PET Cup Sizes Explained: Which Sizes Sell Best in the F&B Industry?

In the fast-moving food and beverage (F&B) industry, packaging isn’t just a necessity—it’s a powerful part of your customer experience and brand image. Whether you're operating a smoothie bar, café, juice shop, or bubble tea chain, choosing the right PET cup sizes is key to cost control, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular PET cup sizes for cold drinks, their best use cases, and why buying in bulk could benefit your business.

Why Cup Size Matters in Cold Beverage Packaging

When choosing the right cold drink PET cup, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Your cup size affects:

• Serving portion and pricing strategy
• Material cost and storage needs
• Compatibility with sealing or lid systems
• Customer perception of value

By selecting the right PET cup size, you not only enhance presentation but also improve inventory control and reduce waste.

12oz PET Cup: Ideal for Iced Coffees, Teas, and Small Smoothies

The 12oz PET cup is one of the most versatile sizes in the industry. It’s commonly used for regular iced coffee, fruit teas, and kid-sized beverages. This compact size is perfect for takeout menus with lower price points or when offering small portions.

Best for:

• Iced teas and black coffee
• Cold brew samples or small juices
• Low-calorie smoothie options

16oz PET Cup: The Most Popular Standard Size

The 16oz PET cup is widely regarded as the industry standard. It strikes a balance between portion size and cost-effectiveness, making it the go-to size for most beverage chains. If you're offering medium-sized drinks or layered beverages, this is the ideal cup.

Best for:

• Medium iced lattes or milk teas
• Layered fruit teas
• Flavored sparkling waters

24oz PET Cup: Perfect for Premium Drinks and Upselling

Looking to increase your average ticket value? The 24oz PET cup is the top choice for premium drinks like loaded milkshakes, extra-large bubble teas, or smoothies with toppings. It’s also great for customers who want to share a drink or take it on the go.

Best for:

• Signature milkshakes with toppings
• Bubble teas with extra pearls
• Fresh fruit smoothies

Choosing the Right Mix of PET Cup Sizes for Your Menu

Most successful F&B brands offer at least two or three PET drink cup sizes to cater to different customer preferences. For example:

• Small: 12oz PET cup
• Medium: 16oz PET cup
• Large: 24oz PET cup or 32oz PET cup

Working with a reliable PET cup supplier allows you to stock various cup sizes with matching lids, enabling faster service and better portion control.

Bulk Purchasing: Save More with PET Cup Size Bundles

Buying PET cups in bulk—especially your top-selling sizes—can significantly lower your cost per unit and prevent mid-service shortages. Suppliers often offer bulk 12oz, 16oz, or 24oz PET cup bundles, complete with matching dome or flat lids.

Final Thoughts: Match the Cup Size to the Experience You Want to Deliver

The right PET cup sizes support your beverage quality, brand perception, and operational goals. Whether you're offering budget-friendly drinks or premium creations, aligning your packaging to your product strategy is essential.

Need help choosing the best mix of PET cups for your café or drink business? We supply 12oz, 16oz, and 24oz PET cups in bulk with matching lids, custom printing options, and reliable delivery. Contact us today to get a free quote or sample pack.