
Try the edible cup on your next flight: drink your coffee, then eat the cup to cut waste. Air New Zealand is testing a compostable, edible cup that customers can enjoy after drinks. The cup comes in a vanilla flavor with cream accents, and the team wrote that these cups bring a tangible reduction in waste from inflight service. In trials, crews report the edible shell holds up through the early minutes of a drink, then offers a safe bite for those who want it.
The edible shell uses a thin, food-grade composition that is also sturdy enough for a daily latte, without dissolving instantly. After the cup empties, passengers can enjoy the remaining shell; it is designed to break down in compost streams rather than linger as waste. These features help reduce litter on flights and give customers a playful moment that adds value to travel.
In a six-week series of trials, Air New Zealand served roughly 2,000 edible cups per week across three routes, totaling about 12,000 cups. Data show waste reductions of roughly 20–25% compared with standard cups, and customer satisfaction rose by about 12 percentage points. Passengers praised the vanilla-cream balance, and the cup performed better than expected in real-use conditions. The results suggest a viable path to broader rollout for inflight service, analysts said.
For customers eager to try, choose the vanilla-cream edition and drink first, then bite the edible cup. Airlines planning a rollout should coordinate with catering teams to ensure the cups are stocked with drinks that suit the texture and flavor profile. Also, inform cabin crews that the cup is safe to chew and swallow, helping to bring compostable waste streams into daily operations. If the aim is to replace part of plastic cup use, start with one high-traffic route and monitor results over a month. If successful, airlines could extend this to the world.
These trials provide a practical blueprint: test flavor and texture, collect daily feedback from customers, and track waste and cost implications. The long plan ahead requires coordination across catering, cabin crews, and procurement, but it aligns with sustainability goals. Airlines can scale the edible cup in high-traffic segments first, then expand as data supports a broader rollout. The concept aims to cut waste while maintaining service quality, with edible cups that integrate into routine use and leave little residue after consumption.
Air New Zealand Edible Coffee Cups: Drink Your Coffee, Then Eat the Cup
Try the plant-based edible cup on Air New Zealand flights; sip your coffee, then eat the cup.
Recent pilots in select lounges showcased cups crafted from plant-based material that can be eaten after you finish the drink. Some customers with loyalty cards noted the experience adds value to travel and supports the airline’s eco plan.
The concept centers on reducing waste while keeping taste and convenience intact. The cups are compostable and designed to provide a flavorful end note, rather than a throwaway wrapper. This option offers a practical path for airlines aiming to curb single-use packaging and improve the passenger experience.
In extended routes and in premium lounges, Air New Zealand tests the approach, gathering feedback from crew, customers, and lounge teams. The board monitors disposal logistics, bin design, and the rate at which cups are consumed or disposed. The aim is to refine texture, finish, and feel so the cups remain appealing while serving an environmental aim.
Tips for travelers: finish your drink, then decide whether to eat the cup right away or save it for a snack between bites. If you cannot finish, place the cup in the designated bin to support the composting stream in lounges that offer facilities. This approach helps provide data for future planning and encourages guests to engage with planet-friendly travel.
| Карактеристика | Traditional cup | Edible cup | Compostable cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Paper or plastic-lined paper | Plant-based edible material | Plant-based and compostable |
| End-of-life | Recycle or discard where facilities exist | Eat or discard into compost stream | Compostable in industrial facilities |
| Flavor | У реду. | Flexible flavor profile (unflavored or light notes) | Neutral by design |
| Capacity | Typical 8 oz (237 ml) | Designed for standard coffee serving | Supports standard servings |
Air New Zealand trials edible vanilla-flavored cookie coffee cups on board and in its lounges to help reduce waste
Roll out the edible vanilla-flavored cookie cups across all cabins and lounges within the next quarter; this will replace most single-use plastic cups used for drinks, providing an alternative to plastic packaging, and Air New Zealand said the move could cut beverage waste by a meaningful margin on long-haul journeys.
Each cup uses wheat flour and plant-based fats to create a vanilla-flavored dough that crisps into a cookie you can eat after finishing the drink. Using a compact bake-onboard process, crews prepare fresh cups. The cups also serve as desserts for customers, adding a sweet pairing to coffee or tea. This program serves as a dessert option for customers.
Implementation includes a bolt-on plan: pilot on six long-haul routes and in six lounges, with baseline measurements for drinks served and waste diverted. Track metrics like plastics saved, cups used, and customer feedback from surveys; such data will guide expansion to more routes.
Ingredients and packaging emphasize simplicity: the recipe relies on flour (wheat) and plant-based ingredients; packaging is minimized to avoid extra waste, and the rollout will share results in a customer newsletter which explains how such innovations contribute to sustainability. Staff will use cards on service trolleys to guide waste sorting and to inform customers about the edible cups.
Operational details place the vanilla-flavored cups alongside beverages, with an optional vanilla sauce for pairing. This approach supports a smoother service and reduces the need for disposable napkins and sauces that add to waste, while giving passengers a concise, enjoyable alternative.
The environmental impact targets extend beyond reduced plastics; replacing single-use cups cuts plastic pollution, potentially benefiting oceans and water systems. It also relies on compostable waste streams to ensure any residual packaging or liners are managed responsibly, and it aims to bring more sustainability to long journeys than current practices, demonstrating that edible solutions can work on both onboard itineraries and in lounges, which already serve a large share of customer traffic.
If the trial proves successful, Air New Zealand will widen the program to more lounges and routes, continue reporting results via its newsletter, and establish the edible cup as a standard alternative to plastics in drinks service, with ongoing monitoring of waste streams and customer satisfaction.
Flavor options and shelf life of vanilla cookie cups

For daily service, offer vanilla-flavored cups that are compostable and wheat-based, with add-ins like citrus zest or cocoa nibs. These options pair well with light sauces and fresh fruit toppings, and they stay plant-based, only using compostable cups and avoiding plastic waste. Recent trials have tested two variants: vanilla-flavored with citrus zest and vanilla-flavored with cocoa nibs; trialling these shows some customers have a preference. Use these cards near the serving area to explain flavors, while keeping the setup simple. Some teams have seen strong interest when you bring variety without complicating the workflow. According to sustainability goals, compostable cups reduce plastic waste and support oceans. If you run a trial, include a newsletter snippet to collect feedback; you can share results with your customer list and update the lineup. Twiices per week, refresh the board with these flavors and adjust based on feedback.
Storage and shelf life: Keep vanilla cups in a sealed container in a cool area, ideally around 4-8 C. At room temperature (20-22 C) the cups stay good for 3-5 days; refrigeration extends to 7-14 days; freezing is allowable for longer storage, up to 2-3 months, then thaw slowly and use within 2 days. Do not expose to moisture; re-seal after each use to avoid sogginess. For daily stock, rotate batches so the oldest cups are used first, and mark dates on a simple log.
Allergen and serving notes: the base uses wheat, so clearly label vanilla-flavored cups and note plant-based ingredients. When serving, offer small samples on cards and invite customers to pair with a sauce or a light beverage; keep water handy for palate cleansing between tastings. Some operators run trials with a tasting flight and collect feedback via a short newsletter poll; results help refine the flavor lineup and the shelf-life plan.
On-board service steps: drink first, then eat the cup
Recommendation: Tell passengers explicitly to drink first, then eat the cup, so the coffee delivers full aroma and the edible shell remains intact until the bite.
-
Step 1 – Presentation and base: Serve the drink in a plant-based cup built from flour and water. Add a vanilla note and a light sauce to keep the shell pleasant to bite. The recipe uses eight ingredients and aims to stay stable through typical flight temperatures.
-
Step 2 – Clear crew cues and cards: Place simple instruction cards on the tray that state the order. The australia-based co-founder wrote that such cues reduce confusion; according to feedback, repeating the cue twiices times helps ensure customers follow the sequence.
-
Step 3 – Temperature and safety: Maintain the drink at a comfortable temperature to protect the edible shell’s texture. Using a cup designed for on-board service minimizes cracking while preserving the vanilla-cream balance.
-
Step 4 – The bite sequence: After finishing the drinks, invite the customer to eat the edge of the cup. These steps provide a natural transition from drink to bite and help deliver the plant-based experience without leaving plastics on the tray.
-
Step 5 – Environmental impact: Emphasize reduction of plastics by choosing the edible cup. The cups use plant-based ingredients and can be composted where facilities exist, supporting environmental goals and less waste in the cabin. The plastics used in traditional packaging are replaced by edible alternatives, reducing waste overall.
-
Step 6 – Feedback and metrics: Offer a brief card for customer feedback on texture and flavor, and track responses by drinks category. This data supports ongoing innovation and shows more positive reactions when the experience is well integrated into service routines.
-
Step 7 – Ingredient transparency: Explain the cup’s composition: plant-based, with water, flour, vanilla, and a cream-like glaze; the edible shell is designed to be eaten with the drink. These details reassure customers about safety and taste, and align with the stated eight-ingredient recipe.
Note: The approach comes from a broader innovation program in Australia, with input from the co-founder and a focus on reducing environmental impact and plastic use across cabin menus. Using these steps, staff can deliver a cohesive, engaging experience that customers remember when choosing an edible cup for drinks.
Производња и набавка: састојци, добављачи и складиштење
Набавите састојке од поузданих локалних добављача и складиштите их у контролисаном окружењу да бисте смањили изазове и отпад у ланцу снабдевања. Да би шоље функционисале у пићима која се служе у салонима, доследност је важна; то почиње са прецизношћу у набавци и руковању. Суоснивач Џејми истиче следљивост како би готов производ имао исти укус у свим операцијама.
Састојци
- Основа од брашна (пшеничног или безглутенских мешавина) за прављење чврсте структуре шоље.
- Šećer i so za balansiranje slatkoće i teksture, sa opcionim kakaom za čokoladni završetak.
- Маслац или маргарин на биљној бази за повезивање и хрскав залогај.
- Вода за подешавање конзистенције током мешања и обликовања.
- Есенција ваниле и опциони зачини за додавање ароме и дубине.
- Природни емулгатор или лецитин по избору, за смањење пуцања и побољшање руковања.
Добavljaчи
- Локалне млинске и продавнице сувих намирница за примарне састојке, што омогућава транспарентно набављање и брже циклусе попуњавања залиха.
- Mlečni ili biljni proizvodi od pouzdanih zadruga, kako bi se uskladili sa prehrambenim preferencijama u ovim šoljama.
- Специјални какао, ванила и куће укуса за доследне профиле и усклађивање серије са серијом.
- Партнери за паковање и премазе који нуде компостабилне картоне или јестиве премазе који се уклапају уз овај формат.
Складиштење и руковање
- Suvi sastojci se skladište na 15–20°C uz vlažnost ispod 60% da bi se očuvala tekstura i svežina.
- Након отварања, ротирајте залихе користећи ФИФО како би састојци остали у роковима најбоље употребе.
- Gotove šolje čuvajte u hermetički zatvorenim, neprovidnim posudama dalje od stvari jakog mirisa da biste izbegli prenošenje ukusa.
- За најбоље резултате, спроведите серије пробног печења и бележите податке о времену печења, температурама и влажности како бисте водили текућа подешавања.
Квалитет, одрживост и текућа испитивања
- Редовно спроводити пробе (тестове) са особљем салона да би се проценили укус, мирис и активност воде у овим шољама, а затим прилагодити формулацију у складу са тим.
- Izmerite uticaj deponije poređenjem otpada sa tradicionalnim proizvodima za jednokratnu upotrebu; cilj je smanjenje deponija i poboljšanje ukupne održivosti.
- Према повратним информацијама пилота, унапредите процес тако да свака серија буде конзистентнија између серија и да служи као поуздана база за пића попут еспреса и лонг блека.
- Očuvajte suštinu proizvoda i nakon što se šoljica isprazni; osmislite recept tako da ukus u šoljici dopunjuje kafu, a da je ne nadjača.
- Dokumentujte neuspehe i uspehe, a zatim podelite naučene lekcije sa timom kako biste poboljšali sledeća ispitivanja i celokupni lanac snabdevanja.
Zdravstveni, sigurnosni i alergijski aspekti jestivih čaša

Označite sve sastojke i alergene na svakoj jestivoj čaši, i ponudite nejestivu opciju za kupce sa alergijama. Stavite napomene o alergenima na samu čašu i na kartice za naručivanje na pultu kako biste pomogli osoblju i kupcima da brzo donesu odluke.
Držite proizvode odvojeno tokom pripreme da biste izbegli unakrsni kontakt: koristite poseban pribor, rukavice i površine za čaše sa mlečnim proizvodima, orasima ili glutenom. Obučite osoblje da usmeno prenosi informacije o alergenima kupcima na mestu prodaje. Oznake, koje pomažu kupcima da brzo odluče, treba da budu očigledne, a samo je podskupu kupaca potrebno nejestive čaše, pa jasno predstavite oba izbora i, gde je moguće, prikažite brzu ikonu za nejestive opcije kako biste im pomogli da odluče.
Осам купаца који су испробавали шоље на локалном киоску на аеродрому дали су повратне информације након што су их пробали. Речено је да њихова пића садрже крему и друге врсте соса, и истакли су важност јасног означавања; петоро је рекло да ће наставити да пије из јестивих шоља ако су наведени млечни састојци и компоненте креме, двоје је изразило забринутост у вези са текстуром, а један је тражио алтернативу без млечних производа.
Основе материјала: база чаше користи брашно и воду, печено да се добије готова љуска која држи топле напитке. Ако чаша омекша на топлоти, саветујте да се послужи у року од 15 минута или да се понуди резервна чаша. Осигурајте да љуска остане нетакнута када се напуни течностима и сосовима.
Odlaganje i održivost: lokalni partneri sa Zelanda su napisali kartice za osoblje sa detaljima o najboljoj praksi. Pića se služe u jestivim čašama kako bi se smanjio otpad, ali upozorite kupce da sve preostale porcije treba brzo pojesti kako bi se izbegle gnjecave ljuske. Nakon upotrebe, čaše mogu postati kompost u odgovarajućim postrojenjima, dok gotovi proizvodi treba da idu u lokalne tokove komposta umesto na deponije. Sa stanovišta održivosti, ovaj pristup donosi inovacije i smanjuje ambalažu, istovremeno podržavajući lokalne dobavljače.
Preporuke za potrošače: obezbediti kratke savete na pakovanju sa karticom na jednoj strani: rukovati dok je toplo, izbegavati pregrevanje i isprati vodom nakon upotrebe pre odlaganja. Suština je uskladiti ukus sa bezbednošću i lakoćom upravljanja rizicima za osoblje. Ovo uputstvo dolazi od lokalnih timova radi doslednosti u svim prodajnim mestima.
Прикупљање повратних информација и пробне метрике
Pokrenite dvonedeljni sprint za povratne informacije u julu na osam pilot lokacija u Australiji, uključujući aerodromske salone, da biste uhvatili rane signale i rešili probleme pre šire primene.
Definišite osam mernih podataka probnog perioda i pratite ih svakodnevno: stopa prihvatanja među degustatorima, prosečno zadovoljstvo na skali od 5 poena, broj serviranja gde šolja ostaje netaknuta, smanjenje otpada u odnosu na plastične čaše, stopa prebacivanja na čaše koje se mogu jesti, propusnost u serviranjima po satu, potreba za zamenama usled oštećenja i povratne informacije korisnika o aromi vanile i teksturi pšenice; takođe zabeležite vreme povratnih informacija i kontekst.
Прикупљајте одговоре на местима употребе и кроз накнадне провере да бисте изградили мора података; овај приступ, користећи брзе QR анкете на киосцима и мобилне подсетнике, помаже у калибрацији осећаја у устима и ароме. Неки одговори укључују белешке дуже форме о укусу и текстури; коначни резултати хране одбор корацима за предузимање мера.
Rešavati izazove kao što su uticaj toplote na utičnice na aerodromu, trajnost premaza i kompatibilnost sa materijalima ploča; prema planu testiranja, ova promena na završnu obradu vanila-pšenica ostaje održiva kada se skladišti u salonima. Kada rezultati pokažu jasnu prednost u odnosu na plastiku, planirajte proširenje na osam dodatnih lokacija preko okeana i Australije.