Coffee Mugs

Coffee mugs are one of the most frequently used materials in cafés. The growing popularity of takeaway culture has led to high daily consumption of single-use coffee mugs in every café and bar. Properly selected coffee mugs improve the customer experience and reduce discomfort when enjoying takeaway drinks.

Types of coffee mugs

Single-wall paper coffee mugs are the most economical option — suitable for cafés with a high takeaway volume. However, single-wall mugs quickly become hot to the touch, so a sleeve or additional protection is necessary.

Double-walled paper mugs better maintain the coffee’s temperature and do not burn the hand without additional protection. The double-wall construction protects both the customer’s hands and keeps the drink hot longer. More popular in cafés with a premium approach and a higher average ticket.

Lids for coffee mugs are a mandatory addition for takeaway services — they prevent coffee spills during transport. Lids with a sip hole allow drinking from the mug without opening it and are better suited for latte and flat white styles. Lids with a C-shaped cutout allow attaching the mug to a bag, preventing spills.

Cup sleeves provide additional heat protection, allowing customers to comfortably hold hot coffee. Sleeves also serve as a branding surface — cafés use them for logo and brand visuals.

Sizes and capacities

Coffee mugs are available in various standard capacities — 100 ml (espresso), 180–200 ml (americano or latte S), 350–400 ml (latte M and L) and 450–500 ml (XL takeaway). It is important to choose mugs that match the volume of the beverages offered — a mug that is too large looks unaesthetic, while one that is too small may not hold the entire drink.

Branding and personalisation

Coffee mugs featuring the café’s logo and design improve brand recognition. Customers with personalised coffee mugs effectively become brand ambassadors on the street and on social media. Personalised mugs require a minimum order quantity — BHS can provide details on these options.

Eco-friendly coffee mugs

Environmentally friendly options — compostable paper mugs or mugs made from renewable paper — are becoming increasingly popular. Cafés that use eco-friendly mugs demonstrate a responsible approach and attract environmentally conscious customers. BHS provides information on available eco-packaging options.

Storing mugs in cafés

Cafés with a high takeaway volume require a compact mug storage system. Explore Single-Use Glass and Cup Dispensers, Sleeves and Organizers for convenient access and hygienic storage. For lid storage, Single-Use Cup Lid Organizer Stands are suitable.

Frequently asked questions

What is the standard coffee mug capacity for a latte?

350–400 ml M/L latte. BHS helps select the right capacity based on the beverages offered.

Are double-walled mugs significantly more expensive?

Slightly more expensive, but they provide a better customer experience. BHS helps calculate the cost difference.

Takeaway coffee trends

In recent years, takeaway coffee consumption has increased significantly — large city cafés sell 40–60% of their coffee as takeaway. This trend has boosted demand for high-quality coffee mugs that ensure a good customer experience outside the café. Cafés offering takeaway services typically use hundreds or thousands of single-use mugs per month. A regular and reliable supplier is essential to ensure mug supplies never run out during busy periods.

Coffee mug storage and hygiene

Single-use coffee mugs must be stored in a dry, clean place, protected from dust and moisture. Hygienic storage ensures that mugs remain clean and ready for use. Dispensers and sleeves make serving mugs easier and ensure hygienic access to one unit without touching the others. Explore Single-Use Glass and Cup Dispensers, Sleeves and Organizers for effective storage organisation. BHS helps select a hygienic storage system tailored to the café’s needs.

Ordering and quantity of coffee mugs

Cafés with high turnover use many coffee mugs — some cafés may use 200–500 mugs per day. BHS helps calculate the optimal order quantity and frequency based on the café’s daily consumption. Regular orders ensure that supplies never run out at the wrong time. BHS helps plan the coffee mug ordering schedule according to seasonal fluctuations — in summer, the cold drink season reduces the consumption of hot mugs, while in autumn and winter, consumption increases. Contact BHS to find out about coffee mug prices and delivery options.

Quality requirements for coffee mugs

Professional cafés choose coffee mugs from certified manufacturers that meet food contact requirements. Paper mugs must be made from food-safe materials — the inside is usually coated with a thin PE layer to prevent moisture absorption. Mug quality must also meet aesthetic requirements — colour stability, smooth edges, and sturdy construction. Lids must fit tightly to prevent coffee spills. BHS offers coffee mugs that meet both safety and aesthetic requirements for HoReCa businesses.

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.