• Whether it’s a party or just the demands of everyday life, there are times when disposable drinkware is indispensable. But which cups and glasses are the best choices?
  • We’ve chosen the best disposable drinkware for your budget, the environment, and to accommodate both hot and cold beverages.

When your dishwasher is on the fritz, your cabinet lacks clean glasses, or you’ve been given the responsibility of planning a party on a budget, disposable drinkware can be your best option.

Unfortunately, no disposable product is great for the environment because most add unwanted waste. But when used wisely, disposable drinkware is convenient and portable, eliminates the need to hand-wash glasses for hours, and can even add festive flair.

We recommend using a sustainable option whenever possible, but for other times, just be conscientious about what you’re throwing away; we recognize that it’s not easy to use ceramic or glassware when catering a large party.

Here is the best disposable drinkware:

Updated on 7/21/2020 to edit the prices, titles, and links.

The best on a budget

For any casual gathering, Hefty Disposable Cups are still the easiest on a budget.

Red party cups may be a cliché, but you can’t beat Hefty Disposable Cups for cold drinks when working with a tight budget for casual gatherings. Surprisingly sturdy, they will hold up well for many hours of refreshment.

The cups have ridges that provide a good grip, come in several colors, and are offered in both 16- and 18-ounce sizes. While they are not recyclable in most home pick-up, they can be recycled in some commercial centers.

Best for cold or room temperature beverages, they don't hold up well for coffee or hot chocolate. And don't even try them in the microwave unless you want a highly-distorted mess.

I always provide a permanent marker on the drink station so that guests can add their names to them, which helps cut down on waste (each guest can drink out of the same cup). The cups are also great for holding candy, popcorn, or making "gift bags" to take home.

Pros: Available in several sizes and colors, easy to grip, made in the US

Cons: Not recyclable in all areas, doesn't hold hot beverages

The best for the environment

Foto: Source: Amazon

Repurpose Compostable Cold Cups are made from plant-based "plastic" that will compost within 180 days.

If you prefer a sustainable option, Repurpose Compostable Cold Cups make an excellent choice. The cups are molded from polylactic acid resin, which is extracted from corn grown in the United States to form clear "plastic" cups, with vegetable-based ink on the outside.

I used these cups for Earth Day programs and my kids used them to sell lemonade at one of our yard sales. The cups are offered in both 12- and 16-ounce sizes, are BPA-free, and certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). The cups can be composted at any BPI-certified commercial recycling center. And, they are an affordable eco option.

The cups are more flexible than hard-plastic cups but should only be used for cold or room temperature beverages. The cups will actually distort if left in direct sunlight or near direct heat for a period of time.

Pros: Plant-based plastic cups, composts in 180 days

Cons: Not compostable in all home recycling bins, can distort in high heat

The best coffee cup

Foto: Source: Amazon

With a convenient lid, the Avant Grub Disposable Coffee Cups are sturdy on the go, compostable, and biodegradable.

Avant Grub Disposable Coffee Cups and Lids aren't just great coffee cups, but they are another eco-friendly option.

I find them to be sturdy and thick enough to protect hands from very hot coffee. The cups are lined with a plant-based starch to help with insulation and the paper cup and lids are BPI-certified as biodegradable and compostable. Each cup is printed with leaves in shades of brown if you're looking for a theme.

More importantly, the lid stays on securely thanks to a rolled rim on the cup that the lid fits over snuggly. The price is reasonable enough that I use them regularly when I serve hot beverages to a crowd. The company even offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Pros: Biodegradable and compostable, tight-fitting recyclable lid, sturdy enough to be refilled several times

Cons: Some buyers report cup is uncomfortable to hold if the beverage is exceptionally hot

The best cold drink glass

Foto: Source: Amazon

Munfix Gold-Rimmed Plastic Cups add a touch of class to more formal gatherings at a reasonable price.

When I was tasked with hosting an anniversary party on a very small budget, I wanted everything to look as nice as possible. So, even though we decided to use disposable dinnerware and glassware, I chose Munfix Gold-Rimmed Plastic Cups for the added elegance.

The cups are perfect for cold drinks. The 10-ounce size works well for mixed drinks, wine, or punch, and are sturdy enough to hold up throughout an entire event. While we chose the gold-rimmed style, the cups are also offered with silver and rose gold bands. Munfix also offers matching 9-ounce cups, plates, cutlery, and paper goods.

They are a bit more expensive than regular clear plastic cups, but the quality and design are worth it.

Pros: Sturdy plastic cup, decorative edge available in three metallic colors, matching dinnerware and paper goods available

Cons: Plastic can crack if handled roughly

The best champagne flute

Foto: Source: Amazon

For a champagne toast, mixed drink, or an ice cream sundae, Precisely Plastic Champagne Flutes are a great choice.

When it's time for that special toast at a party or to ring in the New Year, Precisely Plastic Champagne Flutes work beautifully at a budget price. The flutes hold 5.5-ounces, and are large enough for a toast but sized to keep portions under control.

I've used the flutes for Bloody Mary cocktails at brunch, sparkling cider for a New Year's celebration, and parfaits at a ladies' lunch. They arrive wrapped in six-count packages so you can use just what you need and store the rest. Each flute is 6.25-inches tall with a base that snaps on easily but securely. The clear plastic is sturdy enough to be rinsed and used again if you desire.

These are a great choice for outdoor events where broken glass could pose a problem. To meet your needs, the company sells the flutes in 42-, 84-, and 126-count packages. If you aren't pleased with the flutes, Precisely Plastic offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Buyers have also used these flutes to hold everything from candy to banana pudding and sangria.

Pros: Sturdy plastic, easy to store packaging, versatile, comes with a satisfaction guarantee

Cons: Plastic can crack if handled roughly

Check out our guide on the best disposable dishware

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