Using the 9OZ PET Clear Drink Cup: A Practical Guide for Cafés, Caterers and Event Hosts

Sep 30, 2026 Viewd 0

What the Cup Is Made For

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is the same clear, rigid plastic used for many bottled beverages. In a cup it gives high transparency, good crack resistance and a low weight of only 9.0 g per cup. It is best used for cold and room-temperature drinks such as iced coffee, cold brew, iced tea, juice, smoothies, soda and mixed drinks. The clear wall lets customers see layers, fruit and ice, and that visibility is the main reason to choose PET over paper or foam.

Specifications at a Glance

Item Detail
Item No. GK90/09C
Nominal capacity 9 oz
Cup weight 9.0 g
Rim diameter (caliber) 89.6 mm
Bottom diameter 51.0 mm
Height 87.0 mm
Sleeve packing 50 pcs × 20 sleeves
Carton quantity 1,000 pcs

Source: manufacturer product data, Zhejiang Gaokai New Material Co., Ltd.

Understanding the "9 oz" Number

Cup sizes are nominal labels, not exact fill volumes. Nine US fluid ounces is roughly 266 ml when filled to the brim, but nobody serves a lidded cold drink to the brim. Once you add ice and leave room for a lid, the usable serving is noticeably smaller. Before you print menu sizes or portion specs, fill a sample cup the way you actually serve it and measure the result. That takes two minutes and prevents pricing mistakes.

Which Drinks Suit It

Use Fit Practical note
Iced coffee, cold brew, iced tea Good Good for espresso-based tasting servings and small iced drinks.
Juice and smoothies Good Clear walls show colour. Use a wide straw for thick blends.
Cocktail and mocktail samples Good The 9 oz size suits sampling and portion control at events.
Desserts, fruit, yogurt parfaits Good Layers are visible from the side. Choose a flat lid if you plan to stack.
Hot coffee, tea or soup Not recommended PET softens under heat. Ask the supplier for a written temperature limit if you have a warm-drink need.

Choosing the Right Lid

The cup is designed for flat lids and round (dome) lids. The right choice depends on what you serve.

Lid type Best for Watch out for
Flat lid Standard iced drinks, delivery, easy stacking of filled cups No room for toppings.
Dome lid Whipped cream, foam, fruit garnish, layered drinks Filled cups are harder to stack.

Because the rim diameter is 89.6 mm, ask your supplier which lid is matched to this exact cup rather than assuming that any "90 mm" lid will seal. Test the seal with a full cup tilted on its side before you place a large order.

Step-by-Step: Serving Without Problems

  1. Pull cups from the sleeve by the base, and avoid touching the inside of the rim.
  2. Add ice first, then the liquid. Pouring a cold drink over ice avoids splashing and keeps layers cleaner.
  3. Leave headspace below the rim. With a dome lid, remember to allow for the topping as well.
  4. Wipe any drips off the rim before pressing the lid on, so the seal grips a dry surface.
  5. Press the lid down evenly around the whole rim until it seats fully.
  6. Place cups in a carrier or tray for delivery instead of stacking them full.

Storage and Handling

Keep cartons in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and strong odours. Keep sleeves sealed until you need them, because open sleeves collect dust and are easier to deform. Do not store cups near ovens, fryers or dishwashers, since sustained heat can warp thin-walled PET. Open one sleeve at a time and use the oldest stock first. The carton is a sensible ordering unit, since 1,000 cups is a manageable amount for a single outlet and a good trial size for a caterer.

Food Safety and Recycling

The manufacturer describes the cup as BPA-free, food-grade and recyclable. For your own compliance file, ask the supplier for current test reports that match your market. Requirements vary, for example FDA rules for food-contact polymers in the United States and Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 for plastics in the European Union. PET is recycled in many municipal systems, but acceptance for cups depends on your local rules, and a lid made of a different plastic may need separate handling. If your customers care about recycled content, the maker also lists an RPET series and a plant-based PLA series alongside its PET series.

Who Makes It

Zhejiang Gaokai New Material Co., Ltd. is a PET, PLA and RPET food-container producer in the Jianshan New District of Haining, Zhejiang. According to its About Us page, the company started in 2021 and operates inside an industrial park base of Wankai New Materials, a PET raw-material supplier. It reports 16 forming machines, an annual capacity of 2 billion pieces and customers in more than 21 countries and regions. Its listed certifications include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 22000, BRC A+, GRS and SGS. Its cup calibers include 78, 90, 92, 95, 98, 107 and 117 mm. You can read more about equipment and sales reach on the Why Choose Us page. For a purchase decision, ask for copies of the certificates that apply to the cup you are buying.

Compare Neighbouring Sizes

If 9 oz is not quite right for your menu, the same catalogue includes these options. Check each page for its exact dimensions.

9OZ PET Clear Drink Cup