Bubble Tea Cups, Lids and Sealing Film Compatibility Guide
Bubble tea packaging works as a system. A cup can look similar to another cup but still require a different lid, film or machine setting. Before placing a carton-size order, check the cup opening diameter, cup material, closure method and straw size together.
This guide uses examples from UTea's current cups, lids and straws range. Product specifications and availability can change, so confirm the individual product page and test a complete packaging set before ordering in volume.
The four checks to make before ordering
- Cup opening diameter: match the measured rim size, such as 90mm or 95mm. Cup volume alone does not determine lid fit.
- Cup and closure material: confirm whether the cup is PP, PET or paper and whether the chosen lid or film is specified for that material.
- Closure method: decide whether the drink will use a flat lid, dome lid or sealing film. Do not assume one carton of cups supports every closure.
- Machine and film specification: check maximum cup diameter, supported cup materials and film dimensions against the sealing machine manual and product listing.
90mm and 95mm cup systems in the UTea range
| System | Current UTea examples | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| 90mm PP cups | 360A, 500A and 700A clear PP cups; 90mm clear and frosted variants | Use a lid or sealing setup specifically listed for a 90mm PP cup. Confirm the exact cup series before ordering. |
| 95mm PP cups | U360, U500 and U700 clear PP cups; Y500 and Y700 variants | The U-series product page currently lists sealing or a 95mm flat/dome lid as closure options. Match by both 95mm diameter and product specification. |
| 95mm lids | PET 95mm flat lid and 95mm dome-lid products | A 95mm label is the starting point, not the only check. Confirm rim profile, material and the cup products named on the listing. |
| Paper cups | 16oz and 22oz double-wall paper cups | Confirm whether the selected paper cup is intended for a lid or a compatible sealing film, and whether the machine supports that paper-cup construction. |
How to choose sealing film
The current Nice Day sealing film and paper sealing film listings state that they work with PP and paper cups with PE film. Both listings also tell buyers to confirm the film size against their machine before ordering.
The YF 98S sealing machine listing specifies PP and single-wall paper cups and a maximum cup size of 95mm x 95mm x 180mm. Treat those figures as limits for that model, not as a general specification for every sealing machine.
Run a packaging test before a bulk order
- Test the exact cup SKU, film roll and machine that will be used in service.
- Check seal alignment, adhesion and leaks with the intended cold or warm drink.
- Repeat the test after changing cup material, supplier, film or machine settings.
- Keep the tested SKU combination in the venue's ordering notes so staff do not substitute a similar-looking item.
Choose straw diameter for the drink and topping
UTea's range includes 8mm straws and 12mm jumbo straws. The opening must accommodate the largest topping or solid component served in the drink. Test the prepared topping, not only the dry or packaged ingredient, because cooked pearls and jelly pieces can vary in size.
Packaging compatibility checklist
- Exact cup product and size selected
- Cup opening diameter confirmed in millimetres
- Cup material confirmed: PP, PET or paper
- Matching lid product or sealing-film specification confirmed
- Sealing-machine maximum diameter and supported materials checked
- Straw diameter tested with the largest topping
- Complete set leak-tested before carton ordering
- Current carton quantity, stock and freight checked
Common compatibility questions
Does a 95mm lid fit every 95mm cup?
Not automatically. Diameter narrows the selection, but rim profile, material and the manufacturer's specified pairing still matter. Check the exact cup and lid listings or ask UTea to confirm the intended combination.
Can one sealing film be used on PP and paper cups?
Some UTea film listings specify PP and PE-coated paper cups, but the film must also match the machine and the exact cup construction. Do not generalise that compatibility to every film roll.
Can a 95mm sealing machine seal a 90mm cup?
A maximum diameter does not by itself confirm compatibility with every smaller cup. The holder, sensor, film and machine settings must support the exact cup. Check the machine manual or confirm the combination before ordering.
Should a business use lids or sealing film?
The choice depends on service format, drink presentation, equipment, throughput and the specific cup system. A lid avoids operating a sealing machine; film can create a closed takeaway format when the cup, film and machine are correctly matched.
Order a matched packaging system
Browse UTea cups, lids and straws, review equipment and accessories, or contact UTea with the exact cup size, drink format, topping and sealing-machine model you plan to use. Approved businesses can also review wholesale supply and apply for a wholesale account.
After selecting a compatible packaging set, use the bubble tea cost per cup calculator to combine packaging, ingredients, labour, wastage and payment fees in one drink-level estimate.
