Originally prepared from the previous evening's leftovers, box-meals are now a growing enterprise serving a growing market group. Stiff competition, and consumer demands for quality and cleanliness have given rise to a marked improvement in box-meal outlets.
盒餐的發展，不僅在「量」方面增加，在「質」方面也有所提昇。早期的盒餐業多半是家庭式經營，設備簡陋，也談不上品管，便當的衛生、新鮮缺乏保證，使消費者的健康頗受威脅。