Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-12-09 Origin: Site
This ice cream container guide will cover all the common materials and sizes to help you choose the right container for your business.
We can all agree on this—ice cream is one of those life’s guilty pleasures that are simple but fulfilling. But did you know the right container could make the world of a difference as well? Whether you’re running a business empire or just stocking up for your next ice cream social, the right ice cream container plays a key role in keeping the food fresh, mess-free, and ready to be eaten. From reusable metal containers to catering disposable product materials for those who prefer an eco-friendly option, there’s a world of choices out there.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about the materials, sizes, and best options for ice cream containers to make sure you get a perfectly scooped and fresh cone, every single time!
One might say that ice cream is just an ordinary dessert – but for some it is so much more. Whether you are serving the scoops at a fast-paced dessert café or selling the specialty flavours on the road, the ice cream container is an essential factor. Let’s find out why the right packaging is important:
The first and foremost use of ice cream packaging is to maintain the freshness and quality of your product as long as possible. That is why the ice cream container with lid you choose for your business can help you avoid freezer burns, maintain the flavors of the ice cream, and have the right texture that is as light as it should be. These containers make sure that every scoop has the same taste as when it was prepared.
Packaging is among the first things that your customers tend to pay attention to. It doesn’t matter if you’re using disposable ice cream containers for takeaway or trendy ice cream cups for display; the design can play a crucial role. Packaging also plays its part in creating awareness of your brand among consumers and trying to appeal to their emotions. This makes your ice cream unique in a market that is already flooded with similar products.
As the general public becomes more concerned about environmental problems, biodegradable food packaging is gaining popularity among companies. Including environmentally friendly products is your way of telling your customers that you care about the environment and thereby get the attention of those who are keen on the same by helping to cut down on waste. This is a simple measure that can have a major effect, not only on the environment but also on the company’s image.
Choosing the correct material for ice cream containers is a key part toward efficiency, the environment, and customer satisfaction. To better understand the common choices, it is necessary to divide the product into disposable and non-disposable.
●Paperboard: Paperboard is one of the widely used materials for disposable ice cream cups because it is lightweight and can easily be branded. It is also recyclable and thus ranked as one of the most eco-friendly of the options available.
●Bagasse Packaging: Bagasse is a plant-based material obtained from the stalk of the sugarcane plant and is rigid, recyclable and biodegradable food packaging material. It is also applicable to organizations that have started implementing environmentally sustainable activities.
●Plastic: While not as environmentally friendly as other materials, some plastics are designed to be reusable and do a great job of maintaining the frozen confection’s integrity while in storage or during transportation. Plastic has also been proven to keep the ice cream frozen for a longer time as compared to other containers.
For a comparison of disposable products, you can go through these articles of ours to learn more: bagasse vs. paper products, bagasse vs. plastic, and bioplastics vs. bagasse.
●Stainless Steel: Long-term reusable, the stainless steel containers are suitable for use in commercial kitchens or for storage for a long time. One of their most significant strong suits is their ability to preserve the temperature and quality of ice cream.
●Glass: Glass is used where a premium image is desired and reused containers are ideal but are not as suitable for transportation since they are easily breakable.
If you're torn between whether you should go for washable or disposable products, check out this article.
Whether it’s an ice cream tub for freezer use or the best food storage containers for small businesses, the material has to reflect your brand. For a sustainable approach, disposable options like bagasse or paperboard shine, while non-disposable materials add durability and reusability to the mix.
Are you starting a small ice cream shop that serves only special flavors? Or maybe your ice cream brand is serving at a specific event. In any case, here is a quick overview of the most common sizes used for an ice cream container and there is also a table to explain which size is ideal for what business type.
Customers that are always rushing need to have single-serve cups. These smaller sizes are ideal for occasions, mobile foods such as trucks and kiosks, and other mobile businesses. It is recommended that for those customers who prefer carrying their products in single-serving bagasse packaging, this type should be provided with a new twist to accommodate this need.
The pint size is one of the most common sizes that customers prefer to buy either for home use or for small businesses. It is small enough that individuals or couples can have two portions of their preferred flavors. Pints are also commonly used for take-home orders as they come in at a reasonable price while still being convenient. For businesses that operate with high quality and premium products, pint-sized containers help customers try new tastes without having to buy a larger quantity.
If you are feeding a group or family, the quart size is perfect for use since it is larger than the pint size. They provide something a little more than a pint but not as much as a gallon which can be overwhelming. Used for serving a large family, parties, or other occasions, or when people want to take more than one flavor at a time, quart containers are also highly appreciated by buyers. For small businesses, it’s a great way to cater to individual and group orders, it also provides room to accommodate different portions.
Gallon-sized packs are ideal for large occasions or companies that cater to a lot of consumers. Ideally suited for use in ice cream parlors, restaurants or as a serving container for catering services, gallon containers are designed for bulk packaging. They also work for stores like soft-serve shops that have to have ice cream on standby for customers. However gallon-sized containers may not be very popular in homes due to size and consumption capacity.
How to Choose the Perfect Size For Your Business?
Size | Volume | Best For | Ideal Market/Customer Needs |
Single Serve | 3-8 oz, 88.7-236.6 ml | On-the-go, events, food trucks | Street vendors, parties, eco-friendly bagasse packaging options. |
Pint | 16 oz, 473 ml | Personal use, small families, take-home orders | Small households, premium options for businesses. |
Quart | 32 oz, 946 ml | Small groups, family servings, events | Family gatherings, small parties, flexible servings. |
Gallon | 128 oz, 3.79 liters | Bulk servings, catering, high-volume sales | Ice cream parlors, catering, group events. |
5 Gallon Tub | 640 oz, 18.93 liters | Bulk storage, soft-serve machines | High-volume businesses needing large quantities. |
Here are a few factors to consider to assist you in making the right decision as follows.
It is, therefore, very important to look for the best quality of the container in order to preserve the ice cream and prevent it from different conditions. Search for materials that will not easily be affected when being transported or stored at some places like shelves. Tin containers and molded food packaging, for example, are ideal for long-term use because they can also be used in the freezer without cracking or changing shape.
It does not matter whether you are using your portable ice cream maker indoors or outside, temperature resistance is a must. If it is a gallon container for holding large quantities of ice cream or an individually disposable carton to hold a single serving of scooped ice cream, the material used must be one that will retain the ice cream’s cold temperature. Plastic, paperboard, and biodegradable food containers are intended to maintain the cold temperature of the product, while non-disposable ones like stainless steel are best suited to maintain the temperature for a longer period.
Selecting biodegradable ice cream containers has several benefits, especially with the increasing environmental consciousness in the current world. With bagasse pulp, companies can cut back on the harm they cause to the environment and appeal to consumers who are more and more environmentally conscious. Biodegradable ice cream cups developed by Sumkoka are made from 100% sugarcane pulp, which is a renewable material, so the cups are preferable for use instead of plastic or Styrofoam ones. These cups are biodegradable and therefore do not end up as landfill waste which goes a long way in reducing the impact on the environment.
Apart from being environmentally friendly, these biodegradable ice cream cups are very useful. They are microwave-safe, freezer and spill-proof, which means that one can use them to serve ice cream at any temperature you want without having to worry about getting drenched by any liquid that spills. These cups are oil and waterproof and guarantee the customers a clean eating experience while preserving the quality of the ice cream. Both the 12 oz and the 16 oz Sumkoka’s Bagasse Ice Cream Cups are flexible in shape and structure, perfect for use in cold temperatures for shops and occasions.
1. What materials are used for ice cream containers?
The most used are paperboard, bagasse pulp, plastic, stainless steel and glass with characteristics such as being eco-friendly, durable and so on.
2. How do I choose the right size ice cream container for my business?
Single serving is 3-8 oz for events or occasions, pints 16 oz for individual servings and take away, quarts 32 oz for small gatherings, and gallons 128 oz for large gatherings or functions.
3. Why is choosing the right container important?
The right container protects ice cream from negative factors, shapes the customers’ perception, and fits sustainability goals, improving the product and the customer.
In the end, picking the right ice cream container really makes a difference in how your product stays fresh and how customers experience it. Whether you’re serving a quick treat for a small group or catering a big event, the material and size of your container play a big role in keeping your ice cream in top shape.
When it comes to preserving the freshness of your ice cream while keeping the environment in mind, Sumkoka is your trusted partner. As a leading manufacturer of biodegradable and sustainable packaging solutions, we offer a range of high-quality bagasse products perfect for ice cream containers.
Discover the advantages of using Sumkoka’s bagasse packaging, made from 100% sugarcane pulp, offering durability, leak-resistance, and sustainability. Want to try before you buy? Get samples today and experience the quality firsthand.
Ready to make the switch to eco-friendly ice cream packaging? Contact us today and let Sumkoka help elevate your brand with packaging that’s both stylish and sustainable. Visit our website for more information and to discover the perfect ice cream packaging solutions for your business!
