Reusable cups: 25 cl, 33 cl, 40 cl or 50 cl? The guide to choosing the right capacity
Reusable cups: 25 cl, 33 cl, 40 cl or 50 cl? The guide to choosing the right capacity
Choosing the right capacity of reusable cup is one of the most important decisions when it comes to running a successful event, equipping a bar or organising a large gathering. A size that is too small means more trips to the counter and frustrated customers. A size that is too large wastes drink, needlessly inflates costs and does not match the way the cup is used. This complete guide helps you choose between the 4 standard sizes on the market — 25 cl, 33 cl, 40 cl and 50 cl — according to your activity, your customers and the type of drinks served.
Why is the choice of capacity so important?
In events and mobile catering, the capacity of a cup is not just a technical detail. It has a direct impact on several aspects of your business: the customer experience, the profitability of the point of sale, storage logistics and even the perception of how generous your service is. A 25 cl cup sold at the price of a 40 cl will give an impression of stinginess, while a 50 cl cup filled to three quarters will look poorly served. Choosing the right size means aligning your drinks offer with your customers' expectations and the context in which the drink is consumed.
The other consideration is financial: the larger the size, the higher the average spend, but the higher the cost of the drink itself. The sweet spot depends on your product margin, your sales volume and your commercial strategy.
The 25 cl reusable cup: the tasting size
With its 250 ml capacity, the 25 cl reusable cup is the smallest standard size. It is intended for situations where moderation, elegance or a controlled quantity matter more than visual generosity.
Typical uses for the 25 cl cup
- Receptions and cocktail parties where each guest drinks a small quantity several times rather than a large volume once.
- Tastings in wine cellars, wine estates, craft breweries and food and drink fairs, where the aim is to let people try several products without overwhelming the palate.
- Concentrated drinks served in smaller portions: pressed juices, thick smoothies, cold espressos, cocktail shots.
- Sales to children at family events and local community celebrations.
- Soft drinks served alongside at events where the main drink is alcoholic (water, juice and sodas served as an accompaniment).
This size also optimises the cost of drinks served in large quantities: for a reception of 300 people, serving in 25 cl rather than 33 cl significantly reduces total consumption while preserving the experience.
The 33 cl reusable cup: the versatile standard size
The 33 cl reusable cup matches the size of a standard soda can and is the benchmark standard for everyday consumption. It is probably the most versatile size in the range, able to cover 80% of usage situations.
Typical uses for the 33 cl cup
- Bars and bistros serving a standard half-pint of draught beer, soft drinks, squash and short cocktails.
- Fast food and food trucks offering standard drinks to go with meals.
- Business events (seminars, trade fairs, conferences) where the standard size is expected.
- Family festivals and village fêtes serving a wide audience with a single reference size.
- Breweries offering a varied menu with different beer sizes (the 33 cl corresponds to the standard half-pint).
If you could only choose one size to start your business, it would probably be the 33 cl. It offers the best compromise between drink cost, customer expectations and versatility of use.
The 40 cl reusable cup: the standard pint and long cocktails
The 40 cl reusable cup represents the standard French pint. It belongs to the family of large sizes without going to the extremes of the 50 cl. Ideal for uses where you want a generous capacity without excess, it is a size appreciated by high-end bars and craft breweries.
Typical uses for the 40 cl cup
- Beer bars and craft breweries serving the pint in the classic French size.
- Long cocktails and mocktails that need room for ice, fruit and garnishes.
- Beer gardens and summer terraces where the pint size is expected without having to serve XXL capacities.
- Smoothies, milkshakes and indulgent drinks whose consistency requires a certain volume.
- Mixed events where the 40 cl is used for both beer and soft drinks.
The 40 cl is increasingly popular with professionals who find the 33 cl too tight and the 50 cl too large for their customers. It is a size that is growing fast in urban bars.
The 50 cl reusable cup: the XL pint for large events
The 50 cl reusable cup is the largest standard size on the market. With its half-litre capacity, it is the obvious choice in any context where generous service and fewer trips to the bar matter most.
Typical uses for the 50 cl cup
- Music festivals and concerts where smooth drinks service is crucial.
- Sporting events and stadiums where the crowd drinks in large quantities.
- Beer gardens, beer festivals and Oktoberfest where the XL size is part of the atmosphere.
- Large-scale municipal festivities bringing together several thousand people.
- Food trucks and mobile bars offering cocktails and soft drinks in generous sizes.
To find out more about this specific size, see our complete guide: 50 cl reusable cup: which size for your events and breweries?
Comparison table of the 4 reusable cup sizes
| Size | Capacity | Main use | Recommended drinks | Target audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 cl | 250 ml | Tastings, receptions | Wine, juice, water, shots, beer tastings | Wine merchants, caterers, weddings, receptions |
| 33 cl | 330 ml | Versatile standard | Half-pint of beer, soft drinks, squash, short cocktails | Bars, bistros, food trucks, seminars |
| 40 cl | 400 ml | Standard pint, long cocktails | Draught beer, cocktails, smoothies, mocktails | Urban bars, breweries, terraces |
| 50 cl | 500 ml | XL pint, large events | XL pint, large soft drinks, XL cocktails | Festivals, stadiums, beer gardens, food trucks |
How do you choose according to your type of event?
For a festival or a concert
The logic is clear: favour the large sizes to keep service flowing and limit trips to the bar. The 50 cl is the king of sizes, possibly complemented by a 33 cl for soft drinks. The golden rule at a festival: the less your customer waits, the more they drink.
For a bar, a bistro or a craft brewery
The menu defines the need: a beer bar offering several strengths and styles will want to equip its venue with 33 cl for the standard half-pint and 40 cl for the classic pint. A cocktail bar will favour the 33 cl for short drinks and the 40 cl for long drinks. The variety of sizes enhances the look of your menu.
For a wedding or a private reception
Elegance matters more than generosity. The 25 cl for the reception drinks and the 33 cl for the rest of the evening cover the essentials. The 40 cl can be added if the evening includes cocktails. For a wedding with a more festive "beer garden" style, do not hesitate to add 50 cl cups to the stock.
For a corporate event or a seminar
The 33 cl is the reference size. It matches professional conventions (standard can size) and serves welcome coffee, soft drinks and end-of-day drinks equally well. A supplement of 25 cl cups can be useful for closing receptions.
For a local authority or a municipal fête
Balancing cost and service: plan mostly for 33 cl to cover all needs, complemented by 50 cl for festive consumption in the evening. This combination lets you handle both the early-morning Christmas market and the late-night music festival with a single stock of cups.
For a food truck or a mobile business
It all depends on your drinks offer. If you sell elaborate cocktails or smoothies, go for 40 cl or 50 cl to show off the product. If you mainly sell soft drinks to go with your food offer, stick with 33 cl which matches the expectations of a mobile clientele.
How do you choose according to the type of drink served?
| Type of drink | Recommended size |
|---|---|
| Draught beer (half-pint) | 33 cl |
| Draught beer (pint) | 40 cl or 50 cl |
| Wine (standard glass) | 25 cl |
| Soft drinks and sodas | 33 cl |
| Short cocktails (mojito, spritz) | 33 cl or 40 cl |
| Long cocktails and mocktails | 40 cl |
| Smoothies and milkshakes | 40 cl |
| Still or sparkling water | 25 cl or 33 cl |
| Cold coffee and iced tea | 33 cl |
| Festive XL drinks | 50 cl |
Should you order several sizes for the same event?
Yes, in most cases. A well-equipped professional event combines 2 to 3 complementary sizes to cater for the variety of drinks consumed. Here are the most common combinations:
- Standard bar combination : 25 cl (wine) + 33 cl (half-pint of beer, soft drinks) + 40 cl (pint, long cocktails).
- Festival combination : 33 cl (soft drinks) + 50 cl (beer, XL cocktails).
- Wedding combination : 25 cl (reception drinks) + 33 cl (evening).
- Corporate event combination : 25 cl (closing reception drinks) + 33 cl (daytime).
- Cocktail food truck combination : 40 cl (cocktails) + 33 cl (soft drinks).
This variety of sizes also makes it easier to manage the deposit system: since each size can correspond to a different price, you structure your offer and showcase the more expensive drinks in the more generous sizes.
How many cups should you plan per participant?
The rule of thumb in the events industry is to plan for 1.2 to 1.5 cups per participant at an event with a deposit system and on-site washing, and 2 to 3 cups per participant without a deposit system. These ratios cover breakages, losses and cups taken home as souvenirs by visitors.
For an event of 1,000 people drinking an average of 3 drinks each, you should therefore plan for between 1,200 and 4,500 cups depending on your logistics set-up. As the Covr range is available in cases of hundreds of units, you can fine-tune your order to your actual needs.
Customisation: which size should you consider?
Customisation is more cost-effective and more visible on large sizes. A logo on a 50 cl cup has more visual impact than the same logo on a 25 cl. For communication events (sponsored festivals, brand launches, VIP operations), favour the 40 cl or 50 cl if the drink allows it.
For your projects with cups in the colours of your brand or your event, discover our dedicated range of personalised reusable cups with screen-printed, pad-printed or digital printing.
FAQ — Choosing the right reusable cup size
What is the best-selling reusable cup size?
The 33 cl size is by far the most versatile and the best seller on the French professional market. It matches the standard can size and covers most everyday uses in bars, catering and events. The 50 cl comes second thanks to the growth of the festival market.
Can you mix several cup sizes at the same event?
Yes, and it is even strongly recommended. Combining 2 or 3 sizes lets you match the container to each type of drink served and improves the perception of service. Just make sure you tell them apart visually at the deposit point (colours, markings, prices).
Is the 50 cl reusable cup more profitable than the 33 cl?
It depends on your margin on the drink. A 50 cl size increases the average spend but uses proportionally more product. If your drink has a high unit margin (cocktail, craft beer), the 50 cl is advantageous. For low-margin drinks (basic soft drinks), the 33 cl often remains more profitable.
Which size should you choose for a charity or community event?
The 33 cl remains the best compromise for tight budgets: versatile, economical in drink cost, and expected by the public. The 25 cl may be appropriate for the reception drinks at official ceremonies.
Are all 4 reusable cup sizes stackable?
Yes, all our capacities are designed to be stackable, which makes storage, transport and setting up easier. This feature is essential for optimising logistics at large events.
How do you calculate the quantity of cups to order for my event?
Multiply the number of participants by the average number of drinks consumed per person, then apply the logistics coefficient (1.2 to 1.5 with a deposit system, 2 to 3 without). Example: 500 people × 3 drinks × 1.3 = approximately 2,000 cups to plan for.
Discover the whole Covr range
At Covr, we offer the 4 standard capacities on the market in food-grade polypropylene, delivered quickly from our permanent stock. Available by the case for volumes from 1,000 to 10,000 units, our reusable cups meet the needs of events, mobile catering and local authorities.
- 25 cl reusable cup — the tasting size for receptions and soft drinks.
- 33 cl reusable cup — the versatile standard size for bars and events.
- 40 cl reusable cup — the standard pint for breweries and long cocktails.
- 50 cl reusable cup — the XL pint for festivals and large events.
Still unsure about the right size or quantity for your project? Contact our team for a personalised quote within 24 hours. We review every request to offer you the combination of sizes and the volume best suited to your event.
