8 Sustainable Food Service Supplies Restaurants Can Use to Boost Sales & Cut Waste

Written by Nicole Braganza

Your customers aren't just paying for food, they're buying into your values. With 80% of Americans willing to pay more for eco-friendly products, the restaurant supplies you choose can determine whether customers return.

Plastic waste is one of food service industry's biggest challenges. The UN reports that 36% of all plastics produced are used for packaging and 85% of single-use plastic items end up in landfills or as waste. Switching to sustainable food service supplies–like compostable plates, cups, and takeout containers–is a simple way to reduce waste while improving your brand image.

1. Wooden serving boards for shareable appetizers

Wooden serving boards transform ordinary appetizers into Instagram-worthy displays that your customers can't stop photographing. The natural wood grain provides a warm and inviting backdrop that makes colorful fruits, local cheeses, and house-made dips pop in a way plastic never could.

These eco-friendly serving boards aren't just for looks—they're incredibly practical for service. The solid construction handles heavier items without any wobbling, and the natural material adds an authentic farm-to-table aesthetic that enhances your food's presentation. You can easily pair them with palm leaf plates for individual servings, maintaining the cohesive aesthetic while letting the communal board remain the centerpiece.

2. Compostable clear cups for Instagram-worthy desserts

Want to make a $3 dessert look like a $12 special? Try serving layered parfaits in compostable cups. The crystal-clear PLA material shows off every beautiful layer that instantly elevates simple ingredients like yogurt, granola, and berries.

Your customers eat with their eyes first, right? Gen Z's food photos are less about 'look what I ate' and more about 'look how I styled it. These compostable dessert containers give that, "I need to take a picture of this" moment without the environmental guilt of traditional plastic.

They're sturdy enough to hold up during service, and when they're tossed in commercial composting, they break down completely. It's an easy win for both the presentation and your green credentials.

3. Compostable sample cups for soup tastings

If you’re looking to boost your average check size, beverages are where the money’s at. But it doesn’t just need to be artisanal coffee.

Try offering soup samplers in eco-friendly sample cups, perfect for restaurants. Instead of customers choosing just one soup, they can try three or four smaller portions—and they'll likely pay more for the experience.

Sample cups are typically available in 3 or 4 oz options and can handle hot liquids up to 185°F without leaking. Your customers will appreciate that there's no plastic lining touching their food, and any composting service can process them right along with food waste. Simple, effective, and profitable.

4. Compostable noodle bowls for build-your-own-dishes

Want to create buzz-worthy dishes that keep customers coming back? Try build-your-own noodle bowls in compostable bowls for hot food that can easily handle hot broths without leaking.

Set up a station where customers customize their meals by adding different broths, fresh vegetables, proteins, and garnishes. Made from sugarcane and bamboo fibers, these bowls work for both hot and cold foods (up to 250°F!) and won't leach chemicals into that beautiful ramen broth you spent hours perfecting. Your customers will love the interactive experience, and you'll love the operational flexibility.

5. Plastic-free cold cups for cocktails and smoothies

If you're serving drinks at an outdoor event, add a fun tropical touch with coconut-inspired cocktails like pina colada, served inside the fruit.

Takeout isn't just about food anymore, it's the top way consumers are enjoying off-premises alcoholic beverages. In fact, nearly 90% of restaurant operators now offer alcohol with takeout orders, according to the National Restaurant Association Alcohol Trends report—showing just how much demand there is to tap into.

Plastic Detox’s compostable cold cups for restaurants can transform your beverage program. They offer a great way to showcase colorful cocktails and mocktails beautifully, especially when you add edible flowers, herbs, or fruit slices as garnishes.

Specialty smoothies have also seen notable growth by 8.5%  in restaurant menus, with  protein-enhanced varieties increasing by 123%

Instead of plastic stirrers that end up in landfills, try cinnamon sticks or lemongrass stalks. Your customers will appreciate these thoughtful touches, especially at outdoor events where traditional plastic would stick around in the environment long after your event ends. These small details can help justify premium pricing while boosting your sustainability reputation.

6. Biodegradable plates for outdoor brunch service

Customers eat with their phones these days. Transform your summer outdoor service with eco-friendly brunch tableware. Your kitchen will appreciate that these PFAS-free plates can handle heavier items without buckling, and they're microwave-safe for quick reheating during busy service. The natural look complements brunch foods perfectly, and health-conscious customers will appreciate the absence of PFAS chemicals that lurk in many traditional food service items.

7. Compostable utensils for global street food stations

Make your catering or event service stand out with an international street food experience. Our sustainable cutlery is perfect for catering, these plant-based utensils are strong enough to handle everything from hearty paella to tender curry meats to street corn without snapping or bending during use.

Unlike traditional plastic utensils that look cheap, these cutlery alternatives add an upscale touch to your presentation. Their sturdy construction means customers can focus on enjoying your global cuisine instead of struggling with flimsy utensils that break mid-bite.

Set up different international food stations and provide these compostable utensils at each one. They're heat-resistant enough to handle hot foods without warping and strong enough for guests to actually cut their food.

8. Compostable hot cups & plates for coffee + dessert pairings

Coffee and dessert pairings are a great strategy to keep customers lingering (and spending) after dinner. These eco-friendly hot cups for restaurants keep artisanal coffees hot, and you can serve bite sized desserts that complement different coffee notes.

For example, this recent Reddit thread is a goldmine for understanding the coffee-dessert pairings customers love. No surprises that tiramisu is a clear favorite. Cinnamon rolls, black forest cake, and baklava also feature on the list. 

This approach creates an experience that customers can't easily replicate at home, and justifies premium pricing. Plus, when you're done, everything can go into the same composting bin—making closing duties easier on your staff.

Why sustainable restaurant supplies give you a competitive edge

It’s tough enough handling the day-to-day operations of a food service business, without worrying about your environmental impact.

But the writing is on the wall. Today, more than ever, environmental consciousness is important to restaurateurs and their guests.

As Dawn Sweeney, former President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association said, “Through increasing awareness and implementation of sustainability practices, the restaurant industry is operating more efficiently, conserving more natural resources, and helping improve the environment for everyone we serve.”

Plastic Detox is a marketplace for biodegradable tableware and sustainable takeout containers that help you serve great-looking food aligned with your values and that meets your customers' expectations.

Ready to upgrade your restaurant with sustainable food service supplies? Browse our collection of compostable tableware, cups, and takeout containers today.

Frequently asked questions

What is an sustainable recipe?

An sustainable recipe minimizes environmental impact by using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, plant-based proteins, minimal packaging, and reducing food waste. These dishes prioritize sustainable farming practices and have a lower carbon footprint than conventional recipes while maintaining nutritional value and flavor.

What are the top restaurant sustainability trends and food service supplies?

Sustainable restaurants are focusing on zero-waste practices, hyper-local sourcing, upcycled ingredients, renewable energy, water conservation, biodegradable packaging, and seasonal menus that reduce carbon footprints. Food waste reduction and regenerative agriculture partnerships are also becoming industry standards.

How can I improve sustainability in my restaurant?

Implement energy-efficient appliances, reduce food waste through inventory management, source ingredients locally, offer more plant-based options, eliminate single-use plastics, compost organic waste, install LED lighting, and train staff on sustainable practices. Consider getting green business certification to showcase your commitment.

What types of items should I offer as a sustainable restaurant? 

As a sustainability-focused restaurant, focus on seasonal, locally-sourced produce, responsibly-caught seafood, pasture-raised meats, plant-based options, organic ingredients, and fair-trade products. Plan recipes and portion sizes that minimize food waste. Your menus should change regularly to reflect the availability of local ingredients and other ecological considerations.