Disposable Gloves: Nitrile vs Vinyl vs Latex
Nitrile gloves are the best all-round food service glove: latex-free, more puncture-resistant than vinyl and fitted for long shifts. Vinyl is the low-cost choice for short tasks with frequent changes. Latex fits closely but carries an allergy risk, and some states restrict latex in food service. Our standard gloves are 3.5g and pack 10 boxes of 100 per case (1,000 gloves).
- Nitrile best all-round
- 3.5g standard weight
- S–XL sizes
- 1,000 gloves per case
Nitrile vs vinyl vs latex
| Material | What it is like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrile | Latex-free; strongest puncture and chemical resistance; snug fit | Raw meat and seafood, prep, cleaning, all-day kitchen use |
| Vinyl | Lowest cost; looser fit; latex-free | Short tasks: sandwich line, serving, quick changes |
| Latex | Very elastic, close fit; natural rubber latex can cause allergies | Non-food tasks where latex is allowed |
Gloves we stock
| Glove | Weight | Sizes | Case pack | Cases / pallet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue nitrile | 3.5g | Small, Medium, Large, XL | 10/100 (1,000 gloves) | 120 |
| Black nitrile | 3.5g | Small, Medium, Large, XL | 10/100 (1,000 gloves) | 120 |
| Clear vinyl | 3.5g | Medium, Large, XL | 10/100 (1,000 gloves) | 120 |
| Black vinyl (Synmax) | 3.5g | Medium, Large, XL | 10/100 (1,000 gloves) | 120 |
| Latex (white) | 3.5g | Small, Medium, Large, XL | 10/100 (1,000 gloves) | 120 |
Food handling rules vary by state and county; check your local health code, especially for latex.
Glove sizing tips
Measure around the palm just below the knuckles: under 7.5" is usually Small, 7.5"–8.5" Medium, 8.5"–9.5" Large and over 9.5" XL. A glove that is too loose snags and slows prep; too tight tears early. Most kitchens stock Medium and Large in the highest volume.
Products in this guide
How ordering works
- Send your list. Products, sizes and case counts through the quote form, by phone, text or WhatsApp.
- Get one wholesale quote. Case and pallet pricing for the whole list, delivered or Houston pick-up.
- We ship from Houston. Orders typically leave the warehouse in 1–2 business days. Approved accounts get Net 30.
More guides
Updated November 2026. Figures come from Crown Plastic & Paper product spec sheets.
Questions about nitrile vs vinyl vs latex gloves
Which disposable gloves are best for food service?
Nitrile is the most versatile: latex-free, puncture-resistant and comfortable for long shifts. Vinyl works for short, low-risk tasks where gloves change often.
Are nitrile gloves better than vinyl?
For durability, yes: nitrile resists punctures and tears better and fits more closely. Vinyl costs less and is fine for brief tasks like assembling sandwiches.
How many gloves are in a case?
1,000: ten boxes of 100 gloves.
What does 3.5g mean on gloves?
It is the weight of one glove in grams, a common measure of thickness. 3.5g is a standard everyday weight for food service.
Why choose black nitrile gloves?
Black gloves hide stains and look clean on an open line; they are popular in barbecue and open-kitchen restaurants.