Pouched Dispensing vs Portion Packs by Server Products

Written by Tim Christianson on October 14, 2016

While portion packets may have their place in the food service industry – drive through, carry out and delivery – they often end up wasting a restaurant more money than they’re worth.

They leave behind a mess, and often aren’t completely emptied before they’re thrown away. Diners take them to their tables by the handful just to leave them behind, and – let’s face it – how many people actually feel comfortable using hand-me-down packets? Not many.

Not to mention each packet contributes to an ever-growing amount of packaging waste.

From a cost standpoint, a box of 1,500 single-serve, 9 gram packets costs $72.95 which comes out to 5 cents* per packet.

Many ketchup makers now offer their product in 1.5 and 3 gallon (6 L or 11.4 L) pouches with fitments that work with portion-controlled dispensers. A box of (2) 1.5 gallon ketchup pouches costs $37.06.

Which is the better deal?

(2) 1.5 gallon pouches equal about 12,927 grams of ketchup (net weight of 28.5 pounds converted to grams). Divide that by 9 grams, and it’s the equivalent of about 1,436 packets. At 5 cents per packet, that’s $71.80 to get the same amount of ketchup in packets as you get in the (2) 1.5 gallon pouches. By purchasing the 1.5 gallon pouches, your savings are $34.74 per box.

“So,” you ask, “now that I’ve bought these pouches, how do I dispense them?”

Server’s Express™ dispensing system works with these 1.5 gallon pouches, and list price of a single unit (07000, 07010) is $253*. By the time you purchase 7 boxes of ketchup pouches, you will have paid for your unit in savings.

Because portions can’t really be controlled in self-serve applications, why not go with the less-expensive, environmentally better bulk option and switch to pouches?

For help selecting the right dispenser for you, chat with one of our friendly support agents using the chat bubble below!

*Prices may vary by brand.

**Reflects price as of September 2018 and is subject to change. See our website for most current pricing.

Calculate your ROI with the ConserveWell™!

Read about our Eco™ Dispensers!

HRI. Innovative Solutions

HRI’s consultative approach adds value and fosters a partnership with the buyer, as the purchase progresses through an entire project. How can we help? We offer a number of innovative solutions to help our customers make the best product purchase decisions, like TRY before you BUY, providing data on ROI and energy savings! Contact us and let us know what action you’d like to take on specific products. We’ll respond quickly to answer your questions and or set up a demo or free equipment audit.