Printing is more than decoration for ice cream cups—it’s a key part of the brand’s image and consumer impression.
The four common printing methods are flexo1, offset2, silk screen3, and digital printing4, each with different costs, speeds, and effects.
From my experience, the right printing method depends on your batch size, budget, and how fine the design details are.
Printing Method Comparison
| Printing Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexo Printing | Fast, low cost, good for mass production | Less detail accuracy | Large runs of regular designs |
| Offset Printing | High accuracy, rich colors | Higher cost, needs protective lamination | Premium branding with detailed graphics |
| Silk Screen | Supports metallic and special effect inks | Slow, high cost, limited to local prints | Highlighted logos or metallic details |
| Digital Printing | No plates, can change designs quickly | High unit cost, not for huge runs | Small-batch or event-specific designs |
Can Ice Cream Paper Cups5 Be Frozen in the Refrigerator?
Yes, but not all ice cream paper cups perform well under freezing conditions.
Double PE-coated paper cups resist water absorption and stay firm in cold storage, making them suitable for refrigeration and freezing.
When I supply for ice cream shops, I recommend sealing cups in bags or boxes to prevent odor absorption in the freezer.
Storage Tips
- Choose Material: Use double PE-coated6 paper to prevent softening from condensation
- Keep Sealed: Store in airtight bags or boxes to block odors and moisture
- Temperature Control:
- 0–4°C: For short-term storage (1–2 hours)
- -18°C or lower: For long-term storage
- Printing Quality: Low-grade inks and coatings can crack or fade after freezing
Can Ice Cream Be Embossed with Gold?
Ice cream itself can carry gold-like effects either with edible decoration or via packaging.
Edible gold leaf can be placed on ice cream, while gold foil stamping7 can be applied to the cup design for premium presentation.
I’ve helped brands create a high-end image by combining edible gold leaf8 with shiny foil cup branding for social media buzz.
Gold Options
- Edible Gold Leaf: Thin, tasteless, safe to consume, visually impressive for luxury items
- Packaging Foil Stamping: Applies metallic film to logo or text, ideal with embossing or UV effects
Pro Tip: Combine both for maximum impact in upscale markets.
What Are the Common Sizes of Ice Cream Cups?
Ice cream cups come in multiple sizes to match portion sizes and toppings.
Sizes range from 3oz for single scoops to 16oz for large sundaes and sharing portions.
When I help clients select cup sizes, I start with their serving size plan, because over- or under-sized cups impact cost and presentation.
Size Reference Table
| Size (oz) | Capacity (ml) | Dimensions (Top×Bottom×Height mm) | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 90 | 70×58×42 | One scoop, small serve |
| 4 | 120 | 76×62×48 | One to two scoops |
| 5 | 150 | 76×58×63 | Two scoops with toppings |
| 8 | 240 | 92×78×61 | Three scoops, sundaes |
| 12 | 360 | 101×80×75 | Yogurt, shaved ice, sundaes |
| 16 | 480 | 112×88×83 | Large servings, sharing |
What Is the MOQ9 for Ice Cream Cups?
MOQ9 (Minimum Order Quantity) varies by printing method, material choice, and whether the design is standard or custom.
Mass-produced designs usually require 50,000+ units, but small runs can be done with digital printing4.
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I often advise clients to align their order quantity with at least half-year sales to get better per-unit pricing.
MOQ9 Reference
| Type | MOQ9 Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard custom (flexo1/offset2) | 50,000–100,000 | Best unit cost for consistent demand |
| Ready stock / simple designs | From 1,000 | Often digital printing4, higher unit cost |
| High-end custom (PLA or special) | 200,000+ | Includes unique coatings or molds |
| Small-batch test orders | As low as 1 box | Limited design flexibility, higher per-unit cost |
Conclusion
The ideal ice cream cup combines the right printing method, freezer-safe material, appealing size, and order quantity—plus branding touches like foil or gold to lift the presentation.
1.Explore the benefits of flexo printing for cost-effective mass production of ice cream cups. ↩
2.Learn how offset printing can enhance the quality and branding of your ice cream cups. ↩
3.Discover how silk screen printing can add unique effects to your ice cream cup designs. ↩
4.Find out why digital printing is ideal for small-batch and customizable ice cream cup designs. ↩
5.Learn what ice cream paper cups are, their materials, and best uses to choose the right type for your business or event. ↩
6.Understand how double PE-coated cups can improve the performance of ice cream cups in cold storage. ↩
7.Learn how foil stamping can elevate the branding of your ice cream cups. ↩
8.Explore the luxurious appeal of edible gold leaf for enhancing ice cream presentation. ↩
9.Get insights into minimum order quantities and how they affect your ice cream cup purchases. ↩