Choosing the best cups for bubble tea shops isn’t just about functionality—it’s about presentation, brand image, and customer experience. With so many cup options on the market—from PET and PP plastic to compostable and reusable designs—finding the right fit for your shop can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular cup materials, sizes, and lid types used in bubble tea shops. Whether you’re a new shop owner or rebranding an existing location, you’ll discover how to choose cups that align with your menu, budget, and sustainability goals.
Best Cups for Bubble Tea Shops
Selecting the right cups is essential for bubble tea shops—it affects everything from drink presentation and functionality to sustainability and brand perception. The two main categories to consider are disposable cups and reusable cups, each offering different benefits depending on your business model.
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Disposable Cups are ideal for high-volume, to-go service. They offer convenience and affordability, with various materials available for cold or hot drinks.
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Reusable Cups are growing in popularity for dine-in or eco-conscious models. They support sustainability efforts and can strengthen customer loyalty when paired with deposit or discount programs.
When choosing the best cups for your bubble tea shop, consider the following criteria:
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Durability: Will the cup handle hot liquids, chewy toppings, or sealing machines?
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Eco-Friendliness: Is the material recyclable, compostable, or reusable?
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Clarity & Aesthetics: Does the cup showcase colorful drinks and toppings?
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Cost: Consider price per unit, shipping, and supply consistency.
Disposable Cup Materials in Bubble Tea Shops
Plastic Cups: PP vs PET vs PS
Plastic remains the most common material for bubble tea cups—especially for cold beverages. However, not all plastics are the same. Here's how PP, PET, and PS cups compare:
PP (Polypropylene) Plastic Cups
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Heat-resistant and compatible with hot or cold drinks
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Durable and flexible—resistant to cracking
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Excellent for sealing film machines
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Most cost-effective plastic option
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Recyclable in some regions (#5 plastic)
PP cups are the go-to choice for bubble tea shops seeking a balance of performance and affordability.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Plastic Cups
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Highly transparent, enhancing visual appeal for layered or fruit teas
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Best for iced drinks only (not heat-resistant)
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More rigid and premium-feeling than PP
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More expensive than PP
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Widely recyclable (#1 plastic)
PET cups are ideal for shops focused on visual branding or selling premium cold drinks.
PS (Polystyrene) Plastic Cups
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Extremely clear, but brittle and prone to cracking
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Low cost, but less durable
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Not commonly recommended for sealing
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Recyclability limited and increasingly phased out due to environmental concerns
While PS cups offer short-term savings, they are less ideal for long-term brand quality or eco credentials.
Paper Cups
Paper cups are a popular choice for hot bubble tea drinks or eco-conscious branding, often lined with either PE (polyethylene) or PLA (plant-based) to prevent leaks.
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PE-lined paper cups are suitable for hot drinks and widely used but are not compostable.
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PLA-lined paper cups are biodegradable and compostable, making them a better option for sustainable brands—although not suitable for high heat or microwave use.
Paper cups also provide excellent custom printing surfaces, making them a smart choice for branded merchandise and limited-edition campaigns.
Compostable Cups (PLA, Sugarcane, Bamboo Fiber)
Shops looking to lead in eco-friendly packaging are increasingly turning to compostable materials:
PLA (Polylactic Acid) Cups
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Made from corn starch or sugarcane
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Compostable in industrial facilities, not home compost bins
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Best for cold drinks (not heat-resistant)
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Offers transparency similar to plastic, but at a higher cost
Sugarcane (Bagasse) Cups
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Made from agricultural waste; fully biodegradable
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Ideal for hot or cold drinks
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Thicker, matte finish (not transparent)
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Great for takeaway packaging with an earthy, natural look
Bamboo Fiber Cups
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Renewable, biodegradable, and visually unique
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Often used for premium dine-in experiences
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Heat-resistant and microwave-safe
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More expensive and typically not for single-use
While compostable options elevate your brand’s sustainability image, they tend to come with higher unit costs and may have limitations in terms of transparency and temperature resistance.
Reusable Cup Options for Bubble Tea Shops
For bubble tea shops aiming to reduce waste, attract eco-conscious customers, or offer dine-in service, reusable cups are a smart investment. While they come with a higher upfront cost, reusable cups help reinforce brand values, build customer loyalty, and reduce single-use waste.
Below are the most common reusable cup types used in modern bubble tea operations:
Glass Cups
Glass bubble tea cups are widely loved for their clean, premium look—perfect for showcasing colorful layers, boba pearls, fruit chunks, or cream tops.
Benefits:
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Exceptional clarity that enhances visual presentation
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Smooth texture and non-reactive material (ideal for hot or cold drinks)
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Reusable and recyclable, supporting a sustainable brand image
Considerations:
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Breakable, especially in fast-paced environments
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Higher cost per unit and requires careful handling
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Better suited for in-store or dine-in settings, not takeaway
Porcelain Cups
Though less common in fast-service boba shops, porcelain cups are gaining popularity in cafés and premium concept stores that serve bubble tea in a sit-down format.
Benefits:
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Offers a refined, elegant look—ideal for cafés or dessert lounges
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Microwave and dishwasher safe, great for operational ease
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Perfect for limited-edition dine-in collections or influencer-friendly photos
Considerations:
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Not suitable for takeaway service
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More fragile than stainless or BPA-free plastic
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Best used in controlled environments or premium service models
Boba Cup Sizes for Bubble Tea Shops
Choosing the right cup sizes for your bubble tea shop directly impacts portion control, cost per drink, and customer satisfaction. The most popular bubble tea cup sizes are:
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12 oz (Small): Great for kids’ portions, hot drinks, or budget-conscious offerings
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16 oz (Medium): Standard for milk teas, smoothies, and fruit teas
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24 oz (Large): Common size for signature drinks with multiple toppings
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32 oz (XL): Oversized for iced drinks or value-driven promotions
Your menu strategy should guide cup selection. Offering multiple sizes supports upselling (“just $1 more for 24 oz”) while accommodating different customer preferences. For premium drinks with toppings like boba, pudding, or jelly, larger cups (24–32 oz) offer better layering and value perception.
Best Lids & Custom Printing for Bubble Tea Cups
Lid Types: Flat, Dome, Sealed, and Sipper
The lid you choose influences spill resistance, topping compatibility, and overall user experience:
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Flat lids: Cost-effective, used for standard drinks without toppings
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Dome lids: Ideal for creamy tops, cheese foam, and whipped finishes
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Sealing film lids: Used with cup sealing machines for tamper-proof freshness—popular in takeout and delivery
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Sipper lids: Emerging for cold teas without boba; eco-friendlier as they reduce straw use
Choose lids based on your drink lineup, packaging goals, and equipment compatibility (e.g., sealing machines for PP or PET cups).
Custom Branding on Cups
Custom-printed bubble tea cups are a powerful marketing tool that turns every order into a walking advertisement. Whether you print your logo on PP plastic, PET, or paper cups, branded packaging builds recognition and elevates your brand image.
Benefits:
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Enhances professional presentation
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Drives brand visibility on social media
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Adds perceived value to your drinks
At KimEcopak, we offer bulk custom cup printing with:
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Low MOQ starting at 10,000 units
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Competitive pricing for larger volumes (50K+)
>> Make Your Brand Unforgettable – Start Your Custom Cup Order Today!
How to Choose the Best Cups for Your Bubble Tea Shop
With so many options available, selecting the best cups for your bubble tea shop comes down to aligning functionality, branding, and sustainability with your business goals. Here’s how to make the right choice:
Match Cup Material with Your Menu
The drinks you serve should directly influence the type of cup you choose:
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Cold drinks with boba, jelly, or fruit pieces: Go for PET or PP plastic cups with high clarity and sealing compatibility.
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Hot drinks (like milk teas or winter specials): Choose double-wall paper cups or PE-lined paper cups for insulation and leak protection.
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Eco-focused shops: Consider compostable PLA cups, sugarcane fiber, or reusable glass/stainless steel for dine-in.
Also, consider lid compatibility (dome, sipper, or sealing film) based on your toppings and delivery model.
Evaluate Budget, Branding & Environmental Goals
Cup choices should balance cost-effectiveness with customer experience and long-term brand positioning:
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Budget: PP cups are the most affordable and practical for most cold beverages. Paper and PLA options tend to cost more per unit.
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Branding Needs: If visibility matters (e.g., layered teas or gradient drinks), choose clear PET cups for visual appeal. Custom-printed cups are a smart investment to increase brand recognition.
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Sustainability Goals: To reduce single-use plastic, consider launching a reusable cup program, switching to compostable cups, or using paper-based sealing films.
Conclusion
The best cups for your bubble tea business are those that reflect your brand, meet your operational needs, and elevate your drinks—from function to aesthetics. By understanding the pros and cons of each cup type, you can confidently choose the right packaging for cold teas, hot drinks, and signature boba creations.
Whether you're prioritizing cost, eco-friendliness, or custom branding, the right cup makes a lasting impression on every customer—and helps your bubble tea stand out in a competitive market.
