Clear plastic cups and juice bottles are widely used by juice bars, cafés, smoothie shops, bakeries, takeaways, caterers and food-to-go businesses for serving and displaying cold drinks.
Clear PET cups are ideal for drinks served with a straw, including smoothies, milkshakes, iced coffee and fresh juice, while clear PET bottles provide a screw-cap format that is particularly useful for prepared juices, smoothies and other cold still drinks sold from refrigerated displays or supplied for takeaway.
This guide compares clear cup sizes from approximately 250ml to 660ml with juice bottles from 250ml to 1000ml, explains flat and domed cup lids, bottle caps and how to choose the right cold-drink packaging for different applications.
Browse our clear plastic smoothie and juice cups or explore our clear plastic juice bottles with caps.
What Is the Difference Between Clear Drink Cups and Juice Bottles?
The main difference is how the drink is served and sealed.
A clear plastic cup is normally filled immediately before serving and paired with a flat or domed lid. Customers usually drink directly through a straw.
A juice bottle has a narrow neck and screw cap, making it more suitable for drinks that are prepared in advance, stored in a refrigerator, displayed for retail sale or transported before consumption.
| Feature | Clear Plastic Cup | Clear Juice Bottle |
|---|---|---|
| Closure | Flat or domed lid | Screw cap |
| Drinking style | Usually through a straw | Directly from bottle or poured |
| Typical service | Made-to-order drinks | Prepared and grab-and-go drinks |
| Best for toppings | Domed lid available | Not normally intended for toppings |
| Retail fridge display | Suitable | Particularly useful |
What Are Clear Plastic Drink Cups Used For?
Clear PET cups are particularly useful where drink visibility is important. The transparent cup allows customers to see the colour, layers and ingredients of the beverage.
Common uses include:
- Fresh juice
- Smoothies
- Milkshakes
- Iced coffee
- Cold brew
- Iced tea
- Fruit drinks
- Cold soft drinks
- Slush-style drinks where suitable
What Sizes Do Clear Plastic Cups Come In?
The Somoplast clear PET cup range stocked by Smart Food Packaging runs from approximately 250ml through to 660ml.
| Catalogue Size | Capacity | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 8/9oz | 250ml | Small juices, tastings and smaller cold drinks |
| 10oz | 300ml | Juice, iced coffee and small smoothies |
| 12oz | 400ml | Standard smoothies, juice and iced drinks |
| 16oz | 500ml | Large smoothies, milkshakes and juices |
| 20oz | 660ml | Extra-large smoothies, shakes and cold drinks |
The ounce and millilitre descriptions above follow the catalogue sizing of the specific Somoplast range rather than being intended as exact fluid-ounce conversions.
250ml Clear Cups – 8/9oz
The smallest format in this range is the Somoplast 8/9oz 250ml clear PET cup.
This compact cup works well for smaller juices, tasting portions, children's drinks and smaller smoothies where a full-size 400ml or 500ml serving is unnecessary.
300ml Clear Cups – 10oz
The Somoplast 10oz 300ml clear PET cup provides a useful intermediate size for juice, iced coffee, smoothies and other cold takeaway drinks.
It offers more capacity than the 250ml cup while remaining relatively compact for smaller drink servings.
400ml Clear Cups – 12oz
The Somoplast 12oz 400ml clear PET cup is a versatile standard-size option for smoothies, juices, milkshakes and iced coffee.
This size provides enough room for a substantial cold drink without moving into the larger 500ml and 660ml formats.
500ml Clear Cups – 16oz
The Somoplast 16oz 500ml clear PET cup is well suited to larger smoothies, milkshakes, juices and iced drinks.
The additional capacity also provides more room for ice, fruit and thicker blended beverages.
660ml Clear Cups – 20oz
For extra-large cold beverages, the Somoplast 20oz 660ml clear PET cup provides the largest capacity in this Somoplast range.
It is useful for large smoothies, milkshakes, juices and iced drinks where customers want a generous serving.
What Lids Fit Clear Plastic Cups?
Choosing the correct lid is important because cup rims can vary between manufacturers and product ranges.
The Somoplast clear cup range is divided into two main lid-fit groups:
| Cup Size | Capacity | Compatible Lid Group |
|---|---|---|
| 8/9oz | 250ml | Somoplast 8/9–10oz lids |
| 10oz | 300ml | Somoplast 8/9–10oz lids |
| 12oz | 400ml | Somoplast 12–16–20oz lids |
| 16oz | 500ml | Somoplast 12–16–20oz lids |
| 20oz | 660ml | Somoplast 12–16–20oz lids |
Do not assume that another brand's lid will fit simply because the stated cup capacity is the same.
Flat Lids vs Domed Lids for Smoothie Cups
Clear cold-drink cups can be paired with either flat or domed lids depending on how the drink is served.
Flat Straw-Slot Lids
A flat lid keeps the finished drink compact and includes an opening for a straw. It works particularly well for:
- Fresh juice
- Iced coffee
- Iced tea
- Cold soft drinks
- Smooth drinks without tall toppings
For the 250ml and 300ml cups, use the Somoplast clear flat straw-slot lids for 8/9oz and 10oz cups.
For the 400ml, 500ml and 660ml cups, use the Somoplast clear flat straw-slot lids for 12oz, 16oz and 20oz cups.
Domed Lids
Domed lids provide additional space above the rim of the cup and are useful for:
- Whipped cream
- Fruit toppings
- Thick smoothies
- Milkshakes
- Foam
- Drinks requiring extra headroom
For the smaller cups, choose the Somoplast domed lids for 8/9oz and 10oz cups.
The larger 12oz, 16oz and 20oz cups can be paired with Somoplast domed lids for 400ml, 500ml and 660ml cups.
Which Lid Is Best for Smoothies and Milkshakes?
For a plain smoothie or milkshake that does not rise above the rim, a flat straw-slot lid can provide a compact finish.
If the drink has whipped cream, fruit, foam or other toppings, a domed lid provides valuable additional headroom.
What Are Clear PET Juice Bottles Used For?
Clear PET juice bottles are designed for cold drinks that benefit from a secure screw-cap closure and strong product visibility.
They are commonly used by:
- Juice bars
- Cafés
- Delis
- Meal-prep businesses
- Caterers
- Food-to-go retailers
- Grab-and-go refrigerator displays
Typical drinks include fresh juice, smoothies and other suitable cold still beverages.
Browse the complete clear plastic juice bottle and cap range.
What Sizes Do Clear Juice Bottles Come In?
The clear round PET bottle range includes 250ml, 330ml, 500ml and 1000ml formats.
| Bottle Size | Typical Use | Pack Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 250ml | Small juices and compact grab-and-go drinks | 228 bottle and cap sets |
| 330ml | Standard individual juice serving | 176 bottle and cap sets |
| 500ml | Large individual juices and smoothies | 136 bottle and cap sets |
| 1000ml / 1 litre | Large, sharing and catering drinks | 88 bottle and cap sets |
250ml Clear Juice Bottles
The 250ml clear PET juice bottles with white caps provide a compact format for smaller juices, smoothies and grab-and-go drinks.
They are supplied as bottle-and-cap sets, helping businesses avoid having to purchase the closure separately.
330ml Clear Juice Bottles
The 330ml clear PET juice bottles with white caps provide a useful standard individual serving size.
The clear bottle allows brightly coloured juices and smoothies to remain visible in chilled retail displays.
500ml Clear Juice Bottles
The 500ml clear juice bottles with white caps provide more capacity for substantial individual drinks.
This size is particularly useful for larger juices, smoothies and takeaway beverages where 250ml or 330ml is too small.
1 Litre Clear Juice Bottles
The 1000ml clear PET juice bottles with white caps offer a full 1-litre capacity.
They can be used for larger cold-drink portions, sharing bottles, catering service and larger grab-and-go juice packs.
Are Caps Included with the Juice Bottles?
Yes. The 250ml, 330ml, 500ml and 1000ml clear round juice bottle products are supplied as bottle-and-cap sets with white screw caps.
This is different from the clear cup range, where the cup and compatible lid are generally selected separately.
Cup with Lid vs Bottle with Cap: Which Should You Choose?
| Requirement | Recommended Format |
|---|---|
| Made-to-order smoothie | Clear cup with straw lid |
| Milkshake with whipped cream | Clear cup with domed lid |
| Iced coffee | Clear cup with flat straw-slot lid |
| Fresh juice made to order | Clear cup or bottle |
| Juice prepared in advance | Juice bottle with screw cap |
| Grab-and-go refrigerated drink | Juice bottle with cap |
| Drink with toppings | Clear cup with domed lid |
| 1-litre drink | 1000ml juice bottle |
Why Is Clear Packaging Popular for Juice and Smoothies?
Juices and smoothies are often highly visual products. Bright fruit colours, layered drinks and fresh ingredients can form part of the customer's buying decision.
Clear PET packaging allows the drink to remain visible whether it is presented in a takeaway cup or displayed in a refrigerated bottle.
What Is PET?
PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate. It is a clear, lightweight material commonly used for cold-drink cups and beverage bottles.
Its high transparency makes it particularly useful for juices, smoothies, milkshakes and other drinks where presentation is important.
Are Clear PET Cups Suitable for Hot Drinks?
No. The Somoplast clear PET cups in this guide are designed for cold beverages and should not be treated as hot-drink cups.
For coffee, tea and other hot beverages, use packaging specifically designed for hot drinks.
Browse our paper cups and lids for hot drinks.
Can Clear Juice Bottles Be Hot Filled?
The clear PET juice bottles in this range are intended for cold-fill drinks rather than hot filling.
Allow drinks to reach an appropriate cold-fill temperature before filling and always follow the individual bottle specification.
Can the Juice Bottles Be Used for Carbonated Drinks?
The bottles described in this range are intended for cold-fill still drinks. Do not assume that they are suitable for carbonated or pressurised beverages unless the individual product specification specifically confirms this use.
Are Clear PET Cups and Bottles Recyclable?
PET is commonly recyclable where suitable collection and recycling facilities accept clean food and drink packaging.
Local recycling rules vary, so businesses and customers should follow the guidance provided by their local authority or commercial waste contractor.
Which Cup Size Is Best for Smoothies?
For smaller smoothies, 250ml or 300ml may be sufficient. A 400ml cup provides a useful standard serving, while 500ml and 660ml cups suit larger drinks.
If toppings are included, also consider the lid profile rather than capacity alone. A domed lid can provide additional vertical space.
Which Bottle Size Is Best for Juice?
The appropriate size depends on the serving:
- 250ml: compact juice portion
- 330ml: standard individual drink
- 500ml: larger individual serving
- 1000ml: large, sharing or catering portion
Clear Cups and Bottles for Juice Bars
A juice bar may benefit from stocking both cups and bottles rather than choosing only one format.
Cups are useful for smoothies and drinks prepared immediately for the customer, while screw-cap bottles work well for freshly prepared juices placed into a grab-and-go refrigerator.
Using several cup and bottle sizes can also allow a business to offer small, regular and large drink options.
Clear Cups and Bottles for Cafés
Cafés can use clear cups for iced coffee, smoothies, milkshakes and cold drinks while using bottles for chilled juice sold from the refrigerator.
Complete your drink service with products from our straws, drink trays and takeaway cup accessories range.
How to Choose Clear Cold-Drink Packaging
Consider the following before choosing your cups or bottles:
- Drink type: juice, smoothie, milkshake, iced coffee or another cold beverage
- Serving size: choose the capacity that matches your menu
- Service method: made to order or prepared in advance
- Closure: straw lid, domed lid or screw cap
- Toppings: use a dome where additional headroom is required
- Transport: a screw-cap bottle may suit drinks carried for longer periods
- Display: consider visibility in chilled retail cabinets
- Temperature: these PET formats are intended for cold beverages
- Compatibility: match cup lids to the correct cup range
Quick Clear Cup & Juice Bottle Buying Guide
| Requirement | Suggested Packaging |
|---|---|
| Small cold drink | 250ml or 300ml clear cup |
| Standard smoothie | 400ml clear cup |
| Large smoothie or milkshake | 500ml clear cup |
| Extra-large cold drink | 660ml clear cup |
| Drink with toppings | Clear cup with domed lid |
| Small bottled juice | 250ml bottle |
| Standard grab-and-go juice | 330ml bottle |
| Large individual bottled drink | 500ml bottle |
| Sharing or catering juice | 1000ml bottle |
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Cups & Juice Bottles
What sizes do clear smoothie cups come in?
The Somoplast range includes approximately 250ml, 300ml, 400ml, 500ml and 660ml clear PET cold-drink cups.
What sizes do clear juice bottles come in?
The clear PET bottle range includes 250ml, 330ml, 500ml and 1000ml capacities.
Are lids included with clear plastic cups?
The cups and lids are generally selected separately. Choose the correct compatible Somoplast flat or domed lid for the cup size being used.
Are caps included with the juice bottles?
Yes. The clear round juice bottles in this range are supplied as bottle-and-cap sets with white screw caps.
What is the best cup size for a smoothie?
400ml is a useful standard smoothie size, while 500ml and 660ml suit larger servings. Smaller 250ml and 300ml cups are suitable for compact portions.
Should I use a flat or domed lid?
Use a flat straw-slot lid for drinks that remain below the top of the cup. Choose a domed lid when whipped cream, fruit, foam or other toppings require additional headroom.
Can PET cups be used for hot coffee?
No. These clear PET cups are designed for cold drinks. Use an appropriate hot-drink paper cup for coffee, tea and other hot beverages.
Can the juice bottles be used for hot drinks?
No. These PET juice bottles are intended for cold-fill drinks rather than hot filling.
Can these bottles be used for fizzy drinks?
They are intended for cold-fill still beverages. Do not use them for carbonated drinks unless the individual bottle specification specifically confirms suitability for pressure or carbonation.
Where can I buy clear cups and juice bottles in bulk?
Smart Food Packaging supplies clear PET smoothie cups, compatible lids and clear juice bottles with caps in bulk quantities for cafés, juice bars, takeaways, caterers and food-to-go businesses.
Shop Clear Cups & Juice Bottles
Smart Food Packaging stocks clear cold-drink packaging for everything from small juices and iced coffees to large smoothies and one-litre bottled drinks.
Browse our clear smoothie and juice cups with lids, shop clear juice bottles with caps, or explore our complete cups and lids range.