Pouched Dispensing vs Portion Packets
Sustainability
2020.01.21
Original Post 2018.05.25
Portion packets: a necessary evil?
While portion packets may have their place in the foodservice industry – drive through, carry out and delivery – they often end up wasting a restaurant more money than they’re worth.
They leave behind a mess, and often aren’t completely emptied before they’re thrown away. Diners take them to their tables by the handful just to leave them behind, and – let’s face it – how many people actually feel comfortable using hand-me-down packets? Not many.
Not to mention each packet contributes to an ever-growing amount of packaging waste.
From a cost standpoint, a box of 1,500 single-serve, 9 gram packets costs $72.95 which comes out to 5 cents1 per packet.
The argument for bulk
Many food manufacturers now offer condiments in 1.5 and 3 gallon (6 L or 11.4 L) pouches with fitments that work with portion-controlled dispensers. A box of (2) 1.5 gallon ketchup pouches costs $37.061.
Which is the better deal?
(2) 1.5 gallon pouches equal about 12,927 grams of ketchup (net weight of 28.5 pounds converted to grams). Divide that by 9 grams, and it’s the equivalent of about 1,436 packets. At 5 cents per packet, that’s $71.80 to get the same amount of ketchup in packets as you get in the (2) 1.5 gallon pouches. By purchasing the 1.5 gallon pouches, your savings are $34.74 per box.
How do I dispense from a pouch?
“So,” you ask, “now that I’ve purchased these pouches, how do I dispense them?”
Server’s Express™ dispensing system works with these 1.5 gallon pouches, and list price of a single unit (07000, 07010) is $2712. By the time you purchase 7 boxes of ketchup pouches, you will have paid for your unit in savings. Plus, since dispensers are stationary, diners can't stock their own cupboards with your condiments.
Because portions can’t truly be controlled in self-serve applications, why not go with the less-expensive, environmentally better bulk option and switch to pouches?
For help selecting the right dispenser for you, chat with one of our friendly support agents using the chat bubble below!
1Prices may vary by brand.
2Reflects price as of January 2020 and is subject to change. Always see our website for most current pricing.