which best suits your business.
Disposable Serveware & Cutlery
Disposable dishes, trays, and bowls add versatility in plating to foodservice operations. This disposable serveware is a great alternative to traditional ceramic plates, bowls, or trays in food trucks and other fast-paced restaurants. Operators serving hot dogs, burgers, and other fried fares can do so using disposable food trays or disposable dishes, while those offering salad or pasta may benefit from disposable bowls. Another disposable serving option operators can purchase are food cones, which are popularly used for small dishes or appetizers such as fried pickles or french fries.
Disposable cutlery helps restaurants reduce the time and labor spent washing flatware. Wood, plastic, and recyclable stainless steel cutlery are a more cost-effective option for food trucks, cafeterias, and outdoor operations.
Disposable Cutlery Materials
- Wooden cutlery is typically considered the most eco-friendly option, though customers may not prefer the texture of the utensil.
- Plastic cutlery is the most popular and cost-effective material, however plastic utensils are not considered biodegradable or recyclable.
- Recyclable stainless steel is more durable than other materials, and is considered a higher-end choice for operators to choose.
Disposable Cups & Stirrers
Plastic cups can hold anywhere from 31⁄2 to 32 ounces – great for a variety of establishments from bars to snow cone stands. These are available in several shapes and sizes to accommodate any cold drink, and for hot teas and coffees, operators can purchase foam cups instead. These can hold both hot and cold drinks in amounts from 6 to 32 ounces.
Straws are available in plastic and paper variations. Plastic straws are used to sip hot and cold beverages and are black or translucent. Popular in fast-casual joints, plastic straws come in several lengths to accommodate different cup sizes, and they also come in various diameters to easily sip smoothies, water, and coffee. Unlike their plastic counterparts, paper straws are an environmentally friendly option because they are biodegradable, but because they melt in higher temperatures, paper straws are not meant for hot drinks. Instead, they're ideal for water, soda, and other cold beverages.
Cafes, convenience stores, and quick-service restaurants can add stirrers to self-service stations for customers to mix their beverages without dirtying restaurant flatware. These single-use stirrers are often made of wood, which can be used with hot and cold drinks.
Disposable Skewers, Steak Markers, & Toothpicks
If you plan on serving kebabs, you'll need bamboo and wooden skewers. These skewers are between 41⁄2 and 10 inches in length for piercing meat, fruit, or vegetables. While skewers can be used in the oven and on the grill, they should be soaked beforehand to prevent burning.
Steak markers help kitchen staff indicate the level to which burgers, steaks, and more are cooked. These markers enable wait staff to ensure the right meal is delivered to the right guest.
Toothpicks, cocktail picks, and party picks are often colorful or topped with a decorative element to add flair and functionality to bar and table service. Bartenders can use cocktail picks to add olives or cherries to mixed drinks, and customers can retrieve them without dirtying their fingers or contaminating their beverages. Great for small bites and foods with many layers, picks can also be used to hold sandwiches and wraps together
