When you run a café in Melbourne, a food truck in Sydney or a takeaway shop in Brisbane, the humble cup matters more than most people realise. Customers rarely think twice about the cup holding their latte or iced drink, yet for business owners it is one of the most important decisions. At Elite Packaging, we have seen how the right choice between coffee cups and plastic cups can make a big difference to cost, presentation, and customer satisfaction.
The variety available today is wide, and knowing what to choose can feel overwhelming. From hot drinks on cold mornings to iced teas under the summer sun, every cup has a role to play.
Explore our full range of cups here
Coffee Cups for Hot Drinks
Coffee is part of daily life right across Australia. From a flat white in Melbourne’s laneways to a long black in Sydney’s business district, customers want their drink to stay hot without burning their hands. That’s why coffee cups are so essential.
- Insulated walls keep the warmth in while staying comfortable to hold
- A wide range of sizes covers everything from a piccolo to a large latte
- Secure lids make takeaway simple on busy streets
Most cafés stick with paper coffee cups because they strike a good balance between cost and practicality. Many owners also choose custom printing so every order doubles as free advertising.
See our coffee cups collection
👉 Call us today to discuss custom coffee cups
Cold Cups for Refreshing Drinks
On scorching afternoons in Queensland or at a summer festival in Victoria, cold cups are what customers look for. They are designed for iced coffee, bubble tea, smoothies, and soft drinks, with a clear finish that makes every drink look more tempting.
- Strong enough for shakes and smoothies
- Work with both domed and flat lids
- Show off colourful layers or fruit toppings
Cold cups are especially handy for businesses that want their drinks to look just as good as they taste.
👉 Book a quick chat with us about cold cups
Plastic Cups: Practical and Versatile
There is a good reason why plastic cups are still popular. They are light, affordable, and versatile, making them useful for everything from market stalls to sports events.
- Perfect for outdoor gatherings and take-home events
- Easy to move and store in bulk
- Can be branded with printed logos or designs
PET cups offer that crystal-clear look that shows off the drink, while PP cups are softer and better suited for certain lids. Choosing between them depends on your product and presentation style.
👉 Request a sample of our plastic cups
PET Cups for a Premium Look
If you run a juice bar in Bondi or a smoothie stand in Perth, PET cups are often the choice for a polished presentation. They are sturdy, clear, and give drinks that professional finish.
Why PET cups stand out:
- Strong and shatter-resistant
- Excellent clarity for presentation
- Perfect for textured drinks with fruit or cream
For businesses that want customers to notice the quality of their product, PET cups send the right message every time.
👉 Talk to our team about PET cup options
Paper Cups: Eco-Friendly Options
Sustainability is now part of everyday conversations across Australia. Customers want to know that their choices are environmentally responsible. Paper cups are designed to meet that need, giving businesses a greener alternative to traditional plastics.
- Suitable for both hot and cold drinks
- Easy to recycle where facilities are available
- Ideal for cafés aiming to present a sustainable brand
Choosing paper cups also aligns with many council guidelines that encourage businesses to offer eco-friendly takeaway packaging.
Discover paper cup options here
👉 Enquire about bulk paper cup orders
Printed Cups: Branding on Every Serve
One of the most effective ways to advertise your café or business is through printed cups. Every cup becomes a travelling billboard, whether it is coffee, iced tea, or a smoothie.
- Reinforces your brand identity
- Builds recognition in your local area
- Makes every takeaway order a marketing tool
Printed cups are especially powerful in competitive café districts in cities like Melbourne or Sydney, where brand identity helps businesses stand out.
👉 Contact us to design your printed cups
Ready to Choose the Right Cups for Your Business?
The choice between coffee cups and plastic cups depends on what you serve, how you want to present it, and how you want your customers to remember your brand. At Elite Packaging, we help Australian businesses make confident choices that balance cost, sustainability, and style.
- Running a café? Paper coffee cups may be your everyday go-to.
- Hosting an outdoor festival? Plastic cups or PET cups may be more practical.
- Want to stand out? Printed cups will showcase your name everywhere your customers go.
Browse all our products and see how we can support your business packaging needs.
