Short answer
Which disposable coffee cups with lids should a café buy?
Most cafés need three cup sizes (8oz, 12oz and 16oz) with matching sip lids. Choose double wall paper cups if you want customers to hold hot drinks without a sleeve; single wall cups work with sleeves and cost less per unit. Always buy lids that are specified for your exact cup size and rim, and order by the case so you never run short during the colder months when hot drink sales rise.
Single wall vs double wall cups
Single wall cups are the lowest cost option and suit quick, short-distance drinks — pair them with a cup sleeve for hot coffee. Double wall cups add an insulating outer layer, so they feel cooler to hold and look more premium without a separate sleeve.
If you sell mostly lattes and flat whites to take away, double wall cups save time at the counter. If most of your volume is filter coffee or tea, single wall with sleeves is often the better value.
Which sizes to stock
Keep your range tight so stock is easy to manage and reorder.
- 8oz: flat whites, cortados, small teas and kids' hot chocolates.
- 12oz: the standard size for lattes, cappuccinos and Americanos.
- 16oz: large drinks and seasonal specials such as spiced lattes.
- Lids: buy lids made for the cup's rim size — a poor fit is the main cause of leaks and complaints.
How much to order for the autumn and winter peak
Look at last month's cup usage and add a buffer for colder weather and the run-up to Christmas. Ordering a full case of your top two sizes keeps the unit price down, and next-day top-ups cover any surprise busy weeks.
Order before 12pm for next-working-day delivery across London on our dedicated fleet, with free delivery on orders over £59.
Want your logo on the cup?
Branded cups turn every takeaway into advertising. Tell us your sizes and quantities and we will quote custom printed cups — see our Christmas cup guide for lead times.
Key takeaways
- Stock 8oz, 12oz and 16oz cups with lids specified for each size.
- Double wall cups remove the need for sleeves; single wall is cheaper per unit.
- Order by the case before the winter peak and top up with next-day delivery.
- DORU can quote plain or custom printed cups within one working day.
Author
Lan Olitoquit
Creative and Marketing Professional
Lan is a creative and marketing professional with over seven years of experience. He transforms brand messaging into compelling digital experiences, using data to craft high-converting campaigns. He is currently pursuing an MBA at San Beda College Alabang, bridging what business knows with what business does.
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