Why Does Simple Bites Use Black Meal Trays?
One of the most common questions we receive at Simple Bites Meals is:
"Are those black plastic containers safe?"
It's a fair question. With so much information circulating online about food packaging, we believe customers deserve clear, factual answers about the containers their meals arrive in.
The short answer:
Yes. The trays we use are food-grade, BPA-free, recyclable, and specifically designed for prepared meals that are refrigerated, frozen, microwaved, and oven-heated.
Not All Plastics Are Created Equal
When people hear "plastic container," they often picture disposable takeout packaging or low-quality food storage containers.
The trays we use are different.
Simple Bites meals are packaged in CPET (Crystallized Polyethylene Terephthalate) trays, a material specifically engineered for prepared meal packaging. CPET is widely used throughout the food industry because it can safely withstand both freezing and heating temperatures.
In fact, CPET trays are designed to handle temperatures ranging from approximately -40°F to over 400°F, making them suitable for frozen storage, microwave reheating, and conventional ovens.
BPA-Free and Food Safe
A common concern is whether the trays contain harmful chemicals.
The CPET trays used for our meals are:
- BPA-free
- Approved for direct food contact
- Manufactured specifically for prepared food applications
- Designed to maintain integrity during heating and freezing
These aren't containers repurposed from another industry. They are manufactured specifically for food packaging and meal preparation.
Why We Use Them
When selecting packaging, our goal isn't simply to find the cheapest option. We look for packaging that protects the quality and safety of the meals we prepare.
These trays help us:
Maintain Portion Consistency
The compartment design allows us to accurately portion proteins, vegetables, grains, and side dishes. This helps ensure customers receive the same meal every time.
Preserve Freshness
Each meal is sealed to help protect it from contamination and maintain freshness during storage and transportation. Properly sealed trays also help reduce food waste.
Simplify Reheating
Customers can move their meal directly from the refrigerator or freezer to the microwave or oven without transferring food to another dish.
Reduce Leaks and Spills
Sealed meal trays are designed to remain leak-resistant during transport, helping meals arrive in the same condition they left our USDA-inspected kitchen.
What About Recycling?
Another misconception is that all black trays automatically end up in a landfill.
The trays we use are recyclable, and many are manufactured using recycled material as part of a closed-loop recycling system. CiMa-Pak, the manufacturer of our trays, states that their CPET trays are recyclable and contain significant recycled content.
Recycling capabilities can vary by municipality, so we always encourage customers to check local recycling guidelines.
Why Black?
The black color isn't about hiding anything.
Black CPET trays have become an industry standard for prepared meals because they:
- Present food attractively
- Help meals look appetizing and professional
- Resist staining from sauces and spices
- Maintain their appearance during refrigeration, freezing, and reheating
- Provide durability during transportation
At the end of the day, we want your meal to look as good when you open it as it did when it was packaged.
The Bottom Line
At Simple Bites Meals, we take food safety seriously.
The trays we use are not generic disposable containers. They are purpose-built CPET meal trays that are:
✓ BPA-free
✓ Food-safe
✓ Microwave-safe
✓ Oven-safe
✓ Freezer-safe
✓ Recyclable
✓ Designed specifically for prepared meals
Our focus has always been providing convenient, high-quality meals while maintaining the safety, freshness, and presentation our customers expect.
When you receive a Simple Bites meal, you can feel confident that the packaging was chosen with the same care and attention that goes into the food inside.