Why do they make food containers narrow and deep instead of wide/flat?

[dividendman]

So I'm eating my greek yogurt directly out of a large container... the yogurt is getting all over my hands as the spoon isn't long enough to get to the bottom without my hand rubbing up against the edges of the container... so I got a thinkin'  - why do they make food containers like this?

Why not make them long and flat/wide like a container you'd make brownies or something in? It goes for all of em, like ketchup, salsa, whatever.... stuff is always at the bottom, being wasted. Or I have to cut open the container to get at all of it. Is it because making large lids is a pain? Is it because there is less surface area for the food to spoil/dry out? I googled this to no avail. '

Getting peanut butter or honey out of the bottom is the worst! Especially in glass jars where you can't cut it open.

Or like chip dip? WTF. How are you supposed to get a chip all the way down there. Now you have to try to scoop the dip into another container and even then a bunch of dip stays at the bottom of the original.

Somebody help.

[Metalcat]

To minimize manufacturing costs. Lids are the most expensive part of that kind of packaging, so a tubular structure minimizes lid to jar ratio. Also, perhaps it has to do with air exposure as well, depends on the product.

Also, what kind of forest sprite utensils do you own that they don't reach the bottom of a yogurt container??

Also, spatulas are wonderful tools.

Lastly, I've only ever had chip dip that comes in a small, shallow container similar to sour cream, so no experience with that issue.

[mistymoney]

get a longer spoon? spatula?

[dividendman]

I have regular spoons but I eat yogurt directly out of the 2.5 lb (or larger) containers. Larger containers have less waste than those single serving yogurts. A spatula could work but I feel that it's still going to be hard to get the corners.

For chips, the freaking' frito/lays dips in those glass jars that are sold right beside the chips are the worst.

Dang costs. I will take the higher costs for large flat containers! Who's with me?!

Like ice cream... no real problem there. Why does ice cream get a pass? It's so easy to get to the bottom.

[Metalcat]

I have regular spoons but I eat yogurt directly out of the 2.5 lb (or larger) containers. Larger containers have less waste than those single serving yogurts. A spatula could work but I feel that it's still going to be hard to get the corners.

For chips, the freaking' frito/lays dips in those glass jars that are sold right beside the chips are the worst.

Dang costs. I will take the higher costs for large flat containers! Who's with me?!

Like ice cream... no real problem there. Why does ice cream get a pass? It's so easy to get to the bottom.

Yes, I get yogurt in the larger containers too, but have never had a problem with a large spoon being too short.

I don't eat chip dip in general, so I'm unfamiliar with these dip jars you speak of, but they sound similar to salsa jars, and if so, I would never dip straight into them. I'm big on not contaminating jars of food.

It sounds like part of the issue is that you're trying to use storage jars as serving vessels, and yeah, that's suboptimal.

As for spatulas, many of them come with 90 degree angles specifically for corners, that's exactly what they're designed for.

I go through a lot of tahini, which comes in very deep jars and spatulas always work to get out the max amount of product.

Ice cream doesn't get a pass, it's packed in cardboard often, so different economics to the packaging, and it isn't a liquid, it's filled with air so it has to be packed into containers, it can't be poured or squeezed into containers otherwise the air in it would collapse and the texture would be off.

Different physical properties so different packaging.

[Boll weevil]

Beyond what’s already been mentioned and in no particular order:
- taller containers are perceived as containing more
- large shallow containers are prone to buckle if not supported correctly. Ditto for the lids.
- limited shelf, counter, and/or fridge space. Large shallow containers are likely to have other things stacked on top of them or be stacked on top of other items, which often doesn’t work well when combined with the previous point.
- containers have to be usable. Many larger containers are narrowed or have a handle built in so they can at least be moved with one hand. Brownie pans sound a bit unwieldy for condiments, and would likely require use of a utensil to apply while most shoppers are used to pouring or squirting them out.

If I have the foresight, I’ll put sauce containers on their side and then upside down to try to maximize product usage. For peanut butter, I usually resort to scraping the container as well as I can with a butter knife.

[LD_TAndK]

I was introduced to the long handle titanium spoon (picture attached) through backpacking and would now consider throwing out all my other silverware. Only 0.7 ounces!

[NorthernIkigai]

Are you eating a whole tub that size in one go? I’m guessing not, in which case you shouldn’t eat it directly out of the tub with your spoon. This is true even if you are the only one eating it, since the spoon is transporting enzymes from your spit into the container which will affect its quality when given time. So yes, get a large spoon or ladle for transferring the amount you’re going to eat to a bowl, and then eat with a normal spoon.

[Morning Glory]

Blame the patriarchy.  Things are not made with all sizes of people in mind, and someone probably decided a long time ago to base containers on women's sizes because of the gender norms of the time, just like kitchen counter heights. For example  I am an average size woman and have no trouble reaching into the yogurt container with a regular spoon without my hand touching the side, but I can't change the string on my weed eater in the way the directions say to because my grip isn't wide enough. I have heard my DH make the same complaints about the jars so I'm assuming OP has fairly large hands.
Also I'm something like 25% more likely to die in a car crash (can't remember the exact figure), because all the testing is done on men-sized mannequins.

[Metalcat]

Blame the patriarchy.  Things are not made with all sizes of people in mind, and someone probably decided a long time ago to base containers on women's sizes because of the gender norms of the time, just like kitchen counter heights. For example  I am an average size woman and have no trouble reaching into the yogurt container with a regular spoon without my hand touching the side, but I can't change the string on my weed eater in the way the directions say to because my grip isn't wide enough. I have heard my DH make the same complaints about the jars so I'm assuming OP has fairly large hands.
Also I'm something like 25% more likely to die in a car crash (can't remember the exact figure), because all the testing is done on men-sized mannequins.

Sure....but a dude can just use a serving spoon or a spatula and be absolutely fine while we, y'know, die and shit.

Lol, in reality, no food storage containers are designed around hand size as it's not safe for hands to be inside containers of food, that would cause contamination.

No hand or utensil that goes in the mouth should ever be inside a larger food storage container, unless as Northern Ikigai said, the entire contents are going to be finished.

So they're all designed to be scooped with a proper size/shape, clean utensil.

[dividendman]

Are you eating a whole tub that size in one go? I’m guessing not, in which case you shouldn’t eat it directly out of the tub with your spoon. This is true even if you are the only one eating it, since the spoon is transporting enzymes from your spit into the container which will affect its quality when given time. So yes, get a large spoon or ladle for transferring the amount you’re going to eat to a bowl, and then eat with a normal spoon.

Usually I won't eat the tub in one go. But for greek yogurts, it's only like 700 calories for the whole thing, so maybe it's two goes. But whenever there is only one portion (for me) left I don't want to pour it into another dish, that's annoying and always leaves some at the bottom anyway.

Yeah, I'm a pretty big guy so my hands are big. But even still, I think it would be better for everyone to have flat containers. Or maybe put lids on both ends!

Maybe I'll cave and invest in a long spoon.
 

[Metalcat]

Are you eating a whole tub that size in one go? I’m guessing not, in which case you shouldn’t eat it directly out of the tub with your spoon. This is true even if you are the only one eating it, since the spoon is transporting enzymes from your spit into the container which will affect its quality when given time. So yes, get a large spoon or ladle for transferring the amount you’re going to eat to a bowl, and then eat with a normal spoon.

Usually I won't eat the tub in one go. But for greek yogurts, it's only like 700 calories for the whole thing, so maybe it's two goes. But whenever there is only one portion (for me) left I don't want to pour it into another dish, that's annoying and always leaves some at the bottom anyway.

Yeah, I'm a pretty big guy so my hands are big. But even still, I think it would be better for everyone to have flat containers. Or maybe put lids on both ends!

Maybe I'll cave and invest in a long spoon.

I don't think you're ever going to sell me on this being universally beneficial. I would 100% rather use a spatula and a bowl than pay more for packaging on staple items just to be able to eat directly from a container.

And for yogurt, they already design more expensive containers that are meant to be eaten from directly, but you yourself already said that you don't buy those. So the solution to your problem already exists, it's just more expensive because of the inefficient packaging, which you already said you would happily pay more for.

Now I'm just teasing you. But yeah, but some spatulas. Spatulas are amazing tools.

[geekette]

And spoonulas!  I got a set of these, and love them so much!  (Thermoworks thermometers are great, too). They're listed as mini, but they're 8" long, and I use them far more than the larger ones.  They're strong enough to get all the peanut butter out of the jar, and they're great for cooking too.  I'm sure you can find cheaper versions, but these are good quality.

[beekayworld]

Some of the things you mentioned (ketchup and salsa) are commonly stored in the fridge door where narrow deep containers fit perfectly.

[Dicey]

And spoonulas!  I got a set of these, and love them so much!  (Thermoworks thermometers are great, too). They're listed as mini, but they're 8" long, and I use them far more than the larger ones.  They're strong enough to get all the peanut butter out of the jar, and they're great for cooking too.  I'm sure you can find cheaper versions, but these are good quality.

Ooh, such pretty colors! I must say, I was slightly disappointed that one couldn't just purchase them as shown in the first photo, lol.

[Sailor Sam]

Okay, but etymology wise, I thought a spatula was the plastic/metal flipper thingy with slots in it.

Are you all telling me the rigid, scrape-y, silicone things are spatulas?

[Metalcat]

Okay, but etymology wise, I thought a spatula was the plastic/metal flipper thingy with slots in it.

Are you all telling me the rigid, scrape-y, silicone things are spatulas?

Yes, they're both spatulas, the name essentially means small flat tool.

[Just Joe]

Are you eating a whole tub that size in one go? I’m guessing not, in which case you shouldn’t eat it directly out of the tub with your spoon. This is true even if you are the only one eating it, since the spoon is transporting enzymes from your spit into the container which will affect its quality when given time. So yes, get a large spoon or ladle for transferring the amount you’re going to eat to a bowl, and then eat with a normal spoon.

Usually I won't eat the tub in one go. But for greek yogurts, it's only like 700 calories for the whole thing, so maybe it's two goes. But whenever there is only one portion (for me) left I don't want to pour it into another dish, that's annoying and always leaves some at the bottom anyway.

Yeah, I'm a pretty big guy so my hands are big. But even still, I think it would be better for everyone to have flat containers. Or maybe put lids on both ends!

Maybe I'll cave and invest in a long spoon.

Flat containers like casserole dishes?

[Morning Glory]

If you have an instant pot it is very easy to make your own yogurt,  then you can use whichever size container you want.

[Turtle]

Regarding spatulas and food containers, my biggest pet peeve in that context is when they make weird grooves under the label or other odd shaping to make the container look bigger while simultaneously decreasing the volume.  Ridges, bumps, and oddly shaped indentations that make it harder to use a spatula to truly get all the contents out is very annoying. 

I paid for 100% of the contents -- I want to be able to reach 100% of the contents!

[Boll weevil]

Regarding spatulas and food containers, my biggest pet peeve in that context is when they make weird grooves under the label or other odd shaping to make the container look bigger while simultaneously decreasing the volume.  Ridges, bumps, and oddly shaped indentations that make it harder to use a spatula to truly get all the contents out is very annoying. 

I paid for 100% of the contents -- I want to be able to reach 100% of the contents!

The grooves or ridges are likely there to stiffen the structure and allow the walls to be thinner. Whether or not a panel (container side or bottom) will buckle partly depends on its width to thickness ratio. To prevent buckling, you can keep the panel flat and just make it thicker or you can add features to make the large panel behave like a collection of smaller panels. The boundaries of the smaller panels are defined by the ridges and bumps.

The manufacturer’s counter argument would probably be that if they kept the packaging with smooth sides, they’d compensate by making smaller packages to keep the product/packaging ratio the same, so you’re getting the same amount either way.

[dividendman]

If you have an instant pot it is very easy to make your own yogurt,  then you can use whichever size container you want.

For some reason making my own didn't cross my mind... I have all the time in the world and am going to try this when I'm back from my trip! Thanks! I wonder if I can make extra-protieny Greek yogurt by using fair life milk or something, hrm.

[Metalcat]

If you have an instant pot it is very easy to make your own yogurt,  then you can use whichever size container you want.

For some reason making my own didn't cross my mind... I have all the time in the world and am going to try this when I'm back from my trip! Thanks! I wonder if I can make extra-protieny Greek yogurt by using fair life milk or something, hrm.

and then you can store it in flat, low containers like these, and use however a tiny spoon you prefer

https://www.amazon.ca/50-Pack-Reusable-Containers-Microwave-Storage/dp/B07NF9RXWM/ref=asc_df_B07NF9RXWM/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459604457190&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6538088063462841379&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000004&hvtargid=pla-670458511891&mcid=6afda81a57ed3209bf6a2fb7aeaae62b&th=1

[dividendman]

If you have an instant pot it is very easy to make your own yogurt,  then you can use whichever size container you want.

For some reason making my own didn't cross my mind... I have all the time in the world and am going to try this when I'm back from my trip! Thanks! I wonder if I can make extra-protieny Greek yogurt by using fair life milk or something, hrm.

and then you can store it in flat, low containers like these, and use however a tiny spoon you prefer

https://www.amazon.ca/50-Pack-Reusable-Containers-Microwave-Storage/dp/B07NF9RXWM/ref=asc_df_B07NF9RXWM/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459604457190&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6538088063462841379&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000004&hvtargid=pla-670458511891&mcid=6afda81a57ed3209bf6a2fb7aeaae62b&th=1

I already have those for my meal preps! Mwahahaha... the plan is coming together.

I guess the answer is just to make all my own stuff. I wonder how hard/cost effective it is to make these condiments (mayo, ketchup, mustard, PB, etc).

[Metalcat]

If you have an instant pot it is very easy to make your own yogurt,  then you can use whichever size container you want.

For some reason making my own didn't cross my mind... I have all the time in the world and am going to try this when I'm back from my trip! Thanks! I wonder if I can make extra-protieny Greek yogurt by using fair life milk or something, hrm.

and then you can store it in flat, low containers like these, and use however a tiny spoon you prefer

https://www.amazon.ca/50-Pack-Reusable-Containers-Microwave-Storage/dp/B07NF9RXWM/ref=asc_df_B07NF9RXWM/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459604457190&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6538088063462841379&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000004&hvtargid=pla-670458511891&mcid=6afda81a57ed3209bf6a2fb7aeaae62b&th=1

I already have those for my meal preps! Mwahahaha... the plan is coming together.

I guess the answer is just to make all my own stuff. I wonder how hard/cost effective it is to make these condiments (mayo, ketchup, mustard, PB, etc).

mayo is easy, but it doesn't keep; mustard is pretty easy just google "prepared mustard recipe" and it keeps pretty well; PB is unfathomably easy, just put peanuts in a processor, and it keeps well, but it doesn't taste like commercial PB, which is more like peanut icing than peanut butter; I've never seen anyone successfully make ketchup.

But with a lot of those condiments, the purpose of tall bottles is to minimize surface area and oxygen exposure.

[NorthernIkigai]

I've made mustard in the past and it's been delicious, but I don't use mustard that often. Recently, I've started making my own "chocolate spread": just hazelnuts, dates, cocoa powder (the proper dark stuff, not the sugary one), a little salt, and a little water. It's amazing once you find just the right ratio of ingredients, and super-healthy.

[markpst]

I just use a soup spoon myself.

I appreciate the explanations - I never thought about this before.