Ditch petroleum plastic without sacrificing clarity, durability, or convenience. These compostable 5 oz cold cups are manufactured from PLA (polylactic acid), a plant-based bioplastic derived from corn starch, and fully decompose in commercial composting facilities within 180 days. At 5 ounces, they hit the sweet spot between a small tasting cup and a standard beverage cup — ideal for iced coffee, smoothie samples, cold brew, iced tea, and water service. SAYRU® compostable 5 oz PLA cold cups carry CMA, TUV OK Industrial, and USDA BioPreferred certifications and meet ASTM standards for commercial compostability, making them one of the most rigorously verified plant-based cold cups on the market.

Why Foodservice Operators Choose These Cups

Corn-Based PLA — A Genuine Petroleum Replacement

Every conventional plastic cup starts with fossil fuel. These cups start with corn. PLA is a commercially compostable bioplastic derived from corn starch — a renewable, annually harvested crop. The finished cup looks and feels virtually identical to traditional clear plastic: same transparency, same smooth rim, same satisfying rigidity. But at end of life, it breaks down into natural elements in a commercial compost facility instead of sitting in a landfill for centuries. For operators navigating single-use plastic bans or responding to customer demand for sustainable packaging, PLA is the most practical drop-in replacement available — no retraining, no new equipment, no compromises on presentation.

Engineered for Cold Beverages — Iced Coffee, Smoothies, Tea & Water

These cups are purpose-built for cold applications. Serve iced coffee, iced tea, smoothies, cold brew, juice, water, and other chilled beverages with confidence. PLA begins to soften at 105 °F, which means it holds its shape perfectly at refrigerator and freezer temperatures but is not suitable for hot liquids. This is a feature, not a limitation — it means the material is optimized for the cold-drink use case that drives the highest volume of disposable cup consumption in foodservice.

Freezer and Refrigerator Safe

Pre-fill cups with smoothie portions, iced coffee, frozen desserts, or yogurt and store them in a walk-in cooler or freezer until service. The PLA material withstands cold temperatures without cracking, warping, or becoming brittle. This makes batch prep and grab-and-go programs dramatically more efficient — especially for cafés, juice bars, and catering operations that need to scale output ahead of peak hours.

No Added PFAS

PFAS — persistent “forever chemicals” — are facing escalating bans across multiple U.S. states and international markets. These cups are manufactured with no added PFAS, removing a growing compliance risk from your supply chain. For buyers who must certify their packaging is PFAS-free to meet state regulations or institutional procurement standards, this is built-in peace of mind.

Gluten Free

Although PLA is derived from corn starch, the finished product is gluten free. This is a critical detail for healthcare, school nutrition, and allergen-conscious foodservice operations where every food-contact material must be vetted for allergen safety.

Crystal-Clear Presentation

PLA matches the optical clarity of conventional plastic. Customers see the beverage inside — the layers of a smoothie, the color of an iced tea, the ice in a cold brew. Clear cups drive higher perceived value and stronger visual merchandising at the point of sale, especially for grab-and-go displays and sampling stations.

Commercially Compostable in Under 180 Days

These compostable 5 oz PLA cold cups are certified to break down completely in commercial composting facilities within 180 days, leaving zero toxic residue. They meet ASTM standards for compostability, and both CMA and TUV certifications confirm real-world performance — not just lab results. For venues running zero-waste or landfill-diversion programs, these cups slot directly into existing compost streams without requiring special handling.

Product Specifications

Specification	Detail
Capacity	5 oz
Material	PLA (Polylactic Acid) — corn-based bioplastic
Cup Length	2.9 in (73.7 mm)
Cup Width	2.9 in (73.7 mm)
Cup Height	2.6 in (66 mm)
Temperature Suitability	Cold liquids only (PLA softens above 105 °F)
Storage	Refrigerator and freezer safe; store out of direct sunlight
Microwave Safe	No — not microwavable
PFAS	No added PFAS
Allergen Info	Gluten free
Compostability	Commercially compostable within 180 days
Lid	Sold separately — flat lid for 4-7 oz cold cups
Case Quantity	2,000 cups
Packaging	Recyclable paperboard and polyolefin plastic wrap

Certifications & Compliance

• CMA (Compost Manufacturing Alliance) Certified — Field-tested and verified to decompose in actual commercial composting operations. CMA certification goes beyond laboratory testing and gives composting facilities the confidence to accept this product into their streams.
• TUV OK Industrial Compost Certified — A globally recognized, third-party certification confirming the product meets stringent European industrial compostability standards. This credential carries weight with international buyers and sustainability auditors.
• USDA BioPreferred — Verifies the product contains a documented percentage of bio-based (plant-derived) content. Required by many government and institutional procurement programs, and a trusted signal that the material genuinely comes from renewable sources.
• ASTM Standards Compliant — Meets ASTM standards for compostability in commercial facilities, the benchmark specification in the United States for compostable plastics, covering disintegration, biodegradation, and ecotoxicity.

Applications & Use Cases

A 5 oz compostable cold cup occupies a versatile middle ground — large enough for a proper small beverage, compact enough for sampling and portions. Here are the industries and scenarios where this cup solves real problems.

Cafés & Coffee Shops

Small iced coffees, cold brew samples, and iced tea servings are the core use case for a 5 oz cold cup. Many cafés already promote sustainability as part of their brand identity — but still serve samples and small drinks in petroleum-based plastic. Switching to compostable PLA eliminates that inconsistency and gives staff a talking point at the counter. Freezer-safe construction also means you can pre-pour cold brews and store them for grab-and-go during rush hours.

Smoothie & Juice Bars

Smoothie and juice operators run through enormous volumes of small cups for samples, kids’ sizes, and add-on shots (wheatgrass, ginger, etc.). A compostable 5 oz cup with crystal-clear walls showcases the vibrant colors of fresh juice and layered smoothies — driving upsells — while supporting the health-and-wellness brand positioning that these businesses depend on.

Restaurants & Fast Casual

Side beverages, complimentary water service, kids’ drinks, and condiment portioning (salsa, dressing) all fit the 5 oz format. Restaurants transitioning away from single-use plastic can swap in these PLA cups with zero disruption to existing service workflows. The cups stack, store, and dispense identically to conventional plastic.

Catering & Event Services

Beverage stations at weddings, galas, and corporate functions often feature small cups for water, juice, or cocktail samples. Caterers need cups that look refined enough for upscale events, hold up during service, and simplify post-event cleanup. Clear PLA delivers on aesthetics, and compostability means all cups go into a single compost bin — no sorting required.

Wine, Beer & Spirits Tastings

A 5 oz pour is a standard tasting size for wine and craft beer. Tasting rooms, brewery tours, and wine festival vendors need disposable cups that won’t shatter, look clean, and — increasingly — meet event sustainability mandates. Compostable PLA checks every box, and CMA certification ensures composters will actually accept the cups post-event.

Food Trucks & Street Food Vendors

Tight space, high volume, and a customer base that skews eco-conscious. Food trucks serving small cold drinks, agua fresca, lemonade, or horchata need a compact cup that stacks efficiently, looks professional, and can be tossed into a compost bin. These PLA cups do all three.

Corporate Cafeterias & Co-Working Pantries

Office break rooms and cafeteria drink stations burn through disposable cups daily. Companies reporting on ESG metrics or pursuing B-Corp certification can switch to compostable PLA at this touchpoint with minimal cost impact and measurable waste-diversion gains. The 5 oz size is right for water, juice, and cold brew self-serve stations.

School Nutrition & University Dining

Schools serve juice, water, and milk portions in disposable cups across breakfast and lunch programs. A gluten-free, PFAS-free, compostable cup satisfies the layered procurement requirements of institutional buyers — allergen safety, chemical safety, and environmental stewardship in a single SKU. University dining halls pursuing zero-waste campus goals get a direct landfill-diversion win.

Hospital & Healthcare Food Services

Patient meal trays include small beverage cups for juice, water, or liquid supplements. Healthcare procurement departments apply heightened safety scrutiny to every food-contact item. Gluten-free and PFAS-free credentials, backed by third-party certifications, streamline the approval process for this cup.

Farmers’ Markets & Outdoor Festivals

Vendors sampling kombucha, cold-pressed juice, lemonade, or craft beverages need high-volume disposable cups. Outdoor events increasingly mandate compostable serviceware as a vendor requirement. CMA certification is the gold standard that event organizers look for — it means the cups will actually break down in the facility receiving the event’s waste.

Grocery Delis & In-Store Sampling

Grocery chains run sampling programs for beverages, smoothies, and cold soups. A 5 oz compostable cup supports the sustainability programs that major retailers are rolling out while maintaining the clear visibility that drives customer trial.

Meal Kit Delivery & Ghost Kitchens

Pre-portioned cold sauces, dressings, and beverages travel inside meal kit boxes and delivery bags. These cups handle refrigeration during transit without cracking, and compostable packaging is a differentiation point that meal kit brands actively market to subscribers.

Ice Cream & Frozen Dessert Shops

Small servings, kids’ sizes, and sample scoops fit perfectly in a 5 oz cup. Freezer-safe PLA won’t crack or cloud in a display case, and the clear wall lets customers see the product before choosing a flavor.

Hotel Room Service & Hospitality

Juice portions and cold beverages on room-service trays are single-use by nature. Hotels tracking sustainability KPIs for ESG reporting or green-building certifications can upgrade to compostable PLA at this format with negligible per-tray cost increase.

Stadium & Arena Concessions

High-capacity venues serving tens of thousands of guests generate massive disposable-cup waste. A compostable 5 oz cup for water, juice, or cocktail samples integrates with venue composting infrastructure and helps meet municipal solid waste diversion mandates.

Home Entertaining & Parties

Hosting a barbecue, birthday party, or holiday gathering? These cups look and feel like premium clear plastic but can go straight into a compost bin afterward. The page explicitly notes they’re suitable for entertaining at home or hosting large gatherings — a genuine alternative to buying conventional plastic cups for single-use occasions.

Compostable PLA vs. Traditional Plastic Cold Cups

Attribute	Compostable PLA Cup	Conventional Plastic Cup
Raw Material	Corn starch — renewable, plant-based	Petroleum — non-renewable fossil fuel
End of Life	Decomposes in commercial compost within 180 days	Persists in landfills for hundreds of years
Toxic Residue	None — returns to natural elements	Can leach microplastics and chemicals over time
PFAS	No added PFAS	May contain PFAS depending on manufacturer
Clarity & Appearance	Crystal clear — visually comparable to plastic	Clear
Certifications	CMA, TUV, USDA BioPreferred, ASTM compliant	Typically none for compostability
Regulatory Standing	Compliant with most single-use plastic bans	Increasingly restricted or banned
Freezer Safe	Yes	Varies by product

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use these 5 oz PLA cups for hot drinks?

No. PLA is engineered for cold applications and begins to soften at 105 °F. These cups are designed exclusively for cold beverages, refrigerated items, and frozen applications. They are explicitly not microwavable. For hot drinks, use a dedicated compostable hot cup.

What cold beverages work best in these cups?

They’re ideal for iced coffee, iced tea, cold brew, smoothies, juice, water, and any other chilled beverage. The 5 oz capacity works well for small servings, samples, kids’ drinks, and tasting pours.

Are these cups accepted at commercial composting facilities?

Yes. These cups hold CMA (Compost Manufacturing Alliance) certification, meaning they’ve been field-tested and confirmed to break down in real commercial composting environments — not just in laboratory conditions. They also meet ASTM standards. Availability of composting facilities varies by region.

Do these cups contain PFAS?

No. They are manufactured with no added PFAS, addressing the growing wave of state-level bans and institutional policies targeting “forever chemicals” in food packaging.

Are the cups safe for people with gluten sensitivities?

Yes. Despite being made from corn-based PLA, the finished cups are gluten free and safe for use in allergen-conscious foodservice settings.

Can I store these cups in a freezer?

Absolutely. These PLA cups are rated for both refrigerator and freezer storage. Pre-fill with smoothies, juice, frozen desserts, or cold brew and store until ready to serve — the cups won’t crack or warp at low temperatures.

Is a lid available for these cups?

Yes. A matching flat compostable lid designed to fit 4-7 oz cold cups is available separately, ideal for takeout, delivery, and grab-and-go applications where a secure cover is needed.

How many cups are in a case?

Each case contains 2,000 cups. Products are packaged in recyclable paperboard and polyolefin plastic wrap.

How long do these cups take to decompose?

In a commercial composting facility, these cups fully decompose within 180 days, leaving no toxic residue. Composting timelines depend on facility conditions.

Will these cups help my business comply with single-use plastic bans?

Because they are made from plant-based PLA and carry CMA, TUV, and USDA BioPreferred certifications, these cups meet the criteria of most single-use plastic bans and sustainable packaging mandates currently in effect. Always verify your specific local regulations for full compliance.