In this Instagram era, a drink is more than just something to quench your thirst. It can express your mood, add visual interest to your feed, and even serve as a great business promotion. And what better way to showcase these beverages than in clear plastic cups to create the perfect photo-ready drink?
With a predicted yearly growth rate (CAGR) of 10.05% from 2024 to 2029, the beverage market is expected to reach a global revenue of US$380.40bn by 2029.
This guide breaks down drink categories, provides technical insights, and includes specific Canadian market considerations to help you maximize the potential of clear plastic cups for your business.
Cocktails and Mocktails
Cocktails and mocktails are staples of visually appealing menus. The transparency of a plastic cup allows every layer to shine. These are lightweight, durable, and cost-efficient for businesses—perfect for high-volume service and takeaway.
Example Drinks You Can Sell
- Mojito: Combine layers of lime wedges, fresh mint leaves, ice, and sparkling soda for a visually dynamic drink. The addition of a garnish enhances its appeal.
- Sangria: Showcase red or white sangria with mixed berries, orange slices, and ice. You can use compartmentalized ones to keep garnishes separate for customer customization.
- Sunset Spritzer: Create a gradient with orange juice, grenadine, and soda water to mimic a sunset. Add edible glitter for special occasions.
- Virgin Piña Colada: This drink highlights coconut milk and pineapple juice with a tropical garnish like a pineapple wedge or maraschino cherry.
Consideration for Packaging
- Material Compatibility: Use PET, PP, or PLA for durability and clarity.
- Cup Size Considerations: Opt for 12-16 oz capacity for most cocktails and mocktails to balance portion size and presentation.
- Sealability: Dome or flat lids prevent spills and maintain presentation during transportation.
Canadian Market Insight
Summer festivals and outdoor dining experiences like Waterfront Night Market, Summerlicious, Taste of Danforth, and more demand for eye-catching, portable cocktails. Offering reusable plastic party cups can help align your product with Canadian environmental goals, while regional flavours (e.g., maple syrup-infused mojitos) can create a unique selling point.
Coffee-Based Drinks
Coffee beverages have evolved into visual masterpieces. Plastic cups allow customers to appreciate the artistry behind layered and specialty coffees, turning a simple drink into an experience.
What You Can Serve
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Layered Iced Coffee |
Present layers of espresso, milk, and ice. Incorporate caramel or chocolate drizzle for added flair. |
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Cold Brew |
Highlight the deep tones of cold brew, paired with cream or flavoured syrups for an ombre effect. |
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Affogato to Go |
Espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates an interactive experience. |
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Nitro Coffee |
The cascading effect of its bubbles makes it a visual centrepiece. |
- Temperature Resistance: Ensure they can withstand cold and moderately warm beverages.
- Customization: Transparent design offers space for branding or labelling to enhance visibility.
- Specialty Lids: Use lids with openings for straws or spoon access for drinks like affogato.
Canadian Market Insight
Cold coffee beverages are increasingly popular in Canada, even during the colder months. In 2023, 20% of Canadians reported drinking cold specialty coffee the previous week— up from 13% in 2019. Marketing your packaging as recyclable and using local flavour additives (e.g., Saskatoon berry syrup) can increase appeal.
Tea-Based Beverages
Tea beverages offer a diverse palette of colours and textures perfectly complement see-through packagings. From vibrant matcha to colourful bubble tea, the visual appeal of these drinks is a major selling point.
- Matcha Latte: Matcha layered with milk creates a striking visual effect.
- Thai Iced Tea: The rich orange tea paired with creamy condensed milk and ice is an iconic choice.
- Bubble Tea: Display floating tapioca pearls or fruit jellies in taro, honeydew, or classic milk tea varieties.
- Hibiscus Iced Tea: Deep red hibiscus tea with a lemon slice garnish makes for a refreshing drink.
Bubble tea is a booming industry in cities like Vancouver and Montreal. With events like Night It Up!, a street food festival inspired by Taiwanese, Hong Kong, and other Asian night markets. Incorporating local ingredients or culturally inspired flavours can differentiate your offerings.
Packaging Considerations
- Cup Design: Dome lids accommodate toppings like whipped cream or tapioca pearls. You can also consider hot sealing film as cup covers.
- Straw Requirements: Include wide straws for bubble tea to accommodate large toppings.
- Thermal Stability: A plastic cup retains clarity and structure when holding iced beverages.
Milkshakes
Milkshakes are a visual treat, and clear plastic cups emphasize every layer. They are also practical for transporting and maintaining the quality of the toppings.
Milkshakes are particularly popular among younger demographics in cities like Ottawa and Winnipeg. Statista reports that Canada produced 2.79 thousand kiloliters of milkshakes in 2023, up from 2.59 thousand in 2022.
What You Can Sell
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Classic Flavours |
Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry look rich and inviting in clear cups. |
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Pastel Milkshakes |
Natural food colouring creates pastel shades like lavender, baby pink, and mint green. |
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Over-the-Top Milkshakes |
Add a rim of sprinkles, whipped cream, cookies, or candy to make it look more fun. |
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Seasonal Specials |
Pumpkin spice milkshakes in fall or peppermint shakes during winter can drive seasonal sales. |
- Durability: A PP hard cup can support heavy toppings without warping.
- Portion Control: Use 16-20 oz cups to balance visual appeal and practicality.
- Garnish Compatibility: Dome lids with large openings accommodate oversized toppings.
Refreshers
Refreshers are light, hydrating, and vibrant drinks that naturally fit into a clear cup. Their appeal lies in their fresh ingredients and colourful presentation. Refreshers gain traction during Canada’s summer, particularly at outdoor events and festivals like Poutine Fest Ontario, Spock Days in Alberta, and more.
Promoting these drinks with local fruit garnishes can resonate with health-conscious consumers. Eco-friendly, single-use cups can cater to convenience and sustainability demands.
Sample Drinks
- Lemonade Variations: Lavender lemonade, raspberry lemonade, or lemon-mint are simple yet stunning.
- Cucumber Mint Cooler: Highlight floating cucumber slices and fresh mint leaves.
- Dragonfruit Refresher: Bright pink dragonfruit mixed with coconut water creates a visually captivating beverage.
- Sparkling Citrus Punch: Combine orange, lime, and grapefruit juices with sparkling water and edible flowers.
Clear Cup Consideration
- UV Resistance: Ensure cups resist discolouration under direct sunlight, especially for an outdoor event.
- Volume Options: Offer multiple sizes (12-20 oz) for portion flexibility.
- Sealing Mechanisms: Use spill-proof flat lids for portability.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a staple for health-conscious customers. Their bright colours and thick textures look stunning in a transparent cup. These beverages also offer an opportunity for layering and creative presentation.
Perfect Smoothies to Sell
- Berry Blast: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries creates a rich red smoothie.
- Green Detox: Kale, spinach, green apple, and ginger form a vibrant green drink.
- Tropical Drinks: Mango, pineapple, and coconut milk create a creamy yellow smoothie.
- Layered Smoothies: Alternate layers of different flavours, such as strawberry and kiwi, for a striped effect.
Smoothies with organic or local ingredients are popular with health-conscious consumers. Highlighting superfoods like Canadian-grown blueberries or flaxseeds can enhance your marketing. Customers trust transparent containers because they see quality and freshness.
Technical Insights
- Cup Strength: Make sure the construction is thick enough to handle the density of smoothie textures.
- Temperature Retention: Use cups designed to minimize condensation for a cleaner presentation.
Why They Are the Perfect Packaging Solution
- Visual Appeal: Transparency highlights the drink’s colours, textures, and layers, enhancing customer engagement.
- Durability: Lightweight yet sturdy, these ensure beverages remain intact during transport.
- Easy Customization: Branding opportunities with logos or designs increase visibility.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Recyclable materials cater to environmentally conscious consumers.
- Versatility: Compatible with all types of cold drinks.
Capture The Perfect Drink and Image With Clear Cups
Clear plastic cups are more than just containers—they’re an essential element of product presentation. By choosing high-quality, sustainable materials, your business can attract customers and thrive in the competitive Canadian market.
With thoughtful branding and eco-conscious practices, these products from a food packaging supplier Canada can become a huge part of your business strategy. Patek Packaging offers plastic cups in various sizes, perfect for businesses or even if you just want to enter your “party hosting” era. They come with matching lids and are sold in bulk for efficient logistics and operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the temperature limits for these containers?
A clear cup (especially PET ones) is ideal for cold beverages but cannot handle temperatures above 60°C (140°F). Businesses serving hot drinks should consider double-walled or heat-resistant alternatives. These products for hot beverages are also available in Patek.
How can I minimize condensation on cold drinks served in a clear cup?
Condensation is a common challenge with cold drinks but can be managed.
- Using double-walled or insulated products reduces temperature transfer and minimizes condensation.
- Adding cup sleeves or providing napkins can improve the customer experience.
- Another option is storing them in a cooler environment before use, as pre-chilled containers produce less condensation.
These minor adjustments can enhance the overall presentation and practicality of the drink.
How does plastic compare to glass regarding safety and usability?
These cups are lighter, more durable, and safer than glass— particularly in high-traffic or outdoor gathering. They eliminate the risk of breakage while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of glass. They are also easier to store, lower in price, and easily disposable.