Many people think 4 oz cups are only for samples, but in reality, they are a best-selling size in the frozen dessert market for single servings, promotions, and kids’ treats.
Yes — 4 oz paper ice cream cups are a standard, widely used size for small portions like single scoops, yogurt, and frozen desserts, popular in retail, catering, and promotional events.
I see them in almost every factory catalog I audit, usually alongside 5 oz and 8 oz sizes as part of a product series.
How to Choose the Size of an Ice Cream Cup?
Choosing the wrong capacity can lead to waste or a poor serving experience.
Match portion size to target customers and product type — small cups for samples or kids, medium for standard servings, large for sharing.
I once worked with a gelato chain that switched from 8 oz to 5 oz for most flavors — sales stayed the same, but waste dropped 20%.
Common Capacity Categories
| Capacity Range | Typical Sizes | Best For | Target Users | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100–200 ml | 2–4 oz | Mini cups, samples, kids | Children, dieters | Lower calories, less waste |
| 250–350 ml | 8–12 oz | Main single serving | Teens, adults | Balance of portion and convenience |
| 500+ ml | 16 oz+ | Sharing desserts | Families, parties | Suits multi-person occasions |
Standard Capacity of Ice Cream Cups
Many buyers forget there are standard tolerances for cup volume.
The nominal capacity and actual fill volume must match within allowed deviation — for example, ≤100 ml cups can vary by up to ±5%, and fill lines must meet labeling rules.
In compliance checks, I’ve found some cups labeled “4 oz” actually held only 95 ml to the fill line — not acceptable for exports.
Key Capacity Standards
- ≤100 ml: Allowable deviation ±5%
- Fill line placement: 10 mm or less from rim
- No printing on inner 15 mm from the rim except capacity mark
Size Specification of Ice Cream Cups
Size defines stackability1, lid fit, and branding options.
Typical 4 oz paper cups measure around 73×60×48 mm (top dia × base dia × height), but variation exists by shape and wall thickness.
Cup size must match lid dimensions precisely — I once saw a batch rejected because the lids were 1 mm too big, leading to loose fits.
Common Size Table
| Volume (ml) | Ounces | Common Size (mm) | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80–100 | 2–3 | 62×48×48 | Mini, tasting cups |
| 150–200 | 5–6.5 | 85×73×51 | Single scoop |
| 250–300 | 8–9 | 96×80×54 | Two scoops, sundaes |
| 350–500 | 12–16 | 101×80×75 | Large milkshakes |
Choice of Ice Cream Cup Material
Material affects safety, appearance, and eco-impact.
Most paper cups use food-grade paper with PE or plant-based waterproof coating, but plastic (PP/PET) and compostable bio-materials are also popular.
In my sourcing projects, I always match materials to the client’s storage, serving temperature, and sustainability goals.
Common Materials and Uses
| Material Type | Features | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Food-grade paper + PE coat | Strong, moisture-proof | Cold dessert, quick-serve outlets |
| Paper + plant-based coat | Compostable, eco-friendly | Premium, sustainability-focused brands |
| PP / PET plastic | High clarity, durable | Pre-packed ice cream, retail shelves |
| PLA / bamboo fiber | Compostable, premium appearance | Eco promotions, export to green markets |
Conclusion
4 oz paper ice cream cups2 are a market staple for small servings. Choose the right size based on portion needs, follow capacity standards3, match lid compatibility, and select materials that balance cost, safety, and sustainability.