Today businesses understand that presentation is just as important as the product itself. And here come the food trays that have gained the attention of the customers at the dining table.

As per Market Research Future Analysis, the Global Food Trays Market was valued at USD 10.84 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 17.99 billion by 2034. This significant increase in values shows the evident business use of food trays in restaurants, cafes and other food spots.

The market is driven by the rising demand for eco-friendly packaging and innovative designs that enhance functionality. Nowadays, there are trendier ways to use and obtain similar food trays with options evolving to follow market trends and meet customer needs.

If you’re running a restaurant food truck or catering business staying on top of food tray design trends is essential. Let’s learn a little more about the 6 famous design trends of the food trays for business.

Trend 1: FDA and FSC Certified Materials for Food Trays

One of the biggest shifts in the food packaging industry is the demand for eco-friendly solutions. Nowadays, more and more customers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of single-use plastics. This approach pushes the brands toward recyclable materials. So if you are a food seller then your customer might prefer some eco friendly packaging from you. Always ensure to buy only the food safe trays to maintain hygiene and presentation side by side.

Trend 2: Functional Designs with Minimum Elements for Trays

Customers love trays that are lightweight yet sturdy enough to hold heavy meals without spilling. For instance a fast-food chain can print its logo on custom hot dog trays with just a splash of brand colors keeping the design neat. This will help brands to convey their message more clearly about their brand.

Minimalist designs often feature subtle branding elements like logos & taglines or simple graphics. Instead of overwhelming the custom food trays with bright colors and cluttered designs many brands now prefer sleek and elegant prints that reflect professionalism and quality.

Trend 3: Customization for Brand Identity

Recently many food brands have become more indulgent in customization. This trend has become a must in today’s competitive food market. Generic trays no longer cut it when every business is trying to stand out. With customization you can tailor your trays to your customer base and brand image.

Think of custom food boats which are often used for serving fries nachos or desserts at food trucks and events. By adding your logo tagline or unique design patterns you create a stronger connection with customers while enhancing brand recall. The ability to personalize also means you can experiment with shapes and sizes.

Trend 4: Opt for the Array of Colors and Graphics

Many businesses are embracing vibrant colors with quirky illustrations & catchy taglines on their food trays. For example the street food vendors and casual eateries often use custom hot dog trays with bold fonts cartoon-style graphics or seasonal artwork. This not only makes the packaging fun but also helps in creating shareable moments for social media. After all if your packaging looks good there’s a higher chance customers will post about it online giving your brand free exposure.

Trend 5: Celebrations Made More Memorable with Trays

Nowadays, there is a trend of more personalized food trays. Like if you are around the corner of any special occasion, then just make sure to customize the themes of holidays and events like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Halloween on paper trays. The designs and seasonal touch may depict such aspects of events and evoke a sense of fun in the customers.

Trend 6: Event-Ready and Portable Designs

Food isn’t just eaten in restaurants anymore. Event-ready designs also focus on easy disposal. Many brands opt for foldable or compostable trays which are simple to discard after use. These small touches can make a huge difference in customer satisfaction especially at large gatherings.

Words To Conclude

Food tray design trends show us that packaging isn’t just about holding food anymore. It’s about sustainability with branding. By embracing custom designs you can align your trays with modern dining habits.