Pint vs Quart isn’t just a question of conversions—it’s a crucial consideration when selecting the right food packaging for your business. From soups and salads to sauces and smoothies, understanding these volume standards helps ensure accurate portions, clear labeling, and better customer experiences.
But in the world of pints and quarts, things can get confusing—especially when the same terms don’t mean the same volume across borders. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between a pint and a quart (especially the US vs UK versions), explain how these sizes translate to food packaging, and show how compostable packaging—like our sugarcane bagasse containers—fits into the picture.
What Is a Pint and a Quart?
In the simplest terms:
- 1 US quart = 2 US pints
- 1 US pint = 16 fluid ounces (approx. 473 ml)
- 1 US quart = 32 fluid ounces (approx. 946 ml)
That part is easy. But what makes things a little more complicated is that the UK uses a different system.
Why Is the UK Pint Bigger Than the US Pint?
This isn’t just random. The historical reason goes back to how gallons were defined in each country.
- The US stuck with the 1706 Queen Anne Wine Gallon, which holds eight troy pounds of wine. When divided into 8 pints, that makes each pint 16 fluid ounces.
- The UK switched to the Imperial Gallon in 1826, which is based on 10 pounds of water and totals 160 fluid ounces per gallon. Divide that by 8 pints, and you get a 20 oz pint.
So, in short:
- US pint = 16 US fluid ounces (~473 ml)
- UK pint = 20 Imperial fluid ounces (~568 ml)
That’s a 25% difference.
To make things more confusing, the definition of a “fluid ounce” is also slightly different between the two systems.
In today’s world, UK pints are still commonly used for beer, cider, and milk—but when it comes to foodservice packaging, especially in global trade, the US fluid measurement system dominates.
Why These Differences Matter in Packaging
You might think, “Sure, the volumes are different—but why should I care as a food business?”
Here’s why:
If you’re ordering or exporting containers labeled as “pint” or “quart,” and you’re not clear whether that means US or UK measurements, you could be giving your customers the wrong portion size.
For example:
- A customer expects a 1-quart soup container (~946 ml), but your supplier sends a 750 ml container.
- Your packaging labels say “16 oz pint,” but the actual fill volume is only 14 oz.
- You run into labeling regulations or compliance issues when exporting to the US.
Inconsistent volume labeling not only leads to consumer confusion—it can impact your brand’s trustworthiness and potentially result in wasted product or packaging.
Common Packaging Applications by Size
To help you navigate pint, quart, and everything in between, here’s a quick overview of commonly used packaging sizes and what foods they’re typically used for:
| Size | Approx. Volume | Typical Uses | InNature Pack Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–4 oz | 60–120 ml | Sauces, salad dressings, jello shots | 2oz & 4oz bagasse tasting cups with lids |
| 8 oz | ~240 ml | Dips, side salads, yogurt | 8oz compostable cups |
| 12–16 oz | 355–473 ml | Soup, rice, pasta, smoothies | 16oz bagasse bowls / drink cups |
| 24–32 oz | 710–946 ml | Large salads, noodle bowls, family-sized meals | Bagasse containers with matching lids |
These sizes are often sold as “pint” or “quart” containers in the US market. When selecting compostable options, knowing the fluid ounce equivalent helps ensure a smooth transition from plastic to eco-friendly materials.
What to Consider When Choosing the Right Size
Choosing between a pint or a quart—or 8 oz vs 16 oz—should go beyond guessing what “looks about right.” Here are a few practical factors to help guide your decision:
1. Type of Food
- Liquids (soups, beverages): Need precise volume fit to avoid overflows or underfilling.
- Dry or bulky items (salads, fried rice): Choose slightly larger sizes to accommodate volume + air space.
- High-oil content foods: Consider extra room for lid fit and oil resistance.
2. Customer Expectations
- In many foodservice businesses, especially in North America, consumers associate “pint” or “quart” with specific serving sizes.
- A container labeled as 32oz but only holding 28oz can damage customer trust.
3. Lid Compatibility
- Always check that your lids pair securely with your chosen container.
- InNature Pack offers matching bagasse and PET lids for most round and rectangular containers.
4. Sustainability Goals
- Are you aiming for zero plastic?
- Do you need PFAS-free solutions?
- Looking for EN13432 compostable certification?
These considerations help narrow your packaging options—by both size and material.
Why Bagasse Packaging Is Perfect for Pint & Quart Equivalents
Bagasse, made from the fibrous residue left after sugarcane is pressed, is an ideal material for foodservice containers. Here’s why it works especially well for standardized sizes like pint and quart:
- Compostable within 90 days in industrial facilities
- Heat-resistant & oil-resistant, perfect for hot dishes
- Durable & rigid, no deformation with heavy food
- Custom-printable with food-safe inks
- Size-consistent, allowing reliable portion control
- No plastic liners, unlike PLA-coated paperboard containers
At InNature Pack, our molded bagasse containers are available in a wide range of standardized sizes—ideal for restaurants, caterers, and distributors around the world seeking reliable, compostable food packaging solutions.
Real-World Example: Bagasse Containers for Takeout Soup
Imagine a restaurant offering chicken noodle soup in three sizes: 8 oz, 16 oz, and 32 oz.
- Instead of defaulting to plastic deli tubs, they choose molded sugarcane bowls.
- The 16oz size is labeled as “pint” and the 32oz as “quart.”
- Compostable bagasse lids fit tightly, avoiding leaks.
- The brand also prints “Compostable – 100% Plant Fiber” on each lid for customer education.
This small packaging change not only aligns with customer expectations—it enhances brand image and sustainability goals, all while keeping serving sizes consistent.
Bonus: Quick Reference Table (US vs UK)
| Unit | US Volume (ml) | UK Volume (ml) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 fluid oz | 29.57 ml | 28.41 ml |
| 1 pint | 473 ml | 568 ml |
| 1 quart | 946 ml | 1136 ml |
| 1 gallon | 3.79 L | 4.54 L |
Use this chart if you export or serve both US and UK-based clients. Precision matters—especially when your brand is focused on professionalism and environmental integrity.
Final Thoughts: Clarity Builds Trust
Understanding the pint vs quart distinction isn’t just for trivia night—it’s essential for businesses dealing in food packaging. Whether you’re labeling your containers, handling exports, or comparing sustainable alternatives, clear sizing helps you stay consistent, avoid waste, and meet customer expectations.
At InNature Pack, we make things simple. All of our bagasse containers are sized by fluid ounces and milliliters—no confusion, just clean, compostable solutions tailored for modern foodservice.
Want to Simplify Your Packaging?
We offer a full catalog of sustainable food containers, categorized by size and use. Whether you’re looking for a pint-sized sauce cup or a family-size quart bowl, we’ve got you covered.
Request a sample kit or reach out for a quick consultation today.
Let’s make food packaging smarter—and greener.
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between a pint and a quart?
A pint is half of a quart. In fluid measurements, 1 quart = 2 pints. For example, in many foodservice applications, a pint container holds about 473 ml, while a quart holds about 946 ml.
Q2: Why is a UK pint bigger than a US pint?
The UK and US use different historical definitions. A UK pint equals 20 fluid ounces (568 ml), while a US pint equals 16 fluid ounces (473 ml). This makes the UK pint about 25% larger.
Q3: Are pint and quart containers standardized globally?
Not entirely. While the terms are widely used, the actual volume can vary depending on local measurement systems. That’s why many international suppliers, including InNature Pack, also label products in milliliters (ml) or ounces (oz) to reduce confusion.
Q4: What size container is best for soup, salad, or sides?
It depends on portion size. Common choices include:
- 8 oz (~240 ml) for sides or desserts
- 16 oz (~473 ml, 1 pint) for single-serve soups
- 32 oz (~946 ml, 1 quart) for sharing portions or family-size meals
