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As the cold winter months creep in, the demand for comforting and warming takeaway food skyrockets. Whether it’s a hearty lunch on a busy workday or a cozy dinner to enjoy at home, Irish consumers crave filling, satisfying meals to help them beat the chill. Winter takeaway trends see traditional favourites dominating, with a focus on warmth, flavour, and convenience.

But as the demand for takeaway food rises, so too does the need for eco-friendly packaging solutions. Café brands are stepping up to offer innovative, sustainable packaging that helps businesses meet customer demands without harming the environment. In this blog, we’ll explore the top-selling takeaway food items in Ireland during winter and highlight the products café brands are offering to make takeaway meals greener.

Top-Selling Takeaway Food Items in Ireland During Winter

Winter in Ireland is all about comfort food—meals that warm you up from the inside out. The following items are some of the most popular takeaway choices during the colder months:

1. Fish and Chips

A classic favourite across Ireland, fish and chips remain a top-selling takeaway item throughout winter. The combination of crispy battered fish and golden chips is the perfect winter warmer, and it’s often served with sides like mushy peas, tartar sauce, or curry sauce.

  • Packaging Needs: Fish and chips require sturdy, grease-resistant packaging that keeps the food warm and fresh without becoming soggy. Compostable, cardboard fish-and-chip boxes are ideal, as they are both eco-friendly and practical for transporting hot food.

2. Curries and Rice

As temperatures drop, Irish consumers turn to rich, flavorful curries for warmth. Whether it’s a traditional Indian curry, a Thai green curry, or a fusion-style dish, takeaway curries served with rice or naan are incredibly popular during winter.

  • Packaging Needs: Leak-proof, compostable containers are essential for curries, as they need to retain heat and contain sauces without spilling. Café brands offer plant-based packaging options made from materials like sugarcane or cornstarch, which are perfect for hot, saucy dishes.

3. Pizzas

Pizza is a classic favourite for takeaway, and winter is no exception. Whether it’s a classic margherita, a meaty pepperoni, or a gourmet pizza topped with seasonal ingredients, pizza is the perfect sharing food for families or friends looking to stay in and enjoy a cozy night.

  • Packaging Needs: Pizza boxes need to be sturdy, grease-resistant, and able to retain heat. Recyclable or compostable pizza boxes made from kraft paper or cardboard are becoming more popular as café brands push for eco-friendly alternatives.

4. Burgers and Chips

A warm, juicy burger paired with a side of chips is the ultimate winter comfort food. Whether it’s a classic beef burger, a chicken burger, or even a plant-based patty, burgers are a top-selling takeaway item during the colder months. Irish consumers love the indulgence of a good burger, especially when it comes with all the trimmings—cheese, bacon, and sauces.

  • Packaging Needs: Burgers and chips need sturdy packaging that maintains freshness and prevents heat loss. Biodegradable burger boxes made from materials like bagasse (sugarcane pulp) or compostable cardboard are ideal for this type of food, helping keep everything intact while reducing waste.

5. Hearty Soups and Stews

Soups and stews are classic winter warmers, with traditional favourites like vegetable soup, chicken and mushroom soup, or Irish stew ranking high on the takeaway list. These hearty meals offer comfort and warmth in every bite, making them perfect for a quick lunch or dinner during the cold season.

  • Packaging Needs: Insulated, leak-proof containers are essential for soups and stews. Café brands are offering compostable, plant-based containers that keep soups hot while preventing spills. Lids made from biodegradable materials ensure a fully sustainable solution for soupy dishes.

6. Breakfast Rolls and Full Irish Breakfasts

The classic Irish breakfast, is a takeaway favorite, especially during winter. For those on the go, the breakfast roll—a simpler version of the full Irish—packed into a crispy roll, is a popular choice for a quick, filling meal.

  • Packaging Needs: Breakfast rolls and full Irish breakfasts need packaging that’s grease-resistant and keeps the food warm. Recyclable kraft paper wraps and compostable clamshell containers are great solutions, providing a sustainable option for this breakfast favorite.

How Café Brands Are Supporting with Sustainable Packaging

With the rise in takeaway orders during winter, café brands are stepping in to help Irish businesses provide eco-friendly packaging solutions that align with the growing demand for sustainability. Let’s take a look at some of the innovative products available from café brands that support both practicality and environmental responsibility:

1. Compostable Takeaway Containers

Many brands, like Vegware, offer compostable containers made from materials like bagasse (a by-product of sugarcane) or cornstarch. These containers are ideal for meals like fish and chips, curries, and soups. They are heat-resistant, leak-proof, and fully compostable, ensuring that takeaway meals stay hot and fresh while minimizing waste.

  • Key Features: Compostable, leak-proof, heat-resistant, and durable for saucy or oily foods.

2. Recyclable Pizza Boxes

For top-selling pizzas, café brands offer recyclable pizza boxes made from kraft paper or corrugated cardboard. These boxes are sturdy, grease-resistant, and designed to keep pizzas warm, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition while reducing the environmental footprint.

  • Key Features: Recyclable, grease-resistant, sturdy, and customizable for branding.

3. Biodegradable Burger Boxes

Café brands provide biodegradable burger boxes made from materials like sugarcane pulp or kraft paper. These boxes are perfect for winter’s high demand for burgers and chips, offering a sustainable solution that maintains the food’s warmth and quality.

  • Key Features: Compostable, sturdy, grease-proof, and ideal for hot meals.

4. Sustainable Coffee Cups

As hot drinks like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate become even more popular during winter, café brands are offering compostable or recyclable coffee cups. These cups go with lids made from plant-based materials like PLA (polylactic acid), ensuring a fully compostable solution for takeaway drinks.

  • Key Features: Compostable, double-walled for insulation, available with plant-based lids and sleeves.

5. Recyclable and Greaseproof Wraps

For breakfast rolls and other grab-and-go items, recyclable greaseproof wraps made from kraft paper are a sustainable packaging option that prevents leaks and keeps food warm. These wraps are perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and rolls, offering convenience without the environmental impact of plastic.

  • Key Features: Greaseproof, recyclable, lightweight, customizable and practical for on-the-go meals.

Conclusion: Winter Takeaway Trends and the Future of Sustainable Packaging

Winter takeaway trends in Ireland showcase the demand for hearty, warming meals that offer comfort during the colder months. From fish and chips to burgers, soups, and curries, Irish consumers are seeking meals that provide warmth and satisfaction. At the same time, the rising awareness of environmental issues means that customers are looking for more sustainable packaging solutions.

Café brands are meeting this need by offering innovative, eco-friendly packaging options that align with the growing trend toward sustainability. By using compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable packaging, Irish takeaway businesses can ensure that they are not only providing delicious food but also taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint. As we move forward, the future of takeaway in Ireland lies in the balance between satisfying customer cravings and preserving the planet.

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