Food Service Disposables
Cups, plates, cutlery, and napkins -- the complete guide to stocking your kitchen, breakroom, or catering operation at wholesale prices.
Explore by Category
Select a disposable category to see sizes, materials, and product recommendations.
Hot Cups
Paper hot cups are lined with polyethylene to resist heat and prevent leaks. They come in standard sizes from 8oz for espresso to 16oz for large coffees. Always pair with a matching lid for takeout.
Key Features
- Poly-lined paper resists heat and moisture
- White exterior is easy to brand with sleeves
- Available in 8oz, 12oz, and 16oz
- Pair with dome or flat sip lids (sold separately)
- Packed 20 cups/sleeve, 50 sleeves/carton (1,000 total)
Cup Size Guide
From sampling cups to jumbo fountain drinks, here is what each size is designed for.
| Size | Common Name | Best Use Cases | Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5oz | Sampling Cup | Tasting samples, condiment portions, mouthwash | Hot or Cold |
| 5oz | Bathroom / Water Cup | Restroom dispensers, water coolers | Cold |
| 8oz Popular | Small Coffee | Espresso, cappuccino, small drip coffee, hot tea | Hot |
| 10oz | Medium Cold | Kids drinks, juice, small iced tea | Cold |
| 12oz Popular | Standard Coffee | Regular drip coffee, latte, iced coffee | Hot & Cold |
| 16oz Popular | Large | Large coffee, fountain drinks, smoothies, iced tea | Hot & Cold |
| 20oz | Extra Large | Big fountain drinks, movie theater | Cold |
| 24oz | Jumbo | Supersize fountain, specialty cold drinks | Cold |
Paper vs Plastic vs Foam
Each cup material excels in different situations. Paper is the standard for hot beverages. Clear PET plastic showcases cold drinks. Foam insulates but has environmental trade-offs.
| Feature | Paper (Hot) | PET Plastic (Cold) | Foam (Both) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Hot only | Cold only | Hot & Cold |
| Insulation | Low (needs sleeve) | None | Excellent |
| Cost per Cup | $0.04-0.08 | $0.03-0.06 | $0.03-0.05 |
| Recyclable | Limited (coated) | Yes (#1 PET) | No |
| Compostable Options | Yes (PLA-lined) | Limited | No |
| Leak Resistance | Good (poly-lined) | Excellent | Good |
| Print/Brand | Easy (custom sleeves) | Moderate | Difficult |
Pro Tip: Many municipalities are banning foam cups. Check local regulations before stocking foam. Paper and PET plastic are the safest bets for long-term compliance.
Cutlery Weight Guide
The difference between mediumweight and heavyweight cutlery matters more than you think. Nothing ruins a meal like a fork that snaps in a piece of chicken.
Mediumweight
Budget-friendly everyday cutlery- Cafeterias and breakrooms
- Salads, pasta, soft foods
- Takeout containers with pre-cut food
- Events where cost control matters
- Environments with frequent turnover
Heavyweight
Premium pick- Full-service restaurants (dine-in to-go)
- Steaks, ribs, root vegetables
- Catering and events where presentation matters
- BBQ and food trucks with hearty portions
- Any food that requires cutting force
Napkin Types Compared
Matching the right napkin to the right setting saves money and elevates the experience.
| Type | Size | Ply | Per Case | Cost/Napkin | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beverage | 4.75" x 4.5" | 1-Ply | 4,000 | ~$0.005 | Bars, coffee shops, cocktails |
| Luncheon | 6.5" x 6.5" | 1-Ply | 6,000 | ~$0.004 | Fast food, cafeterias, self-serve |
| Dinner | 15" x 17" | 2-Ply | 3,000 | ~$0.01 | Sit-down restaurants, catering, events |
| Dispenser | 8.86" x 6.3" | 2-Ply | 6,000 | ~$0.005 | Fast-casual counters, self-serve stations |
Pro Tip: Dispenser napkins reduce waste by 30-40% compared to loose stacks. Customers take one at a time instead of grabbing a fistful. The dispenser pays for itself in the first month.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Bagasse (sugarcane fiber) plates are the leading sustainable alternative. They are made from agricultural waste, compostable in commercial facilities, and strong enough for a full meal.
Why Bagasse?
- Made from sugarcane pulp (agricultural byproduct)
- Commercially compostable (BPI certified)
- Grease and moisture resistant without coatings
- Microwave safe for reheating
- Comparable strength to foam and plastic plates
- Shows environmental commitment to customers
Shop Eco-Friendly
Compare: Bagasse plates cost about $0.06/plate vs $0.03/plate for coated paper. The premium is modest considering the environmental benefit and superior performance with hot, greasy foods.
Cost Per Setting Estimates
Use these estimates to forecast your disposable costs per meal or beverage served. Prices reflect bulk wholesale pricing.
| Setting | Low Est. | Mid Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (plate + MW fork + bev napkin) | $0.05 | $0.07 | $0.09 |
| Standard (plate + HW fork/knife + dinner napkin) | $0.10 | $0.14 | $0.18 |
| Premium Eco (bagasse + HW fork/knife + dinner napkin) | $0.14 | $0.18 | $0.22 |
| Full Beverage (hot cup + lid + sleeve + bev napkin) | $0.08 | $0.11 | $0.14 |
| Cold Drink (clear cup + flat lid + straw + bev napkin) | $0.06 | $0.09 | $0.12 |
Pro Tip: Track your disposable cost per meal as a KPI. Most successful food operations keep disposable costs under 3% of the plate price. If you are spending $0.18 on disposables, your plate price should be at least $6.00.
Recommended Setups by Industry
Our top picks based on what works best for each type of food service operation.
Full-Service Restaurant
HW Cutlery + Dinner Napkins + Bagasse PlatesUpscale feel with heavyweight forks and 2-ply dinner napkins. Bagasse plates for takeout show eco-consciousness customers love.
Catering & Events
Bagasse Plates + HW Cutlery + Dinner NapkinsCompostable plates handle heavy, saucy meals. Heavyweight cutlery won't embarrass you. Buy in bulk for per-event savings.
Office Breakroom
8oz & 12oz Hot Cups + MW Cutlery + Beverage NapkinsCoffee is king in offices. Stock two cup sizes and mediumweight cutlery for lunches. Beverage napkins by the coffee maker.
School Cafeteria
Coated Plates + MW Cutlery + Dispenser NapkinsBudget-friendly coated plates for pizza and sandwiches. Dispenser napkins reduce waste from students grabbing handfuls.
Stock Your Kitchen Today
Browse our full selection of food service disposables -- cups, plates, cutlery, napkins, and more. Wholesale pricing with free local delivery.