Paper cups are now a go-to choice for cafés, QSR chains, takeaway counters, corporate offices, and dessert brands. But not all paper cups are designed the same. The cup you select should match the drink’s temperature, the service style (dine-in or takeaway), and whether you need a lid or custom branding.
Choosing the right type of paper cup ensures leak resistance, a better customer experience, and improved brand perception. In this guide, we explain which paper cup is suitable for hot or cold drinks and ice cream and when custom-printed cups make sense.
Single-Wall Paper Cups — Best for Cold & Mild Beverages
These cups have two layers of paper, creating a thermal barrier that protects hands from heat and retains drink temperature.
Best For:
Cappuccino
Latte
Masala tea
Hot chocolate
Herbal tea
Use With Lid?
Highly recommended
- Sipper lid for takeaway
- Heat-resistant lids for travel beverages
Why Choose?
Premium feel, strong insulation, better for coffee shops and takeaway.
Double-Wall Paper Cups — Ideal for Hot Drinks
These cups have two layers of paper, creating a thermal barrier that protects hands from heat and retains drink temperature.
Best For:
- Cappuccino
- Latte
- Masala tea
- Hot chocolate
- Herbal tea
Use With Lid?
Highly recommended
- Sipper lid for takeaway
- Heat-resistant lids for travel beverages
Why Choose?
Premium feel, strong insulation, better for coffee shops and takeaway.
Ripple-Wall Paper Cups — Maximum Grip & Heat Protection
Ripple cups add a textured outer layer that boosts insulation and grip.
Best For:
- Filter coffee
- Premium tea
- Very hot beverages
Use With Lid?
Works best with sipper lids for takeaway.
Why Choose?
No sleeves required. Stylish. Ideal for speciality cafés and corporate vending.
Ice-Cream & Dessert Paper Cups — Thick & Sturdy
These cups are specifically made for frozen desserts.
Best For:
- Ice-cream
- Gelato
- Sundaes
- Frozen yogurt
- Custard
- Sorbet
Use With Lid?
- Dome lids for toppings
- Flat lids for takeaway
Why Choose?
They maintain shape in low temperatures and prevent sogginess when ice cream melts.
Cold-Drink Paper Cups — Condensation Resistant
Designed for chilled beverages with coatings that resist moisture.
Best For:
- Iced coffee
- Smoothies
- Milkshakes
- Cold brews
- Mocktails
Use With Lid?
Dome lids + straw lids recommended.
Why Choose?
Great for QSRs, beverage kiosks, and cafés.
Custom Printed Paper Cups — Branding That Travels
One of the most powerful advantages of paper cups is branding potential. Custom-printed paper cups turn a simple serving item into a mobile marketing tool.
Why Choose Custom Branding?
- Enhances brand identity
- Promotes café or restaurant name
- Acts as free advertising when customers carry it outdoors
- Improves customer perception of quality
- Perfect for Instagram-friendly beverage presentation
Best For:
- Cafés & coffee chains
- Fast-food/QSR
- Corporate events
- Ice-cream parlours
- Bakeries
- Cloud kitchens
- Beverage kiosks
- International trade fairs and promotions
Print Options:
- Single-color / multi-color
- Kraft brown or premium white base
- Matte or glossy finish
- Custom lids for matching brand colors
Brand Exposure Insight:
A takeaway coffee cup may be seen hundreds of times during a commute, office hours, or events. That’s why global chains like Starbucks, Costa, and Tim Hortons use branded cups as a key marketing asset.
For packaging companies like WSCS India, branding & printing adds value without major cost increases, making it a smart choice for both SMEs and large hospitality chains.
Quick Selection Guide
| Beverage | Cup Type | Lid |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Tea | Double / Ripple | Yes |
| Hot Coffee | Double / Ripple | Yes |
| Iced Coffee | Cold Cup | Straw lid |
| Smoothies | Cold Cup | Dome lid |
| Soft Drinks | Single or Cold Cup | Straw lid |
| Ice-cream | Dessert Cup | Dome lid |
| Juice | Single-Wall | Optional |
Takeaway
- Single-wall cups suit cold/room-temperature drinks.
- Double-wall and ripple cups are perfect for hot beverages.
- Dessert cups are ideal for ice-cream and frozen treats.
- Cold-drink cups work best for chilled beverages.
- Lids improve convenience and prevent spills.
- Custom printed cups enhance brand recognition and marketing.
Choosing the right cup improves safety, customer satisfaction, and brand value—while responsibly serving beverages across cafés, QSRs, corporate spaces, bakeries, and ice-cream shops.
Also read
Why QSRs Are Switching to Paper Cutlery Worldwide
