What Are the Little Plastic Cups Called?

Ever wondered what those tiny small plastic cups are called? You know, the ones holding ketchup, ranch dressing, or a sample of that mystery sauce at your favorite fast-food joint? To give you a quick answer: These miniature containers are most commonly called soufflé cups, portion cups, or simply small plastic cups with lids.

Whether you call them PET cups, disposable cups, or sauce containers, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about these everyday essentials.

Ceramic vs. Plastic: The Tale of Mini Plastic Cups with Lids

To really get to the bottom of this, we need to split these mini marvels into two categories: ceramic and plastic.

Ceramic Cups: The Classic Ramekin

Ceramic cups, also known as ramekins, are the fancy ones you see in upscale restaurants or on cooking shows. They’re reusable, oven-safe, and perfect for serving baked soufflés (hence the original name), desserts, or individual portions of mac and cheese. They bring a classy touch, but they require washing and care.

Plastic Soufflé Cups: Everyday Convenience

 The plastic counterparts—often referred to as disposable plastic cups with lids or portion cups—are designed for pure convenience. They offer:

• Single-use practicality: No washing required.
• Hygienic handling: Perfect for takeout and food prep.
• Secure closures: A cup with a flat lid prevents spills during transit. Most of these are made of strong, clear PET plastic, while others might use PP, especially when you need a PP plastic cup with lid for holding warmer contents.

What Do Restaurant Folks Call Soufflé Cups?

Step into the world of restaurant lingo, and you’ll hear some interesting terminology. Those elegant ramekins? They’re reserved for the heavy-duty ceramic or reusable plastic cups, the kind that hold sides of sauce or small appetizers in style. They’re dishwasher-safe and built to last, so they make sense in busy kitchens.

But the portion cups? That’s the name of the game for disposables. These are the trusty sidekicks of to-go orders, perfect for condiments, dressings, and even small dessert samples. Kitchen staff usually refer to them simply as portion cups. They are the trusty sidekicks of to-go orders. You'll often hear, "Grab a portion cup for the ranch!" or "We’re out of lids for plastic cups!" They are the ultimate plastic cup containers for condiments and dressings.

Why We Love Disposable Portion Cups (And You Should Too)

Disposable portion cups might not be glamorous, but they’re absolute lifesavers. Let’s take a moment to appreciate their many perks:

• Convenience is Key: No washing, no hassle. Use, toss, repeat. Disposable cups save time in restaurants and at home.

• Perfect Portions: Ever tried to guess how much ranch dressing you need? With sizes ranging from 1 oz to 4 oz, these cups have you covered. Consistency has never been so easy.

• Material Options: While many are made of plastic, the eco-conscious can opt for PET soufflé cups. These recyclable wonders are sturdy, crystal clear, and a great choice for reducing your environmental footprint. Many of disposable cups are made of PET. Learn more about why PET cups are preferred over other materials in this article: Why Are PET Plastic Cups the Top Choice Over Glass and Paper?

• Lids for the Win: Small plastic cups with lids prevent spills during delivery, meal prep, or travel.

• Multi-Purpose Magic: Beyond condiments, these cups are great for serving samples, prepping snacks, or even organizing small craft supplies. Who knew they had so many talents?

Popular Sizes: From 1 oz to 3 oz Plastic Cups

When choosing the right mini plastic cup, size is everything. Here is a quick breakdown of how different sizes are typically used:

Pro Tip: For any size, ensuring you buy small cups with lids is crucial for keeping contents fresh and mess-free.

Why We Love Disposable Portion Cups

These little cups with lids might not be glamorous, but they’re absolute lifesavers. Here’s why they matter:

• Perfect Portions: Whether you need a dab of mayo or a 3 oz serving of dressing, they keep portions consistent and reduce food waste.
• Lids for the Win: Finding matching lids for plastic cups is a game-changer. A secure disposable plastic cup with lid prevents leaks during delivery and keeps meal prep organized.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Many modern disposable cups are made of PET. These recyclable wonders are sturdy and crystal clear. (Learn more in our guide: Why Are PET Plastic Cups the Top Choice Over Glass and Paper?)
• Multi-Purpose Magic: Beyond the kitchen, these act as perfect plastic cup containers for organizing beads, hardware, or packing kids' snacks.

Real-Life Scenarios Where You’ll Find Them

1. At Restaurants

From fast food to meal-prep businesses, they rely heavily on plastic cups with lids for sides and sauces.

2. In Your Bathroom Cabinet

Every time you take a dose of liquid medicine, thank the humble medicine cup. It keeps dosing accurate and hygienic.

3. In Schools

Teachers use them for art supplies, snacks, counting games, and science experiments. They're a teacher’s secret weapon.

4. In the Lab

Yes, even scientists use tiny plastic cups! They're ideal for handling small liquid samples without contamination.

5. At Parties

Need to prep 50 jello shots for your friend’s birthday? You’ll be reaching for a bag of shot cups.

How to Choose the Right Portion Cups

Buying disposable portion cups might seem like a no-brainer, but there are a few tips to help you make the best choice:

• Size Matters: Think about what you’ll use them for.  If you are packing a light sauce, 1-2 oz works. For hearty sides or desserts, a 3 oz plastic cup or larger is better.

• Material Choices: If you’re all about that eco-friendly life, look for PET soufflé cups. They’re durable, recyclable, and look great holding pretty much anything.

• Don’t Skip the Lids: Whether you are looking for a dome lid or a cup with a flat lid, always ensure your cups have tight-fitting closures for takeout.

• Shop Smart: Online suppliers are a great option for buying PET souffle cups in bulk. For smaller quantities or more variety, online retailers like Amazon have endless choices—and reviews to guide you.

Wrapping It Up: The Charm of Plastic Soufflé Cups

So, what are those little cups called? It depends. If it’s ceramic and reusable, it’s a ramekin. If it’s plastic and disposable, it’s a soufflé cup, mini plastic cup with a lid, or simply a portion cup. No matter what you call them, these tiny containers are everyday heroes. They keep condiments contained, portions consistent, and snacks organized.

Next time you enjoy fries with ketchup or prep snacks for the week, give a nod to these unsung champions of convenience—they’ve earned it! For more information about these small cups, please visit JKAI's collection.