Soup Containers and Deli Pots: Sizes, Lids and What to Use

For soup, 12oz is the standard single portion and 16oz is the large, with 8oz for a cup of soup and 26oz to 32oz for sharing. Paper soup containers with a vented lid are the usual choice for hot soup to go. Lids are sized to specific containers, so buy them from the same range. For cold deli salads, clear hinged containers from 250cc to 1000cc let the food sell itself.

Here is how to pick the right size, the right lid and the right material.

In this guide

• What size soup container do I need?
• Which lid fits which soup container?
• Paper, compostable or plastic soup containers?
• Which containers suit a deli counter?
• Any tips for soup to go?
• FAQ

What size soup container do I need?

Size	Volume	Typical use
8oz	about 240ml	Cup of soup, side portion, kids
12oz	about 355ml	Standard single portion
16oz	about 475ml	Large portion, meal-sized soup
26oz	about 770ml	Sharing, stews, family portion
32oz	about 950ml	Family size, batch soup

Most cafés stock two sizes: 12oz and 16oz. Add 8oz if you do a soup and sandwich deal.

Which lid fits which soup container?

Soup lids are made for specific container ranges, so the safe rule is: same brand, same range, matching size.

• 8oz and 12oz Spiritpak containers share 8/12oz paper lids.
• 16oz Spiritpak containers take 16oz paper lids or 16oz vented plastic lids.
• Combi packs include the lid, like the 12oz container and plastic lid combi, so there is nothing to match.

Vented lids let steam escape, so the lid does not pop off and condensation does not make the soup watery.

Paper, compostable or plastic soup containers?

• Paper (PE-lined): the standard for hot soup. Holds heat, comfortable to hold, and prints well.
• Compostable: paper containers with a plant-based lining and compostable lids. Good if your cups and cutlery are compostable too. See the 16oz Greenspirit compostable soup containers.
• Plastic: the most leak-proof, and best for chilled soups, stews that travel far, and microwave reheating.

More on material choices in bagasse vs kraft vs plastic containers.

Which containers suit a deli counter?

For cold salads, pasta, coleslaw and fruit, clear hinged containers are hard to beat. The lid is attached, so nothing goes missing, and the food is on show.

Size	Typical use
250cc	Sides, coleslaw, dips
375cc	Standard salad portion
500cc	Main meal salad
750cc	Large or sharing salads
1000cc	Catering, family portions

We stock them in round, oval, square and octagonal shapes. Square containers stack and fit fridge shelves most efficiently.

Any tips for soup to go?

• Do not overfill. Leave a finger's width at the top so the lid seals properly.
• Press the lid on all the way round, then check it by running a thumb around the rim.
• Pack soup upright in the bag, next to something flat and stable.
• Label soups with allergens. Soups often contain celery, milk and cereals containing gluten. See our 14 allergens guide.

For small sauces and dips on the side, see our sauce pot and portion pot guide.

Frequently asked questions

What size soup container is a standard portion?

12oz, about 355ml, is the usual single portion. 16oz is the large size.

Do soup lids fit all soup containers?

No. Lids are made for specific container ranges. Buy lids from the same range and size as your containers.

Why use a vented soup lid?

Vents let steam escape, so the lid stays on and condensation does not drip back into the soup.

Are paper soup containers recyclable?

Most are PE-lined, so they are not ordinary paper recycling. Compostable versions use a plant-based lining instead.

What containers are best for deli salads?

Clear hinged containers from 250cc to 1000cc. The lid stays attached and customers can see the food.