Are Paper and Bagasse Bowls Microwave Safe and Compostable?
Quick answer
Our bagasse bowls are microwave and freezer safe, and our kraft paper bowls are microwave safe once the clear plastic lid is removed. Bagasse suits soup, curry and noodles eaten on site, while kraft bowls with lids suit takeaway and delivery. Our bagasse bowls are commercially compostable where facilities accept them.
Key takeaways
- Bagasse bowls: microwave safe, freezer safe, no lid, best for eating on site.
- Kraft bowls: microwave safe with the lid off, clear clip-on lid, best for takeaway.
- Always remove plastic lids before microwaving any bowl.
- In England, compostable bowls cannot go in workplace food-waste bins.
The quick comparison
Open full size| Bagasse bowls | Kraft bowls with lids | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Moulded sugarcane fibre | Thick food-grade kraft paper |
| Lid | None | Clear clip-on plastic lid |
| Microwave | Yes | Yes, with the lid removed |
| Freezer | Yes | Yes |
| Hot soup | Yes, eat on site | Yes, for takeaway |
| Best for | Parties, buffets, food stalls, canteens | Delivery, click and collect, grab-and-go |
| Disposal | Industrial composting where accepted, otherwise general waste | Separate the lid, then follow local rules |
| Our sizes | 240, 350, 710, 950ml | 750, 1000ml |
Are bagasse bowls microwave safe?
Yes. Our bagasse bowls are microwave safe and freezer safe. They are moulded from sugarcane fibre, so they stay firm with hot soup, chilli, curry and noodles and do not go soggy quickly. They also resist oil, so greasy food does not soak through.
Can you microwave kraft paper bowls?
Yes, with one rule: take the clear lid off first. The lid is plastic and is not for the microwave. The kraft bowl itself is microwave safe, so customers can reheat a takeaway at home or work.
Microwave tips for disposable bowls
- Remove any plastic lid before heating.
- Heat in short bursts of 30 to 60 seconds and stir between bursts.
- Use oven gloves. The bowl and food get hot.
- Do not overfill. Leave space so soup does not bubble over.
- Never use a damaged bowl.
Which bowl is best for hot soup?
- Eating on site (a café, event or canteen): a 350ml bagasse bowl for a starter portion, or 710ml for a main bowl of soup or stew.
- Takeaway and delivery: a kraft bowl with a lid. The lid clips around the rim and helps contain liquid in transit.
For very hot soup carried any distance, fill to just below the rim and keep the bowl upright in the bag.
Hot food, grease and leaks
Bagasse bowls are rigid and oil resistant, so they hold hot, saucy food without bending. Kraft bowls are made from thick kraft paper and hold their shape with warm meals. Their clear lid clips around the rim, which helps stop spills in delivery bags and lets customers see the food.
Choosing between bagasse and kraft
Choose bagasse when food is eaten where it is served: parties, buffets, festivals, food stalls and staff canteens. There is no lid to throw away, and the bowl can be reheated.
Choose kraft bowls with lids when food travels: delivery, meal prep, click and collect and grab-and-go chillers. The clear lid also helps displays.
Freezing and storing
Both bagasse and kraft bowls are freezer safe. Let hot food cool before freezing. Keep the kraft lid on in the freezer, then take it off before microwaving. Store empty bowls in a dry place, away from steam and kettles, so they stay firm.
Are paper and bagasse bowls compostable?
Bagasse: our bagasse bowls are commercially compostable where facilities accept them. We do not sell them as home compostable. See Is bagasse compostable?
Kraft bowls: we do not sell our kraft bowls as compostable. The clear lids are plastic, so separate the lid and follow your local rules.
At work in England: under Simpler Recycling, packaging labelled compostable cannot go in food-waste bins. Scrape food into the caddy, then use a compostables collection or general waste for the bowl.
Bowl sizes and what they hold
| Size | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 240ml (8oz) | Bagasse | Dips, sauces, desserts, ice cream |
| 350ml (12oz) | Bagasse | Soup starter, porridge, cereal, sides |
| 710ml (24oz) | Bagasse | Main soup, noodles, salads, poke |
| 750ml | Kraft with lid | Takeaway salad, pasta, rice bowl |
| 950ml (32oz) | Bagasse | Sharing sides, large salads, family bowls |
| 1000ml | Kraft with lid | Large takeaway meals, burrito bowls |
Our bagasse bowls come in white (240, 350, 710 and 950ml) and natural brown (240, 350 and 950ml).
Common mistakes
- Microwaving with the plastic lid on. Always remove it first.
- Using bowls without lids for delivery. Soup spills. Use kraft bowls with lids.
- Choosing 350ml for a main meal. It is a starter size. Go to 710ml.
- Putting compostable bowls in the workplace food-waste bin. Not allowed in England.
Products in this guide
Prices include VAT, with free UK mainland delivery and no minimum order.
350ml White Bagasse Bowls (12oz)From £6.99 inc VATView pack sizes
710ml White Bagasse Bowls (24oz)From £8.99 inc VATView pack sizes
950ml White Bagasse Bowls (32oz)From £9.79 inc VATView pack sizes
350ml Brown Bagasse Bowls (12oz)From £6.99 inc VATView pack sizes
750ml Kraft Bowls with LidsFrom £8.99 inc VATView pack sizes
1000ml Kraft Bowls with LidsFrom £9.29 inc VATView pack sizesFrequently asked questions
Are bagasse bowls microwave safe?
Yes. Our bagasse bowls are microwave safe for reheating soup, curry and leftovers, and freezer safe too. Heat in short bursts, stir between them, and use oven gloves.
Can I microwave a kraft bowl with its lid on?
No. The clear clip-on lid is plastic and must come off first. The kraft bowl itself is microwave safe, so heat the food uncovered or loosely covered with a plate.
Are kraft paper bowls and their lids compostable?
We do not sell our kraft bowls as compostable, and the clear lids are plastic. Separate the lid from the bowl and follow your council or waste contractor's rules.
Which disposable bowl is best for takeaway soup?
A kraft bowl with a lid. The clip-on lid helps contain hot liquid in a delivery bag, and customers can microwave the bowl once the lid is off.
Are bagasse bowls freezer safe?
Yes. Bagasse bowls can go in the freezer for chilled storage. Let hot food cool first, then cover the bowl, as our bagasse bowls are sold without lids.
What size bowl do I need for a main meal?
A 710ml bagasse bowl or a 750ml kraft bowl suits a main meal such as noodles, a salad bowl or a large soup. Use 350ml for starters and sides.
Do bagasse bowls go soggy with soup?
Our bagasse bowls stay firm with hot soup for the length of a normal meal. Very wet food left standing for hours will eventually soften any fibre bowl.
Sources
Checked on 12 November 2026. Rules change, so always check the latest official guidance.
About ASK Packaging
ASK Packaging Ltd supplies plates, bowls, food containers, bags, cups, napkins and cutlery to cafés, takeaways, caterers and event hosts across the UK. We are based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, and have been trading since 2018. Our guides are written from the questions our customers ask us every day.
