7 Eco-friendly Products You Can Switch to for Your Food Truck Business
- Nicole Braganza
- Jul 21
- 6 min read
Written by Nicole Braganza
The US food truck industry faces increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact while maintaining profitability. Cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Boston are leading the charge with stricter regulations on single-use plastics, straws, and food containers.
San Francisco's Plastic, Litter, and Toxics Reduction Law prohibits food vendors from providing single-use plastic tableware, requiring compostable or recyclable alternatives. In 2018, Seattle enacted a ban on plastic straws and utensils, prompting food service businesses across the city to adopt compostable or paper alternatives.
Customers, too, are growing more environmentally conscious. Sustainable products are no longer optional; it's essential for business growth and survival. These 7 practical, plastic-free product alternatives can help you reduce your food truck’s environmental footprint without sacrificing efficiency or dramatically increasing costs.
Top 7 eco-friendly product swaps for mobile food service
1. Insulated hot cups
The average food truck serves approximately 15,000-20,000 hot beverages annually. This generates a substantial environmental footprint through disposable cups that typically contain polyethylene plastic linings, which prevent recycling and composting.
What’s the alternative? Double-walled paper cups with plant-based PLA linings. They eliminate the need for additional sleeves (thus saving costs), and provide superior heat insulation while maintaining structural integrity with hot liquids. Plus, they easily break down in commercial composting facilities making it a winning choice for both your business and the environment.
While compostable insulated hot cups are approximately 15-20% more expensive than standard hot cups, the elimination of separate sleeves partially offsets costs while providing a premium customer experience.
Related products: Compostable world print paper hot cups - 12-16 oz
2. Compostable cold cups
With summer coming and temperatures rising, get ready for a big jump in cold cup orders. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data shows U.S. summers are almost 2°F hotter than in 1970, which has pushed cold drink sales up by 27% during the hottest months.
But, did you know that the petroleum-based plastic cups that most food service businesses use further contribute to global warming? Here’s how:
Manufacturing plastic cups from petroleum requires extracting and refining fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.
Most plastic cups end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to break down. As they degrade, they can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Plastic that ends up in oceans damages ecosystems that help regulate carbon, like seagrass meadows and phytoplankton.
Petroleum-based plastic cold cups are among the highest-volume waste items in mobile food service. The impact adds up fast.
One alternative gaining traction is polylactic acid aka PLA, a material made from plants like corn and sugarcane. It looks similar to plastic, but breaks down in commercial composting systems within a few months, rather than a few hundred years.
For food trucks, cafes, or event vendors looking to align with more sustainable practices, switching to compostable cold cups is a small change that speaks volumes. And when businesses share that choice with their customers, it can spark conversations and loyalty around shared values.
3. Bamboo straws
Plastic straws remain one of the most visible symbols of single-use waste, with many jurisdictions implementing outright bans.
Bamboo straws are a natural, biodegradable alternative that is naturally water-resistant and perfectly durable for single-use applications.
And let's skip the paper straws, we all know customers will forget about how tasty your drinks are when their straw is disintegrating into it.
Another option... not using straws at all! Consider implementing a "by request only" policy for all straws to reduce overall usage while offering an eco-friendly option.
4. Bamboo disposable utensils
Traditional plastic utensils contribute significantly to landfill waste and can take centuries to decompose.
Enter bamboo utensils, the sustainable alternative food business owners have been looking for. They offer tangible benefits, including naturally antimicrobial properties and superior strength compared to standard plastic options. Not to mention, they look (and hold up) a lot nicer than cheap plastic. While the price per unit is initially higher (approximately 2-3¢ more per piece), many food trucks report customers take fewer utensils when they perceive them as higher quality. This could offset the price difference through reduced consumption.
5. Biodegradable plates
Conventional paper plates often contain plastic coatings that prevent decomposition, while foam plates never truly break down. Some of these plastic coatings contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), chemicals that have been linked to various health concerns, including potential associations with certain types of cancer, according to ongoing research.
Consumers today are more health-conscious and environmentally aware than ever before. They actively seek out businesses that align with their personal values. And, they're willing to spend more for products they perceive as safer and more sustainable.
Modern biodegradable plates made from renewable bamboo and bagasse (a natural sugarcane byproduct), could be the sustainable product switch you need to capture your customer’s attention (and their dollars).
Related: 7" or 9" Round Biodegradable Plates, PFAS Free Subscribe & save 5% on a monthly subscription
6. Sustainable To-Go Containers
Plastic clamshells and styrofoam takeout boxes are among the top waste contributors in mobile food service, and they’re rarely recycled. These single-use containers break down into microplastics, pollute waterways, and are made from petroleum-based materials with a high carbon footprint.
The better option? Bagasse to-go containers made from sugarcane fiber. They’re sustainable, plastic-free, tree-free, and built to handle hot, greasy foods without leaking or collapsing.
And here’s a bonus: their sturdy feel and natural look can actually elevate your food presentation while aligning with the growing customer demand for sustainable packaging.
Top tip: Combine bagasse containers with compostable utensils and napkins for a full eco-friendly meal kit that reinforces your brand’s values and encourages repeat business.
Related products: BioShell 9"x6"x3" Sustainable To-Go Container, 9"x9"x3" Sustainable To-Go Container, 6”x6"x3" Sustainable To-Go Container
7. Compostable trash bags
The classic paradox of conventional trash bags is that they wrap compostable waste in plastic that won't break down. Many business owners who care about the environment miss this problem despite their best intentions.
The solution? Plant-based compostable trash bags manufactured from cornstarch, Polylactic Acid (PLA), and Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT) that reduce your environmental footprint.
Need more reasons to invest in compostable trash bags? Here are three:
Compatibility with municipal composting programs
Potential waste disposal cost reduction through composting rather than landfill fees
Complete system integrity for businesses marketing themselves as sustainable
Building a sustainable food business: Getting started
Building a sustainable food truck business requires thoughtful planning. You’ll need to think about sourcing local ingredients, minimizing waste, choosing energy-efficient equipment and eco-friendly packaging among other considerations.
While the initial investment in sustainable practices may be higher, the long-term benefits—both for your business reputation and operational costs—make it worthwhile.
As you move forward, consider partnering with Plastic Detox for all your sustainable food business product needs. With access to a range of compostable containers, plant-based utensils, and eco-friendly cleaning supplies, you'll have one less thing to worry about as you focus on creating delicious food with a minimal environmental footprint.
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Frequently asked questions
Most people ask, “which food business is most profitable?”. Discerning business owners now ask more than what food businesses make the most money. Here are the most popularly asked questions among eco-conscious business owners.
What are sustainable food products?
Sustainable food products are grown, processed, and distributed with minimal environmental impact. They prioritize renewable resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect ecosystems, minimize waste, and support fair labor practices. Examples include organic produce, locally sourced foods, and plant-based alternatives.
What does sustainable packaging mean?
Sustainable packaging uses eco-friendly materials and production methods to minimize environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. It's typically biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable, made from renewable resources, and designed to reduce waste while maintaining product protection and functionality.
Why sustainable packaging is important?
Sustainable packaging reduces the impact on the environment by minimizing waste, conserving resources, and lowering carbon emissions. It addresses plastic pollution, meets consumer demand for eco-friendly products, helps businesses comply with regulations, and supports circular economy principles through biodegradable or recyclable materials.
What are sustainable packaging materials for food?
Sustainable packaging materials include biodegradable tableware options like PLA (corn-based plastic), molded fiber (from recycled paper), bagasse (sugarcane waste), and mushroom packaging. Recyclable alternatives include glass, aluminum, and certain paper products treated with eco-friendly coatings.
Are sustainable food products more expensive?
Sustainable food products often cost more due to higher production costs, certification fees, fair labor practices, and smaller-scale operations. However, prices vary widely by product category, location, and retailer. Some sustainable options are becoming more affordable as demand increases and production scales up.
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