Takeout options are an increasingly important source of revenue for restaurant operators, with 57 percent of consumers recently surveyed by Technomic saying they purchase takeout once a week or more. More than half of consumers (60 percent) who recently purchased takeout said that if they had not done so on that occasion, they would most likely have made food at home and not purchased from a foodservice operator. The report found that the same percentage of consumers would also be willing to pay more for takeout packaging made with sustainable materials. Trends toward sustainable, recyclable materials for takeout containers are taking shape at several major restaurant brands on the chain level, Technomic has found.

About half of consumers surveyed agree that their takeout occasion could be "ruined" by any of several mishaps: leaking food or liquids (52 percent), deterioration of food taste or freshness (49 percent), food that doesn't stay hot or cold (46 percent) or missing condiments (46 percent). And, boxed meals, value meals and snacks stand out as leading take-out options for limited-service restaurants, while full-service restaurants are promoting family dining options.