How to Select Plastic Cups, Lids, and Straws for Your Bubble Tea Shop

Although choosing clear plastic cups may seem like an afterthought after opening a bubble tea business, it is important to understand that having the right disposable tea cups can not only showcase your brand's personality, it can also create a direct connection with your customers. Making a thoughtful decision can actually help improve your business as well as cut costs in the long run. Here is Bossen's guide to finding the perfect disposable cold cups for your bubble tea shop.

Cup Selection and Your Brand

If you're running a coffee, tea, or dessert shop specializing in take-out and to-go purchases, disposable plastic cups is a great cup option. If most of your customers drive cars, consider using bubble tea cups that fit inside a cup holder. Something as simple as using multiple cup sizes could influence your entire drink menu, add extra training for your staff, and have an effect on your brand likability. Be sure to keep your shop in mind during the cup selection process.

 

Choosing Plastic Materials

There are two plastic cup types: PP (Polypropylene) and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). The more cost-effective and commonly used option are PP plastic cups. While this material has better durability and resists heat up to 248°F (120°C), it also has a lower transparency, feels flimsier with a "soft" touch, and may spill if you use lid covers. On the other hand, PET plastic cups are great if you're looking for a cup that works well with cold drinks up to 176°F (80°C). Though PET is a bit pricier, this style is elegant in appearance, has a sturdy texture, and a firmer touch.

 

Using Sealing Film or Lid Covers

The traditional packaging in Taiwan for pearl milk tea drinks usually includes a sealed film. What's great about this cover is that it takes much less storage space and leakage is nonexistent. It also boosts the customer's experience when they first insert their straw through the film, which creates a fun "pop" effect. Shops selling bubble tea at a high volume benefit the most from using the film with a sealing machine. However, for businesses that only offer tea drinks as an option, using a flat or dome-shaped lid may yield better results.

 

Picking Straw Sizes

No one likes using straws that awkwardly fit their drinks, so another factor to keep in mind is the size of your straws. There are two straw lengths (21.5cm and 23.5cm) and two diameters (8mm and 12mm) to choose from. Keep this in mind when deciding what kind of cups/lids you want to use. If your bubble tea shop sells regular boba, Bursting Boba®, jelly, aloe vera, or beans, using 12mm straws is typically the go-to choice. However, for smaller add-ons such as mini tapioca, grass jelly, or egg pudding, using 8mm straws would perfectly absorb these toppings.

 

For more information, visit Bossen's Cold Cup Page or speak with a representative at (510) 324-0168.

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