Choosing the right soup cup size might seem like a small detail, but in the food and beverage world, it's a crucial decision. From portion control to cost-efficiency and customer satisfaction, the proper soup container size ensures your business runs smoothly while minimizing waste. In this guide, we’ll explore standard soup cup and bowl sizes, when to use them, and how eco-friendly packaging fits into the picture.
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What Size Is a Soup Cup?
There's no single “standard” when it comes to soup cups size depends on how the soup is served and what kind of experience you want to deliver.
Here’s a quick breakdown of common sizes:
| Size | Volume (ml) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 8 oz | ~240–250 ml | Appetizers, side servings |
| 12 oz | ~350 ml | Most popular, light meals or combo |
| 16 oz | ~450 ml | Full-size soup portions |
| 24 oz | ~700 ml | Chunky soups, family meals, sharing |
| 32 oz | ~950 ml | Group servings, meal kits, catering |
Popular Soup Cup Sizes in F&B
In the foodservice industry, consistency in serving sizes is key. That’s why soup cup sizes often follow these three categories:
- Small (8–12 oz): Perfect for clear broths, side portions, and combo meals. Often used in Japanese, Korean, or Vietnamese restaurants.
- Medium (16–24 oz): Most common for full soup meals, especially for lunch takeout. Allows space for toppings, noodles, and thicker textures.
- Large (30–32 oz): Ideal for sharing, combo meals, or catering services. Some establishments also use this size for soup-and-salad combos or family meals.
Soup Cup Size Conversion Table (oz ↔ ml ↔ cm)
| Size (oz) | Volume (ml) | Diameter (cm) | Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 oz | ~240 ml | ~9 cm | ~6.5 cm |
| 12 oz | ~350 ml | ~9.5–10 cm | ~7.5 cm |
| 16 oz | ~470 ml | ~11–11.5 cm | ~9 cm |
| 24 oz | ~700 ml | ~11.8–12.5 cm | ~11–13 cm |
| 32 oz | ~950 ml | ~13 cm | ~14 cm |
This sizing chart is essential for planning storage, portion control, and cost per serving especially when standardizing across multiple locations.
Soup Cup vs. Soup Bowl – What's the Difference?
Understanding the difference between a soup cup and a soup bowl is important when choosing the right container for your operations.
Soup Cup
- Shape: Tall and narrow
- Use Case: Takeout, delivery
- Benefits: Retains heat better, reduces spillage
- Material: Often comes with a lid, ideal for eco-friendly packaging
Soup Bowl
- Shape: Wide and shallow
- Use Case: Dine-in, elegant presentation
- Benefits: Easier to add toppings, better for thick or chunky soups
Soup Cup with Lid – Do You Need It?
If you’re offering takeaway or delivery, a soup cup with lid is essential for both practicality and presentation.
Benefits of using lids:
- Prevents leaks and spills during transport
- Maintains soup temperature longer
- Enhances hygiene and food safety
- Increases customer trust and satisfaction
Types of lids available:
- Kraft paper lid: Fully compostable and pairs well with kraft soup cups
- Clear PLA lid: Made from bioplastic, compostable and transparent for product visibility
Soup cups with lids are particularly useful for eco-conscious brands aiming to reduce plastic waste while maintaining food quality.
Choosing the Right Size for Different Business Models
Different food businesses have unique serving styles, and choosing the right soup cup size plays a role in both operations and brand experience.
For takeout shops and cafés
- Best choice: 12 oz or 16 oz with lid
- Easy to stack, transport, and serve individual portions
For dine-in restaurants
- Go with 16 oz or 24 oz soup bowls
- Wide and open design improves soup presentation and customer satisfaction
For catering and food trucks
- Use 24 oz or 32 oz soup cups with secure lids
- Designed for sharing or combo meals, reducing the need for multiple containers
Tip: Offering multiple size options (e.g., small, medium, large) allows flexibility across different menus and customer preferences.
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Eco-Friendly Soup Packaging Options
As sustainability becomes a key decision factor for consumers, choosing green packaging for your soup offerings helps your brand stand out.
Eco-friendly options include:
- Kraft paper soup cups: Strong, renewable, and industrially compostable
- PLA-coated paper cups: Leak-resistant and made from plant-based materials
- Double-wall soup bowls: Designed for heat insulation and reduced plastic content
You can also offer custom-printed soup containers with eco-labels, recycling instructions, or your brand’s sustainability message to increase visibility and engagement.
How to Choose the Right Soup Cup Size for Each Dish
Choosing cup size depends not only on your business model but also on the type of soup you're serving.
Light, brothy soups
- Example: miso, chicken broth
- Ideal sizes: 8 oz or 12 oz
Hearty soups with toppings
- Example: clam chowder, lentil stew, pho
- Ideal sizes: 16 oz or 24 oz
Family-style or shared soups
- Example: hotpot soup bases, group meal kits
- Ideal sizes: 30 oz or 32 oz
Aligning cup size with soup type improves portion control, reduces food waste, and enhances the customer experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the standard size of a soup bowl in ml?
Most standard soup bowls range from 350 ml (12 oz) to 700 ml (24 oz), depending on use.
Are soup cups microwave-safe?
If using PLA-coated paper cups or kraft paper containers, they are generally microwave-safe. Avoid using plastic lids when heating.
Do you offer sizes smaller than 8 oz?
Yes. Some brands offer 6 oz or 4 oz cups for sample portions or kids' meals.
Are your soup cups recyclable or compostable?
Yes. Our paper-based soup cups are recyclable and industrially compostable depending on the local waste system.
Are the lids leak-proof?
Yes. We provide snap-fit lids designed to prevent spills during delivery or transport.
Need help choosing the right soup cup size for your business? Request free samples of our eco-friendly soup cups: available in 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz, and 24 oz sizes
