Your dishes are delicious… but do they still look appetizing upon delivery?
In the world of ready-to-eat meals, the first impression often comes through the eyes. Before even tasting, a dish is seen, smelled, and judged. That’s why presentation on the tray can make all the difference. You don’t need to be a food stylist: with a few simple tips and the right trays, anyone can achieve it.
1. Choosing the right tray: the foundation of a well-presented meal
Choosing the right tray is the foundation of a well-presented meal. A single-compartment tray is perfect for saucy dishes, stews, or single portions, while a two-compartment tray keeps the main dish separate from the side, preventing textures from mixing. For full meals, three compartments ensure that each element (vegetables, starches, and proteins) keeps its place, flavour, and appearance.
Depth is just as important. A tray that’s too small risks overflowing, while one that’s too large makes the portion look lost inside. The right format provides just enough space to showcase the meal without spilling, ensuring a neat, structured, and appetizing presentation.
2. Compartmentalize to impress
Compartments do more than separate foods: they help each component maintain its texture, flavour, and temperature. Vegetables stay crisp, starches don’t get soggy with sauce, and proteins keep their taste. The result is a meal that arrives in better condition, from the kitchen to the table.
Compartmentalizing also helps reduce food waste. When foods mix or lose their texture, part of the meal often ends up in the trash. By keeping flavours intact and presentation clean, clients enjoy their meal more and eat every bite.
And let’s not forget the visual impact: each compartment becomes a small showcase that highlights colour and variety. A well-compartmentalized dish inspires confidence and gives the impression of a meal prepared with care.
3. Play with colours and contrasts
A golden-brown pork tenderloin with green purée and yellow beets? That kind of contrast makes mouth water instantly. Colours awaken appetite and give an impression of freshness.
What to avoid: the “all beige” effect. Even a simple dish can be elevated with a sprig of fresh herbs, a drizzle of colourful sauce, or some vibrant vegetables. Natural fibre trays also provide a neutral background that frames the food and make it stand out.
Presentation tip: play with colour contrasts between compartments to create an appetizing visual effect that immediately catches the eye.
4. Textures and volume: bring your plate to life
A well-presented meal isn’t just about flavour, it’s also about textures. Avoid packing or compressing food. By leaving space between items, you create volume and make the meal look more inviting.
A little visual crunch, some seeds, a savoury crumble, and fresh herbs add elegance and show care in preparation.
And for sauces? It’s better to add a drizzle or serve them separately to avoid the dreaded “soup effect” that ruins both texture and appearance.
5. Seal to preserve the wow effect
Presentation doesn’t stop in the kitchen: it has to last until the customer breaks the seal. A proper seal is your best ally to ensure the meal arrives beautiful, intact, and safe. Unlike rigid lids, the transparent films used with our heat-sealers perfectly fit the container, protect food without crushing it, and let customers see the meal inside right away.
6. Some inspiring examples
- Roast chicken + purée + glazed carrots: a timeless classic that looks like a bistro meal thanks to an airy presentation.
- Colourful Asian-inspired bowl (tofu, edamame, rice, carrots): Each ingredient placed in its own compartment creates a true visual explosion.
- Complete breakfast (eggs, potatoes, fruit): in a three-compartment tray, volumes and colours combine to recreate the feel of a homemade brunch.
Conclusion: the small effort that changes everything
You cook with care, so why not show it from the very first glance? A beautiful presentation elevates the perceived value of your meal without costing more.
And with Solpak trays, you’re already equipped to shine.
Want to try the perfect fit for your signature dishes? Request a free sample and see the difference for yourself!
