304 Stainless Steel
IN DEPTHAlso: 18/8 stainless steel, SUS304, 304 SS
The workhorse food-grade steel (18% chromium / 8% nickel) behind most everyday drinkware - and what "food-grade" actually guarantees.
304 stainless steel – often written 18/8 – is the workhorse metal of the drinkware industry: roughly 18% chromium for corrosion resistance and 8% nickel for stability and shine. If a product page says "food-grade stainless steel" without a number, 304 is almost always what is inside.
Myth vs fact"18/8 and 304 are different metals." They are the same thing – 18/8 describes the composition, 304 is the grade number. SUS304 (JIS) and 06Cr19Ni10 (GB) are regional names for one material.
304 vs 316 at a glance
| 304 / 18-8 | 316 / 18-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent for daily use | Superior (added molybdenum) |
| Best for | Everyday bottles & cups | Coastal markets, marine use |
| Relative cost | Baseline | ~15-25% higher material cost |
Practical takeaway: for most retail programs 304 is the right call; specify 316 when your market sells into humid coastal climates.