Waffle box
18pt SBS with matte aqueous coating, vented lid1,000 minimum · 8 to 10 business daysA waffle box is a folding carton sized around a folded or stacked waffle with a vented lid that lets steam escape instead of trapping it against the top of the waffle, which is what turns a crisp waffle soggy in the first five minutes after it leaves the iron. The grease-resistant coating handles butter and syrup contact on the inside without the board wicking through to the outside. We produce them from 1,000 units, ready in about 8 to 10 business days after proof.
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose a vented waffle box for any hot, syrup-topped item that gets boxed to go. The vents specifically address the soggy-lid problem that a sealed box creates within minutes, and this matters most for orders with any real delivery or pickup travel time.
Choose a plain unvented takeout box instead if the item's served dry or cold with toppings on the side. Venting only matters when there's steam and moisture actively working against the box, so it's an unnecessary cost for anything that isn't hot and wet on the way out the door.
Specifications
| Board | 18pt SBS paperboard with matte aqueous coating |
|---|---|
| Venting | Die-cut steam vents in the lid |
| Grease resistance | Food-safe aqueous barrier coating, interior and exterior |
| Full color exterior | |
| Minimum | 1,000 units |
| Lead time | 8 to 10 business days after proof |
| Prototype | On request; timing confirmed in your quote |
| Sizes we run | 5 x 5 x 2 in (single folded waffle) 7 x 7 x 2.5 in (stacked or topped waffle) custom dimension to your menu item |
Materials that suit it
Questions people ask
Does the vented lid actually keep a waffle from getting soggy?
It helps meaningfully by giving trapped steam somewhere to go instead of condensing back onto the waffle. It won't fully offset a very long delivery time, but it's a real improvement over a sealed box.
Is the coating rated for direct contact with syrup and butter?
Yes, the matte aqueous coating is a standard food-contact grease and moisture barrier. It's built for exactly that kind of direct topping contact.
Can this box hold a waffle sandwich or something stacked higher than a flat waffle?
We can design the interior height to whatever your item needs, send us your typical stack height and we'll size the box to fit with enough clearance for the lid to close cleanly.
Why is the minimum higher than your other folding cartons?
Food-contact board with a grease-resistant coating runs a different production line with its own setup cost, so 1,000 units is where that becomes cost-effective for a specialty item like this.
Can we get a small handle cutout for easier one-handed carrying?
A thumb notch or small handle cutout can be added to the design. Let us know if that's something you'd want on your specific box size.
How does the lead time compare if we need this for a seasonal menu push?
8 to 10 business days is our standard window for this line. If you're working against a hard seasonal date, tell us early and we'll flag if there's any room to move faster.
How is the waffle box different from the take out box?
The waffle box is sized around a folded or stacked waffle, on 18pt SBS with a food-safe aqueous barrier coating inside and out and die-cut steam vents in the lid so the waffle does not go soft, printed full color, from 1,000 units in 8 to 10 business days after proof. The take out box is a general kraft meal box with lock corners and optional vents, printed flexo, from 200 units in 10 to 12 business days. A waffle or dessert truck suits the waffle box; a full menu suits the take out box.
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Ready to price your waffle box?
Send the size and quantity for a quote and a dieline, usually within one business day. Your digital proof follows, usually within one business day of your artwork. Design help and the Swatch Book of materials are free.