Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-03-11 Origin: Site
There are different variations available for modern coffee lids. Explore the various types, sizes, and even trends to hold ground for your coffee shop.
Coffee cups have become an integral part of the modern takeaway coffee business. Convenience, efficiency, satisfaction, and branding – these tiny tools come with lots of benefits. And the coffee lid is one of the most overlooked yet indispensable parts of a cup.
A cup lid not only protects the liquid from outside pollutants but also keeps the temperature steady. It's possible with the proper coffee lids at hand for your business. That's why you should know the sizes and types with trends to make the most informed decision.
The standard sizes of cups vary significantly across different coffee shops. That's why the cup lid sizes also have distinctive measurements. All the common lid sizes fall into three primary categories –
Businesses can serve espresso-based drinks as well as hot beverages in small coffee cups. They offer a controlled coffee portion, retaining the drink's strength and flavor. The lid size varies from 60mm to 80mm for the tiny cup rims.
It's the most common size for regular coffee and lattes. There is enough space for mix-coffee mixes regarding a healthy and tasteful milk-to-coffee ratio. Standard lid sizes range from 80mm to 98mm for the moderately sized rims.
Businesses serve iced beverages and/or large lattes to customers. The cups enable extended coffee sessions with more liquid mixed with milk, foam, and other add-ons. All cups maintain a 98mm or 104mm lid despite different rims.
Primary Category | Cup Size | Rim Diameter (inches) | Lid Size (mm) | Standard Use |
Small Coffee Cup | 4 oz (120ml) | 2.5" – 2.9" | 60 – 70 | Espresso, macchiato, piccolo latte |
6 oz (180ml) | 2.9" – 3.1" | 70 – 80 | Flat white, cortado, cappuccino | |
8 oz (240ml) | 3.1" – 3.3" | 80 | Small lattes, cappuccinos, black coffee | |
Medium Coffee Cup | 10 oz (300ml) | 3.3" – 3.5" | 80 – 90 | Standard coffee, medium cappuccino |
12 oz (350ml) | 3.5" – 3.7" | 90 | Medium lattes, americanos, iced coffee | |
14 oz (400ml) | 3.7" – 3.75" | 90 – 98 | Large cappuccinos, specialty drinks | |
16 oz (475ml) | 3.75" – 4.0" | 98 | Large lattes, cold brews | |
Large Coffee Cup | 18 oz (530ml) | 3.75" – 4.0" | 98 | Large lattes, cold brews |
20 oz (600ml) | 4.0" – 4.2" | 98 – 104 | Large iced coffee, Americanos | |
22 oz (650ml) | 4.2" – 4.5" | 104 | Extra-large cold brews, smoothies | |
24 oz (700ml) | 4.5" | 104 | Large iced coffee, blended drinks |
Apart from the sizes, coffee cup lids also have various shapes to keep up with designated functionalities. A proper shape enables drinking convenience and spill prevention for enjoyable beverage experiences. The topmost coffee cup lid shapes are –
The low-profile cover simply sits flush with the rim cup. It lies completely flat with a straw hole or an X-cut opening. Primarily, cups containing cold drinks use flat lids. However, some businesses sometimes choose these for small hot beverages as well.
Advantages
Lightweight and cost-efficient.
Minimum spilling during straw insertion.
Good for fast food and takeaway drinks.
Compatible with different cups.
Drawbacks
Not ideal for hot drinks.
Potential chances of a leak.
Flat lids usually serve iced coffee, soft drinks, cold brew, and/or sample cups. The typical flat lid sizes for commercial purposes can vary. There are 80mm lids (for 8 – 10 oz cups), 9mm lids (for 12 – 16 oz cups), and 98mm lids (for 20 – 24 oz cups).
The raised, equal, and rounded top offers additional space above the filled cup. And the raised dome shape comes with a built-in straw opening. It allows businesses to add all the whipped cream, foam, and/or extra toppings.
Benefits
Perfect for beverages with toppings.
Available in vented and non-vented designs.
Additional room for cream and frothy drink.
Integration of aesthetic presentation.
Limitations
Not suitable for hot beverages.
Requires further storage space.
Common applications of dome lids include serving Frappuccino, milkshakes, smoothies, and blended iced coffee. And the standard dome lid sizes for businesses include 90mm lids (for medium-sized cups) and 98mm lids (for large frappes).
It has been the most popular option for serving hot beverages. Sip-through lids are also known as travel lids, featuring a raised and slightly curved shape. The lid also contains a small opening for controlled sipping without removing the lid.
Variations
Raised Spout Sip Lid – More space between lips and lids (Starbucks-style).
Lockable Sip-Through Lid – A rotating or flip-flop cover for spill protection.
Recessed Sipping Lid – It sits low, mostly found in budget-friendly shops.
Positives
Safe and steady on-the-go drinking.
Optimal reduction of spills and leaks.
Retention of warmth for a longer time.
Primarily suitable for hot beverages.
Disadvantages
Not spill-proof all the time.
Design may restrict airflow.
You can easily and safely serve hot coffee, cappuccinos, tea, or lattes. Sip-through lids are available in 80mm, 90mm, and 98mm sizes. The 80mm lid sits on small cups, 90mm lids go with standard cups, and 98mm lids serve large takeaway cups.
This particular lid enables additional security against accidental spilling. It features a sliding cover or a flip-top closure over the sipping hole. The opening remains sealed when the cup is not in use.
Advantages
Superior reduction of leaks.
Retention of heat or warmth.
Good for commutes and trips.
Disadvantages
Somewhat expensive.
Operating difficulties.
It feels more like drinking premium takeaway coffee during outdoor ventures. A 90mm lid mostly goes with standard takeaway coffee, whereas a 98mm lid should suffice for extra-large cups.
Also known as screw-on lids, these screw on the cup instead of snapping into the designated place. The screw-on mechanism initiates a very secure (almost impenetrable) seal.
Pros
Almost zero spills or leaks.
Thermal insulation (special case).
Long-lasting and reusable.
Cons
Not disposable all the time.
Somewhat bulkier as a lid.
Businesses prioritizing sustainability can benefit from its reusability. Take KeepCup and Thermos Mugs, for example. The lid size can vary significantly based on the brand and coffee cups.
Coffee shops are now increasingly looking into disposable coffee cup lids. They can feature different materials, serving distinctive purposes. The foremost disposable coffee lid types are –
Polystyrene is a rigid thermoplastic that can withstand moderate heat (100°C or 212°F). Its glossy, lightweight, and stiff finish goes well with hot beverages. Hot coffee, sip-through, and vented lids may have this kind.
PS lids are one of the cheapest options available. Good structural integrity makes it a favorite in coffee shops. However, the brittle material is prone to cracking. And PS isn't biodegradable or sustainable.
The plastic-free lids are a genuinely sustainable alternative to conventional coffee lids. It features coated paperboard or molded fibers. The coating may feature bioplastic (PLA) to resist heat up to 85°C (185°F).
Picture-5: Different Paper Coffee Lids
The biodegradable material enables a matte and textured finish. Good heat insulation reduces transfer to the lips. However, the eco-friendly material can easily absorb moisture and become soggy over time.
Polypropyleneis a flexible thermoplastic that can withstand high heat (130°C or 266°F). The semi-transparent plastic is also eco-friendly to some extent. The lids can serve hot and cold beverages equally.
PP is rated as #5 plastic, making the material 100% recyclable. Higher durability and resistance enable minimal cracking. But the non-biodegradable lids can warp easily under extreme (boiling) heat.
Like paper, bagasse from sugarcane pulp is biodegradable and compostable (even better than paper). Its matte and textured finish holds an off-white or brown look. It can also stand heat up to 100°C (212°F).
Some vented fiber lids and compostable lids are increasingly incorporating bagasse. It's durable enough to serve hot beverages (coffee and tea). But the higher initial cost may seem like a burden for many.
It's a transparent thermoplastic with a clear, glossy, and smooth finish. It can withstand up to 60°C or 140°F, making PET unsuitable for hot drinks. Dome lids and flat straw-hole lids often feature these.
With a #1 plastic rating, polyethylene terephthalate remains highly recyclable. Its crystal-clear visibility can showcase colorful cold drinks. However, the production cost is noticeably higher than PP or PS.
Lid Type | Material | Recyclability | Biodegradability | Common Lid Size | Best Use |
PS | Polystyrene | No | No | 80mm, 90mm, 98mm | Hot drinks |
Paper | Paperboard or Fiber Pulp | Yes | Yes | 80mm, 90mm, 98mm | Hot drinks |
PP | Polypropylene | Yes | No | 80mm, 90mm, 98mm, 104mm | Hot and cold drinks |
Bagasse | Sugarcane Fiber | Yes | Yes | 80mm, 90mm, 98mm | Hot drinks |
PET | Polyethylene Terephthalate | Yes | No | 90mm, 98mm, 104mm | Cold drinks |
Choosing a usable coffee lid may seem easy, but it gets complex when eco-friendly materials are involved. You can still figure out the ultimate disposable coffee cup lid by –
The drink type you serve is the first crucial step. You can stick to the following thumb rules –
Sip-through or spill-proof lids for hot coffee.
Flat lid with a straw hole or dome lid for iced coffee.
Dome lids for blended drinks and/or frappes.
Small flat sip lid for espresso and less cappuccinos.
The lid shape holds the key to functionality, usability, and preference. The rules would be –
Dome lids for creamy drinks.
Flat lids for cold drinks.
Paper/bagasse for sustenance.
Sip-through for hot drinks.
Spill-proof lids for travel mug.
The lid material directly takes part in durability, heat resistance, and sustainability. Stick to –
PS for serving hot drinks at lower costs.
Paper for hot drinks while sparing absorption.
PET for cold drinks without heat resistance.
PP for hot/cold drinks with flexibility.
Bagasse for hot drinks against higher costs.
The lid can accommodate some extra features for convenience. You should look into –
Vent hole for airflow (enables smooth sipping).
Straw holes for cold drinks and blended beverages.
Lockable lids for tourists, commuters, or guides.
Biodegradable cup lids for eco-conscious branding.
Businesses and manufacturers are trying to take coffee cup lids beyond traditional on-the-go drinking. Modern lids are looking into other aspects, like –
Hygiene – More shops are looking into plastic-free lids against contamination.
Sustainability – Biodegradable and compostable lids can reduce plastic waste.
Customization – Brands employ artistic expressions for marketing purposes.
User-Friendly – More control in sipping against spillage is a growing demand.
Reusability – Many customers want to repurpose or return the coffee lids.
Tech-Savvy – Auto sealing, QR-coded, temp indicators are premium features.
1. Why do some lids have an extra hole?
The extra, small hole is called a vent hole. It enables airflow to prevent pressure buildup from the inside. Otherwise, a vacuuming effect may occur to cause spills and splashes.
2. Why do cold drink lids and hot drink lids have different sizes?
Cold drink cups usually have straight and wide sides. But hot drink cups are tapered with roller rims. The lid size for cold beverages is larger to fit straight-sided cups. But the size is less for hot beverages to retain heat and prevent spills through tightening.
3. Is there a universal lid that fits all sizes?
Some 'one-size-fits-all' lids may fit multiple standard coffee cups (for example, 10 oz to 16 oz). Though PP lids are notably flexible, there are no universal coffee lids.
A coffee lid is more than just a cover. It's a fundamental part of coffee cups to maintain and enjoy the desired on-the-go convenience. You can improve the experience, meet satisfaction, support sustainability, and drive profitability for your coffee-serving business. Investing in the right coffee cup lids shouldn't be a problem with the discussions above. Sumkoka is ready to help you fulfill the responsibilities of an eco-conscious business with biodegradable and compostable tableware.
Selecting the right business strategy involves almost every aspect possible. The best materials can help you achieve the desired success. Sumkoka offers a wide range of sustainable food packaging and food containers. Our products are made from natural bagasse material, oil and water resistant and microwave and freezer safe. Customization and design services are available. Contact Us to learn what products suit your business needs perfectly.
