Foil Container Sizes Explained: No.1, No.2, No.6A and 9x9
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If you've ever tried to order foil containers and been baffled by names like "No.1", "No.2" and "No.6A", you're not alone. These numbers are the standard UK catering codes for foil tray sizes — but almost nobody explains what they actually mean. Here's a simple guide so you order the right tray first time.
Why foil containers are sized by number
UK foil containers follow a long-standing catering numbering system. The number tells you the size and shape of the tray, not the brand. Once you know the common ones, you can order confidently anywhere. Below are the sizes most takeaways, caterers and home cooks actually use.
The most common foil container sizes
No.1 — small single portion
The everyday workhorse. Perfect for single portions, side dishes, rice, curries and snacks. This is the size most small takeaways reach for. Shop No.1 foil containers with lids.
No.2 — medium main meal
A bit bigger and deeper — ideal for main meals, larger curries, pasta and batch cooking. The most versatile all-rounder if you only buy one size. See No.2 foil containers with lids.
No.6A — deep / saucy dishes
The deep one. Built for saucy dishes, soups, stews and generous portions where you need extra depth to stop spills. Great for liquid-heavy meals. Shop No.6A deep foil containers.
9 x 9 inch square — large & sharing
A large square tray for family meals, baking, sharing portions and catering. Excellent for lasagne, roasts and big-batch cooking. See our 9x9 large square foil containers.
Don't forget the lids
Most of our foil containers come with lids, which matters more than people realise — lids keep food hot, prevent spills in transit, and let you stack and store safely in the fridge or freezer. All the sizes above are oven, fridge and freezer safe and made from recyclable aluminium.
Quick size picker
| Size | Best for |
|---|---|
| No.1 | Single portions, sides, rice |
| No.2 | Main meals, curries, meal prep |
| No.6A | Soups, stews, saucy dishes (deep) |
| 9 x 9 inch | Family meals, baking, sharing |
Also handy: foil rolls and kraft trays
If you're wrapping rather than packing, a catering foil roll (we stock standard and extra-wide) covers roasting and wrapping. And if you want a more eco-friendly, grease-resistant option, our compostable kraft food trays come in small, medium and large.
Order the right trays from Blissmart
Whether you run a takeaway, cater events or just batch-cook at home, Blissmart stocks every foil container size with lids — at trade-friendly prices and dispatched within 48 hours from the UK. Browse the full Foil & Catering Trays collection.