Can You Microwave Starbucks Paper Cups?

can you microwave starbucks paper cups

Drinking cooled coffee can be an unpleasant experience, especially on cold days.

If you have a microwave nearby, you might be thinking about microwaving your coffee cups.

This raises the question, “Can you microwave Starbucks paper cups?”

Keep reading for more information.

Can You Microwave Starbucks Paper Cups?

No, you should not microwave Starbucks paper coffee cups.

Just because Starbucks paper coffee cups can hold hot drinks does not mean they’re microwavable.

Starbucks cups are made from paper or thick cardboard.

However, they come with a liner inside, made from plastic or wax.

When exposed to sudden high temperatures in the microwave, the plastic or wax liner can melt and seep into the beverage.

So, you should drink all the coffee before it cools down.

Potential Risks of Microwave Starbucks Paper Cups

Not only Starbucks paper cups but most paper cups are not recommended for microwave use.

1. Toxic Leaching

As their name suggests, Starbucks paper cups are made primarily of paper. However, inside they are covered with a lining made from plastic and wax.

As their name suggests, Starbucks paper cups are made of paper. However, they are covered with a lining made from plastic and wax. These materials can melt when exposed to microwave radiation and boiling liquids, resulting from chemical leaching.

Chemical contamination is a potential hazard. Therefore, experts always recommend not to microwave paper cups.

2. Fire Risk

Starbucks paper cups can also catch fire when reheated in the microwave. And, Of course, the same goes for all paper cups or other paper products.

Which Starbucks Cups Can I Microwave?

By now, you already know that Starbucks paper cups are not microwavable. However, this is not true for all Starbucks cups.

Recently, Starbucks has offered reusable and recyclable plastic cups that allow you to use them over and over again.

These plastic cups are made from polypropylene, which is considered microwave safe. Even so, these cups also often come with an instruction that reads, “do not microwave.”

The warning of “do not microwave” is a Starbucks liability. The reason is that if someone puts a cup in the microwave and is in danger, they won’t be able to sue Starbucks for not giving a warning.

Reusable plastic cups can be warmed in the microwave for up to a minute without worry. However, it is essential to remove its lid before microwaving. This cup also becomes very hot after it has been in the microwave.

How to Microwave Starbucks Paper Cups

can you microwave starbucks paper cups

If you have no other choice and insist on microwaving Starbucks paper cups, stick to the following steps to avoid any risk.

  • Remove its cover
  • Put your Starbucks paper cup in the microwave
  • Set its power level to a medium setting
  • Set time for up to one minute
  • Check the temperature carefully
  • Carefully remove the hot cup from the microwave

How Long Should My Brewed Coffee Stand?

The best thing is to drink coffee while it is still hot. The maximum number of hours you can let your coffee last is 12 hours. After 12 hours, drinking coffee becomes a health risk.

What Alternatives Do I Have?

You must avoid microwaving paper or metal cups. Glass, ceramic, or styrofoam cups will work well.

Conclusion

Now we bet you know the answer to the question, “Can you microwave Starbucks paper cups?”

It’s best to get yourself another coffee cup if possible. Reheating coffee can never restore the original flavor of the coffee.

If you need to reheat coffee, it’s wise to transfer the coffee to a microwave-safe container, such as a porcelain or glass mug.

Tamara Pierce

Tamara Pierce is a food writer at Elapasony, passionate about exploring diverse cuisines and sharing recipes and food experiences. From trendy restaurants to local hotspots, she's always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors.

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