How to Choose the Best Takeaway Ice Cream Packaging for Your Business
Posted:
By:
Joe Sizeland
Posted:
With an extensive range of ice cream containers, tubs, lids and takeaway packaging available, it can be difficult to know which options will best suit your portion sizes, support your busy service requirements, meet legal obligations around labelling, and create a positive experience for your customers.
In this guide, the team at iKrafts explain what you should consider when selecting ice cream packaging for your business.
Material and design choices will naturally depend on the types of ice cream you’re offering. Hard-frozen ice cream, soft serve, gelato and novelty items like popsicles or ice cream sandwiches each have their own requirements. Classic scoops and pints are typically served in sturdy tubs with secure lids to help preserve flavour and protect the product during transport. Soft serve and gelato often benefit from containers with good insulation to slow melting and maintain the right texture.
Portion control is another factor to weigh up. Smaller servings - like individual scoops or mini desserts - work well in compact paper boxes or biodegradable tubs. For sharing or family-sized portions, you’ll need more robust packaging, often with reinforced cardboard or rigid plastic to handle the weight and prevent leaks.
It’s also worth thinking about whether you’ll be pre-packing tubs for retail shelves or filling containers to order. Prepacked products usually require clear labelling, space for branding and designs that look appealing in display freezers.
One of the most common issues in ice cream storage is freezer burn, which affects both texture and taste. High-quality takeaway ice cream packaging helps maintain freshness by sealing out air and moisture.
Look for tubs, boxes and lids made from materials that provide effective insulation. Double-walled paper tubs, compostable cartons with insulating layers and sturdy plastic containers can all help keep your ice cream at the ideal temperature. Your packaging should also be capable of preventing leaks during transport and handling.
If you are selling ice cream with toppings, sauces or inclusions like fresh fruit or nuts, consider separate portion pots or lids with compartments. These options keep flavours distinct and improve the overall consumer experience.
Packaging is an extension of your brand. Well-designed tubs, boxes and lids will help you reflect a consistent appearance and create a connection with customers.
Good-quality clear packaging also leaves you room to consider attaching branded stickers or pre-printed labels that contain your logo, colour palette and contact info, as well as clear labelling with ingredients, allergens and use-by dates - essential for compliance when selling pre-packaged products.
The right packaging can also highlight the quality of your ice cream. For example, minimalist cardboard boxes or paper tubs with clean designs convey freshness and care, helping you position your products as a premium offering.
Convenience is central to a positive consumer experience. Tubs and containers should be easy to handle, stack neatly in freezers and be resealable where possible. Packaging that feels sturdy in their hand gives customers confidence in your product’s freshness and quality.
If you serve ice cream with spoons or toppings, make sure your packaging can accommodate these extras without affecting protection. Lids with built-in compartments or secure accessories can make a big difference in how customers perceive your service.
Attractive designs and clear labelling also contribute to convenience by making it easier for customers to identify flavours, ingredients and serving sizes. This is especially important given the range of allergies and dietary preferences people may have.
Selecting the right takeaway ice cream packaging for your business involves carefully balancing protection, convenience, sustainability and presentation. iKrafts offers a variety of options designed for ice cream, gelato, sorbet and frozen desserts - all available in wholesale quantities.
Some examples from the range include:
To see more options or compare styles, browse our full ice cream and dessert packaging range .
