A 9oz cup is easy to overlook. It sits between a tasting cup and a standard small drink. But it is the size where many cafes, juice bars and dessert counters quietly make their best margins. Portions are controlled, the cup is cheap per serve, and a wide rim shows off what is inside.
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is chosen for its glass-like clarity at low weight. At 9oz the cup suits applications where the contents are part of the product's appeal. The table below matches common uses to the reason the size works and one thing to watch.
| Use case | Why 9oz works | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Small iced coffee or cold brew | A low-cost entry size that suits a lower price point | Leave room for ice, and check lid fit before launch |
| Smoothies and juice samples | Clear walls show colour and texture; a small size encourages trial | Thick blends may need a wide straw |
| Layered desserts, yogurt, fruit cups | A wide mouth gives easy spooning and a visible top layer | Fill height affects how the layers look |
| Events and catering | Light, stackable, and quick to serve in volume | Keep stock out of hot vehicles and sun |
| Kids' drinks | A sensible portion with a stable, wide base | Choose a lid style that suits the age group |
These are the published specifications for item GK98/09C.
| Item No. | GK98/09C |
|---|---|
| Nominal capacity | 9oz |
| Weight | 9.5 g |
| Caliber (rim diameter) | 98.4 mm |
| Bottom diameter | 90.0 mm |
| Height | 63.0 mm |
| Packing | 50 pcs per sleeve x 20 sleeves |
| Quantity per carton | 1,000 pcs |
Three points are worth knowing before you order:
PET has a long record in food packaging. In the United States, polyethylene phthalate polymers may be used in food-contact articles under the conditions set out in 21 CFR 177.1630[1]. In the European Union, plastic food-contact articles fall under Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, which sets requirements on materials and migration[2]. Compliance depends on the finished product and its supplier documentation, so ask your supplier for the declaration that matches your target market.
The practical limit of standard PET is heat. It softens at temperatures far below that of freshly brewed coffee, so this cup is designed for cold drinks and desserts, as our 9oz PET cup page states. Do not use it for hot beverages or in a microwave, and avoid storing stock in a hot vehicle or warehouse.
The caliber number is what decides lid compatibility. This cup has a 98 mm caliber and works with both flat and round lids. A flat lid suits sampling and stacked display. A round (dome) lid gives headroom for whipped toppings or layered contents. Ask for a lid sample and test it with your actual product, including a full ice load, before you commit. Our company profile lists cup calibers from 78 mm up to 117 mm, so you can stay within one caliber family across your menu. See the technology section for the full range.
PET carries resin code 1 and is widely collected, but the picture for cups is more nuanced than "recyclable" suggests. Industry reporting notes that recycling of PET thermoforms, which include cups, lags well behind bottle recycling, even though most reclaimers already process them alongside bottles[3]. In practice, check your local collection rules before you print "recyclable" on packaging.
If recycled content matters to your brand, compare the PET series with the RPET series. If you want a plant-based material, review the PLA series. Each has different clarity, cost, heat limits and end-of-life options, so match the material to the market you sell in.
Zhejiang Gaokai New Material Co., Ltd. began operating in 2021 in the Jianshan New District of Haining, Zhejiang. Our plant sits inside the industrial park of Wankai New Materials, a major PET raw-material supplier, which keeps sheet supply close to the forming lines. According to our company profile, we operate 16 forming machines with an annual capacity of 2 billion pieces and serve customers in more than 21 countries and areas. Production covers sheet pulling, thermoforming and printing, supported by a stereoscopic warehouse with intelligent management. More detail is on our technical equipment page and our global sales network page.
We list ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 22000, BRC A+, GRS and SGS certifications on our certification page. When you source from any supplier, ask for the certificate copies and confirm that the scope covers the product you are buying.
| Check | Why it matters | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Lid fit | A loose lid leaks; a tight one deforms the rim | Test samples with your real filling and ice |
| Brim-full capacity | Affects portion cost and fill line | Measure a sample with water |
| Food-contact documents | Needed for your target market | Request the declaration and test reports |
| Certificate scope | A certificate may not cover every product line | Ask for copies and review the scope text |
| Custom printing | Ink and print area must suit food contact | Confirm ink compliance and approve a print proof |
| Storage and transit | Heat can warp stacked cups | Plan cool, dry storage and sealed cartons |
Can I use the 9oz PET cup for hot drinks?
No. It is intended for cold beverages and desserts. Choose a different material if you need to serve hot drinks.
Which lids fit this cup?
It has a 98 mm caliber and works with flat and round lids. Test a lid sample with your product first.
Do you make custom cups?
Yes. We work mainly on customized products based on customer drawings or samples. Send your requirements through our inquiry form.
How fast will you reply to an inquiry?
We reply within 12 hours on working days.
