Beverage cans come in various sizes, each catering to different consumer preferences, market segments, and drinking occasions. This article delves into the most popular beverage can sizes, their typical uses, and the factors influencing their popularity in the beverage industry.

1. Standard Beverage Can Sizes

Description: Beverage cans are typically made of aluminum or tinplate and are available in standardized sizes across the industry. The most common sizes include:

• 12oz Can: The standard size for most carbonated beverages and many non-carbonated drinks. It is widely recognized and used for its convenience and portability. Many of world’s largest beverage brands use these, including Coke, Pepsi, Anheuser Busch, Molsen Coors, and Dr. Pepper.
• 16oz Can: A larger format can that has gained popularity for its higher volume, often used for energy drinks, craft beers, and certain soft drinks. The Craft Beer industry really put these on scene in the last 10 years, with brands like Treehouse, Trillium, Other Half, Parish Brewing, Monkish, and many more using them exclusively.
• 12oz Sleek: These have become a very popular can size, especially in the seltzer, functional, and non-alcoholic drink markets. Companies like White Claw, Truly, High Noon, and Topo Chico.
• 8.4oz (250ml) Can: Commonly used for energy drinks, wine, and cold brew coffee, offering a smaller serving size option. Red Bull made this size can popular, now it’s used by cold brew coffee companies like High Brew, and wine companies like Bev and Barefoot. 
• 7.5 – 8oz Can: Found less commonly than other sizes, this smaller format is very popular in the functional and infused markets, especially in the CBD, THC and hemp infused beverage segments. Some popular hemp beverage companies canning their drinks in these are Brez, Happi, Cann, Drinkin’ Buds, Delta, Long Coast, Cycling Frog, and Elevado.

 

2. Factors Influencing Can Size Choice

Consumer Preferences: Beverage can sizes are influenced by consumer habits, preferences for specific drink types, and consumption occasions. They are also influenced by the target market. Sleek cans are targeted towards social drinkers, and standard cans are targeted to those who consume drinks at home or work.

Packaging Efficiency: Brands consider the logistical and storage benefits of different can sizes, optimizing shelf space and transportation costs.

Market Trends: The popularity of certain beverages, such as craft beers or energy drinks, drives the adoption of specific can sizes tailored to those products.

Ingredients and Legalities- Smaller cans, like the 250ml (8.4oz) cans are used by wine companies because they can legally only sell wine in those size cans, in some states. Some hemp beverages companies use the smaller 8oz sized cans because of THC dosage restrictions.

3. Applications of Different Can Sizes

• 12 oz Can: Widely used for carbonated soft drinks (sodas), beer, and some juices. It strikes a balance between volume and portability, making it suitable for everyday consumption.
• 16 oz Can (Tallboy): Popular for energy drinks, craft beers, and some soft drinks. Its larger size appeals to consumers looking for more volume or a premium drinking experience.
• 12oz Sleek Can: Primarily used for energy drinks and certain flavored beverages. It offers a smaller serving size option that appeals to health-conscious consumers.
• 8.4oz (250ml) Can: Less common but used for single-serve beers and malt beverages, catering to consumers seeking larger quantities for individual consumption.
• 7.5 – 8.oz Can: Often used in THC cannabis infused drinks, functional beverages, and some cold brew coffees. Because the drinks are normally smaller amounts, the small can sizes fit accordingly.

4. Shipping Various Size Cans Direct to Consumer

Because of the many different heights and widths of these various sized cans, finding shipping boxes that fit them was often difficult, until now. We at Whale Pod offer beverage can shipping boxes for essentially any sized cans! Here’s your guide for picking the right Pod for the cans you’re shipping –

• 12oz Can: Premium Pods, Econo-Pods, or Flex Pods
• 16oz Can: Premium Pods, Econo-Pods, or Flex Pods
• 12oz Sleek: Slim Can Pods or Flex Pods
• 8.4oz Can: Slim Can Pods
• 8oz Can: Slim Can Pods

5. Global Variations

Regional Preferences: Beverage can sizes may vary by region based on cultural drinking habits, market demands, and regulatory considerations.

Emerging Markets: As beverage consumption grows globally, manufacturers adapt can sizes to meet diverse consumer needs and preferences.

6. Environmental Considerations

Recyclability: Aluminum beverage cans are widely recyclable, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact compared to other packaging materials.

Lightweight Design: Beverage cans are designed to be lightweight yet durable, optimizing material use and reducing transportation emissions.

Conclusion

Beverage can sizes play a crucial role in consumer choice, brand differentiation, and packaging and shipping efficiency within the beverage industry. Understanding the factors influencing can size selection—from consumer preferences to market trends—enables brands to align their products with consumer expectations and operational requirements. By offering a range of can sizes, beverage manufacturers can cater to diverse consumer needs, enhance brand visibility, and contribute positively to sustainable packaging practices.

In conclusion, beverage can sizes are not merely functional containers but strategic tools that beverage brands use to meet consumer demands, differentiate their products, and enhance sustainability efforts in the global market.