PET cold cups are clear plastic cups used across foodservice for cold beverages — iced coffee, sodas, juices, smoothies, bubble tea, and cold-brew tea. PET (polyethylene terephthalate, recycling code #1) has the highest optical clarity of any food-safe plastic, which sells iced beverages on visual appeal alone. Unlike polystyrene, PET is impact-resistant and won’t crack at fridge or freezer temperatures.
When to choose PET cold cups
| Beverage type | Right cup | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Iced coffee, soda, juice | PET cold cup | Clarity, freezer-safe, durable |
| Hot coffee, tea, soup | Paper hot cup | Heat-stable, insulated |
| Bubble tea, smoothies | PET cold cup (95–98mm rim) | Fits sealing machines |
| Compostable cold cup (eco-mandate markets) | PLA cold cup | BPI compostable |
| Foam cup (legacy, now banned 10+ states) | PET or paper cold cup | EPS bans |
PET has effectively replaced polystyrene (PS) cold cups across the industry. PS is more brittle, more prone to splitting, and styrene’s reputation has eroded acceptance among end-customers.
Specifications at a glance
| Property | PET cold cup |
|---|---|
| Material | PET (resin code #1) |
| Optical clarity | Excellent (the standout property) |
| Temperature range | -40°F to ~150°F |
| Microwave safe | No |
| Freezer safe | Yes |
| Recyclable | Yes (#1, where accepted) |
| Compostable | No |
| Standard rim sizes | 78mm, 92mm, 95mm, 98mm |
| Common case packs | 500, 1000 |
| Common cup heights | 4.5”–7” depending on capacity |