A great cup of coffee starts with the right coffee cup. Whether you're sipping espresso or enjoying a creamy latte, the cup you choose makes a difference. In the UK, the demand for high-quality coffee cups has grown by 12% in the last year. With more people working from home and brewing their own coffee, the right cup is no longer a luxury—it's essential.

Below, we’ve broken down the most practical, stylish, and durable coffee cups available today. From ceramic to reusable options, this guide will help you find your perfect match.

What Makes a Good Coffee Cup?

Choosing the right coffee cup isn’t just about looks. A good cup should:

• Retain heat without overheating your hands

• Be comfortable to hold

• Complement your coffee type (espresso, cappuccino, latte, etc.)

• Be easy to clean and long-lasting

Materials also matter. Porcelain, glass, stainless steel, bamboo, and ceramic all have different benefits. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Ceramic Coffee Cups: Classic & Reliable

Ceramic coffee cups remain a top choice for British households. They’re heat-resistant and come in many designs.

Pros:

• Keeps coffee warm longer

• Dishwasher safe

• Doesn’t affect the taste

Cons:

• Can break easily if dropped

Quote: “Ceramic cups offer that classic coffeehouse feel many love at home,” says John Wells, Product Manager at UK Brew Essentials.

2. Reusable Coffee Cups: Eco-Friendly Choice

The UK sees over 2.5 billion disposable cups discarded every year. Reusable coffee cups help fight that waste while keeping your coffee hot.

Popular Types:

• Bamboo coffee cups

• Silicone-lined glass mugs

• Stainless steel tumblers

Why People Love Them:

• Reduces landfill waste

• Portable and spill-resistant

• Many UK cafés now offer discounts for using them

3. Glass Coffee Cups: Stylish and Transparent

Glass coffee cups are popular for latte lovers who enjoy seeing the coffee layers. They're also great for iced coffee and flat whites.

Pros:

• Elegant design

• Easy to clean

• Won’t alter flavour

Cons:

• Not ideal for very hot drinks unless double-walled

• Can be fragile

4. Espresso Cups: Small Size, Big Impact

Espresso demands the right cup to maintain crema and temperature. In the UK, 8 in 10 espresso drinkers prefer a porcelain or double-walled glass option.

Top Picks Include:

• Thick-walled ceramic cups (2–3 oz)

• Double-walled glass espresso mugs

Good To Know:
A standard espresso cup holds 60-90 ml, just the right amount to concentrate flavour and heat.

5. Travel Coffee Cups: For Coffee On-The-Go

Busy mornings demand practical solutions. Travel coffee cups are ideal for commuters, students, and professionals.

Features to Look For:

• Leak-proof lids

• Insulated walls

• Easy one-hand operation

Popular brands like KeepCup, Frank Green, and Stojo lead the market with sleek, durable options.

6. Personalised Coffee Cups: Add a Touch of You

In 2025, personalised coffee cups are trending across the UK. Whether as gifts or personal indulgence, custom mugs add charm to your morning routine.

Customisation Ideas:

• Names or initials

• Favourite quotes

• Custom artwork or brand logos

They’re also popular for corporate giveaways and café branding.

7. Disposable Coffee Cups: Still in Use, But Declining

While reusable coffee cups are on the rise, disposable paper options still dominate takeaway culture. However, regulations are tightening.

In April 2025, the UK introduced new levies on non-recyclable coffee cups, aiming to cut waste by 40% by 2027.

Tip:
If you run a café, consider compostable coffee cups to stay compliant and eco-friendly.

Coffee Cup Sizes: What Should You Choose?

Different brews need different cup sizes:

• Espresso: 2–3 oz

• Cappuccino: 5–6 oz

• Latte: 8–12 oz

• Filter coffee: 10–16 oz

Using the right size helps with both presentation and portion control.

Coffee Cup Trends in the UK 2025

Here are the latest insights:

• Over 62% of British consumers now own a reusable coffee cup

• Custom mugs sales increased by 19% last year

• Ceramic still leads household use by 47%

Trend Alert:
Colourful cups with earthy tones and minimalistic designs are dominating the shelves this year.

Coffee Cups vs Mugs: Is There a Difference?

Yes, and it's more than just words.

Coffee cups are usually smaller, used for espresso or cappuccino.
Mugs are larger, often used for filtered coffee or hot chocolate.

If you’re after precise heat control and presentation, go for proper coffee cups. If you love volume and casual sipping, mugs are better.

How to Care for Your Coffee Cups

• Hand-wash glass or fine porcelain options

• Avoid microwave use with metal or double-walled types

• Stack cups carefully to avoid chipping

• Use soft cloths to clean painted or customised cups

Best UK Brands for Coffee Cups in 2025

Looking for quality? These UK brands consistently deliver:

• Emma Bridgewater – Handmade ceramic designs

• Costa Coffee Cups – Branded and reusable

• Barista & Co – Sleek stainless steel styles

• KeepCup UK – Leading in travel cup innovation

• Anthropologie Home – Artistic and personalised options

Final Thoughts

Your daily brew deserves the right coffee cup. With a vast range of choices in the UK, finding the perfect one is easier than ever. Whether you love a strong espresso, a creamy flat white, or just a morning americano, there’s a cup that fits your needs, style, and budget.

Choose your cup wisely—it shapes every sip.