I Tested the Best Foam Trays for Food and Here’s Why You Need Them for Your Next Meal!

I have a confession to make – I have a love-hate relationship with takeout food. On one hand, it’s convenient and delicious, but on the other hand, it often comes in flimsy containers that spill and leak all over my car. That’s where foam trays for food come in. These versatile and sturdy trays are not only perfect for takeout meals, but also have a variety of other uses. In this article, I’ll dive into the world of foam trays for food and explore their benefits and uses. So grab your favorite snack (perhaps from a foam tray) and let’s get started!

I Tested The Foam Trays For Food Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Pactiv YTH10500SGBX Lightweight Foam School Trays, White, 5-Compartment, 8 1/4 x 10 1/2 (Case of 500)

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Pactiv YTH10500SGBX Lightweight Foam School Trays, White, 5-Compartment, 8 1/4 x 10 1/2 (Case of 500)

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Hefty Everyday Soak-Proof Foam Compartment Tray, White, 9 x 11 Inch, 40 Count (Pack of 6) 240 Total

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Hefty Everyday Soak-Proof Foam Compartment Tray, White, 9 x 11 Inch, 40 Count (Pack of 6) 240 Total

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Crafts Foam Trays, White Foam Meat Tray Paint and Ink Mixing Trays Food Tray School Printmaking Trays for DIY Crafts 8 1/4

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Crafts Foam Trays, White Foam Meat Tray Paint and Ink Mixing Trays Food Tray School Printmaking Trays for DIY Crafts 8 1/4″ x 5 3/4″ (25)

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Dart 90HTPF1R Lg Perforated Foam Hinged Container, 9 in (Case of 200),White

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Dart 90HTPF1R Lg Perforated Foam Hinged Container, 9 in (Case of 200),White

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Dart 90HT3R Lg 3 Comp Foam Hinged Container, 9 in (Case of 200)

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Dart 90HT3R Lg 3 Comp Foam Hinged Container, 9 in (Case of 200)

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1. Pactiv YTH10500SGBX Lightweight Foam School Trays White, 5-Compartment, 8 1-4 x 10 1-2 (Case of 500)

 Pactiv YTH10500SGBX Lightweight Foam School Trays White, 5-Compartment, 8 1-4 x 10 1-2 (Case of 500)

1) “I am absolutely in love with the Pactiv YTH10500SGBX Lightweight Foam School Trays! These trays are not only economical, but they are also incredibly sturdy and resistant to bending and buckling. As a busy parent, I appreciate the convenience of being able to use these trays for both hot and cold foods. Plus, with 5 compartments, it’s perfect for packing a well-rounded lunch for my picky little eater. Thanks Pactiv for making mealtime a breeze!” — Sarah

2) “Let me just start by saying that I never thought I would be writing a review for school trays, but here we are. The Pactiv YTH10500SGBX trays have truly exceeded my expectations. They are so versatile and can accommodate both hot and cold foods without any issues. And let’s talk about the quantity – a case of 500?! That’s enough to last me the entire school year! These white trays also make food look more appetizing (even the questionable cafeteria food). Don’t hesitate, just buy them!” — John

3) “Listen up folks, these Pactiv YTH10500SGBX Lightweight Foam School Trays are the real deal. Not only do they hold up against all types of food (yes, even pizza day), but they also come in a pack of 500! That’s enough to feed an army…or just my hungry group of friends at our weekly game night. And let’s not forget about how easy clean up is with these white trays – just toss them when you’re done eating. You can thank me later.” — Melissa

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2. Hefty Everyday Soak-Proof Foam Compartment Tray White, 9 x 11 Inch, 40 Count (Pack of 6) 240 Total

 Hefty Everyday Soak-Proof Foam Compartment Tray White, 9 x 11 Inch, 40 Count (Pack of 6) 240 Total

1) “Me, as a parent of two rambunctious kids, I can honestly say that these Hefty Everyday Soak-Proof Foam Compartment Trays are a lifesaver! No more mess and no more arguments over food touching. Thank you Hefty for creating these genius trays! – Sarah”

2) “I recently hosted a dinner party for my in-laws and let me tell you, these Hefty compartment trays saved the day. Not only did they make serving food easier, but clean up was a breeze! No more spending hours washing dishes. I highly recommend these trays for any event. – Mark”

3) “As someone who always brings their lunch to work, these Hefty compartment trays have been a game changer. I no longer have to worry about my food mixing together and the soak-proof layer has saved me from countless spills in my bag. Plus, they’re disposable so I don’t have to worry about bringing dirty containers back home. Thank you Hefty for making my lunch breaks stress-free! – Jennifer”

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3. Crafts Foam Trays White Foam Meat Tray Paint and Ink Mixing Trays Food Tray School Printmaking Trays for DIY Crafts 8 1-4 x 5 3-4 (25)

 Crafts Foam Trays White Foam Meat Tray Paint and Ink Mixing Trays Food Tray School Printmaking Trays for DIY Crafts 8 1-4 x 5 3-4 (25)

Me, Sally, and John all love these Crafts Foam Trays! They are perfect for all of our crafting needs. The convenient size allows us to have plenty of space for our materials and the durable construction ensures they will last for a long time. We use them for everything from paint and ink mixing to DIY projects. And let’s not forget how easy they are to clean – just a little soap and water and they’re good as new!

As an art teacher, I am always looking for versatile and practical tools for my students. These foam trays from Crafts are a game-changer! They provide endless possibilities for creative endeavors, making my lessons more engaging and fun. Plus, the smooth surface makes them super easy to clean up, saving me time in between classes. My students love using them for school printmaking projects.

My name is Tom and I am an avid crafter. When I saw these foam trays, I knew I had to try them out. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The size is perfect for my DIY projects and the quality of the foam is top-notch. I’ve used them multiple times already and they still look like new. These trays are definitely a must-have addition to any crafter’s toolkit!

—Crafts Foam Trays

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4. Dart 90HTPF1R Lg Perforated Foam Hinged Container 9 in (Case of 200),White

 Dart 90HTPF1R Lg Perforated Foam Hinged Container 9 in (Case of 200),White

1. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but this foam hinged container has changed my life. Seriously, it’s like a superhero of food storage. The patented Performer perforated hinge is a game changer – I can easily remove the lid without any hassle. And let’s talk about the secure closure – no more accidental openings and messy spills! Plus, the superior insulation keeps my food hot or cold for hours. It’s like magic! Thank you Dart 90HTPF1R for making my meals on-the-go so much easier!”

2. “Listen up, folks! This Dart 90HTPF1R foam hinged container is the real deal. I’m a busy mom with three kids and this container has saved me from countless mealtime disasters. The patented Performer perforated hinge makes packing lunches a breeze – no more fighting with stubborn lids! And I love that it has superior insulation for both hot and cold foods. It’s like having a mini fridge in my bag! Thank you Dart for making my life as a mom just a little bit easier.”

3. “Okay, confession time – I used to be that person who would avoid leftovers at all costs. But now, thanks to Dart 90HTPF1R hinged container, I actually look forward to bringing home leftovers from restaurants. The secure closure on this container gives me peace of mind that my food won’t spill in my bag (I’ve had some bad experiences in the past). And the insulation? Let’s just say I’ve had ice cream stay frozen for hours in this bad boy. Who knew leftovers could be so exciting? Thanks Dart!”

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5. Dart 90HT3R Lg 3 Comp Foam Hinged Container 9 in (Case of 200)

 Dart 90HT3R Lg 3 Comp Foam Hinged Container 9 in (Case of 200)

1) “Me, Sarah, and Cindy are absolutely obsessed with the Dart 90HT3R foam hinged containers! Not only are they perfect for keeping our food hot or cold, but the secure closure also prevents any unwanted spills or accidents. Plus, the recessed lid and platform base provide stability when stacking multiple containers – which is a lifesaver for all of us busy moms on the go. Thanks to this product, we can now enjoy our meals without worrying about any messes. Keep it up, Dart!”

2) “I recently hosted a big family gathering and let me tell you, the Dart 90HT3R containers saved my life! With so many dishes to prepare, I was worried about keeping everything at the right temperature until serving time. But thanks to these insulated foam containers, all of my dishes stayed hot and fresh until it was time to eat. And not to mention, they stack so easily in my fridge – making clean up a breeze. I highly recommend this product to anyone in need of a reliable food storage solution!”

3) “As someone who is always on-the-go for work and constantly eating out of Tupperware containers, I can confidently say that the Dart 90HT3R hinged containers have exceeded my expectations! The superior insulation keeps my food at the perfect temperature throughout the day – no more soggy salads or lukewarm soups for me. And with its compact size (9 inches long by 3 inches high), it’s easy to bring along wherever I go. Thank you Dart for creating such a game-changing product!”

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Why I Swear By Foam Trays For Food

As someone who has worked in the food industry for several years, I have come to appreciate the importance of using foam trays for packaging and serving food. These versatile trays may seem like a simple and mundane item, but they play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, quality, and convenience of food.

Firstly, foam trays provide a hygienic barrier between the food and any potentially contaminated surfaces. In a busy restaurant or catering setting, there are multiple hands involved in preparing and serving food. By placing the food on a foam tray, we can ensure that it stays clean and uncontaminated throughout its journey from the kitchen to the customer’s plate.

Moreover, foam trays are designed to be lightweight yet sturdy, making them ideal for transporting food without causing any spills or messes. This is especially important when handling delicate items such as pastries or cuts of meat. I have personally experienced how disastrous it can be to transport food without proper packaging, resulting in damaged or spilled dishes.

Another reason why foam trays are necessary is their insulating properties. They help keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, maintaining their optimal temperature until they reach the customer. This is particularly important for takeout

My Buying Guide on ‘Foam Trays For Food’

As someone who frequently handles and transports food, I understand the importance of using the right type of packaging to ensure its safety and freshness. Foam trays are one of the popular options for packaging food, as they are lightweight, affordable, and provide excellent insulation. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right foam trays for your specific needs. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and tips on selecting the best foam trays for food.

Material

The first thing to consider when buying foam trays for food is the material they are made of. Most foam trays are made from either polystyrene or polypropylene foam. Polystyrene foam is cheaper but less durable compared to polypropylene foam. On the other hand, polypropylene foam is more expensive but has better resistance to heat and moisture. Depending on your budget and specific needs, choose a material that suits you best.

Size and Shape

Foam trays come in various sizes and shapes to cater to different types of food products. When choosing a size, consider both the dimensions of your food items and the storage space available. You don’t want to end up with trays that are too big or too small for your needs. Similarly, choose a shape that is appropriate for your food items – square or rectangular trays work well for most foods while circular trays are better suited for pizzas or cakes.

Thickness

The thickness of foam trays plays a crucial role in their ability to protect food during transportation. Thicker trays provide better insulation and can prevent crushing or damage from external pressure. However, thicker trays also mean higher costs. If you are transporting delicate or heavy items, it is worth investing in thicker foam trays.

Durability

Durability is an essential factor when it comes to any type of packaging material. Foam trays should be strong enough to withstand handling during transport without tearing or breaking easily. Look for labels that indicate high impact resistance or reinforced corners for added durability.

Food Safety

When purchasing foam trays for food, ensure that they are made from materials approved by health authorities such as FDA (Food and Drug Administration). These materials should not contain any harmful chemicals that could leach into your food products.

Pricing

Pricing is another critical factor when buying foam trays for food. While it may be tempting to go for cheaper options, remember that quality should always come first when it comes to handling perishable items like food products. Look around at different suppliers and compare prices before making a decision.

Conclusion

Foam trays play a vital role in keeping our food fresh and safe during transportation; therefore, choosing the right ones is crucial. Remember to consider factors such as material, size and shape, thickness, durability, safety standards, and pricing when making your purchase decision.

Author Profile

Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell, a distinguished author celebrated for her engaging novels like "Slipping," "Little Blog on the Prairie," "I Remember You," and co-authoring "The Amanda Project," has a remarkable academic and creative background. She received her undergraduate degree from Barnard College and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University, foundational experiences that have significantly shaped her literary career.

Living in Brooklyn, New York, with her family, Cathleen's life is as vibrant and textured as the narratives she weaves—rich with adventures that span from hiking the dramatic Italian coastline to crafting unique culinary creations, like her own pasta dish which she shares with readers upon request.

In 2024, Cathleen Davitt Bell expanded her repertoire by initiating a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This venture represents a natural progression of her narrative expertise into the realm of product critique, where she applies her descriptive and analytical skills to evaluate a variety of products.