Ice Cream Spoons Guide: Wooden vs PLA Ice Cream Spoons Explained

When serving frozen treats, choosing the right ice cream spoons matters more than you might think. Whether you run a dessert parlour, ice cream van / mobiler, or event catering service, selecting between wooden ice cream spoons and PLA ice cream spoons can sometimes be a difficult decision for many reasons.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, environmental impact, and best use cases for both options, helping you make an informed decision.

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What Are Wooden Ice Cream Spoons?

Wooden ice cream spoons are made from natural wood, typically birch. They are a popular eco-friendly alternative to plastic utensils and are widely used in gelato shops, ice cream parlours, and takeaway services.

Benefits of Wooden Ice Cream Spoons:

•    100% natural and renewable material 

•    Sturdy and suitable for frozen desserts 

•    No plastic based content 

•    Compostable and biodegradable 

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What Are PLA Ice Cream Spoons?

 PLA ice cream spoons are made from polylactic acid (PLA), a plant-based plastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane.

Benefits of PLA ice cream spoons:

•    Smooth, plastic like feel – similar to the traditional ice cream spoon 

•    Lightweight and uniform in appearance 

•    Made from renewable resources 

•    Industrially compostable 

•    Easy to customise with sizes and colours

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Question 1: What Is the Difference Between Wooden Ice Cream Spoons and PLA Ice Cream Spoons?

The key difference between Wooden ice cream spoons and PLA ice cream spoons lies in their material, texture, and composting requirements.

Main Differences:

1. Material

•    Wooden spoons: Made from natural wood 

•    PLA spoons: Made from plant-based bioplastic 

2. Texture & Feel

•    Wooden spoons: Slightly rough, natural feel 

•    PLA spoons: Smooth, similar to traditional plastic 

3. Durability

•    Wooden spoons: Strong and rigid 

•    PLA spoons: Durable but can become brittle in very cold conditions (extreme temperatures)

4. Environmental Processing

•    Wooden spoons: Break down naturally in most environments 

•    PLA spoons: Require industrial composting facilities to decompose properly 

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Question 2: Are Wooden Ice Cream Spoons Biodegradable and Compostable? And Are PLA Spoons Biodegradable and Compostable?

Wooden Ice Cream Spoons:

Yes, wooden ice cream spoons are both biodegradable and compostable.

•    They decompose naturally in soil over time 

•    Suitable for home composting 

•    Leave no toxic residue 

PLA Ice Cream Spoons:

PLA spoons are technically biodegradable and compostable, but with conditions.

•    They are compostable in industrial composting facilities 

•    They require high heat and controlled conditions 

•    They do not break down effectively in home compost or landfill 

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Which Ice Cream Spoon Is Better for Your Business?

Choosing between wooden vs PLA ice cream spoons depends on your priorities:

Choose Wooden Ice Cream Spoons if:

•    You want fully natural, plastic-free products 

•    You need home compostable solutions 

Choose PLA Ice Cream Spoons if:

•    You prefer a smooth, plastic-like customer experience 

•    Presentation and uniformity are important

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Final Thoughts

Both wooden ice cream spoons and PLA ice cream spoons offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic ice cream spoons, with both standing out for separate reasons.

At Ashwood, our diverse range of wooden ice cream spoons and PLA ice cream spoons, that are available in multiple lengths and spoon designs, ensure customers can confidently choose the option that best aligns with their needs.