Current Coffee Cup Trends

The best takeaway coffee cups need to do more than simply hold a drink. Good insulation with a secure lid, strong presentation, and clear disposal guidelines all play a part in creating a better customer experience.

For cafés, bakeries and hospitality businesses, the right cup can also help strengthen your branding and make takeaway orders feel that little bit more considered.

Here are some key considerations when choosing your drink packaging.

What cups are best for takeaway coffee?

For most hot drinks, paper coffee cups remain a practical and reliable choice. The right type will depend on what you serve and how your customers usually enjoy it.

Single-wall cups can work well for smaller drinks or where sleeves are available. Double-walled coffee cups offer extra insulation, making them a good option for hotter drinks and customers taking their coffee on the go.

When choosing cups, think about:

• Drink temperature and size
• How long customers are likely to hold the cup
• Whether a sleeve will be needed
• The correct matching lid
• Disposal and compostability guidance

Reign Packaging offers a range of double-wall takeaway coffee cups, including kraft, white, Art Series, Stone and Confetti designs.

Colour is becoming part of the experience

Takeaway packaging does not have to be plain.

Colour-led ranges are a simple way to bring more personality to your counter, coffee station or takeaway orders without going fully bespoke.

Reign Packaging’s Confetti Hot Cups are available in 8oz, 12oz and 16oz double-wall formats, giving businesses a more distinctive alternative to traditional kraft or white cups.

For independent cafés and bakeries, a recognisable cup can also help create a stronger visual identity when customers carry drinks outside the premises or share them on social media.

Choosing the correct cup lid

A cup lid might seem like a small detail, but getting the fit right matters. Even slight sizing differences can lead to loose lids, spills and unnecessary waste.

Always check that the lid is designed to fit the exact cup size and range you are ordering. Reign Packaging stocks hot cup lids and accessories alongside its hot drink cups.

Keeping to fewer cup diameters across your menu can also make stock management easier, especially during busy service.

Hot cups versus cold cups

Hot and cold drinks naturally need different types of packaging.

Hot cups need good insulation and heat resistance, while cold cups benefit from visibility, secure lids and enough space for ice, toppings or straws.

Smoothies, iced coffees, and juices can therefore work better in a dedicated cold cups and lids range, rather than trying to use one cup style for everything.

How can branded cups help a café?

A branded coffee cup is a simple way to turn everyday packaging into part of your visual identity.

Adding your logo, brand colours or artwork can make your takeaway offer feel more consistent and help build recognition beyond your premises. It can be especially useful for busy cafés with strong social media activity and multiple locations.

Reign Packaging offers custom food and drink packaging, including bespoke printed cups and other branded takeaway products.

Do paper coffee cups need specialist recycling?

Often, yes. Many disposable coffee cups combine paper with a lining that makes them liquid-resistant, so they may not be suitable for standard household paper recycling.

Dedicated coffee cup recycling schemes and collection points are available in some areas, but customers should not automatically be told to place every paper cup into ordinary paper recycling.

This is where clear messaging makes a difference. Check the material and certification of your cups, then give customers disposal instructions that match both the product and the recycling services available.

FAQs

Are double-wall coffee cups better?

Double-wall cups offer extra insulation and can reduce the need for a separate sleeve. Whether they are the best choice depends on your drink temperature, serving size, and the experience you want to offer.

Can I use the same lid on different cup sizes?

Sometimes, but only where the cup diameters are compatible. Always check the supplier's specifications rather than assuming a lid will fit.

What size takeaway coffee cups should a café stock?

This depends on your menu. Many cafés stick to a small range of core sizes so they can offer variety without managing too many cup and lid combinations.

Are colourful coffee cups suitable for premium cafés?

Yes. Colour can be used strategically to complement a café's branding and create a more distinctive takeaway experience without compromising on functionality.

Should cafés offer reusable cups?

Reusable systems can be a useful addition, especially for regular customers. Disposable cups can then remain available for customers who need the convenience of takeaway packaging.