Can you put coffee in solo cups? The short and sweet answer: No, You Shouldn’t Put Coffee in Solo Cups.
We’ve all been there. You’re at a party, and you want to enjoy a cup of coffee, but all that’s available are those red Solo cups. Can you use them? Is it safe? Do you have any other choice? Let’s investigate.
While it might be tempting to just pour your coffee into whatever cup is available, it’s not advisable to put hot liquids in Solo cups. The reason for this is that Solo cups are made of polystyrene, which is a type of plastic. When exposed to heat, polystyrene can release toxins that can leach into your coffee and make it unsafe to drink.
The Dangers of Polystyrene
When hot liquids come into contact with polystyrene, they can cause the plastic to break down and leak chemicals like styrene and benzene into the liquid. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, and other health problems.
In addition, when polystyrene is incinerated (i.e. when it’s burned), it releases toxic chemicals like dioxins and furans into the air. Not only are these harmful to human health, but they’re also terrible for the environment.
So if you care about your health and the planet, it’s best to avoid using solo cups (and other products made from polystyrene) altogether.
Alternatives to Solo Cups
If you find yourself in a situation where you need a disposable cup for hot coffee (or tea), there are much better options than solo cups.
For example, paper cups are made from renewable resources and are lined with wax or another type of bioplastic that isn’t harmful to human health.
There are also reusable cups and personalized thermos mugs made from glass or stainless steel that can be used over and over again. These may cost more upfront, but they’ll save you money in the long run—and they’re better for the environment too.
Final Words
In conclusion, while it might be tempting to just use whatever cup is available, it’s not advisable to put hot coffee in Solo cups. If you find yourself in this situation, the best thing to do is wait for your coffee to cool down before drinking it. And next time, remember to bring your own mug!
