The edible cups are part of an emerging trend that seeks to solve the serious environmental problem generated by the disposable products. Being practical and economical, disposable products are widely used around the world, but their massive use represents a major challenge in terms of waste management. The large amount of plastic waste It is difficult to manage, especially in urban environments where landfill space is limited and recycling processes are not always effective.
There are several alternatives to attack this problem, such as reducing the use of disposable products and creating biodegradable products that are easy to dispose of. Among the most innovative solutions are the edible cups, an option that not only avoids waste, but also adds an interesting gastronomic dimension.
What are edible cups?
Edible cups are containers that, after fulfilling their original function of holding a drink, can be consumed or disposed of naturally without generating harmful waste for the environment. These products are generally made from organic and natural materials such as cotton candy, corn starch o agar gum, a polysaccharide obtained from seaweed. Its main advantage is that they are biodegradable and can disintegrate within a few months when disposed of in a suitable composting environment.
In New York, a company created a product known as Jelloware, edible cups made from agar gum. These cups are completely edible and are available in a wide range of flavours such as lemon, mint, rosemary, beetroot, basil and ginger. In addition, their flavour is designed to complement the drinks they contain, which can enhance the consumer experience.
Common materials used in making edible cups
The edible cups They are made from different natural ingredients, and each material may have characteristics that make it more suitable for different types of drinks:
- Agar gum: This material is completely natural and comes from seaweed. It is rich in fiber and goes perfectly with various drinks. It is a durable material and can retain the shape of the glass for as long as necessary.
- Cookie: Ideal for hot drinks such as coffee or tea, the cookie cups are crispy and can be consumed as part of the dessert once the drink has been finished.
- Cornstarch: Lightweight, biodegradable material that breaks down quickly. Although best suited for cold drinks, it can withstand moderate temperatures without losing consistency.
- Flavored gelatin: Perfect for cocktails or shots, this material is flexible and can add to the experience of a cold or creative drink.
Benefits of edible cups
The edible cups They are not only an ecological alternative, they also offer additional advantages that make them attractive to both consumers and entrepreneurs in sectors such as hospitality:
- Reduction of plastic waste: Being completely biodegradable or consumable, these cups eliminate the production of plastic waste that takes hundreds of years to decompose.
- Improved user experience: The range of flavours, colours and textures offered by edible glasses adds a plus to drinks, making them an innovative option for restaurants and bars.
- Attracting a sustainable clientele: Consumers are increasingly concerned about the ecological impact of their actions, and offering eco-friendly products can be a key attraction to capture this market segment.
- Versatility: These glasses can be used at both casual events and large celebrations, from bars to festivals, and customization options allow them to be tailored to different preferences.
How do edible glasses influence the hospitality industry?
In the hospitality industry, the edible cups They represent an opportunity to integrate sustainable practices without compromising service quality. Beyond reducing waste, these cups offer:
- Eco-friendly brand image: Brands that adopt these types of solutions project an image of environmental responsibility, which is especially valuable in a world where consumers increasingly value sustainable practices.
- Intrinsic promotionBy offering something as unique as an edible container, restaurants and bars generate a memorable experience that can be shared on social media, helping to give visibility to their business.
Although the cost of edible cups is usually higher compared to conventional disposable ones, the investment can be offset by greater customer loyalty and increased sales due to the novelty and added value.
Differences between biodegradable and compostable
It is important to highlight the differences between glasses biodegradable y compostableBiodegradable cups break down into natural elements under normal conditions, while compostable cups require a specific set of conditions to fully disintegrate and can be converted into compost, helping to regenerate the soil. Most edible cups on the market are both biodegradable and compostable, making them an excellent solution to reduce environmental impact.
Support the use of organic products and sustainable is essential to preserve the environment. Opting for edible cups Not only does it help reduce plastic waste and improve sustainability, it also offers a creative and tasty alternative to enjoying your favorite drinks.