Coffee is an essential part of many people’s day. Whether individuals are brewing some at home or passing by their favorite coffee spot on the way to work, they rely on a good cup of coffee. If you own a coffee shop, cafe, restaurant, or other foodservice establishment, your business may be the place coffee-lovers turn to to get their daily fix. But, the key to your guests having an enjoyable drinking experience, aside from the coffee itself, is providing them with the best coffee cup. To help you find hot cups that are perfect for your establishment, we’ve created a detailed guide on everything you need to know about coffee cups.
Reusable Coffee Cups Vs. Disposable Coffee Cups
To start, you’ll want to know what kind of cup you’re looking for. Choosing between reusable and single-use coffee cups depends on what type of experience you are offering patrons. For example, if you own a cafe or coffee shop that mainly appeals to people looking to spend time doing work or catching up with friends, you’ll want to opt for reusable cups. But, if you plan on catering to customers who are mainly on the go, you’ll want to serve drinks in disposable cups.
Reusable cups are efficient because you can easily wash them and use them again. They offer a comforting ambiance to your establishment, making your customers feel like they’re enjoying a cup of coffee at home.
Disposable cups are convenient for patrons who want to enjoy their coffee to go. By offering takeaway coffee, your guests will appreciate that they can enjoy your menu items, but on the go.
Reusable Coffee Cup Materials
One of the most important things to keep in mind when looking for a reusable coffee cup or mug is the material it’s made of. You want the cup to be both practical and stylish to fit in with your establishment’s aesthetic. Below are the most common materials that reusable coffee cups are made from.
Melamine
Melamine is one of the best materials for coffee cups and mugs. Cups made from melamine are dishwasher-safe, extremely durable, and hard to break, meaning guests and staff don’t have to worry about being extra careful when handling these cups. Although they shouldn’t be used in the microwave, they offer great insulation and heat retention so drinks won’t need to be reheated. 
Ceramic
Ceramic coffee mugs are one of the most well-known types of coffee cups. They distribute heat evenly, keeping coffee inside the cup warm. Ceramic cups are also durable, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe, making them convenient for high-volume days at your establishment.
Stoneware
Coffee cups made of stoneware are not as popular as other materials. However, stoneware coffee cups are still a great option if you’re looking for something a little more unique, but reliable. They’re often handmade so they can come in different designs. They are also durable, dishwasher-safe, and have good insulation.
Bone China
Known for their intricate designs, coffee cups made from bone china are more beautiful than they are practical. They are fragile and delicate, making them a less-common option for serving guests at an establishment. Nevertheless, they are a great choice for special occasions due to their appearance.
Glass
Glass mugs are a very attractive option for serving coffee; they offer a sleek, modern look while also allowing patrons to see how much coffee is they have left. To keep guests’ hands safe from heat, many glass coffee cups are made with a double wall construction, a handle, or both.
Disposable Coffee Cup Materials
Similar to reusable cups, disposable cups can also be made from different materials. Although there are various options available, not all of them are ideal for serving coffee.
- Foam is good for insulation and keeping drinks warm. However, foam cups are often made with byproducts that are not good for the environment and can potentially harm people.
- Plastic cups cannot be used for hot beverages, but are great for iced coffees. While there are numerous types of eco-friendly plastics, some plastics can be harmful to the environment.
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Paper is commonly used for disposable coffee cups. This is because they are well equipped to handle hot liquids without harmful effects and are a sustainable serving option.
Paper Coffee Cup Wall Construction
With a variety of ways paper coffee cups can be made, it’s important to understand their different features to determine which ones would be the best one to purchase for your establishment.
Single Wall
Single-walled paper cups are excellent for serving hot or cold drinks, but are often used with a cup sleeve to protect hands from heat. Similar to most paper cups, single-wall hot cups are eco-friendly.
Double Wall
These coffee cups are specifically designed to be used without a sleeve. The highlighting feature of these cups is that they are constructed with a double wall which provides insulation to keep beverages inside the cup hot while keeping guests’ hands cool.
Ripple Wall
Ripple wall coffee cups feature insulation to keep coffees and teas hot. The corrugated wall offers a comfortable and secure grip, allowing you to enjoy coffee on the go. Additionally, because the walls provide an insulation system that keeps hands safe from burns, it eliminates the need for a sleeve on the cup.
Spiral Wall
Spiral wall cups keep beverages insulated so drinks stay hot on the go while protecting hands from getting burned. This removes the need for additional coffee cup sleeves. These cups also provide a comfortable grip so guests can easily take their drinks anywhere.
Coffee Cup Sizes
You likely wouldn’t serve a large latte in the same size cup you would serve an espresso. It’s essential to take note of the sizes of the cups you want to purchase. If your establishment offers a variety of coffee beverages, you’ll want cups that accompany each one. Below we’ve compiled a list of the different coffee cup sizes, as well as which drinks can be served in each one so you can choose the cups that best fit your needs.
- 4 oz: Espresso, double espresso, cortado, cappuccino, macchiato, vienna
- 8 oz: Latte, americano, flat white, cappuccino, long black, mocha
- 12 oz: Latte, cafe au lait, tea, chai latte
- 16 oz: Iced coffee, latte, cafe au lait, tea, chai latte
- 20 oz: Iced coffee, cafe au lait, or chai latte
Coffee Cup Colors
When choosing which coffee cups you want to use at your cafe, coffee shop, or restaurant, you’ll also want to consider the color. You want whichever color you choose to match your establishment's ambiance, decor, and overall style. This is an important part of your business’s branding, and your customers will notice it. You can choose black or white for a more classic look or add a pop of color with red, blue, or pink cups.
Coffee Cup Accessories
Coffee accessories allow guests to easily hold and enjoy their orders. Numerous patrons may prefer to hold on to their coffee cup with a sleeve to protect their hands or for a more secure grip. Lids are an integral part of takeaway coffee because they help prevent spills or messes. Coffee cup lids securely fit on the corresponding cup and provide guests with a comfortable drinking experience. Coffee cup sleeves and lids can also be another opportunity to add a pop of color or an element of fun to your branding and to the drinking experience. 
Which Coffee Cups Are Right For You?
The kind of coffee cup you choose to buy depends on a lot of factors. You’ll want to consider sizing, color, material, and construction when choosing cups for your establishment. No matter what, even if your patrons are coming to your establishment for the coffee, they will appreciate the extra effort and thought given to making their coffee-drinking experience memorable.
