Single vs Double vs Ripple Wall Coffee Cups: Which Should You Choose?

Single wall cups are one layer of paperboard: cheapest, but hot to hold. Double wall cups add an insulating outer layer, so they are comfortable to hold with no sleeve. Ripple wall cups use a ridged outer layer for even more grip and insulation. For tea and drinks finished quickly, single wall is fine. For takeaway coffee carried down the street, double wall is usually the better buy, because a single wall cup plus a sleeve often costs about the same.

Here is how the three compare, and what each one actually costs per cup.

In this guide

• What is the difference between single, double and ripple wall?
• Do I need a sleeve?
• Which is cheaper per cup?
• Which should my café use?
• FAQ

What is the difference between single, double and ripple wall cups?

Double wall cups also come in finishes like matte, kraft or embossed, which gives an unbranded cup a more premium look without paying for custom printing.

No sleeve needed

8oz Traveller Double Wall Hot Cups, 500 Pack

Insulated double wall cups for flat whites and small coffees. Takes an 80mm lid.

€37.80 ex VAT Shop double wall →

Do I need a sleeve with paper coffee cups?

With single wall cups and hot drinks, usually yes. A cardboard sleeve, sometimes called a clutch, protects the customer's hand. Some cafés double-cup instead, putting one cup inside another, which uses two cups per drink.

With double or ripple wall cups, no. The outer layer does the job of the sleeve, which also means one less thing for staff to grab during the morning rush.

If you do use single wall cups, kraft coffee clutches are the neatest option.

Which is cheaper per cup?

On paper, single wall is cheaper by a few cent. Add a sleeve, or a second cup for double-cupping, and the gap mostly disappears, while double wall still looks and feels better. Prices correct at time of writing.

Premium look, no printing

12oz Black Embossed Double Wall Hot Cups, 500 Pack

Textured black double wall cups. Takes a 90mm lid.

€41.99 ex VAT Shop embossed cups →

Which should my café use?

• Takeaway coffee shop: double wall for all hot drinks. It saves on sleeves, saves on complaints and looks the part.
• Deli or shop with a coffee machine: double wall for coffee, single wall for tea if you want to save a little.
• Office, event or catering: single wall is usually fine, since drinks are finished quickly nearby.
• Samples and espresso: 4oz single wall.

Not sure on sizes? Our coffee cup sizes guide covers 4, 8, 12 and 16oz and which lids fit.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between single and double wall cups?

Single wall cups are one layer of paperboard and get hot to hold. Double wall cups have a second insulating layer, so they stay comfortable to hold without a sleeve.

Do double wall cups need a sleeve?

No. The outer wall insulates the cup, so no sleeve is needed.

Are double wall cups worth the extra cost?

For takeaway coffee, usually yes. The saving on sleeves or double-cupping closes most of the price gap, and customers notice the better feel.

What is a ripple wall cup?

A cup with a ridged outer wrap that adds grip and insulation. It is the most insulated option and also takes the most storage space.