1 / 4Custom Food Trays (Printed Paper Food Trays)
Custom printed paper food trays with your logo. Standard #25 to #500 sizes or custom die-cut, white SBS or natural kraft board with a grease-resistant, PFAS-free coating. 50-tray minimum and a 6 to 8 day turnaround.
- Digital proof before production
- Free design support
- CMYK or Pantone colors
- Ships to all 50 states
Custom food trays are open-top paperboard trays, also called food boats, printed with your logo and brand colors. Urgent Custom Boxes manufactures them in white SBS and natural kraft board for restaurants, food trucks, stadiums, concession stands and caterers across the United States.
Custom food trays come in standard foodservice sizes from #25 (1/4 lb) to #500 (5 lb), or die-cut to any size you need. They are made from food-grade SBS or kraft paperboard with a grease-resistant, PFAS-free coating, and printed in CMYK or Pantone colors with soy and water-based inks.
Orders start at 50 trays with no plate or die fees. Standard orders arrive in 6 to 8 business days after proof approval, rush orders in 4 to 6 business days, with free shipping to all 50 states.
| Sizes | #25, #40, #50, #100, #200, #250, #300, #500 and custom |
|---|---|
| Board | White SBS or natural kraft paperboard, 18 to 24 pt |
| Barriers | Grease-resistant, moisture-resistant, PE, PLA, wax |
| Food contact | Stock meets FDA 21 CFR 176.170, no added PFAS |
| Inks | Soy and water-based, CMYK and Pantone |
| Sustainability | FSC board available, compostable PLA option |
| Turnaround | 6 to 8 business days, rush 4 to 6 |
What Sizes Do Custom Food Trays Come In?
Paper food trays are sized by a number that matches their capacity. A #100 tray holds 1 lb of food and a #300 holds 3 lb. We print every standard size from #25 to #500 and die-cut custom sizes to fit your portion, basket or carrier.
The numbering system is the standard across US foodservice. When your staff or distributor orders a “#100,” everyone means the same 1 lb tray. Matching your custom trays to these sizes means they fit the portions, holders and carriers your kitchen already uses.
| Size | Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| #25 | 1/4 lb | Samples, kids’ sides, condiments |
| #40 | 6 oz | Small fries, dips, sweets |
| #50 | 1/2 lb | Regular fries, tots, snacks |
| #100 | 1 lb | Large fries, wings, onion rings |
| #200 | 2 lb | Hot dog with a side |
| #250 | 2.5 lb | Combo plates, sliders |
| #300 | 3 lb | Nachos, loaded fries, BBQ plates |
| #500 | 5 lb | Shareables, funnel cake, family portions |
Reference dimensions help with packing and display planning. A #100 tray measures about 5 3/4 x 4 1/4 in across the top and 1 3/8 in deep. A #300 measures about 8 1/2 x 6 1/4 in and 1 5/8 in deep. A #500 measures about 9 1/4 x 6 1/2 in and 2 in deep. Exact dimensions are confirmed on your proof.
Custom Sizes and Shapes
Standard sizes cover most menus, but some products need a different footprint. We die-cut oblong trays for hot dogs and subs, square trays for nachos and desserts, and compartment trays that keep a main and a side apart. Send your portion size or the inside dimensions of your carrier or basket, and we cut the tray to fit.
Board and Coating Options
The board decides how the tray looks and prints. The coating decides whether it holds up under grease and sauce. Getting both right is what separates a branded tray from a soggy one.
SBS Paperboard
SBS paperboard (solid bleached sulfate) is a bright white board with a smooth, clay-coated face. Logos, brand colors and fine patterns print sharp on SBS, which makes it the right choice for bold, colorful designs and classic red checker trays.
Natural Kraft Paperboard
Natural kraft board is unbleached brown paperboard with a visible fiber texture. It suits BBQ joints, farm-to-table menus and brands that want a natural look. Kraft is also the base for our compostable tray builds.
Grease and Moisture Barriers
| Barrier | Resists | Best for | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grease-resistant coat | Oil, grease | Fries, fried chicken, onion rings | Standard for fried food |
| Moisture-resistant coat | Water, steam | Hot sides, steamed food | Keeps board rigid |
| PE coating | Oil and liquid | Nachos, chili, saucy food | Heavy-duty barrier |
| PLA coating | Oil and liquid | Eco-focused brands | Compostable to ASTM D6400 |
| Wax coat | Moisture | Cold and damp food | Economy option |
A common complaint about stock paper trays is that they soften or leak with wet, saucy food, so staff end up doubling trays. Doubling solves the leak but doubles your tray cost. The fix belongs in the spec. Match a heavier board to the weight of the portion, and match the barrier to the food. Fried food needs a grease-resistant coat. Nachos, chili and sauced wings need PE or PLA. Tell us your menu item and we spec the tray on the quote.
Are Custom Paper Food Trays Grease Resistant and Microwave Safe?
Yes. Coated SBS and kraft trays hold fried and greasy food without soaking through, and they are microwave safe for short reheating. Very wet or saucy food needs a PE or PLA barrier or a heavier board. Paper food trays are not designed for conventional ovens.
Food Safety and PFAS
Our trays use food-grade board that meets FDA 21 CFR 176.170, the US rule for paper and paperboard in contact with wet and fatty food. Grease resistance comes from the barrier coating, not from fluorinated chemicals. The FDA announced on February 28, 2024 that PFAS grease-proofing substances are no longer sold for food contact use in the United States, and several states restrict intentionally added PFAS in food packaging. Our trays carry no added PFAS. Inks are soy or water-based and suitable for food packaging, and material documentation is available on request for your QA team.
Hot, Cold and Microwave Use
Coated trays handle hot fried food straight from the fryer and cold items like fruit cups and desserts. For microwave reheating, keep heating times short and avoid trays with metallic ink or foil. Condensation from very cold food can soften uncoated kraft, so cold and damp items should use a moisture-resistant or wax barrier.
Tray Styles by Food
Each menu item has a tray size and barrier that works best. These are the combinations we print most often.
Fry and Snack Trays
A #50 or #100 tray with a grease-resistant coat covers regular and large fries, tots and chips. A logo pattern on the inside walls shows every time a customer reaches for a fry.
Hot Dog Trays
Oblong #200 trays hold a hot dog with toppings and keep it from rolling. A grease-resistant coat handles chili and relish, and the long side panels give your logo room to read.
Nacho and Loaded Fry Trays
A #300 tray with a PE or PLA barrier holds nachos with cheese sauce, salsa and sour cream without leaking. A deeper wall keeps toppings in the tray.
BBQ and Combo Plate Trays
A #250 to #500 tray with a heavier board carries brisket, ribs and two sides. Kraft board fits the look of most smokehouse brands.
Funnel Cake, Waffle and Dessert Trays
Square and #500 trays hold funnel cakes, waffles and churros with powdered sugar contained. SBS board prints bright dessert-shop colors cleanly.
Sushi and Appetizer Trays
Small kraft trays in #40 to #100 sizes give rolls, dumplings and appetizers a natural presentation for takeout counters and catering.
These trays serve food trucks, stadiums and concession stands, festivals and carnivals, fast casual restaurants and catering companies.
Printing and Branding
We print food trays in CMYK full color, in Pantone spot colors matched to your brand guide, or a combination of both. Digital printing suits short runs, seasonal designs and full-color artwork. Offset printing gives the lowest unit cost on large runs. Every tray prints with soy-based inks or water-based inks.
- Inside print: your logo pattern shows while customers eat
- Outside print: your brand reads at the counter and in photos
- Both sides: maximum brand exposure on every order
- Classic patterns: red checker, plaid or a custom repeat with your logo
- Send vector files. AI, EPS or PDF format.
- Include Pantone codes. Match your brand with Pantone colors.
- Keep art off the folds. Logos and text stay away from fold lines.
- Approve at actual size. Check the proof before production.
Our designers set up your pattern and repeat at no cost, and you can revise the digital proof until it is right.
How Much Do Custom Food Trays Cost?
Custom printed food trays are priced per tray, and the unit price drops as quantity rises. Size, board, barrier, ink colors and print coverage set the final price. We charge no plate, die or setup fees, and quotes come back in under 24 hours.
| Price driver | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Size | Larger trays use more board |
| Board | Kraft and SBS price close, heavier caliper costs more |
| Barrier | PE and PLA cost more than a standard grease-resistant coat |
| Colors | One or two spot colors cost less than full color on long runs |
| Coverage | Inside and outside print costs more than one side |
| Quantity | Unit price falls as the order grows |
Unprinted stock trays sell for a few cents each, but they carry no brand. Printing your logo directly on the tray turns every order into a branded presentation and removes the need for separate printed liners on most menus.
Wholesale and Bulk Orders
Start with a 50-tray first run to test your design, then scale to bulk quantities at a lower unit price. Multi-location brands reorder from the same approved artwork, so every location serves in matching trays. If you have a lower written quote for the same specs, send it and we price below it.
Pair Your Trays with Liners and Boxes
Basket liners
Add custom basket liners for very greasy food and a second branded layer.
Greaseproof paper
Wrap burgers and sandwiches in custom greaseproof paper before they go in the tray.
Burger boxes
Pair your trays with custom burger boxes so the whole meal carries your brand.
Retail trays
For tray-and-lid retail packaging, see the 4 Corner Tray with Lid.
Browse the full range of custom food packaging to match every item on your menu.
How to Order Custom Food Trays
- Request a quote. Send your tray size, quantity, board, barrier and logo. You get pricing in under 24 hours.
- Free design and proof. Our designers build your artwork and send a digital proof, with unlimited revisions.
- Approve. Check logo placement and colors at actual size.
- Production. Standard orders take 6 to 8 business days, and rush orders 4 to 6 business days.
- Delivery. Free shipping to any address in all 50 states.
Custom Food Trays FAQs
Can I order a sample before a full run?
Yes. Request a sample on your quote form, and we send a printed or plain tray so you can test fit, board strength and print quality with your real food.
Can you print on the inside and outside of the tray?
Yes. We print the inside, the outside or both. Inside printing keeps your logo in view while customers eat, and outside printing shows at the counter and in social media photos.
Do the trays ship flat or nested?
Trays ship formed and nested in stacks, which saves storage space and lets staff pull one tray at a time during service.
Can the trays be compostable?
Yes. Kraft trays with a PLA barrier are commercially compostable to ASTM D6400 and EN 13432. Composting depends on access to a commercial facility in your area.
Do you price match?
Yes. Send a written quote from another supplier for the same size, board and print specs, and we price below it.
How do I reorder the same design?
Send your previous order details or approved proof with the new quantity. We keep your artwork on file, so repeat runs go straight to production.
Get Your Custom Food Trays Quoted
Send your size, quantity and logo. Our design team returns a digital proof before production.