Single Wall vs Double Wall Paper Cups: How Should Coffee Shops Choose?

The paper cup you choose shapes customer comfort¹, brand image, and profit.

Single wall cups² are cheaper and lighter. Double wall cups³ offer better heat insulation⁴, comfort, and a premium feel. The best choice depends on drink temperature, budget, and customer expectation.

I’ve watched cafés change their cup type and see direct improvements in customer reviews⁵—showing how much the right choice matters.

What Are the Core Differences Between Single Wall and Double Wall Cups?

The construction sets the difference in heat handling, condensation control⁶, weight, and cost.

Single wall cups² use one coated paper layer, while double wall cups add an extra wrap to trap air and improve insulation.

In my experience, many coffee chains use a mix—single wall for cold or dine‑in, and double wall for takeaway in colder months.

Is a Double Wall Cup Always Better?

From a comfort and safety point of view, often yes.

Double walls protect hands from heat, keep drinks hot longer, and offer more branding space.

However, if your focus is budget and cold drinks, single wall cups are enough, with heat sleeves on hot drinks as needed. Brands focused on hot takeaway⁷ benefit most from double wall. The comfortable surface lets customers hold even a 90 °C drink without a sleeve, while full coverage printing adds brand impact.

One café I worked with switched to double wall in winter. Sales rose slightly, but customer reviews⁵ praising the “comfortable cups” rose sharply.

What Are the Standard Coffee Cup Sizes?

Cup size choice depends on drink style and market norms.

The common takeaway sizes are 8 oz (240 ml), 12 oz (360 ml), 16 oz (480 ml), and 20 oz (600 ml+).

• 8 oz: Single shot latte, Americano, small cappuccino.
• 12 oz: Standard latte size worldwide, hot or cold use.
• 16 oz: Large takeaway, iced coffee or frappes.
• 20 oz: Mostly North American, for extra‑large iced drinks.

From my advising work, I’ve seen 12 oz fit 70% of drink menus, making it the safest size to stock in bulk.

Which Coffee Cup Size Is Most Popular?

One size sells more than all others in cafés worldwide.

The 12 oz cup accounts for about 42% of hot takeaway⁷ orders globally.

Coffee Business World 2023 data shows:

• 12 oz: ~42% usage, core hot takeaway⁷ cup.
• 8 oz: ~27%, mainly specialty coffee and in‑house service.
• 16 oz: ~20%, for large hot takeaway⁷ and iced coffee.

When setting up a cup order plan, I tell clients to make 12 oz the main stock, with smaller runs of 8 oz and 16 oz.

How Should Your Business Choose?

The right pick balances product mix, customer feel, and budget.

For hot takeaway⁷ focus, use double wall. For cold or in‑house sales, single wall is fine, adding sleeves when needed.

Checklist for choice:

• Drink temperature: ≥70 °C does better in double wall or with sleeves.
• Customer experience: Premium brands gain more value from double wall.
• Budget: Choose single wall for lower cost, add sleeves selectively.
• Eco goal: Both can use PLA or water‑based coatings for compostable versions.

One tea brand I helped uses single wall PLA cups for iced teas in‑store, but switches to double wall PLA for hot delivery drinks. This keeps costs in check while matching performance to real needs.

Conclusion

Single wall cups² save cost and work for cold or quick hot drinks. Double wall cups³ give better comfort and insulation for hot takeaway⁷. Match the cup type to drink heat, customer focus, and budget to get the best results for your café.