Have you ever thought about the cups when you are enjoying tasty ice cream or yogurt? We can see a diversity of ice creams in many different sizes of cups on the shelves when shopping. And believe it or not, choosing the right cup size can make a big difference!
Just like picking hats, ice cream cups vary in a wide range of sizes. For instance, a small cup gives a quick taste; a big one allows you to enjoy it for longer. As for kids? There’s a special size just for them! It’s like a fun game—finding the cup that fits your ice cream treats. Come with me; let’s take a journey to understand the various ice cream cup sizes!
A brief overview of sizes available (oz)
Before delving in, it’s crucial to learn about the variety of sizes available. Among all the sizes, they range from the tiny 3oz cups, ideal for trying new tastes, to the large 32 oz. versions, perfect for sharing summer treats with friends and family. Here we will go deeper to learn about different sizes of ice cream cups.
Solo Sample Cups (3 oz)
Ah, the beauty of a 3-ounce sample cup. It’s the ideal choice when you’re at the ice cream shop, undecided. A tiny but perfect size to taste-test that new gelato or frozen yogurt. The single scoop of ice cream here gives a little joy without overwhelming your senses.
Medium to Large Sundae Cups (12 oz)
A 12 oz cup is what you’d likely go for when you want more than just a taste. Add some toppings, and it becomes a mini-feast. Perfect for a day out in the park or a treat after a long day.
Shakes, Smoothies, and Floats (16 oz)
Now, if you’re in the mood for something liquidy and luscious, a 16 oz cup is your buddy. Fill it with a rich milkshake, a tangy smoothie, or a classic float. The durable paper ensures it doesn’t get soggy in minutes.
To-Go Style Serving (20 oz to 32 oz)
Ah, the large cups. They’re the ones that come to the rescue when you’re hosting a summer party or having a movie marathon at home. Ranging from 20 oz to 32 oz, these can store ice cream sundaes, multiple scoops, or even an alluring banana boat.
| Cup Size | Typical Use | Average Quantity of Ice Cream |
| 3oz | Sampling | 1 small scoop |
| 12oz | Personal treat | 2-3 scoops with toppings |
| 16oz | Shakes/Smoothies | Liquid with 1 scoop |
| 20oz-32oz | Group servings | Multiple scoops or a sundae |
Lids and Their Importance
After exploring the sizes of ice cream cups, let’s talk about adding lids to your cups. Ever tried taking your ice cream on a drive? It’s a sticky mess, right? In this case, lids might seem like a small thing, but they play a big role in keeping our ice cream safe and sound.
Choosing the right lids for different cup sizes
Here’s a simple guide to help you match lids with cup sizes:
For instance, if you’re serving a shake or a smoothie, you’d probably use a 16-ounce cup. The best lid for this would be a large snap-on lid with a hole for a straw. This way, customers can sip without any spills.
On the other hand, for personal sets with toppings, a 12-ounce cup with a medium-secure-fit lid would be perfect. It keeps the toppings in and prevents any mess.
Please remember, the key is to always think about what’s in the cup and how people will eat or drink it.
Ensuring product safety and preventing spills
Apart from lids that suit every size of cup, keeping your ice cream intact plays a vital role in product safety. It keeps the ice cream safe, ensuring no unwanted spills or drips, especially on those super-hot days when ice cream seems to melt in seconds.
Here are some tips to ensure your ice cream stays neat:
- Check the Fit: Always make sure the lid fits well on the cup. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. A perfect fit ensures no sneaky drips escape.
- Ventilation: Some lids come with tiny holes to let out steam if you’re serving something hot, like a hot fudge sundae. But for regular cold ice cream, make sure there are no other unnecessary openings.
- Easy to Open and Close: The lid should be user-friendly for customers, especially kids, to be able to open and close it easily without a struggle.
- Clear Lids: Using clear lids is preferred, which allows customers to see the delicious toppings and colors of their ice cream, making the experience even more delightful.
Biodegradable vs. Non-Biodegradable Cups
The environmental impact of cup choices
The choice between biodegradable and non-biodegradable ice cream cups is more than just an issue of personal preference; it is closely related to our ecosystem. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the United States created around 14.5 million tons of plastic containers and packaging in 2018, with just 9.7% recycled, demonstrating the bad impact of non-biodegradable materials to our planet.
Biodegradable cups, on the other hand, are less harmful to the environment since they can break down organically, transforming into compost that nourishes rather than pollutes the ground. For example, a biodegradable cup made of polylactic acid (PLA) can break down into water and carbon dioxide in 3-6 months under industrial composting conditions.
Here’s a quick comparison to show the impact of your choice:
| Type of Cup | Decomposition Time | Environmental Impact | Consumer Perception |
| Biodegradable (PLA) | 3-6 months | Low | Positive |
| Non-Biodegradable | 450- up to 1000 years | High | Negative |
Benefits of choosing biodegradable cups
Choosing biodegradable cups is not just an environmentally good choice but also a step toward sustainable consumption. According to a Shelton Group survey, 66% of customers are more inclined to buy from a brand if it uses materials that are environmentally friendly. Thus, using a biodegradable ice cream cup can reduce your carbon footprint while also connecting to customer values, perhaps improving your brand impression.
Overall, it’s a commitment to a sustainable future, ensuring that our moments of delight, represented by each scoop of ice cream, do not threaten future generations’ chance to feel the same as we do. In Yoonpak, we offer you an alternative to conventional food packaging that is not only more environmentally friendly but also more cost-effective than our typical food packaging.
Can I customize the design and logo on my ice cream cups?
The answer is certainly YES ! Customizing your ice cream cups is like giving your ice cream brand a unique outlook, and it’s a way to tell your brand story, share your values, and connect with your customers on a deeper level.
Printing and branding opportunities
When you walk into an ice cream shop, what catches your eye first? Is it the array of flavors or the vibrant designs on the cups? For many people, they will catch sight of the latter first.
That’s how good designs can make a difference.
You may create it depending on your brand’s vibe. For example, if you’ve got a love for organic and natural foods, why not highlight them with a green and earthy design? Or if your store has a retro feel, a vintage design in soft colors may be your perfect choice.Moreover, perhaps you will make use of the surroundings of your shop! Say your ice cream shop is next to a beach. A cup design with sandy beaches, seashells, and waves might create feelings of relaxation and vacation, making every scoop seem to give your consumers a mini-vacation of their own.
With today’s printing techniques, you can bring any idea to life on your ice cream cups, making them stand out. Whether it’s a detailed slogan, a catchy logo, or even a QR code that leads to a fun game on your website, there are always choices beyond your imagination.
Enhancing customer experience with unique designs
We have talked about printing and branding, but there are more things we can do, like bringing customer experience into consideration. Imagine this: Your ice cream place is in a town with a big flower fair every year. What if your paper cups had pictures of those flowers and the show’s dates? People would not only remember the show but also keep those paper cups as a fun memory.
Or, try a cup design that changes with the seasons, such as sunny and beachy for summer, leafy and warm for fall, snowy and piney for winter, and flowery and bright for spring. Designing cups for seasons can be a fun surprise for customers sometimes.
In essence, your ice cream cups are not merely containers but tiny billboards that tell people about your brand’s story, values, and features, which can be a source of joy and a creator of good memories.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Looking back, we have seen a vast world of ice cream cups. Therefore, whether you’re a business owner or a simple ice cream lover, there is no doubt that knowing your cup sizes can truly enhance your business. Choose wisely, design thoughtfully, and always remember the joy of those summer skies and those chilling and tasty scoops of ice cream.
Choose Yoonpak to get your customized ice cream cups!
YOON provides a wide range of paper ice cream bowls and cups that are perfect for any food service setting and are made from high-quality, food-grade, and eco-friendly materials. Moreover, they offer a wide range of design and printing services to create unique and eye-catching designs that will make your products stand out.
