Choosing the wrong container size costs money twice: oversized tubs waste plastic and look half-empty, undersized ones leak and force you to split portions across two containers. The four microwave container sizes used by most UK takeaways are 500ml, 650ml, 750ml and 1000ml. This guide explains what each holds and how to build a simple range.
Quick reference
| Size | Holds | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 500ml | Side portion, 1 cup rice, 2 scoops | Rice, sides, sauces, desserts, kids' meals |
| 650ml | Standard single main | Curry, chilli, noodles, pasta, stir-fry |
| 750ml | Generous main | Biryani, large curry, saucy dishes with rice mixed in |
| 1000ml | Family or sharing portion | Family rice, sharing mains, meal-prep batches, salad bowls |
500ml: sides and portions
The 500ml tub is the workhorse for anything that is not the main event: pilau rice, chips, dal, raita, a dessert, or a child's portion. Every case comes with matching lids, so there is nothing extra to order. See 500ml containers, case of 250.
650ml: the UK takeaway standard
If you stock only one size, stock 650ml. It holds a full single portion of curry, noodles or pasta with room for the lid to seal cleanly, and it is the size most customers expect. It is also our best seller. See 650ml containers, case of 250.
750ml: generous mains
Dishes that mix rice into the main, large biryanis, or menus that compete on portion size move up to 750ml. The extra 100ml stops sauce reaching the lid in the delivery bag. See 750ml containers, case of 250.
1000ml: family, sharing and meal prep
The 1-litre tub suits family rice portions, sharing mains, salad bowls and meal-prep businesses batching five lunches at a time. See 1000ml containers, case of 250.
How to build your container range
- Weigh or measure your three best-selling dishes as plated. Add 15–20% headroom so the lid seals without touching the food.
- Pick the smallest size that fits each dish. Most menus settle on 650ml for mains and 500ml for sides.
- Add 750ml or 1000ml only for specific dishes, and put the size on your prep sheet so every portion is packed the same way.
- Stock 1oz–4oz sauce pots for dips and chutneys rather than packing them loose in a container.
Round or rectangular?
Rectangular microwave containers stack tighter in the delivery bag and on the shelf, and they fit standard insulated bags in pairs. Round tubs are traditional for soups and some Chinese menus. Betapro's range is rectangular with a snap-fit, leak-resistant lid that survives a courier bag; all sizes are microwave and freezer safe, which customers value for leftovers. Read are takeaway containers microwave safe? for the details.
Cost per order
Buying by the case of 250 brings a 650ml container with lid to around 12p. Standardising on two sizes instead of four also cuts waste from part-used cases. For multi-site operators, pallet pricing brings the unit cost down further.
Frequently asked questions
Is 650ml the same as a "large" container? Naming varies by supplier. 650ml is usually called standard or medium; 750ml and 1000ml are large.
Do the lids come included? Yes. Every Betapro case contains 250 bases and 250 matching lids for that size.
How many containers come in a case? 250 bases and 250 lids per case for every size. Browse the takeaway containers range.