Choosing between cans and bottles might seem like a small decision, but for foodservice businesses, it directly impacts profit margins, customer satisfaction, storage efficiency and buying behaviour. Whether you operate a takeaway, café, quick-service restaurant or catering business, understanding the strengths of each packaging format will help you select drinks that sell fast, store easily and maximise profits. 

In the UK market, both cans and bottles have strong selling points, but they perform differently depending on your business model and customer flow. This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and strategic choices behind each format, helping you make smarter purchasing decisions for your drinks menu. 

Why Packaging Format Matters More Than You Think? 

Soft drink packaging isn’t just about aesthetics. The format influences: 

  • Impulse buying 
  • Portion size perception 
  • Shelf life and temperature retention 
  • Storage and transport costs 
  • Environmental expectations 
  • Profit margin per unit 
  • Customer preference based on food pairing 

Choosing the right mix of cans and bottles can significantly boost sales, especially during peak hours. 

The Case for Cans: Fast, Cold and Highly Profitable 

Cans remain the most popular soft drink format for QSRs and takeaways, and it’s not hard to see why. 

Advantages of Cans 

1. Premium Cold Retention 

Cans chill faster and stay cold longer, making them highly appealing in fast-food environments where customers want instant refreshment. 

2. Strong Impulse Sales 

Bright, glossy cans are visually striking in a fridge. Customers often make snap decisions based on packaging, and cans outperform bottles in impulse-driven purchases. 

3. Space-Efficient Storage 

Cans stack neatly in crates, fridges, and stockrooms. They take up LESS space than equivalent bottles, meaning: 

  • Higher stock capacity 
  • Faster rotation 
  • Reduced risk of running out during busy periods 

4. Ideal for Meal Deals 

QSRs love cans because they standardise pricing and portion size. A can with a burger or wrap feels like a complete combo. 

5. Growing Trend of Imported Cans 

Imported Coca-Cola, 7UP and Mirinda cans are a major trend in the UK. Their stronger flavours and unique labelling make them sell extremely well. 

Disadvantages of Cans 

  • Not resealable. 
  • Sometimes perceived as “smaller” portions. 
  • It may not appeal to families or customers who want longer-lasting drinks. 

For fast-service environments, the pros far outweigh the cons. 

The Case for Bottles: Bigger Portions and Better Upsell Opportunities 

Bottled drinks excel in situations where customers desire more volume, healthier options, or portable beverages that can be resealed. 

Advantages of Bottles 

1. Resealable Convenience 

Bottles are perfect for customers on the move, especially those ordering: 

  • Breakfast meals 
  • Healthy meals 
  • Grilled or light dishes 
  • Kids’ meals 

The ability to reseal increases perceived value. 

2. Larger Sizes = Higher Spend 

500ml bottles often justify a higher price point, meaning: 

  • Higher revenue per unit 
  • Stronger margins on premium juices and waters 

3. Better for Water and Juice 

Water, functional drinks, and many juices sell better in bottles than in cans. 

4. Perfect for Family Orders 

Bottles are seen as shareable and more “meal-friendly” for families. 

Disadvantages of Bottles 

  • Take up more fridge and stock space. 
  • Heavier to transport. 
  • Can warm up faster. 
  • Often have lower margins compared to cans. 
  • More plastic-conscious customers may avoid them. 

Still, bottles play a critical role for hydration-focused and higher-volume buyers. 

Cans vs Bottles: Which Sells Better in Different Business Types? 

1. Takeaways & Fast-Food Shops

Cans dominate. 

Why? 

Customers want quick, cold, convenient options that pair well with fried or spicy foods. 

2. Cafés

A mix works, but: 

3. Quick-Service Restaurants

A balanced mix is ideal, especially if you offer meal deals + standalone purchases. 

4. Catering Companies

Bottles often win here due to volume and resealability. 

5. Dessert Parlours

Colourful cans (Fanta, Mirinda, Rubicon) perform exceptionally well. 

6. Breakfast & Brunch Businesses

Water and juice bottles outperform fizzy cans. 

Which Format Has the Best Profit Margins? 

Here’s a simplified margin comparison: 

Format  Margin Potential  Why 
Cans  High  Lower wholesale cost, fast turnover, easy promotions 
500ml Bottles  Medium  Higher unit price but higher cost price 
Juice Bottles  Medium-High  Premium feel, higher retail price 
Water Bottles  Medium  Cheaper but slower turnover in some shops 

In general: 

  • Cans deliver the strongest cost-to-profit ratio. 
  • Bottles deliver higher revenue per purchase. 

A smart business stocks both using cans to drive volume and bottles to drive value. 

Environmental Impact: An Increasingly Important Factor 

More customers are environmentally conscious today. 

Key notes: 

  • Aluminium cans are highly recyclable. 
  • Plastic bottles are recyclable, but are still seen as less eco-friendly. 
  • Premium water brands often use high-quality PET that appeals to eco-aware customers. 

For many shops, offering both formats helps meet customer expectations. 

So… Cans or Bottles? What’s the Best Choice? 

Choose CANS if you: 

  • Run a fast-paced QSR or takeaway. 
  • Rely on fridge impulse sales. 
  • Want higher margins. 
  • Stock imported fizzy drinks. 
  • Have limited storage space. 

Choose BOTTLES if you: 

  • Offer water, juices or healthier drinks. 
  • Serve families or sit-in customers. 
  • Want higher revenue per sale. 
  • Need drinks that can be resealed. 
  • Offer all-day dining options. 

For most UK foodservice businesses, the ideal solution is a balanced mix: 

  • Cans for fast, high-turnover sales. 
  • Bottles for premium, larger-volume satisfaction. 

Magna Foodservice offers a wide selection of both bottles and cans, allowing you to create the perfect drink lineup for your business.