Apparatus is disclosed for packaging a beverage component of a prepared meal having a hot food component. The meal is of the type that is purchased on a take-away or delivery basis for consumption, after transport to a dining destination and before the food component gets cold. This apparatus comprises: a pouch which defines an opening for receiving said beverage; and a spigot connected to said pouch for dispensing said beverage therefrom. The apparatus can also include means for sealing said opening to define a container and for releasing gas from said container such that, in normal use, said container remains sealed during said transport and such that, in normal use with a carbonated beverage, the carbonated beverage does not go flat before the food component gets cold. The sealing means can comprise a press-to-seal closure for sealing said opening and a labyrinth channel to vent said container.