Paper cups for hot and cold drinks are increasingly replacing disposable plastic cups. They are easier to recycle, reduce the environmental footprint, and are also easy to brand. Many beverage outlets prefer to order customised paper cups https://univest-pack.com/custom-paper-cups/ of different sizes to improve brand visibility.
In UK cafés and coffee shops, paper cup sizes tend to be standardised to support efficient service, portion control and customer familiarity. These sizes reflect typical beverages, consumption habits and equipment compatibility, and are therefore widely adopted by independent cafés, chains and mobile coffee vendors.
- One of the smallest sizes in common use is 4 oz (approximately 120 ml). This cup is primarily used for espresso, espresso macchiato and small samples. It is also popular for serving espresso-based drinks in specialty coffee settings where beverages are consumed quickly at the counter. Due to its limited volume, the 4 oz cup is rarely used for takeaway milk-based drinks.
- Another widely used size is the 6 oz (around 180 ml) cup, which is particularly popular for flat whites and small cappuccinos. In the UK, flat whites are traditionally served in smaller cups than lattes, and the 6 oz cup aligns well with this drink’s intended milk-to-coffee ratio. This size is also used for children’s hot chocolates and small takeaway teas.
- The 8 oz (around 240 ml) paper cup is one of the most common sizes in UK cafés. It is often used for takeaway cappuccinos and flat whites, as well as standard hot drinks in independent coffee shops. The 8 oz size strikes a balance between portion control and portability, and it is well suited to double-walled or rippled cup formats that enhance heat retention and handling comfort.
- The 10 oz (around 300 ml) cup is a popular choice for larger cappuccinos, lattes and hot chocolates. While not always offered as the standard size in all cafés, it is popular in places offering flexible sizing without moving directly to larger options. This size is particularly popular in convenience stores and takeaway food outlets.
- The 12 oz (approximately 340-355 ml) cup is one of the most popular sizes in the UK coffee industry. It is the standard choice for lattes, mochas and large teas. Many national coffee chains use 12 oz as their default medium size, so it is familiar to many customers. Its capacity comfortably holds milk-heavy drinks while remaining easy to carry.
- For customers seeking larger servings, the 16 oz (around 450-470 ml) cup is widely available. This size is used for large lattes, takeaway teas and speciality drinks, such as flavoured coffees or seasonal beverages. It is particularly popular in commuter locations and drive-through coffee shops, where drinks are often enjoyed over a longer period.
- Less commonly, 20 oz (around 590 ml) cups may be offered in selected locations, particularly for iced drinks or promotional beverages. However, this size is less common in traditional UK cafés than smaller formats.
Overall, UK cafés rely on a core range of five paper cup sizes – 4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz and 16 oz – to support menu clarity, operational efficiency and customer expectations across diverse coffee service formats.
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