What are ice cream cups called?

In shops and packaging catalogs, you may notice different names for the cups that hold ice cream.
Ice cream cups are also called paper dessert cups, paper ice cream bowls, or frozen dessert cups in the food service industry.

In my own manufacturing orders, I see the same cup shape labeled differently by clients. A gelato shop may call them "dessert cups." A café might say "paper ice cream bowls." In wholesale supply, they are often listed as "frozen dessert cups" or "ice cream paper cups." The name changes, but the basic product is the same - a sturdy paper-based cup with a inside coating to handle cold, wet products.

What are ice cream cups made of?

The material has to handle cold temperatures and moisture.
Most ice cream cups are made from food-grade paperboard with a PE or PLA lining to prevent leaks and softening.

From my factory's production line, the starting point for an ice cream cup is high-quality paperboard, usually between 250gsm to 320gsm in weight. This thickness gives enough stiffness to hold frozen desserts without collapsing. Inside, a thin PE (polyethylene) coating is applied to make the cup waterproof. Some eco-focused brands choose PLA (polylactic acid), which is made from plant starch and compostable in commercial facilities. The coating is important because ice cream melts quickly at room temperature, and without it, the paper would absorb the liquid and lose structure. For premium ice creams and gelato, thicker boards and double PE coating are used. Printing is done on the outside layer, usually with food-safe inks, to create attractive branding.

Can you freeze ice cream in ice cream cups?

The freezer test is key for packaging ice cream.
Yes, ice cream cups can be used for freezing if made with strong paperboard and a reliable waterproof coating.

In my experience supplying to ice cream factories, not all cups sold online are suitable for deep freezing. If a café wants to scoop ice cream into cups and freeze for later sale, the cups must be made from heavier paperboard and use a coating that stays flexible in cold conditions. Cheap thin cups may become brittle in very low temperatures, especially below -18°C (-0.4°F). PLA-coated cups also work in freezers, but they should not be exposed to excessive moisture condensation for long periods. When producing for industrial ice cream brands, we test samples through three freeze–thaw cycles to ensure the cups keep their shape and do not leak. The matching paper or plastic lids also need to fit tightly to avoid freezer burn on the product.

What is the cost of ice cream paper cup?

Prices vary by size, material, and printing.
The average wholesale price for a plain small ice cream cup is $0.03–$0.07 per cup; custom-printed or large cups can be $0.08–$0.15 each.

When I quote prices for frozen dessert shops, an unprinted 4oz or 5oz plain cup is the most affordable. Costs increase with larger sizes like 8oz or 12oz because they require more paperboard. Custom printing adds setup costs for plates or digital printing, especially for small orders. Eco-friendly PLA coating also increases per-unit cost compared to standard PE. For clients ordering in large quantities - usually over 50,000 cups - the price per unit drops significantly due to economies of scale. International shipping can also affect the final cost, especially for bulky orders.

What were small ice cream cups with wooden spoons called?

This is a nostalgic question for many people.
Small ice cream cups with flat wooden spoons were often called "single-serve ice cream cups" or "portion cups," sold for school lunches and events.

I remember manufacturing a batch for a retro-themed event. These cups were usually about 3–4oz and came with a small flat wooden spoon slipped under the lid or attached to the side with a paper band. In past decades, they were a common sight in school cafeterias and sports events, especially in the United States. The cups were filled, sealed with a foil or paper lid, and frozen until served. Nowadays, they still exist but are less common due to changes in packaging trends and sanitation preferences. Some artisanal ice cream brands have brought them back as a nostalgic limited-edition product.

Conclusion

Ice cream cups - whether called dessert cups or frozen dessert bowls - are made from coated paperboard, can be freezer-safe, come in many sizes, and can cost between $0.03 and $0.15 per unit.