<p>I am pretty sure it says NO TL316 LID.  That's the item/stock number for that particular size lid (based on a Google search, also available in black!). There are basically two sets of initials for the same thing Decaf, (C)ream, (S)ugar, (C-S) Cream and Sugar, and then one set has the B for Black.  Presumably these could be grease penciled or highlighted on a large order.</p>

<p>I honestly have no idea on the 19.  It may be some sort of internal tracking mechanism for manufacturing, because other examples from a Google image search have different numbers there.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-06-05T11:03:22.950Z
The C-S for 'cream & sugar' makes no sense: it would be just as easy to tick/check/encircle both the C and S.
Paul Ruane
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-02T17:07:54.713Z
It could be 19 fluid ounces which is approx 540 ml
EdChum
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-02T17:09:20.567Z
This particular lid will fit 12, 16 and 20 ounce cups.
Suspended User
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-02T17:17:47.563Z
@EdChum It was a regular (UK) sized cup. Although it was Monday morning, a pint of coffee at once is still a bit much for me...
fredley
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-02T17:05:49.687Z
2015-02-02T17:05:49.687Z
Suspended User
<p>19 is most likely a mold number. Used in manufacturing for quality control.</p>
<p>Wow, this thread is old. What about D C M L O on my lid? Decaf, Cappuccino, Macchiato, Latte, O?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-09-20T04:16:34.083Z
This space is just for answers to the question. If you have a lid with interesting symbols on it, post a new question and show a picture.
luser droog
CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-09-14T16:22:16.233Z
2023-09-14T16:22:16.233Z
Mad Professor
<p>I bought a coffee from Caffè Nero in the UK. It came with this lid:</p>

<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/AKVfd.jpg" alt=""></p>

<p>What do all the letters mean? I'm assuming DECAF could be marked to distinguish a decaf in a large order, but why is it there twice? What about the other letters? What about 19 near the air hole? Why does it say NO LID?? </p>

<single-serving>
What do all the symbols on my coffee lid mean?
fredley
# What do all the symbols on my coffee lid mean?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2015-02-02)

I bought a coffee from Caffè Nero in the UK. It came with this lid:

![](https://i.sstatic.net/AKVfd.jpg)

What do all the letters mean? I'm assuming DECAF could be marked to distinguish a decaf in a large order, but why is it there twice? What about the other letters? What about 19 near the air hole? Why does it say NO LID??

**Tags:** single-serving


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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2015-02-02. Score: 8 | Accepted answer

I am pretty sure it says NO TL316 LID. That's the item/stock number for that particular size lid (based on a Google search, also available in black!). There are basically two sets of initials for the same thing Decaf, (C)ream, (S)ugar, (C-S) Cream and Sugar, and then one set has the B for Black. Presumably these could be grease penciled or highlighted on a large order.

I honestly have no idea on the 19. It may be some sort of internal tracking mechanism for manufacturing, because other examples from a Google image search have different numbers there.

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: It could be 19 fluid ounces which is approx 540 ml  
> **username_1**: This particular lid will fit 12, 16 and 20 ounce cups.  
> **username_0**: @username_3 It was a regular (UK) sized cup. Although it was Monday morning, a pint of coffee at once is still a bit much for me...  
> **username_2**: The C-S for 'cream & sugar' makes no sense: it would be just as easy to tick/check/encircle both the C and S.  

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### Answer by username_4 on 2023-09-14. Score: 0

19 is most likely a mold number. Used in manufacturing for quality control.

Wow, this thread is old. What about D C M L O on my lid? Decaf, Cappuccino, Macchiato, Latte, O?

> **Comments:**
> **username_5**: This space is just for answers to the question. If you have a lid with interesting symbols on it, post a new question and show a picture.  

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