8 Best Reusable Straws in 2022 (Environmental Scientist-Reviewed)
Do you ever get guilty looking at how much plastics overwhelm the oceans? With a simple switch to reusable straws, you can do your part in minimizing waste. But you may not be sure which ones to choose with so many options. So, we've done the research and looked for the best reusable straws in the market, because the alternative should also be convenient and functional.
We loved Bambaw's bamboo straws, for example, because it's made from a sustainable material and can be used for a wide variety of beverages. Read on for seven more options to consider, plus a buying guide reviewed by an environmental scientist to help you choose the best reusable straws.
Quick List - Top Reusable Straws
Gwen Lynn is an environmental health and safety scientist who provides environmental and safety consulting and monitors air, land and water resources. She is also the founder of In A Green Minute, who creates podcasts and informational videos on environmental progressiveness and green technology.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Importance of Reusable Straws
Single-use plastic straws are destroying the earth. The issue of finding alternative straws for drinking is a growing concern among many of us. Even big beverage and food companies such as Starbucks are pledging to stop serving single-use plastic straws. Americans use millions of plastic straws every day. With the use of reusable straws, we can greatly decrease the total numbers.
Using reusable straws daily is also beneficial for your teeth. A big reason why using straws is important is that many people have sensitive teeth. Dentists recommend that anything that isn’t water should be consumed with a straw to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
How to Choose Reusable Straws - Buying Guide
There are many components and factors that often go unnoticed when selecting a reusable drinking straw. To find the right one, you must first consider why you're buying the straws. Factors such as material, reusability and maintenance should be considered to make any reusable straw worthwhile.
Consider Which Material Is Best Paired With Your Favorite Beverage
Think about what kind of beverages you'll use your straws for; maybe you have a lot of hot drinks, or maybe you have a lot of juice. Find out which material is best for your drinking style.
Stainless Steel for Cold Drinks and Cocktails
Stainless steel straws are not good with hot beverages like coffee or tea because they generally aren’t heat resistant. We advise you not to drink hot beverages with them unless you can handle the temperature.
With that said, steel straws are good to drink with cold drinks and cocktails because the steel straw keeps the drink cold for a longer time, even after the ice melts.
Glass Straws Stand Up to Acid and Heat
Glass straws have a strong resistance to erosion. This makes them perfect for acidic beverages like soda or fruit juices. Glass is also heat resistant, making them great for teas and coffee, so if you want a versatile straw for both hot and cold drinks, glass is a great option to consider.
The main thing to remember when choosing glass straws is durability, as they are more fragile than other materials. You might also want to double-check colored glass straws if the manufacturer really used colored glass or simply placed a coating that can peel off.
Bamboo Is Best Paired With Mild Flavors
Bamboo straws are a great natural option. All bamboo straws are 100 percent biodegradable and good for the environment due to their sustainable production. They do, however, carry a mild distinct taste over time that can be a negative for some buyers.
Depending on how long a bamboo straw is used and how long it is submerged in your drink, it can also absorb the flavors. Because bamboo straws have this distinct property, it’s best to drink water or teas with this type. You can drink other beverages with bamboo straws, but we recommend another material if you plan to drink for an extended period.
Silicone Straws for Drinks Thick and Thin
Lastly, silicone straws provide flexibility in your beverage choice. They can remain at room temperature even with the hottest drinks. They are also useful when drinking smoothies and Boba tea because they are usually wider in diameter. You can even bend the straw to whatever angle depending on your cup, glass, or jug.
Buy a Reusable Straw That Lasts and Is Safe and Hygienic
The whole point of buying a reusable straw can be made moot if you're going to replace it right away due to hygiene or safety reasons. Find one that will last you a few months or years if properly maintained.
Don't Rule Out Glass for Breakability
When buying glass straws, note that they can break if too much pressure is applied or they accidentally fall from considerable heights. To avoid this problem altogether, refrain from traveling with them and keep them at home.
Also, most glass straws are manufactured with borosilicate glass, known to withstand high heat temperatures and can last a long time if properly cared for.
Bamboo Is Hygienic and Low-Maintenance
Bamboo straws are antimicrobial, which makes them a great choice for health-conscious drinkers. Microorganisms cannot grow on bamboo straws, so there is less upkeep when it comes to how often you may need to clean them.
They can be used for years with proper care but, if you’re sharing them with multiple people in your home, then they should be replaced more frequently. However, bamboo straws can gather stains depending on the type of drink you put it in and how long it’s submerged in the liquid. Stains aren’t appealing to the eye and might be a negative feature for this particular type of straw.
Silicone Is Safe and Easy to Clean
Silicone straws are the safest choice when avoiding cutting the inside of your mouth, which can happen by accident when drinking out of some stainless steel straws. They are also bendable, which is great for children or those with limited mobility.
Silicone straws are also safe to chew on. They can be hand washed with pipe cleaners or a straw brush, and most bestselling products come with a straw brush included in the packaging. Also, silicone straws can be adjusted by cutting them with scissors if their original size doesn't fit the bottle you're using them for.
Steel Offers the Most Durability
Stainless steel straws are the most durable option. The only drawback with this type of straw is that you may chip a tooth or cut your gums if you aren’t mindful when drinking from a steel straw. Most manufacturers add polish to the tips of the straw or include silicone tips in the packaging to make sure this doesn't happen.
Choose a Reusable Straw That Is BPA-Free
A product that is BPA-free is one that does not use the organic compound Bisphenol A in its construction. You might want to buy a reusable straw that is BPA-free because BPA may have negative effects on your health.
The organic compound has been linked to impaired immune function, many types of cancer, and obesity over time. The great news is that all of the reusable straws mentioned above are BPA-free!
8 Best Reusable Straws
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | StrawExpert Reusable Stainless Steel Straws | | Durable and Travel-Friendly Steel Straws | |
2 | Bambaw Reusable Bamboo Drinking Straws | | Sustainable and Reusable Straws | |
3 | Doboli 2 Pack Reusable Metal Straws | | Compact Straws for Outdoor Use | |
4 | Lazy Corner Short Metal Straws Cocktail Straws | | Short Reusable Straws for Alcoholic Drinks | |
5 | Softy Straws Silicone Straws | | Safe, Bendable and Reusable Straws for Children | |
6 | Hiware 8-Pack Reusable Glass Straws | | Multicolored Handmade Glass Straws for Everyday Use | |
7 | Alink Extra Wide Reusable Clear Silicone Boba/Bubble Tea Straws | | Long Straws for Drinking Thick Beverages | |
8 | EcoSip Collapsible Telescopic Straw | | Premium-Grade Collapsible Steel Straws |
Durable and Travel-Friendly Steel Straws
These stainless steel straws from StrawExpert are highly durable. Each straw can last years with proper cleaning and care. They are also rust and scratch proof. Even if you do not want to use the silicone tips, you don't need to worry about chipping your teeth or cutting your gums. The straight and bent shapes in varying lengths also make them convenient to use.
However, there is one negative that has to be mentioned. Due to the straws being made of stainless steel, they get very hot or cold depending on what you are drinking. That is why the silicone tips are included.
Users loved the silicone tips, noting it even made their beverage hotter or colder without hurting their lips. They said that the straws were easy to clean and store, making them a regular companion when outside.
Sustainable and Reusable Straws
These 100 percent organic reusable straws come from Bali, Indonesia. They are biodegradable, making them great for the environment. The straws vary in length and diameter so that you can enjoy beverages like tea, smoothies, cocktails, and coffee. Cleaning these bamboo straws is easy, especially with the included cleaning brush that fits the straw perfectly.
Reviewers do report that the straws have an odd taste at first but fades after continued use. Meanwhile, many others loved the straws, noting they're easy to clean and durable. They liked the variety in sizes and said the larger ones were perfect for smoothies or thick beverages.
Compact Straws for Outdoor Use
These stainless steel straws are great for anyone who goes on frequent camping or hiking trips, hosts picnics or wants to have a pair of compact reusable straws while traveling. Their telescopic design means you can store them in a pocket or clipped to a bag.
Reviewers said to be careful when clipping on the straw case to your bag or pants. The storage case can sometimes get loose, and the straws may fall to the floor. Some also had difficulty sucking due to air gaps. Meanwhile, this straw was a hit among many who said it doesn't have a metallic taste and could fit in any beverage.
Short Reusable Straws for Alcoholic Drinks
Coming in at five and a half inches, these straws are shorter than others, making them perfect for cocktails and other alcoholic beverages served on smaller glasses or kiddie cups. You can also choose from straight or bent straws, depending on your preferences. To tag each straw to an owner, the package also comes with colored silicone tips.
A few reviewers didn't read the description properly and expected longer straws. One user also had issues with the silicone tips slipping off. Other than that, many reviewers loved the straws, noting no flavor change during use. Users said the straws were pretty and functional.
Safe, Bendable and Reusable Straws for Children
Softy Straws' silicone straws are the best in the market for children. They are tear-resistant, meaning kids can chew on the straw safely. Their flexible design lets you fit them into any lunch box, tumbler, or food container. For cleaning, they come with a patented squeegee that you pull through the straws to remove any gunk before placing them into a dishwasher.
Reviewers recommend boiling the straws before initial use because there is a strong "factory smell" that will go away eventually! Meanwhile, many others loved the kid-safe nature of these straws. Users added that they're easy to clean and fit various mugs and cups perfectly.
Multicolored Handmade Glass Straws for Everyday Use
Glass straws are generally the best option for those who are concerned about keeping their utensils clean. Hiware's reusable glass straws are extremely hygienic, and because they're transparent, you can see when they're dirty. They're also multicolored, so you can color code depending on your beverage if you like.
A few users complained that the color would peel easily, while others warned they break if not handled with care. On a positive note, reviewers said that the color doesn't peel off when hand-washed. They loved that the cleaning brush actually cleaned the straws and that the straws' thickness was just right.
AlinkExtra Wide Reusable Clear Silicone Boba/Bubble Tea Straws
Long Straws for Drinking Thick Beverages
These silicone Boba and smoothie straws made by Alink were designed for the thickest of beverages. BPA-free and 100 percent food grade, these straws are safe for all members of the family. They are foldable, allowing you to store them in a bottle after drinking. The silicone material also means they don't rattle and make noise while in a bottle.
A few reviewers have noted that these straws might be too small for boba. Additionally, the cleaning brush included in the pack is shorter than the straws themselves, making handwashing them easy. Meanwhile, others said the straws function as advertised and work great for thick beverages.
Premium-Grade Collapsible Steel Straws
EcoSip's collapsible telescopic stainless steel straw is the perfect gift for friends and family. They're made with premium-grade steel, while the case is made of aluminum. You can expect these straws to last many drinks.
These stainless steel straws come in a travel case with stylish color options including black, gray, blue, rose gold and lavender. The travel cases include a keychain ring and clip so that you can travel with them and not risk losing the straws.
Reviewers report that there is a loud screeching sound when opening and closing the travel cases. Additionally, there are rare cases when the straw will get stuck inside the case and will not come out. Still, many others loved the durable design of that straw. Reviewers added that their light and convenient to use.
The Best Cleaning Method for Your Reusable Straw
Stainless steel straws are easy to clean. They can be cleaned by hand or they can be put into a dishwasher or a sterilizer. However, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if the inside of a stainless steel straw is completely clean, so cleaning it multiple times is recommended. Check to see if the straw comes with a cleaning brush for extra convenience.
Silicone straws can be cleaned by hand, washing them with a straw brush or pipe cleaner. Baking soda also helps with cleaning them but is completely optional. What's great is that some manufactures make their products biodegradable when the straws are burned in an incinerator.
Bamboo straws are best cleaned by using your hands. You can alternatively boil them in water with a little vinegar. It’s recommended to use one part vinegar to 20 parts water. They are easily disposable and are the most biodegradable option.
Glass straws are great because you can see when they are dirty. Buyers choose glass straws because they are transparent and they are dishwasher safe. You can also rinse them with hot water; the hotter, the better to avoid water marks on the surface. Dry the straw by storing it upright, and you're good to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to reviewing our buying guide, Gwen also took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about reusable straws.
Are reusable straws sanitary?
"Yes!" Gwen says. "Clean with water and soap, rinse well, towel dry and let air dry afterwards. Clean the straw kit as well."
How do reusable straws help the environment?
Gwen says, "Litter pickups are amazing because it gives a snap shot of a communities' 'throwaways'. First is usually tobacco products, but coming in strong second is usually plastic straws. A zoo I recently visited used pasta that has almost a 1/4" diameter hole as a straw for customers. After use, you can eat it!"
Make Your Household Even More Eco-Friendly With These Products!
While one small change can make a big impact, just imagine what two or three small changes could do. Here are some of our favorite eco-friendly products.
Top 5 Reusable Straws
No. 1: StrawExpert｜Reusable Stainless Steel Straws
No. 2: Bambaw｜Reusable Bamboo Drinking Straws
No. 3: Doboli｜2 Pack Reusable Metal Straws
No. 4: Lazy Corner｜Short Metal Straws Cocktail Straws
No. 5: Softy Straws｜Silicone Straws
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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