By Kevin Chen, Senior Packaging Engineer at YQ Food Container Co.
10+ years in plastic packaging R&D │ FDA-certified production │ SGS Test Report Available
🔍 Introduction: Why Disposable Plastic Cups Still Matter
In today’s foodservice world, disposable plastic cups remain essential across cafés, juice bars, QSRs, and catering events. Their versatility, portability, and branding potential make them a go-to packaging solution—especially for cold beverages, desserts, and sampling.
In this article, we’ll explore the most popular types, sizes, and use cases for disposable plastic cups to help you make smarter bulk buying decisions.
👉 Related: Black vs. Transparent Plastic Food Containers: Pros & Cons
Materials Used in Disposable Plastic Cups
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
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High clarity and gloss
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Best for iced drinks, smoothies, and retail beverages
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Cold-use only (not microwave-safe)
PP (Polypropylene)
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Microwave-safe and flexible
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Common for soups, hot beverages, and food sampling
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Slightly more opaque but durable
PS (Polystyrene)
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Lightweight and low-cost
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Mostly used for tasting cups, small water servings, or one-time use
⚠️ Avoid foam PS cups for eco-conscious buyers—these are being phased out in many countries.
Common Sizes and Their Applications
| Cup Size | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|
| 1–2 oz | Sauce samples, condiments, medicine dosing |
| 3–5 oz | Espresso, juice tasters, jello shots |
| 8 oz | Water cups, kid-size drinks, iced tea |
| 12–16 oz | Soft drinks, smoothies, iced coffee |
| 20–24 oz | Large-size milk teas, slushies, cold brew |
| 32 oz+ | Party cups, combo meals, high-volume drinks |
👉 Internal link: 1–4 oz Portion Cups with Lids: A Complete Overview
Best Uses for Disposable Plastic Cups
1. Cold Beverages
PET cups are ideal for iced drinks and fresh juices. Pair them with flat lids or dome lids with straw holes for a complete solution.
2. Takeaway Desserts
Use clear cups for parfaits, fruit cups, or layered puddings—a great way to show off colors and textures.
3. Sample & Catering Events
Mini PP or PS cups (1–2 oz) work perfectly for food expos, supermarket samples, or health supplements.
4. Custom Branding
Most PET and PP cups allow for logo printing, either in-mold or sticker label format—important for brand exposure on delivery platforms.
Sustainability & Eco Tips
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Choose recyclable PET (#1) or PP (#5) cups
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Use PLA bioplastic cups for compostable alternatives (cold-use only)
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Offer lids made from recycled content to reduce your carbon footprint
Pro tip: Always confirm SGS/FDA food-contact compliance when buying in bulk.
✅ Conclusion: Know Your Cup Before You Sip
Whether you’re running a smoothie bar or organizing a catering event, choosing the right disposable plastic cup means balancing clarity, material, size, and function. Match the cup to the drink, and never overlook sealing options or branding potential.
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