Single, Double or Ripple Wall Coffee Cups: Which Should You Choose?

When you're printing coffee cups for a coffee shop or cafe, the first choice is the wall: how the cup is built. It decides how the cup feels in the hand, how long the drink stays warm and how your branding looks. This guide explains the three options and how to choose.

Single wall cups

A single wall cup is one layer of paperboard. It's the simplest and most economical option.

• Best for drinks that are drunk quickly, or served with a sleeve
• Lower cost per cup, which suits high volume and lower price points
• The outside can feel hot with very hot drinks

Double wall cups

A double wall cup has a second layer of paper, so the outside stays cooler and the drink stays warmer for longer.

• Comfortable to hold without a sleeve
• A smooth surface for clean, full-colour printing
• A reliable choice for most coffee shops and cafes

Ripple wall cups

A ripple wall cup has a textured outer layer that traps air for insulation and gives a firm grip.

• The best grip and insulation of the three
• A distinctive, premium look
• Good for drinks that go on a long walk or commute

How to choose

1. What do you serve? Hot flat whites and teas are fine in most cups. Very hot drinks benefit from double or ripple wall.
2. Who's drinking? Customers walking to work or travelling appreciate a cup that stays warm and doesn't burn their hand.
3. What's your price point? Single wall helps keep costs down. Double or ripple supports a premium offer.
4. How will the cup look? Smooth double wall suits detailed artwork. Ripple wall gives texture and character.

Don't forget the lids and sizes

Order your cups and lids together, so the fit is guaranteed. Most coffee shops need two or three sizes. If you serve iced coffee or smoothies, add cold cups with flat or domed lids.

Brand the cup

A printed coffee cup is carried down the street and photographed more than almost any other piece of packaging. We design your cup with you at no extra cost, even if you don't have a logo yet. Production and delivery typically take 30 to 35 days after you approve your sample and artwork.

Summary

• Single wall: most economical.
• Double wall: comfortable, warm and good for printing. The usual choice.
• Ripple wall: best grip and insulation, with a premium look.
• Order cups and lids together.

See our packaging for coffee shops and cafes, or tell us about your coffee shop and we'll recommend the right cups.