Paper cups

Paper cups are disposable containers made primarily from sturdy paper, often with an internal coating of wax or plastic to prevent leaks. They are widely used in the kitchen and in recipe preparation, especially for measuring dry or liquid ingredients when standard measuring utensils are not available.

The origin of paper cups is related to the need for practical and disposable solutions for drinking and for measuring in the kitchen. Their use became popular in countries where speed, hygiene, and convenience are priorities, such as at events, in baking, and in home cooking.

Regarding their properties, paper cups are lightweight, easy to handle, and allow for quick measurement when used as a reference for standard volumes. They are not recommended for direct heating in an oven or microwave, but are suitable for holding cold liquids or dry ingredients.

In Latin America, besides paper cups, these containers are also known as:
- Disposable cups
- Cardboard cups
- Measuring cups (in some cooking contexts)
- Thermal cups (when they have insulation for hot drinks)

They are a fundamental ingredient or utensil in recipes that require quick measurements or for serving preparations in a convenient and clean way.