Plastic vs. Paper Ice Cream Cups: Which is Better?

There are many decisions to make when starting your ice cream shop: what machines to buy, supplies to use, and much more. We're here to help you figure out whether plastic or paper ice cream cups are right for you.

Plastic Ice Cream Cups

Plastic ice cream cup with ice cream sundae, Plastic vs. Paper Ice Cream Cups: Which is Better?

Plastic ice cream cups are most widely known for their use with gelato, ice cream sundaes, and banana splits. They're so good for these treats because the clear plastic allows your customers to see all the toppings. It's a visual treat as much as a tasty one!

Paper Ice Cream Cups

Patterned paper ice cream cups with frozen yogurt, Plastic vs. Paper Ice Cream Cups: Which is Better?

Paper ice cream cups are known for traditional ice cream and more to-go options. Paper ice cream cups are slightly thicker than plastic ice cream cups, so they're better suited for take-out and to-go ice cream. Alongside that, there are more lid options for custom premium ice cream cups. Paper ice cream cups have more patterns, like polka dot paper ice cream cups and sizes such as 8 oz or 12 oz white ice cream cups.

Which is Better for Your Ice Cream Shop?

Patterned Paper ice cream cup with frozen yogurt, Plastic vs. Paper Ice Cream Cups: Which is Better?

The type of ice cream cup that's best for your ice cream cup depends on what you serve and your main type of customer. If you serve fancy sundaes and you really want your ice cream to be the star, plastic ice cream cups are probably your best option. However, if most of your customers don't dine-in, paper ice cream cups are probably your best option because they're better for take-out and to-go customers. If variety is your main concern, paper ice cream cups have a much bigger selection of colors, patterns, and sizes.

Paper ice cream cups are known for traditional ice cream and more to-go options. Paper ice cream cups are slightly thicker than plastic ice cream cups, so they're better suited for take-out and to-go ice cream. Alongside that, there are more lid options for paper cups. Paper ice cream cups have more patterns, like polka dot paper ice cream cups and sizes such as 8 oz or 12 oz white ice cream cups.

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About the Author: Tim Porter

Tim is the CEO and people builder of FrozenDessertSupplies.com. In his free time, he enjoys being with his family, collecting watches, and Classic Mini Coopers.


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Our purpose at Frozen Dessert Supplies is "Build People and Deliver Joy." That means that everything we do, from manufacturing to packaging to delivery, is to build you and your business and deliver joy to you. We also strive to build our employees and help them to be better people.

Our paper ice cream cups are made withFDA approved food-safe papercoated in a thin layer ofPE (Polyethylene). Our clear plastic cups, banana split boats, and plastic dome lids are made fromPET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). Our plastic spoons and straws are made fromPP (Polypropylene). Our eco-friendly ice cream cups are made fromFDA approved food-safe papercoated in a thin layer ofPLA (Polylactic Acid). PLA is plastic made from corn starch. Our eco-friendly spoons are also made from PLA. Our eco-friendly wooden spoons are made from FDA approvedsmooth birch wood.