Running a successful takeaway in the UK is becoming more challenging every year. Prices change often, competition grows stronger and customers expect fast service with consistent food quality. The takeaways that continue to grow in 2026 all have one thing in common. They choose the right food items to buy in bulk.
Bulk buying is not only about saving money. It improves consistency, reduces preparation time and ensures you never run out of the essentials that keep your kitchen running smoothly. In this guide we explore the most profitable food items your takeaway should stock in bulk to increase margins and reduce stress.
Frozen Meat High Margin Low Wastage
Frozen chicken fillets wings thighs and strips are among the strongest profit generators for takeaways.
Why frozen meat is so profitable
- Long storage life with almost no wastage
- Stable pricing compared to fresh meat
- Faster preparation
- Reliable quality every batch
Top selling options
- Chicken strips
- Wings
- Fillets for burgers
- Popcorn chicken
Frozen meat is perfect for fast food shops and takeaways with high order volume. Many shops save hundreds of pounds each month by choosing frozen meat over fresh.
Marinated Meat Saves Hours and Improves Consistency
Marinated chicken wings tikka strips shawarma mixes and grilled items are extremely popular among takeaways.
Benefits of using marinated items
- Saves hours of staff time every day
- Flavour stays consistent regardless of the chef
- Predictable cooking time
- Easier for new staff to follow recipes
Great for fast food shops shawarma shops grilled chicken restaurants and meal deals.
Frozen Sides The Highest Profit Category
Most takeaways earn some of their best profit margins from frozen sides. These include fries wedges onion rings hash browns and appetisers.
Why frozen sides are essential
- One year shelf life
- No preparation required
- Easy portion control
- Cook in minutes
- Very high customer demand
Top profit makers
- Fries
- Peri salted fries
- Onion rings
- Mozzarella sticks
- Jalapeno bites
Frozen sides often deliver profit margins between sixty and seventy five percent.
Customers judge your food partly by the packaging it arrives in. Good packaging improves heat retention presentation and prevents leaks.
Why packaging boosts profits
- Lower cost per unit when bought in bulk
- Faster order packing
- Fewer customer complaints
- Better photos for social media and delivery apps
Perfect for burgers wraps rice boxes grills and family meals.
Summary Table
| Category | Profit Potential | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen Meat | Very strong | Consistent quality low wastage |
| Marinated Meat | Excellent | Saves time improves flavour |
| Frozen Sides | Outstanding | High margin fast cooking |
| Soft Drinks | Strong | Easy add on stable sales |
| Breading Base | Steady | Essential for crispy chicken |
| Packaging | High | Better customer satisfaction |