The Premier League is back with a bang after a summer filled with international action, and with it comes a new, quirky addition to the Manchester City matchday experience - the edible coffee cup.
The Etihad side recently revealed a brand-new treat available at the stadium for match-goers with the edible coffee cup.
But what are edible coffee cups, what do they taste like and why have Manchester City chosen to introduce them? Goal takes a look.
Why have Man City introduced edible coffee cups?
Manchester City announced the introduction of edible coffee cups as part of an initiative to improve their carbon footprint and to cut down on environmental waste.
By encouraging the consumption of more locally-sourced catering and vendors, City are aiming to support more local business and improve their food miles.
The coffee cups are meant to be edible, and so the waste output of plastic cups would effectively be removed.
These edible coffee cups are incredibly chewy pic.twitter.com/yo9GlYwIHi
— Jonathan Smith (@jonnysmiffy) August 21, 2021
They are completely plastic-free and have been branded as an "innovative" solution for reducing waste - "just eat your cup!"
Along with the edible coffee cups, City have also announced a number of new local vendors and craft brew suppliers.
What's been said?
Manchester City said in a statement on their official website: "Alongside new food and beverage offerings, City are also introducing 100% recyclable and zero plastic beer cups and will trial an ‘edible coffee cup’ this season.
"As part of the club's commitment to eliminate all single use plastics from catering operations and improve our carbon impact even further, the club is introducing an exciting, innovative and market leading paper beer cup.
"The aqueous paper cups, are 100 per cent plastic free, and manufactured from sustainable sourced paper and card, all of which is fully recyclable.
"The cups will be collected throughout the stadium in the same manner as their predecessor via collection points and waste stackers and will exit via our dry mixed recycling waste stream to be 100% recycled. For the first time on campus, an ‘edible coffee cup’ will also be introduced.
"These will be trailed alongside our full barista service of hot drinks outside the stadium in City Square an opposite west entrance. Fans will have the option to put these cups into our composting waste stream, if preferred."
What does the edible coffee cup taste like?
It is assumed that the edible coffee cup is made out of a waffle or biscuit-like ingredient.
The coffee cup, then, would take on a similar purpose as a waffle cone for ice cream, allowing the eater to drink their coffee and then eat their cup just like a cone.
The Edible Cup waffle cup, for example, is manufactured from completely natural and edible ingredients and is totally vegan.
As well as its ability to contain the liquids, it doesn't change the taste of the drink - and only gets wet after 30 minutes.
Manchester City have also confirmed that should their fans not wish to eat the coffee cup, they are welcome to dispose of it in the composting waste stream.
