Slim vs. Sleek vs. Standard: What Does a 250 mL Can Look Like?

250-standard-sleek-slim-aluminum-can-comparison

If you’ve ever felt confused by the terms "slim," "sleek," and "standard" when choosing beverage cans, you're not alone. It’s understandable - after all, both slim and sleek cans are technically "slimmer" than the standard, so what’s the real difference? And more importantly, how does this impact your product, packaging, and production?

At ALNA, we get these questions a lot, especially from clients exploring options beyond the common standard cans used in North America. This blog post is here to clear up the confusion, with a detailed comparison and practical tips to help you decide between slim, sleek, and standard cans.

Example: 250 mL / 8.4 oz Can

Feature	Slim Can	Sleek Can	Standard Can
Can Body Dia.	53 mm / 2.09 inch	57 mm / 2.24 inch	66 mm / 2.60 inch
Can Height (for 250 mL)	134 mm / 5.28 inch	115 mm / 4.53 inch	92 mm / 3.62 inch
Can End Type	50 mm / 1.97 inch / 200 End	52 mm / 2.05 inch / 202 End	52 mm / 2.05 inch / 202 End
Weight (Approx.)	8.60 g	10.00 g	9.66 g
Can Carrie Type	MARTEC Slim/Sleek Carrier	MARTEC Slim/Sleek Carrier	MARTEC Standard Carrier
General Use	Specialty drinks (coffee, energy drinks, wine)	Premium drinks (seltzers, kombucha)	Mass-market drinks (sodas, beer)
Quantity per Pallet	10,166	10,120	9,725

Note: Measurements and naming conventions are based on our manufacturer's data and reflect common practices in North America. Variations may exist across manufacturers.

There’s no confusion when it comes to standard cans - these are the most widely recognized and used can format in North America. With a 66 mm diameter and 202 can ends, they’re compatible with most production lines, can carriers, and trays. Standard cans are versatile and a safe, easy choice for sodas, beers, and sparkling water. If you’re not sure what you need, you probably need standard cans.

Sleek vs. Slim: What’s the Difference?

While both sleek and slim cans are narrower than standard cans, the key difference lies in the body diameter and the type of can ends used:

Sleek cans have a 57 mm diameter and use the same 202 can ends as standard cans. This makes them more production-friendly, with fewer adjustments needed for filling and seaming lines. Sleek cans are commonly used for beverages like sparkling water, hard seltzers, kombucha, and premium sodas. They’re trendy, practical, and a great middle ground between standard and slim.

Slim cans, on the other hand, have a 53 mm diameter and require 200 can ends. These are rarer in North America and come with additional challenges - everything from smaller trays and cartons to higher MOQs. Slim cans are typically used for smaller portion beverages like energy drinks, coffee, and wine, and they’re more common in Europe and some parts of Asia.

Should I Go for Slim or Sleek?

Let’s address the big question: Will slim cans make my product stand out because no one else is using them? Yes and no. Slim cans do give off an exclusive and "precious" feel, especially for premium or niche beverages. They’re great for creating a unique brand identity. But standing out comes with trade-offs:

• Slim cans require 200 can ends, which are not widely available in North America.
• All associated packaging - trays, cartons, and carriers - must accommodate the smaller diameter.
• MOQ is higher, and costs may add up quickly.

On the other hand, sleek cans offer a slimmer profile without as many logistical challenges. They’re easier to source and integrate into production lines, making them a safer yet stylish option for most brands.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your branding, budget, and production capacity. If the numbers add up and slim cans align with your brand’s vision, they can certainly help your product stand out. And if you decide to go down this path, we also offer custom quotes to make it happen.
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