What Are the Little Plastic Cups Called?

Ever wondered what those tiny cups are called? You know, the ones holding your ketchup, ranch dressing, or a sample of that mystery sauce at your favorite fast-food joint? They go by a few names, and it turns out there’s a bit of a story behind them. Let’s dig in and figure it all out. Spoiler: They’re not just "those little plastic cups" (though we’ve all called them that at some point).

Ceramic vs. Plastic: The Tale of Mini Plastic Cups with Lids

To really get to the bottom of this, we need to split these mini marvels into two categories: ceramic and plastic.

Ceramic cups, also known as ramekins, are the fancy ones you see in upscale restaurants or on cooking shows. They’re reusable, oven-safe, and perfect for serving soufflés (hence the name), desserts, or individual portions of mac and cheese that scream "classy."

Now, the plastic counterparts? These are often called soufflé cups too—a nod to their ceramic cousins. Made for convenience, they’re single-use, super handy, and let’s be honest, way less intimidating. You’ll also hear them referred to as mini plastic cups with lids, portion cups, or the ever-practical disposable portion cups. Basically, if it’s tiny, plastic, and holding a condiment, you’ve got a soufflé cup in your hands.

What Do Restaurant Folks Call Soufflé Cups?

Step into the world of restaurant lingo, and you’ll hear some interesting terminology. Those elegant ramekins? They’re reserved for the heavy-duty ceramic or reusable plastic cups, the kind that hold sides of sauce or small appetizers in style. They’re dishwasher-safe and built to last, so they make sense in busy kitchens.

But the portion cups? That’s the name of the game for disposables. These are the trusty sidekicks of to-go orders, perfect for condiments, dressings, and even small dessert samples. In most kitchens, it’s all about practicality: "Grab a portion cup for the ranch!" or "We’re out of 8 oz soufflé cups!" — you get the picture.

Why We Love Disposable Portion Cups (And You Should Too)

Disposable portion cups might not be glamorous, but they’re absolute lifesavers. Let’s take a moment to appreciate their many perks:

• Convenience is Key: These little guys make life easier. No washing, no hassle, no problem. Use it, toss it, repeat.

• Perfect Portions: Ever tried to guess how much ranch dressing you need? With sizes ranging from 1 oz to 4 oz, these cups have you covered. Consistency has never been so easy.

• Material Options: While many are made of plastic, the eco-conscious can opt for PET soufflé cups. These recyclable wonders are sturdy, crystal clear, and a great choice for reducing your environmental footprint.

• Lids for the Win: Nothing screams disaster like a spilled cup of sauce. Thankfully, mini plastic cups with lids exist to keep everything neat and tidy.

• Multi-Purpose Magic: Beyond condiments, these cups are great for serving samples, prepping snacks, or even organizing small craft supplies. Who knew they had so many talents?

How to Choose the Right Portion Cups

Buying disposable portion cups might seem like a no-brainer, but there are a few tips to help you make the best choice:

• Size Matters: Think about what you’ll use them for. Need just a dab of ketchup? Go for 1 oz. Want to pack a snack? 4 oz is your friend.

• Material Choices: If you’re all about that eco-friendly life, look for PET soufflé cups. They’re durable, recyclable, and look great holding pretty much anything.

• Don’t Skip the Lids: For takeout, meal prep, or travel, make sure your cups come with lids. No one likes a leaky mess.

• Shop Smart: Online suppliers are a great option for buying PET souffle cups in bulk. For smaller quantities or more variety, online retailers like Amazon have endless choices—and reviews to guide you.

Wrapping It Up: The Charm of Plastic Soufflé Cups

So, what are those little cups called? It depends. If it’s ceramic and reusable, it’s a ramekin. If it’s plastic and disposable, it’s a soufflé cup, mini plastic cup with a lid, or simply a portion cup. No matter what you call them, these tiny containers are everyday heroes, keeping your condiments contained and your portions perfect.

Next time you’re enjoying fries with ketchup or prepping snacks for the week, give a little nod to these unsung champions of convenience. They’ve earned it!