When customers pick up their take-out order, the first thing they grab isn’t the food, it’s the paper bag handle. A well-designed handle can mean the difference between a smooth delivery and a spilled disaster.
Beyond comfort and strength, handles also shape your presentation and brand impression. A Die-cut handle adds a premium look, a flat handle feels casual and functional, and a twisted handle provides strength and reliability.
There’s a reason paper bags have become a mainstay for restaurants, cafés, and caterers. They’re lightweight, renewable, and endlessly customizable, plus, they send a clear message about your commitment to sustainability. With more cities moving away from plastic, the humble kraft paper take-out bag has become the hero of modern foodservice packaging.
But not all paper bags are created equal. From handle type to paper strength, the right choice depends on what you’re serving, how heavy your food is, and how your customers take it home.
Let’s break down the most popular Kraft paper bag options and help you find the one that fits your business best.
Strength Level: ★☆☆☆☆
Best For: bakeries, cafés, coffee shops, small grab-and-go orders
SOS (Self-Opening Square) paper bags are the most basic and budget-friendly option. They open easily, stand upright for packing, and fold flat for storage — but since they have no handles, they’re best for lightweight or handheld items.
Typical Uses: pastries, cookies, sandwiches, muffins, or small to-go cups.
Why Choose Them:
Most economical paper bag type
Recyclable and compostable
Great for quick counter service or impulse purchases
Limitations:
Not suitable for heavy or large containers — customers must support them from the bottom, which can be awkward for take-out meals or drinks.
Strength Level: ★★☆☆☆ to ★★★☆☆
Best For: cafés, fast casual restaurants, bakeries, and delis
Flat handle kraft paper bags are one of the most common choices for take-out. The handles are glued flat against the inside of the bag, making them easy to stack and store. They’re cost-effective and perform well for light-to-medium weight orders.
Typical Uses: sandwiches, salads, wraps, pastry boxes, or a couple of lightweight containers.
Why Choose Them:
Budget-friendly while still offering convenience
Sturdy enough for daily use and lighter meals
Great printable surface for custom branding
Comfortable to carry short distances
Limitations:
Flat handles can tear under heavy weight (especially with moisture or condensation). If your menu includes heavier boxed meals, soups, or large combos, you may want to upgrade to twisted handles.
Strength Level: ★★★★★
Best For: restaurants, caterers, coffee chains, meal prep services, and retail
Twisted handle kraft paper bags offer the perfect balance of durability and style. The rope-style handles are made by twisting paper into a cord and securely gluing it inside the bag’s interior wall, making them stronger and more comfortable to hold.
Typical Uses: full take-out meals, multiple containers, bowls, drinks, or heavier boxed orders.
Why Choose Them:
Significantly stronger than flat handles
Reinforced for larger loads and longer carry times
Premium look that elevates your take-out experience
Ideal for branded printing
More comfortable for customers and delivery drivers
Bonus Tip: Twisted handles pair perfectly with thicker kraft paper weights (100–120 gsm). They hold shape well, resist tearing, and make your packaging feel polished and professional.
Strength Level: ★★★★☆ (with patch reinforcement)
Best For: premium take-out, retail packaging, events, or catering
Die-cut handle bags feature hand holes cut directly into the paper and are often reinforced with a patch layer inside for strength. They offer a minimal, high-end appearance ideal for upscale foodservice and event catering.
Typical Uses: luxury catering, gift meals, boutique cafés, or branded events.
Why Choose Them:
Modern, minimalist look
Great for high-end branding
Reinforced handles hold surprisingly heavy contents
Smooth surface for full-color logo printing
Limitations:
Typically more expensive and not as comfortable for very heavy orders. Best for presentation rather than bulk volume.
|
Handle Type |
Strength Level |
Comfort |
Best For |
Weight Capacity (Approx.) |
|
No Handle (SOS) |
★☆☆☆☆ |
N/A |
Bakeries, cafés |
Light (1–2 lbs) |
|
Flat Handle |
★★☆☆☆ |
Fair |
Quick-service, light meals |
Light–Medium (3–4 lbs) |
|
Twisted Handle |
★★★★★ |
Excellent |
Full meals, delivery, catering |
Medium–Heavy (6–8 lbs) |
|
Die-Cut Handle |
★★★★☆ |
Good |
Premium retail or events |
Medium (5–6 lbs) |
1. Weight of Your Menu Items:
Heavier foods (like boxed meals, soups, or containers) need twisted handles or reinforced die-cut options.
2. Distance of Travel:
For delivery or customers walking longer distances, choose stronger handles for comfort and reliability.
3. Brand Presentation:
Twisted or die-cut handles elevate the look and feel of your packaging.
4. Sustainability Goals:
All handle types are recyclable, but uncoated natural kraft bags are also compostable. Choose water-based ink printing for full eco-compliance.
Your take-out bag also acts as a traveling billboard. Custom printing on kraft paper bags lets you showcase your logo, colors, and sustainability story with every order.
Popular options include:
One-color logo printing for a minimalist, affordable look.
Full-coverage branding with an option for standard ink or water-based inks to keep them compostable
Eco messages like “100% recyclable” or “Plastic-Free” to reinforce your values.
At This Element, we make it easy to create custom printed kraft paper bags that match your brand identity and your environmental goals.
From flat to twisted handles, every paper bag has its place! It’s all about matching form to function. The right kraft paper take-out bag keeps food secure, reinforces your brand, and enhances the overall customer experience.
👉 Shop our Kraft Paper Bag Collection or Request a Custom Quote to design your perfect take-out bag today.
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