These days, most of us are looking for ways to be a little kinder to the planet. You might not give much thought to the plastic straws you use to drink your favorite beverages, but they can actually damage the environment, especially our oceans.
If you prefer drinking through straws but want to do your part to go green, reusable drinking straws are the way to go. Made from durable materials you can wash after each use, they cut down on plastic waste while still allowing you to sip your soda or water the way you like. Best of all, they don’t cost much, so you can help the environment and save yourself some money at the same time.
Check out our buying guide to learn all you need to know about choosing the best reusable drinking straws. We’ve included a few of our favorite options, too, such as our top pick from Yihong. These straws are made from sturdy, food-grade stainless steel and come with brushes to make cleaning them as easy as possible.
Considerations when choosing reusable drinking straws
Materials
Reusable drinking straws can be made from a few different materials that hold up well to repeated use and cleaning. The following are the most common options:
Stainless steel is highly durable, dishwasher-safe, and rust-resistant. Stainless steel straws aren’t the best option for drinking hot beverages, though, because the metal conducts heat so well.
Silicone is another extremely durable material that can last for years. It’s also dishwasher safe, doesn’t change the taste of beverages, and can be used with both hot and cold beverages.
Plastic is dishwasher-safe and pretty durable, though it can show wear and tear from your teeth over time. It’s important to choose BPA-free reusable plastic straws, but most are. They’re not the best option for hot beverages, though.
Bamboo is a highly durable natural material. Bamboo reusable straws can sometimes give beverages an earthy flavor, though, and they’re not dishwasher-safe. They work well for both hot and cold beverages.
Glass isn’t as durable as other straw materials because it’s prone to breaking and cracking. Glass reusable straws are dishwasher safe, though, and won’t change the taste of your favorite beverages. Tempered glass straws are a good option for both hot and cold beverages.
Sizes
As with disposable plastic straws, reusable drinking straws come in a few different lengths. Most range from eight to 10.5 inches in length, but you can find longer straws for larger cups.
Straws are also available in different diameters, which can be important if you’re drinking thicker beverages, such as smoothies or milkshakes. You can usually find straws that range from 0.24 to 0.30 inches in inner diameter.
Features
Shape
Plenty of reusable straws feature a straight design that can work well for most beverages. You can also find some reusable drinking straws that are curved to mimic the design of bendable plastic straws. Some people find these curved straws more comfortable to drink from, but if you’re unsure which shape you prefer, opt for a set that includes both straight and curved straws.
Quantity
Reusable straws are nearly always sold in sets that include more than one straw. You can find small sets that feature as few as three or four, as well as large sets that contain 10 or more. It’s a good idea to have extra straws on hand in case some require cleaning, and if you have a large family, you’ll definitely prefer a larger set.
Silicone tips
Reusable drinking straws that are made from harder materials like stainless steel or glass often feature silicone tips on the end. The silicone is softer and more comfortable against the lips and can also protect your teeth from accidental damage.
Cleaning brushes
Cleaning reusable drinking straws by hand can be a challenge, which is why many manufacturers include cleaning brushes with their straw sets. These brushes are narrow enough to easily fit inside the straws, so you can be sure to remove any residue inside.
Case
Many restaurants still provide disposable plastic drinking straws. If you want to bring your reusable straws on the go, choose a set with a carrying case. The case may be a slim box or a bag that helps keep your straws clean in your purse, backpack or another bag.
Price
Reusable drinking straws cost between $5 and $30. A pack of high-quality stainless steel, glass, or bamboo straws typically costs between $8 and $14.
FAQ
Q. What type of reusable straws are easiest to clean?
A. If cleanup is a concern, opt for reusable drinking straws that are dishwasher-safe. You can throw stainless steel, glass, silicone, and plastic straws right in the dishwasher with your glasses and plates.
Q. Which types of reusable straws are best for drinking coffee or other hot beverages?
A. You should choose reusable drinking straws that are made from a material that doesn’t conduct heat well. Silicone and tempered glass are usually your best options.
Best reusable drinking straws
Top reusable drinking straw
Yihong’s Stainless Steel Metal Straws
What you need to know: These long-lasting, sturdy straws are extremely easy to clean and will quickly convert you to reusable straws.
What you’ll love: It includes four straight and four curved straws and two brushes to make cleaning a breeze. It’s dishwasher-safe, too. It doesn’t have any metallic aftertaste. It fits a 30-ounce tumbler well. It’s available in a wide range of metallic colors.
What you should consider: Stainless steel retains both cold and heat, so these straws won’t work well for hot beverages.
Top reusable drinking straw for the money
Amzsockets’ Reusable Plastic Straws
What you need to know: This generous set of plastic straws is available in fun colors and is extremely affordable.
What you’ll love: The set includes 25 straws that fit 20-ounce tumblers well. The bright, colorful design appeals to kids. It doesn’t contain BPA or any other potentially hazardous chemicals. The set also includes a cleaning brush. The straws are eight different colors, so you can assign specific colors to family members.
What you should consider: You can’t remove the rubber stoppers.
Worth checking out
Bambaw Reusable Bamboo Drinking Straws
What you need to know: This is the ideal set for anyone who wants an alternative to stainless steel or silicone straws.
What you’ll love: The straws come in multiple diameters, perfect for sipping both thin and thick beverages. They’re also the most eco-friendly option, as they are biodegradable and compostable.
What you should consider: The straws are a bit short compared to some others.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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