The most important part about serving food is maintaining safe temperatures. When delivering food or catering an event, transporting food requires proper equipment to ensure these safe temperatures. The United States ranks second in the world for the amount of food delivery, estimating just shy of $100 billion dollars generated in 2024 in the meal delivery segment, according to Statista. With such high demand in food delivery, in major cities, you will be hard pressed to find a restaurant not available on DoorDash, Uber Eats or the other dozen or so major delivery apps. Insulated food delivery bags are perfect for preserving this freshness while safely delivering these foods.
What is an Insulated Food Delivery Bag?
Insulated food delivery bags are waterproof bags made with either a nylon or vinyl exterior designed to keep foods either properly heated, or properly chilled. These delivery bags are extremely versatile and can transport everything from sandwiches, deli trays, pies, chicken nuggets & wings, pasta, drinks, and more. Specific pizza delivery bags are also available to make transporting multiple boxes safer and easier.
Let’s break down all the options when shopping for insulated food delivery bags to find the best option for your operations.
- Exterior Options
- Nylon bags are breathable allowing for steam to escape, while keeping the food at proper temperatures. Nylon is perfect for keeping pizza crusts crispy.
- Vinyl bags do not allow steam to escape like nylon bags, trapping in moisture which can affect the quality of the food. Vinyl bags, however, generally cost less so may be an option if traveling short distances to deliver.
- Insulation Options
- PVC foam is cost-effective and durable, perfect for withstanding oil, grease, and chemicals. PVC is available in hard or soft foam.
- Polyurethane Foam (PU) is a very flexible, durable and resilient material that is also light weight. The open cell design is breathable – making it resistant to mildew and odors.
- Polyester foam is also light weight, flexible, durable, breathable, and resilient like PU. However, polyester foam also boasts cut resistance that allows the bag to stand the test of time. Polyester is also the most expensive insulation option.
- Carrying Options
- Handheld styles are preferable for kitchen to car to house deliveries. They sit safely on car seats, floors or in trunks.
- Backpacks allow delivery persons to walk or bike more easily, remaining hands-free. This is a popular choice for city-center restaurants where biking is more efficient than driving.
- Closure Options
- Hook-and-Loop closure offers a quick and simple way to keep bags secured.
- Another simple closure option on many bags is a zipper closure. These closures and quick and easy to use, as well as durable.
- Side release buckles allow users to easily secure contents inside of the bag. To access the interior, just squeeze the sides of the closure.
- Configurations
- The top loading option is great for catering operations when stacking take out containers, deli trays, and such.
- Front loading style is great for pizza deliveries – allowing easy access to safely keep up to 10 pizza boxes at a time.
Additional Features
Depending on the needs for your insulated food delivery bag, there are many more features to consider when shopping. Remember that not all delivery bags will have these features and are beneficial for varying applications.
- ID Windows: clear windows on the exterior of the bag – perfect for displaying coupons, menus, order tickets, etc.
- Metal Racks: perfect for holding pizzas in large volume operations. These racks add more bulk to bags, but also add efficiency when delivering.
- Heavy Stitching: most commercial will feature heavy stitching to withstand the demands of constant delivering. This helps to prevent rips. Reinforced handles also add durability.
- Hard Bottom: added stability in the bottom of the bag makes it easier to carry and ensures that containers are not damaged while carrying.
- Pockets: add flexibility to separate hot and cold items, or store condiments, menus, drinks, etc.
- Reflective Strips: keep delivery workers safe to traffic when making deliveries in the dark.
- Storage Loops: allow bags to be hung and organized.
Top Insulated Delivery Bags
Central Restaurant Products offers delivery bags from top vendors such as Cambro, Vollrath, Incredible Bags, and our own Central Exclusive. Each of these manufacturers offers delivery bags at varying price points with a range of great features.
For example, Cambro offers a full line of delivery bags under their GoBag model. These “Cambro® GoBags™ help protect the signature items your customers crave. Your recipes, your quality, and your brand are delivered to your customer — safe and sound.,” says Cambro.
No matter what brand or model delivery bag your restaurant or schools decides to utilize, consider the type of food that will carried, the containers that will be used, and the size of orders that will be transported.
Economic
Value Series BGDV-22 Delivery Bag
Price: $
Additional Features:
- Retains heat of 167°F for up to two hours
- Top Loading
- Zipper Closure
- 22”W x 22”D x 12”H
- Moisture release to prevent soggy food
Every Day Use
Cambro GBD211414110 – GoBag Large Delivery Bag
Price: $$
Additional Features:
- Holds full-size food pans
- Includes a vertical, thermal divider
- Thick PET insulation
- Velcro closure
- Side Pocket
- 21”W x 14”D x 14”H
Every Day Use
Central Exclusive Large Black Nylon Delivery Bag
Price: $$
Additional Features:
- Velcro lid
- Top Loading
- Reinforced interior sides
- Pockets
- Silver coated interior reflects heat & cold back into the bag
- 23”W x 14”D x 14”H
Heavy Usage
Vollrath VCBL500 5-Series Large Insulated Catering Bag with Heating Pad
Price: $$$
Additional Features:
- Hard bottom
- Reinforced handles and stitching
- Zipper closure, top loading
- Holds (3) full size 4” deep food pans
- Removable heating pad
- 15”W x 23”D x 14”H
Insulated Food Delivery Bags in Schools
Some schools opt to have kitchen staff deliver meals to students in the classroom. This is more common in elementary or middle schools where grab-n-go operations are less common. In these cases, insulated food delivery bags allow meals to be safely delivered at the perfect temperatures, while decreasing contamination. Schools may also consider color coordinated bags, allowing quick identification of hot vs. cold items.
For more information on how food delivery bags can be best utilized in the school setting, call one of our expert product consultants at 800-215-9293.
