Can you put coffee in solo cups (Which Type of Solo Cup is Best to Drink Hot Coffee? + more information)

Do you love coffee but always find yourself taking it in a hurry? If yes, you should look for the best way to take it on the go. So, can you put coffee in solo cups? Find out below.

Since the use of plastic cups became a trend, coffee lovers have been wondering whether they are safe to put in coffee. I have become dependent on coffee in the morning. Sometimes I forget to carry my travel mug with me when I have to work out of town.

I once used a plastic cup to take this drink and ended up not finishing it since it had a plastic taste. I started researching the best cup to take coffee from. By the end of this post, you will learn if you can put coffee in a solo cup.

What is a solo cup?

This refers to a disposable cup that is often used to put beverages. These cups have been in existence since 1970. Though the original solo cups were made from Styrofoam, they are now made using plastic. This change was implemented after customers demanded more eco-friendly cups.

Many beverage companies, including Starbucks, buy solo cups. It is a famous cup that is often used almost everywhere. The solo cup can either come in red or blue. The red solo cup has become more popular in America and is now considered a party icon.

The inventor of the solo cup was called Robert Hulseman, and he passed away at the age of 84. This cup has lines on the surface that are useful when pouring beverages. The solo cup comes in various sizes, including 16 oz, 12 oz, and 10 oz.

Can you put hot liquid in regular Solo cups?

Though regular solo cups are stackable and simple to use, you should avoid putting hot liquid in regular solo cups. This is because they are made from non-heat-resistant and non-biodegradable plastic material prone to leaching when it comes into contact with hot drinks. Regular solo cups have carcinogenic properties.

If, for instance, you pour hot coffee or tea into a regular solo cup, the rate of the leaching material can be as high as 55%. When this happens, the base plastic material starts releasing additives into the hot liquid. These additives are harmful when they are transferred to a hot beverage. If you put a hot liquid into a regular solo cup, you may not enjoy your drink since it is likely to have a plastic taste.

Some people make drinking hot liquids from regular solo cups a habit since they don’t understand its implications. This is wrong since it can cause health problems after some time. Some of the health risks that can come from long-term drinking of hot drinks from regular solo cups include obesity, cancer, hormonal changes, and organ development delays in kids.

When additives melt into a hot beverage, they can also damage the environment around you. Due to such effects, the regular solo cups should only be used for cold drinks like cold brew coffee, water, or even iced coffee. Regular solo cups can help cold drinks remain cold for as long as you would like. The materials utilized in making regular solo cups will not leak into a cold drink.

Which Type of Solo Cup is best to Drink Hot Coffee?

Solo has two forms of paper cups that are designed for different purposes. While the regular solo cups are best for cold drinks, the 16 oz and 12 oz paper hot cups are ideal for hot coffee. These are different from the regular solo cups since they come with lids and are more attractive.

Solo hot cups can turn heads since they come in a trendy design. Many people that have used these solo cups are impressed with their quality. These are of high quality and may not cause the adverse effects that regular solo cups can cause when you use them to take hot coffee.

You can enjoy your hot coffee in this cup while traveling or walking on a busy street since they come with leak-resistant lids. These are impressive since they are designed to prevent accidental spillage. You can even reclose the top if you don’t want to take the coffee in one go and sip it slowly.

Unlike the regular solo cups, the solo paper hot cups are more environmentally friendly since they are made using 95% biodegradable material. By using this cup to take hot coffee, you would also be minimizing the amount of non-disposable plastic in your environment.

The manufacturer uses a thick material to construct these cups so that they can withstand higher temperatures. With a solo paper hot cup, you don’t have to worry about burning your hand since they are safe to use. They are designed to keep your hands cool at all times.

They are also designed to help keep your hot coffee hot for a considerable amount of time so that you can take it at your convenience without reheating. These biodegradable cups are made with insulation up to 175 degrees. It ensures that the drink stays hot even when the weather is cold. The surface on the top of these solo cups is rougher than at the bottom. This prevents more heat from escaping through the sides of the solo cup.

Even though these hot paper cups are safe to use on hot coffee, you should understand the best way to use them. For instance, never put them in a microwave since they may not be able to withstand the heat from a microwave. If you do this, the cup is likely to become very soft and bendable. You should also avoid putting these cups in an oven since they will react in the same way as putting them in a microwave.

If you change your mind and no longer want to take the coffee hot, you should simply open the lid and let it cool down. This is better than putting the cup in a freezer since the cup may crack. Though the solo hot paper cups have a higher cost than the regular solo cups, they are worth buying for coffee lovers who prefer hot drinks.

What are the alternatives for using a solo cup?

Though not all solo cups are bad for hot coffee, these are not the only option for you to enjoy your favorite drink. If you don’t have access to the biodegradable solo hot paper cups, you can still take coffee from a ceramic or glass mug. This option is valid since it ensures that you can enjoy the drink’s original taste without any components altering it.

A glass mug is, however, more convenient when you are not commuting or traveling due to the risk of breaking. Alternatively, you can also look for a traveler tumbler that is made using insulated stainless steel. This is great, especially when you don’t want hot coffee to get cold for a couple of hours.

It can also help retain the flavor of your drink since no chemical components will get transferred to your drink. Apart from that, traveling with such a tumbler is convenient since you can always refill it at a coffee shop when you need more caffeine.

Final thoughts

Solo cups are almost everywhere. Though regular solo cups are cheap and durable, you should only use them to take cold drinks, not hot ones. If you wish to pour hot coffee on a solo cup, get the biodegradable solo hot paper cup. This is ideal since it comes with a lid, can keep the coffee hot for longer, can keep your hand cool, and is eco-friendly. If you don’t have access to one, look for a traveler tumbler or glass mug to enjoy your drink.

FAQ section

Why are Solo cups so popular?

Solo cups are popular since they are easy to wash and recycle. They are mostly used at parties since they are cheap, easy to carry, and don’t leave behind a smell after washing. Many people also like them since their colors make it easy to conceal the drinking contents.

Why are Solo cups called solo?

The inventor called them solo since he thought that it would be a suitable name for a one-use disposable cup.

Is it Safe to Put Hot Water in a Plastic Cup?

No. This is not safe since most plastic cups tend to leach out chemicals that can cause harm to your health. The hot water may also not be appealing to drink since it may develop a plastic taste. If the water is too hot, you may also struggle to hold on to the plastic cup.

Are Solo Plastic Cups Microwave Safe?

No. You should not put a solo plastic cup in a microwave since it can become bendable. Doing this can also increase the risk of hazardous chemicals being released into your drink.