How can you tell which of the many beverage can sizes is right for your beverage?
From the slender grace of a slim can to the hearty embrace of a growler-sized Brite, these containers do more than just hold your favorite liquid refreshment. These vessels beckon you on a journey of discovery, beyond the familiar.
The average beer aficionado might reach for what they know: the 12 US fl oz standard, standing tall at 4.83 inches. It’s familiar, like an old friend you’ve shared countless memories with. But then some crave something more—maybe a tallboy or even an elusive 18 US fl oz treasure.
This blog will show you the difference in beverage can sizes so you are better informed about which can sizes you need.
Explore our beverage manufacturing and co-packing services to see how we can help you navigate these choices and more, ensuring your beverage stands out in a crowded market.
Understanding Standard Beer Can Sizes
“Mini” or “Small” Can 7.5 oz (222 ml)
- Typically used for sodas
- Often used for energy drinks and some sodas
- Sometimes used for smaller servings of beer or soft drinks, particularly in bars or restaurants
- The most common size for soft drinks, beer, and energy drinks
- Used for energy drinks and some beers
- Used for larger single-serve cans of beer, soft drinks, or energy drinks
The standard beer can size is 12 oz, which are the short cans that make for easy 6-packs. They’re popular with beers of all varieties, cold brews, sodas, and plenty of other drinks because they’re easy to drink and store. Plus, you don’t have to worry about your beer getting too warm if you don’t drink it fast enough.
Larger Beer Can Sizes
But if you’re talking tap-fresh craft beer, the go-to beer can size is going to be your 16-oz tallboy. They’re easy to spot on a shelf, have plenty of label space, and are associated with unique products.
Tallboys have found favor not only in the realm of energy concoctions, sparkling waters, and niche drinks but have also ventured into the territories of chilled coffee blends and fizzy sodas.
Choosing the Right Beer Can Size
A good deciding factor when choosing which beer can size is right for your operation is how you plan to sell it. Will can be sold individually or in a case?
If it’s being sold in a store, what other products will it be next to? Do you want your product to pop out with a unique can size or match your customers’ expectations?
Considering launching a couple of trials might be a wise strategy to determine what truly resonates with your audience. Try selling a couple of different sizes and see what works best. Maybe you’ll find that they both work, or one size works best in a specific environment.
The Advantages of Beverage Cans
Think about it. Cans are compact, stackable, and easy to transport. They chill quickly and stay cold longer. And when you’re done, they’re 100% recyclable. Infinitely recyclable.
Always Cold, Compact, and Recyclable
Cans have some serious advantages over bottles. Their lightweight nature and resilience to breaking render them ideal for sipping your favorite drink while moving about.
Plus, cans can protect your drink from light and oxygen, keeping it fresh and flavorful. And with their airtight seal, you never have to worry about spills or leaks.
Why Do Brewers Prefer Cans for Packaging Beer?
Brewers have a clear preference for cans when it comes to packaging beer, and multiple factors drive this choice. First and foremost, cans offer superior portability. They’re lightweight and easy to stack, making them ideal for transport, whether for a quick trip to the beach or stocking a bar’s fridge.
Additionally, cans provide exceptional protection against both light and oxygen, two main culprits in spoiling beer and altering its taste. The airtight seal of a can ensures that the beer stays fresher for longer periods, preserving its intended flavor profile.
Cans also come in a variety of sizes, accommodating different consumer preferences. From the standard 12-ounce size to sleek 12-ounce slim variants popularized by the soda industry, there’s a can for every occasion. Some even have innovative designs, like wide-mouth screw tops, combining the convenience of a can with the experience of a bottle.
Finally, environmental impact is a growing concern for both brewers and consumers. Cans are highly recyclable, with a higher rate of recycling compared to glass bottles. This makes them a more sustainable choice, aligning with eco-friendly practices that more companies are eager to adopt.
The ‘Wow’ Factor of Beverage Cans
But beverage cans aren’t just practical – they’re also pretty darn cool. The design of the modern can is an engineering marvel.
Moreover, the potential for inventive labels and wraps on these containers is truly boundless. Cans are a blank canvas for eye-catching designs that pop on the shelf.
So next time you crack open a cold one, take a moment to appreciate the awesomeness of the beverage can. It’s not just a drink – it’s an experience.
Recent Advancements in Beer Canning Technology
In recent years, the landscape of beer canning has evolved significantly, offering more flexible options to breweries of all sizes. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key advancements:
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Compact Micro Canning Lines: These smaller canning lines now allow even the most compact breweries to package their products efficiently. These micro systems are designed to fit seamlessly into limited spaces, making them accessible to smaller producers who previously found canning prohibitive.
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Mobile Canning Services: For breweries without their own canning infrastructure, mobile canning units offer a convenient solution. These services bring state-of-the-art canning equipment directly to the brewery. This is particularly beneficial for those crafting unique brews, like wild or funky ales, which require specialized handling.
With these innovations, the beer industry can better preserve quality and extend the reach of craft beverages, ensuring a fresh product from brewery to beer lover.
Beverage Can Sizes: Consult MetaBrand Experts
So, there you have it. The world of beverage can sizes is as vast and varied as the drinks they hold—a testament to our tastes and the creativity that fuels our choices.
From the snug fit of a 12 US fl oz standard can to the generous expanse of an 18 US fl oz behemoth, each size tells a story. A story about preference, purpose, and yes, even personality.
We’ve wandered through this aluminum forest together, touching on everything from slim cans that whisper elegance to growler-sized writes that roar with capacity.
It’s not just about holding liquid; it’s about making statements—about being cold, compact, recyclable…and utterly wow-worthy.For more information or to get started with beverage manufacturing experts, contact MetaBrand today
