Paper Cups: Types, Uses, Sizes & Lids for UK Businesses
Whether you run a café, takeaway, restaurant, catering business, food-to-go outlet or office, choosing the right disposable cup is important. Different drinks require different types and sizes of cups, and selecting the right option can make serving easier while creating a better customer experience.
At Well Catered, we offer a range of paper cups designed for different hot and cold beverages, along with compatible lids for takeaway service.
Here is a simple guide to help you choose the right paper cup for your business.
Types of Paper Cups
1. Single Wall Paper Cups
Single wall paper cups are a practical option for serving cold drinks, water and ice creams.
They are lightweight and convenient, making them suitable for everyday use across cafés, restaurants, events, catering and takeaway businesses.
Ideal for:
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Cold drinks
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Water
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Ice creams
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Juice and other chilled beverages
If your business mainly serves cold refreshments, single wall paper cups can be a simple and convenient choice.
2. Ripple Wall Paper Cups
Ripple wall paper cups are designed primarily for hot drinks. Their textured outer wall provides an additional layer between the hot beverage and the customer's hand.
They are particularly suitable for takeaway drinks where customers need to carry their beverages comfortably.
Ideal for:
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Coffee
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Hot tea
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Hot chocolate
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Other hot takeaway drinks
The distinctive ripple texture also gives the cup a professional appearance, making it a popular choice for cafés, coffee shops and takeaway businesses.
3. Double Wall Paper Cups
Double wall paper cups feature an additional layer around the cup, making them suitable for hot drinks and hot tea.
They are a popular choice for businesses looking for a practical takeaway cup with a more substantial feel.
Ideal for:
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Coffee
-
Hot tea
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Hot chocolate
-
Other hot beverages
Custom Branding & Printing
Double wall paper cups can also be used for branded printing, allowing businesses to display their logo, brand identity or other artwork directly on the cup.
For cafés and food-to-go businesses, branded cups can help create a consistent presentation across takeaway orders.
Paper Cup Size Guide: 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz & 22 oz
Paper cup size is usually measured in ounces (oz). Choosing the right size depends on the type of drink, serving size and how your customers typically consume it.
At Well Catered, our range includes 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz and 22 oz paper cups, giving UK cafés, takeaways and catering businesses options for different drinks and serving requirements.
8 oz Paper Cups – Small Servings
8 oz cups are a good choice for smaller hot or cold servings.
Common uses include:
- Small coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
- Smaller cold drinks
- Children's drinks
- Tasting or event servings
They are particularly useful for businesses that offer smaller drink portions.
12 oz Paper Cups – Regular Serving
12 oz cups are a versatile option for everyday drinks and are widely suitable for cafés and takeaway businesses.
Common uses include:
- Regular coffee
- Latte
- Cappuccino
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
- Iced coffee
- Cold drinks
If your menu includes standard-sized takeaway beverages, 12 oz can be a practical all-round size.
16 oz Paper Cups – Large Serving
16 oz cups are suitable for larger hot and cold beverages.
Common uses include:
- Large coffee
- Latte
- Cappuccino
- Hot chocolate
- Iced coffee
- Soft drinks
- Other larger takeaway beverages
They are a popular choice for customers who prefer a larger drink when travelling or ordering takeaway.
22 oz Paper Cups – Extra Large Serving
22 oz cups are designed for larger beverage portions, particularly cold drinks and takeaway beverages.
Common uses include:
- Large iced coffee
- Soft drinks
- Smoothies
- Milkshakes
- Large cold beverages
- Other extra-large takeaway drinks
For businesses with a high-volume cold drinks menu, 22 oz cups provide additional capacity for larger servings.
Quick Paper Cup Size Guide
| Size | Approx. Capacity | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 8 oz | 237 ml | Small coffee, tea, hot chocolate, smaller drinks |
| 12 oz | 355 ml | Regular coffee, latte, cappuccino, tea, iced coffee |
| 16 oz | 473 ml | Large coffee, hot chocolate, iced coffee, cold drinks |
| 22 oz | 650 ml | Large iced coffee, smoothies, milkshakes, cold drinks |
Capacities are approximate conversions from US fluid ounces. Actual fill capacity can vary depending on the cup design and how the beverage is served.
Which Size Should You Choose?
A simple way to select your cup size is to match it to your menu:
8 oz → Small drinks
12 oz → Regular drinks
16 oz → Large drinks
22 oz → Extra-large drinks and cold beverages
If you serve both hot and cold beverages, you may need different cup types and sizes depending on your menu.
Remember to check lid compatibility when ordering, as hot and cold cups may require different lid designs.
With Well Catered, you can choose the paper cup type and size that best fits your drinks menu from 8 oz to 22 oz.
Paper Cup Lids
Choosing the right lid is just as important as choosing the right cup, especially when drinks are being served for takeaway.
Well Catered offers lid options for both hot and cold beverages.
1. Lids for Hot Cups
Hot cup lids are designed for takeaway coffee, tea and other hot beverages.
They provide a convenient way for customers to carry their drinks while helping reduce the risk of spills during travel.
Suitable for:
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Coffee
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Tea
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Hot chocolate
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Other hot takeaway drinks
Always check that the lid matches the diameter and size of your selected cup.
2. Lids for Cold Cups with Straw Opening
Cold drink lids can include a dedicated straw opening, making them suitable for beverages that are commonly consumed with a straw.
Suitable for:
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Iced coffee
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Cold drinks
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Soft drinks
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Juice
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Smoothies
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Other chilled beverages
The straw opening makes these lids particularly convenient for takeaway cold drinks and food-to-go service.
Paper Cups for UK Cafés, Takeaways & Catering Businesses
From a morning coffee at a café to an iced drink on the go, the right cup can make serving beverages easier for both businesses and customers.
Whether you need single wall cups for cold drinks and ice creams, ripple wall cups for hot coffee and tea, or double wall cups for hot beverages and branded takeaway service, choosing the correct cup starts with understanding your menu.
At Well Catered, we provide paper cups, compatible lids and other food packaging products for businesses across the UK.
Explore our range of paper cups and choose the right type, size and lid for your drinks menu.