When summer heat hits or dessert season rolls around, paper ice cream cups become a must-have for any ice cream parlor, frozen yogurt shop, food truck, or café. Whether you serve scoops, gelato, or sundaes, choosing the right cup is key to product presentation, portion control, and customer experience.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before purchasing paper ice cream cups, including cup sizes, materials, lid options, eco-friendly choices, and custom branding—plus answers to frequently asked questions.
📦 What Are Paper Ice Cream Cups Used For?
Paper ice cream cups are disposable dessert containers made of thick paperboard, designed to hold cold and semi-frozen treats. These cups are widely used in food service for:
- Ice cream scoops
- Frozen yogurt (froyo)
- Gelato
- Sorbet
- Acai bowls
- Toppings or mix-ins
They are compatible with various lids for takeout and delivery, and are available in standard sizes with optional custom printing.
📏 Ice Cream Cup Sizes
Standard cup sizes range from small tasting cups to large sundae bowls. Common sizes include:
- 4 oz – ideal for tastings or sample servings
- 6 oz – perfect for kids’ portions or single scoops
- 8 oz – most popular for regular-sized servings
- 12 oz – great for double scoops or toppings
- 16 oz – used for sundaes, parfaits, or combo desserts
Be sure to pair each cup with the correct lid size for secure sealing.
🧱 Materials: PE, PLA, or Uncoated Paper
When it comes to choosing the right paper ice cream cup, material matters—especially if sustainability is part of your brand identity.
- PE-coated paper
- Cost-effective
- Durable and moisture-resistant
- Not compostable, but recyclable in some systems
- PLA-coated paper
- Plant-based bioplastic lining
- Commercially compostable
- Excellent for eco-conscious brands
- Uncoated paper / water-based barrier
- Minimalist and recyclable
- Better for dry or frozen applications with no melting
Choose the lining based on whether your cups will be used for dine-in, takeaway, or frozen storage.
🔒 Lid Options: PE, PLA, and Paper in Dome or Flat Styles
For takeaway or delivery, secure lid options are essential. We offer a range of ice cream cup lids to suit your packaging and branding needs:
🔹 Lid Materials
- PE plastic lids – Durable, cost-effective, good for sealing cold items
- PLA lids – Compostable and made from plant-based materials
- Paper lids – 100% paper-based, recyclable or compostable, excellent for all-paper packaging lines
🔹 Lid Shapes
- Dome lids – Allow room for toppings, whipped cream, or tall scoops
- Flat lids – Stackable and ideal for frozen storage or delivery
- Paper lids – Typically flat, used for eco-focused brands
All lids are designed to fit snugly on their corresponding cup sizes to prevent leaks and spills.
🌱 Eco-Friendly Ice Cream Packaging
Sustainable packaging is more than a trend—it’s an expectation. Customers today appreciate brands that reduce plastic and choose eco-friendly dessert containers.
When selecting green options, consider:
- PLA-coated paper cups for compostability
- Paper lids over plastic
- FSC-certified paperboard
- Biodegradable materials where possible
- Compostable or recyclable options based on local regulations
🏷️ Custom Printed Paper Ice Cream Cups (MOQ 10,000)
Branded ice cream cups turn every order into a marketing opportunity. We offer custom-printed paper ice cream cups to promote your logo, seasonal designs, or special campaigns.
- MOQ: Only 10,000 cups
- Available for all sizes (4 oz to 16 oz)
- Food-safe, full-color printing
- Quick reordering and design support
Custom packaging enhances brand recognition and adds professionalism to your customer presentation.
🛒 What to Consider Before Purchasing
Here are some key points to think about before placing your order:
- Use case: Dine-in vs takeaway vs delivery
- Storage: Stackable and temperature-tolerant
- Lid needs: Flat vs dome, material preference
- Branding: Do you need plain cups or custom printed?
- Order size & lead time: Our MOQ is 10,000 cups; lead time typically 4–6 weeks
❓ FAQ – Common Questions About Paper Ice Cream Cups
Q1: Are paper ice cream cups freezer safe?
Yes, all our cups are suitable for cold and frozen applications.
Q2: Can I customize the cups with my logo?
Absolutely! Custom printing is available for all sizes with a minimum of 10,000 cups.
Q3: What’s the best eco-friendly option?
PLA-coated cups with paper or PLA lids are compostable and ideal for sustainable brands.
Q4: Are dome lids and flat lids interchangeable?
No, dome and flat lids have different heights and uses. Both styles are available for all cup sizes.
Q5: What’s the production lead time for custom orders?
Most custom orders are produced within 4–6 weeks, depending on artwork and quantity.
Q6: Can paper ice cream cups be used for hot desserts?
No, they are designed for cold or frozen items. For hot desserts or soups, we recommend our paper soup cups instead.
🍨 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, choosing the right paper ice cream cups ensures your desserts are served with style, safety, and sustainability. From customizable branding to eco-friendly packaging, our full line of cups and lids makes it easy to meet your business needs—and delight your customers.
All our cups are food-safe, professionally printed, and backed by years of experience in sustainable food packaging.
📞 Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today to request samples, discuss custom options, or place your bulk order.
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