The New Year is a time when many customers actively look for lighter, fresher food and drink options. Whether it’s salads for lunch, fruit smoothies on the go or protein shakes as part of a new routine, January and beyond often bring a noticeable shift in demand. For cafés, takeaways, food outlets and hospitality venues, this creates a great opportunity to refresh menus and meet customers where their priorities are.
By offering healthy options in practical, well-designed packaging, you can support your customers’ New Year goals while keeping service efficient and professional.
For many customers, making healthier choices also goes hand in hand with being more environmentally conscious. Advanced Disposables offers a wide range of products made with recyclable, compostable and plant-based materials, helping businesses reduce their environmental impact while maintaining high standards of service.
Salads, poke bowls and fresh meals continue to grow in popularity, especially at the start of the year. Providing sturdy, well-presented bowls helps showcase ingredients clearly and keeps food fresh for dine-in or takeaway customers.
Salad and poke bowls are ideal for:
Using purpose-designed bowls makes portioning easier for staff and gives customers confidence that their food is prepared and packed with care.
Perfect for hearty salads, poke bowls or generous cold meals, these 1300 ml extra-large kraft salad bowls combine practicality with a clean, natural look. The sturdy design holds substantial portions with confidence, while the kraft finish gives a fresh, appealing presentation whether for dine-in or takeaway customers.
These 7 × 5 inch bagasse clamshell containers are a versatile and eco-minded option for serving meals on the go. Made from renewable sugarcane fibre, they offer sturdy support for hot or cold foods while still being compostable where facilities allow, making them a great choice for cafés, food trucks and takeaway meals. The hinged design keeps contents secure and makes them easy for customers to carry.
The Vegware 22 oz Medium Window Salad Box offers a clear view of fresh ingredients while keeping them secure and easy to transport. Designed with a handy window lid, it’s perfect for showcasing salads, cold meals and healthy combinations that customers can grab on the go.
Explore the full range of salad and poke bowls here.
Smoothies and protein shakes are a staple of healthy New Year routines. Clear smoothie cups with secure lids allow customers to see what they are drinking while enjoying a spill-resistant, easy-to-carry design.
These cups are perfect for:
Reliable lids and strong cups help maintain quality, even during busy service periods.
The Dispo 16 oz rPET Smoothie Cup with a 95 mm opening is perfect for serving smoothies, shakes and cold beverages in a way that looks fresh and inviting. Made from rPET, a recycled plastic that supports reuse and recycling, this cup offers strength and clarity while helping reduce reliance on virgin materials.
Keep things fresh and feel-good with the 9 oz PLA Smoothie Clear Cold Cup from Vegware. Its clear design beautifully showcases colourful smoothies, fresh juices or chilled fruit blends, making every drink look as good as it tastes.
The 12 oz PLA Smoothie Cup is a great option for serving smoothies, iced coffees and other cold drinks that customers want to grab and go. The clear design shows off colourful drinks beautifully, while the plant-based PLA material offers a compostable alternative to standard plastic cups.
Shop smoothie cups and lids here.
Small details can make a big difference to customer experience, especially when it comes to drinks and healthy food options.
What does commercially compostable mean?
Commercially compostable products are designed to break down in specialist composting facilities, where higher temperatures and controlled conditions are used. These facilities are different from home compost bins, so items should be disposed of according to local council or waste contractor guidance.
Can these products go in home compost bins?
Not always. Some compostable items require industrial composting conditions to break down properly. Always check the product description and local disposal options before placing items in a home compost bin.
What does biodegradable mean?
Biodegradable means a product can break down naturally over time with the help of microorganisms. However, the speed and conditions needed can vary, which is why correct disposal is still important.
How do I recycle packaging safely?
Recyclable products should be clean and free from food residue before being placed in recycling bins. Items contaminated with food may need to go into general waste if local recycling rules do not allow them.
Are recyclable and compostable the same thing?
No. Recyclable products are processed and turned into new materials, while compostable products break down into natural matter. It’s important not to mix compostable items into recycling streams, as this can cause contamination.
How can businesses make eco-friendly disposal easier for customers?
Clear signage, separate waste bins and simple instructions help customers dispose of items correctly. Choosing clearly labelled packaging also makes responsible disposal more straightforward.
Offering healthy food and drink options at the start of 2026 is more than a trend. It’s a chance to respond to customer demand, refresh your menu and show that your business is ready for the year ahead. With the right packaging, accessories and eco-conscious options in place, you can make healthy choices easy, appealing and convenient for your customers.
Explore the full range at Advanced Disposables and help your customers enjoy a fresh, positive start to the New Year.