When it comes to efficient food packaging, the design of your tray can make a big difference. Whether you’re packing takeaways, catering meals, or prepping food for retail, choosing between one compartment and two compartment food trays depends on your business needs, menu type, and presentation goals.
At Carewell Group, we offer a wide range of compartment trays designed for freshness, hygiene, and sustainability—ensuring your food always looks and tastes its best.
Let’s explore how each tray model works and which one suits your operation better.
Understanding the Basics
One Compartment Food Trays
These trays have a single open space for food, making them ideal for larger meals or dishes served together. They’re most commonly used for main courses, pasta, salads, or single-portion meals.
Two Compartment Food Trays
These trays include a divider that separates two types of food—perfect for keeping sauces, sides, or desserts apart from the main dish. They enhance meal presentation and maintain flavour integrity.
One Compartment Food Trays – Simplicity and Versatility
Key Benefits:
- Ideal for Single Dishes: Great for dishes served together—like rice bowls, salads, or pasta meals.
- Cost-Effective Option: Fewer materials and simpler production make them budget-friendly for large-scale use.
- Perfect for Branding: The single surface provides space for custom labels and logos.
- Saves Storage Space: Stackable and easy to store, especially useful for fast-paced kitchens.
These trays are often chosen by restaurants and takeaway services that prioritise volume and speed.
You can explore durable options like CPET Food Trays, ideal for both hot and cold meals.
Two Compartment Food Trays – Function and Freshness Combined
Key Benefits:
- Keeps Food Separate: Prevents sauces from soaking into rice or sides, maintaining texture and taste.
- Great for Combo Meals: Perfect for pairing mains with sides, desserts, or sauces.
- Professional Presentation: Elevates meal appearance for catering or premium takeaways.
- Ideal for Meal Prep Businesses: Ensures portion control and food safety during storage and delivery.
If you’re managing catering services or pre-packaged meals, two-compartment trays help maintain high quality and consistency.
Check out our Sustainable Compartment Trays for eco-friendly options made from recyclable or compostable materials.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | One Compartment Tray | Two Compartment Tray |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Single large section | Two separate sections |
| Ideal For | Single meals, salads, pasta | Combo meals, mains with sides |
| Cost | More economical | Slightly higher cost |
| Presentation | Simple | Professional and organised |
| Food Separation | Not suitable | Excellent |
| Common Use | Takeaways, casual dining | Meal prep, catering, premium delivery |
Sustainability Matters
Both one and two compartment models are available in eco-friendly materials such as bagasse, recyclable plastics, and CPET. At Carewell Group, we focus on packaging solutions that meet Australia’s sustainability goals while delivering practicality and strength.
Learn more about our Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions and how they help businesses reduce waste without compromising on quality.
Which Model Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your menu and purpose:
- Choose One Compartment Trays if you serve large single meals, salads, or pastas and want fast packing efficiency.
- Choose Two Compartment Trays if your meals require separation, such as rice and curry, or mains with dips and desserts.
For many businesses, offering both models gives flexibility—using one-compartment trays for everyday dishes and two-compartment versions for premium meal options.
Why Carewell Group?
At Carewell Group, we supply premium food packaging solutions across Australia, including one and two compartment trays, custom designs, and sustainable alternatives. Our products are trusted by catering companies, food manufacturers, and restaurants for their quality, durability, and eco-conscious build.
Explore our Packaging Supplies and Custom Solutions to find the right fit for your business.
Location:
Carewell Group Pty Ltd, Unit 27/191 McCredie Road, Smithfield, NSW 2164
Phone: +61 0477 123 699
Email: sales@carewellgroup.com.au | info@carewellgroup.com.au | logistics@carewellgroup.com.au
Final Thought
When it comes to one compartment vs two compartment food trays, it’s not about which is better—it’s about which fits your purpose. From single-serving simplicity to multi-compartment precision, Carewell Group offers packaging that’s practical, professional, and planet-friendly.
Discover the right tray for your meals today at Carewell Group.
