You see them everywhere—from coffee shops to parties. But have you ever wondered what they are officially called?
Disposable cups are single-use drink containers made from paper, plastic, or foam, designed for convenience and discarded after one use.
They are widely used in food service thanks to being light, hygienic, and easily customizable.
What are those ice cream cups called?
Ice cream lovers will know the experience of eating from colorful little cups. Those ice cream cups are usually called paper ice cream cups1 or sundae cups2, made from food-grade paperboard with a moisture-resistant lining.
These cups come in many sizes, from small tasting cups to large take-home tubs. The paperboard base provides structure and a printable surface for branding or design. An inner coating—often PE (polyethylene) or PLA (a plant-based coating)—prevents leaks from melted ice cream. In some markets, they are also referred to as "frozen dessert cups3." The shape, size, and coating will depend on whether the cup will hold soft serve, gelato, or hard-packed ice cream.
| Term in Use | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paper ice cream cup | Single-serve paperboard cup with coating | Most common term |
| Sundae cup | Often for layered or topped desserts | May also be plastic |
| Frozen dessert cup | More generic term | Used in wholesale supply catalogs |
What's the best way to store ice cream cups with lids4?
Improper storage can damage cups and make them hard to use.
The best way to store ice cream cups with lids4 is to keep them in a cool, dry, and clean area, away from direct sunlight and strong odors.
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Ice cream cups are made from paperboard, so moisture is their enemy. Always store them in a closed box or sealed bag to keep out dust and humidity. Avoid stacking too much weight on top of cup cartons, as this can cause bending or warping. Lids should be stored separately but in similar dry, cool conditions. If stored in a freezer area before use, let them adjust to room temperature before serving to avoid condensation, which can weaken the coating or cause sticking.
| Storage Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Cool, room temperature or slightly lower |
| Humidity | Low humidity, under 50% |
| Light exposure | Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading/warping |
| Odor prevention | Keep away from strong-smelling goods |
Are disposable paper cups5 better than plastic?
The debate between paper and plastic cups6 has been ongoing for years. Disposable paper cups are often better for sustainability when sourced from renewable materials and compostable coatings7, but they may have limitations compared to plastic.
Paper cups are made from renewable fibers and can be coated with biodegradable PLA, making them compostable in industrial settings. They also feel better in hand for hot drinks, as they do not transmit heat as quickly. However, they usually cost more than plastic and require more storage space because they are bulkier. Plastic cups are lighter, more transparent, and often recyclable if clean, but they depend on fossil fuels and are more likely to become litter that lasts for decades.
| Feature | Paper Cups | Plastic Cups |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Renewable fibers + coating | PET, PP, or PS plastic |
| Sustainability | Better with PLA/coated paperboard | Often recyclable, not compostable |
| Cost | Higher on average | Lower per unit |
| Heat handling | More comfortable for hot drinks | Can warp with heat |
What is a disposable cup?
The term covers more than just coffee shop paper cups. A disposable cup is any drink container meant for single use, made from paper, plastic, or foam, and thrown away after serving its purpose.
Disposable cups are used when washing and reusing cups is inconvenient or impossible. They are essential in takeout services8, outdoor events, vending machines, and hospitals. The choice of material depends on the type of drink—hot or cold—and the desired branding. Foam (EPS) cups are lightweight and insulating but increasingly restricted due to environmental impacts9. Paper and PLA-lined cups are growing in popularity as businesses aim to meet eco regulations.
| Material Type | Best Use Cases | Sustainability Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | Hot or cold drinks, branding focus | Compostable/coated versions possible |
| Plastic | Cold drinks, clear presentation | Often recyclable if clean |
| Foam | Hot drinks, high insulation | Limited recycling availability |
Conclusion
Disposable cups come in many forms, from paper ice cream cups1 to plastic soda cups, each chosen for the drink type, storage needs, and environmental goals.
1.Learn about the various uses and benefits of paper ice cream cups in food service. ↩
2.Discover the materials and design features that make sundae cups ideal for desserts. ↩
3.Find out how frozen dessert cups differ from other types and their specific applications. ↩
4.Get tips on proper storage techniques to maintain the quality of ice cream cups. ↩
5.Investigate the sustainability of disposable paper cups compared to plastic options. ↩
6.Understand the advantages of plastic cups in various settings and their recyclability. ↩
7.Learn about compostable coatings and their role in making disposable cups more sustainable. ↩
8.Discover how disposable cups enhance convenience and efficiency in takeout food services. ↩
9.Explore the ecological effects of disposable cups and the importance of choosing sustainable options. ↩