Plastic Cups for Bubble Tea Shops: Sourcing Guide 2026
For bubble tea shops, the standard 90mm cup diameter with a flat rim ensures compatibility with most automatic sealers, while PP material is required for heat resistance up to 190°F (88°C) when serving hot brews.
Sourcing the right plastic cup involves more than picking a size and color. This guide covers sealing film compatibility, lid fit, straw dimensions, material compliance, and supplier evaluation—so your packaging performs consistently order after order.
1. What Material Works Best for Bubble Tea Cups?
PP (Polypropylene) is the industry standard for bubble tea cups because it withstands temperatures from 32°F to 212°F (0°C to 100°C). This makes it suitable for both hot milk tea and iced versions.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) offers crystal clarity that showcases colorful drink layers—a marketing advantage for cold beverages. However, PET has lower heat tolerance (max 140°F / 60°C) and should not be used for hot tea.
| Material | Heat Tolerance | Best For | Clarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| PP | Up to 212°F (100°C) | Hot & cold tea, delivery | Milky |
| PET | Up to 140°F (60°C) | Iced tea, smoothies, display | Crystal clear |
| PLA | Up to 110°F (43°C) | Cold drinks only (compostable) | Clear |
For shops serving both hot and cold drinks, PP is the versatile choice. For brands prioritizing visual appeal for iced beverages, PET is superior.
Key Sourcing Tip: Verify your supplier’s FDA (U.S.) or EU 10/2011 certification before ordering. These ensure food-contact safety.
2. Why Is 90mm the Standard Diameter for Bubble Tea Cups?
The vast majority of bubble tea cups—whether 16oz, 22oz, or 32oz—share a 90mm rim diameter. This standardization exists because automatic cup sealers (the machines that apply foil lids) are manufactured to this spec.
Before ordering samples, confirm two measurements:
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Outer rim diameter: Should be approximately 90-91mm
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Flat rim width: Must be at least 5-7mm flat surface for the sealing film to adhere properly
Cups with curved or beaded rims will not create an airtight seal on automatic machines. Always request a flat-lipped cup design.
3. Which Sealing Film Is Compatible With My Cups?
Not all sealing films work with all cups. Seal failure leads to leaks, customer complaints, and wasted product.
Film compatibility checklist:
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Material match: Most sealing films use a PET/CPP (Polyester/Cast Polypropylene) construction. This bonds effectively to PP cups when heat is applied.
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Temperature settings: Optimal sealing occurs at 160°C – 180°C (320°F – 356°F). Different cup wall thicknesses may require slight temperature adjustments.
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Film width: Standard rolls are 5 1/8" (130mm) wide, which covers 90mm cup openings with proper overlap.
For shops serving delivery orders, easy-peel film with 99.8% moisture barrier efficiency reduces leak complaints. Some suppliers now offer peelable lids with up to 30% easier removal than standard heat seal films.
4. What Size Hole Is Needed for Bubble Tea Straws?
Standard tapioca pearls measure 8-10mm in diameter. Therefore, bubble tea cup lids must accommodate a straw with an inner diameter of at least 10-12mm.
Straw dimension guide:
| Straw Type | Inner Diameter | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard boba straw | 10-12mm | Regular tapioca pearls |
| Jumbo boba straw | 12-13mm | Large pearls, pudding, fruit chunks |
| Smoothie straw | 8-10mm | Small toppings only (not for boba) |
Compatibility issue to avoid: Some flat lids (non-dome) have a cross-slot design that only accepts straws up to 8mm. If you serve standard boba, specify round hole lids with a minimum 12mm opening.
For shops using dome lids to accommodate whipped cream or foam, ensure the dome height (typically 10-15mm) does not interfere with straw puncture—the straw must reach the bottom of the cup.
5. How Do I Prevent Leaks With Flat and Dome Lids?
Leakage occurs at two points: the lid-to-cup seal and the straw hole.
Lid-to-cup seal solutions:
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Snap-fit lids with a recessed groove create friction-based resistance. rPET lids, for example, are engineered to snap tightly onto compatible cup rims, reducing spills during transport.
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Curl necks (rolled rims) improve lid retention compared to straight rims.
Straw hole leak prevention:
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Plug-in straws: The straw has a slight taper that seals against the lid hole
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Slotted lids: Flexible plastic that closes around the straw
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Heat seal film: Most leak-proof option for delivery; requires a pointed straw tip to puncture
For delivery-focused shops, heat seal film + pointed straws is the most reliable leak-proof combination. For dine-in, dome lids with plug-in straws are sufficient.
6. Which Cup Volume Should I Stock?
Bubble tea shops typically stock 3-4 sizes. Below is the standard sizing matrix used by U.S. franchises:
| Ounces | Milliliters | Common Use | Typical Height (90mm diameter) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12oz | 355ml | Kids size, sample cups | 4.3" (109mm) |
| 16oz | 473ml | Regular iced tea | 5.5" (140mm) |
| 22oz | 650ml | Large (most popular) | 6.7" (170mm) |
| 32oz | 946ml | Extra large, sharing | 8.3" (211mm) |
Sourcing note: Cups with the same rim diameter (90mm) can share the same lids and sealing film, reducing inventory complexity. The 22oz size is the best-selling volume for U.S. bubble tea shops.
7. What Certifications Should My Cup Supplier Have?
For importers bringing cups into the U.S. or EU, regulatory compliance is mandatory. Without proper documentation, shipments may be held at customs.
Required certifications:
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FDA (U.S.): Compliance with 21 CFR 177.1520 for PP/PET food contact
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EU 10/2011: Plastic materials intended for food contact in European markets
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LFGB (Germany): Stricter German food safety standard
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RoHS: Absence of heavy metals in materials
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EN 13432 (EU): Required if claiming compostability
Supplier evaluation metrics to request:
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On-time delivery rate (target: ≥95%)
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Reorder rate (20-30% suggests customer satisfaction)
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Third-party inspection reports (SGS, TÜV, Intertek)
Red flag: Suppliers who cannot provide batch test reports for migration testing (ensuring inks and dyes do not leach into food) should be avoided.
8. What MOQ and Lead Time Should I Expect?
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) varies significantly by supplier and customization level:
| Order Type | Typical MOQ | Unit Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Stock cups (no logo) | 1,000 - 5,000 pcs | $0.01 - $0.05 |
| Custom printed (1 color) | 5,000 - 10,000 pcs | $0.03 - $0.08 |
| Custom mold (new shape) | 20,000 - 50,000 pcs | $0.05 - $0.15 |
Some suppliers offer ultra-low MOQs—as few as 100 pieces for custom PP cups—making them suitable for startup testing.
Lead time breakdown:
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Sample production: 3-7 days
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Custom mold creation: 15-25 days (if required)
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Bulk production: 15-25 days after sample approval
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Sea freight (U.S. West Coast): 25-40 days
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Air freight (sample orders): 5-10 days
Total estimated lead time for a custom printed cup order: 45-70 days from deposit to warehouse delivery.
9. How Do I Verify Supplier Quality Before Bulk Ordering?
Step 1: Request physical samples
Pay the $20-50 sample fee (often refundable against first order). Test:
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Lid snap fit (should audibly click)
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Sealing film adhesion (no peeling after 24 hours)
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Stacking stability (10 cups should not topple)
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Print durability (scratch test with fingernail)
Step 2: Request batch test reports
Ask for documented results on:
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Drop resistance (cup filled with water from 3 feet)
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Temperature tolerance (filled with 190°F liquid)
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Wall thickness consistency (±0.1mm tolerance is acceptable)
Step 3: Verify business credentials
Cross-check the supplier’s business license through national credit systems. On B2B platforms, prioritize suppliers with Trade Assurance participation, which offers payment protection.
Step 4: Place a pilot order
For first-time suppliers, limit initial orders to 5,000-10,000 units. Test the full workflow—from order placement to delivery—before scaling to 50,000+ unit orders.
10. Which Suppliers Specialize in Bubble Tea Cups?
Based on verified transaction data, here are suppliers with documented reliability for bubble tea cup production:
| Supplier | Location | MOQ | Unit Price | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen Huitianchen | Guangdong, China | 1,000 pcs | $0.01-0.05 | Low MOQ, 100% on-time delivery |
| Hangzhou Jimi Packaging | Zhejiang, China | 5,000 pcs | $0.04-0.06 | Design support, reliable delivery |
| Xiamen Skma | Fujian, China | 100 pcs | $0.03-0.05 | Ultra-low MOQ for startups |
| Jiangsu Yinwang | Jiangsu, China | 2,000 pcs | $0.003-0.06 | Degradable options, specialty formats |
11. What Sourcing Mistakes Cause the Most Operational Headaches?
Mistake #1: Assuming all 90mm cups fit all sealers
Different sealers have different heating element widths. Always test your specific cup on your specific sealer before bulk ordering.
Mistake #2: Ignoring wall thickness
Thin-walled cups (under 0.3mm) may collapse when the sealer applies pressure. Request cups with minimum 0.35mm wall thickness for automatic sealing machines.
Mistake #3: Overlooking storage conditions
PP cups can warp if stored above 100°F (38°C). PET cups become brittle below freezing. Warehouse temperature matters.
Mistake #4: No backup supplier
If your primary supplier has a production delay, can you source elsewhere? Maintain relationships with at least two vendors for each cup size.
Final Checklist Before Placing Your Order:
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Cup diameter is 90mm with flat rim (not beaded)
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Material is PP for hot drinks OR PET for cold drinks only
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Sealing film test passed on your machine
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Lids snap securely (tested with filled cup)
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Straw hole accommodates 10-12mm straws
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FDA or EU 10/2011 certification provided
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Physical samples approved
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Pilot order placed before bulk commitment
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Backup supplier identified