What is a “doggy bag”? Meaning and origin

The term doggy bag originated in American restaurants. It refers to the container used by customers to take home their uneaten food. The phrase likely emerged to ease embarrassment, with diners saying the leftovers were “for the dog”.

In the UK, Ireland, and Malta, it’s also common to hear terms like “takeaway box” or “boxed to take away”. These are informal, practical solutions to help reduce waste and extend the value of a meal.

Today, using a doggy bag is considered a sustainable and responsible practice, offering a concrete way to reduce food waste and promote respect for food.

Is a doggy bag required by law? What local regulations say

In the UK, Ireland, and Malta, there is no national legal obligation for restaurants to provide doggy bags. However, several local authorities and sustainability organisations encourage the practice to combat food waste.

For example, in the UK, initiatives by councils and groups like the Sustainable Restaurant Association have promoted voluntary use of takeaway containers. It’s increasingly seen as a best practice rather than a social taboo.

In some cities and eco-conscious venues, customers are openly invited to request a takeaway box. This shift supports waste reduction and fosters a more environmentally aware dining culture.

Customisable doggy bag for restaurants – sustainable takeaway solution to reduce food waste in the UK and Ireland
Example of a branded, eco-friendly doggy bag offered by restaurants concerned about food waste.

Doggy bag vs takeaway packaging: what’s the difference?

It’s important not to confuse a doggy bag with regular takeaway packaging. Although both involve taking food out of a restaurant, their purpose and use are different:

  • Takeaway refers to food ordered for off-site consumption, often from a dedicated menu;
  • A doggy bag is used to take home unfinished food from a meal already served and partially eaten at the table.

The key distinction lies in the packaging: takeaway containers are designed to keep food warm, while doggy bags are simpler, eco-friendly options intended for later consumption.

Doggy bags and sustainability: a conscious choice

Asking for a doggy bag is now an act of environmental and social awareness. Minimising food waste helps reduce the ecological footprint of the food industry and honours the value of prepared meals.

More diners are choosing to take leftovers home not out of necessity, but out of principle. And more restaurants are adapting with customisable, biodegradable or compostable containers that reflect ethical branding.

Companies like Shop For Shop, offering customised eco-packaging and promotional items, play a role in this cultural shift by providing sustainable tools tailored to modern food service needs.

Why do some still hesitate to ask for a doggy bag?

Despite growing sustainability awareness, many people in the UK and Ireland still feel slightly embarrassed when asking for a doggy bag. Some associate it with thriftiness or poor etiquette.

However, this perception is changing, especially among younger generations: asking to take home what you’ve paid for is becoming acceptable—and even trendy in cities and among environmentally conscious customers.

Restaurants can play a big part by presenting the option naturally and discreetly—offering branded packaging normalises the practice and integrates it into the overall dining experience.

Doggy bags in restaurants: how to meet modern expectations

For restaurants in the UK and beyond, offering a well-organised doggy bag service is an opportunity. It goes beyond reducing waste: it sends a positive message about environmental care and service quality.

Here are a few best practices:

  • Use branded, eco-conscious containers aligned with your restaurant’s image;
  • Train front-of-house staff to promote the option tactfully;
  • Include doggy bag information in menus or visual communications;
  • Partner with trusted suppliers that offer durable, sustainable packaging solutions.

Customisable doggy bags: a branding opportunity

Offering customisable containers with your logo or messaging ensures that once the doggy bag leaves the venue, it continues to represent your brand—a true extension of the dining experience.

Customisation strengthens brand identity and communicates values like customer care and sustainability.

At Shop for Shop, you’ll find a wide selection of customisable food containers, ideal for restaurants, bistros, trattorias, and gourmet venues looking to combine aesthetic appeal, practicality, and ethics. Ready to elevate your packaging? Get a quote or order directly from our catalogue.