At Clearly Clean, we’ve spent years understanding how packaging choices influence consumer behavior. What we’ve discovered might surprise you: the color of a meat tray can make the difference between a sale and a pass-by. In today’s competitive retail environment, where shoppers make split-second decisions, every visual detail counts.
Think about the last time you bought meat at the grocery store. Did you consciously notice the tray color? Probably not—but your brain certainly did. Research from the National Pork Producers Council revealed something fascinating: consumers consistently rated black plastic trays as holding the “best quality meat,” while other colors like blue and pink were associated with “better quality.”
This isn’t just about aesthetics. Color contrast plays a crucial role in how we perceive freshness and quality. When fresh beef sits against a black tray, the deep red color appears more vibrant and rich. It’s the same principle artists use when choosing the right frame for a painting—the background dramatically affects how we see the subject.
Black trays have become the gold standard for high-end beef cuts, and there’s solid meat packaging psychology behind this choice. The dark background creates maximum contrast with red meat, making it appear fresher and more appealing. When you see a prime ribeye on a black tray, your brain automatically associates it with premium quality—and customers are willing to pay accordingly.
White trays evoke cleanliness and purity, making them perfect for ground meats and pork products. The neutral background doesn’t compete with the meat’s natural color, allowing customers to focus on the product itself. Research shows white plastic trays consistently rank high for ground beef and pork.
Clear PET trays represent the newest trend in meat packaging psychology. They allow customers to examine products from every angle, building trust through complete visibility. In an era where consumers increasingly value transparency, clear packaging demonstrates confidence in product quality.
While color captures attention, the tray material itself carries important implications for sustainability, performance, and brand perception. Traditional polystyrene foam trays, while familiar, face growing environmental criticism. PET thermoform trays offer a compelling alternative that addresses these concerns while delivering superior performance.
PET carries the #1 resin code, making it one of the most widely recycled plastics in America. Unlike foam trays that typically end up in landfills, PET thermoforms are accepted in recycling programs serving most Americans.
Ready to elevate your meat department with sustainable, versatile, and American-made packaging solutions? Contact Clearly Clean today to learn how our colored PET thermoform trays can enhance your product presentation and help drive sales while supporting your environmental initiatives.