metallic strawsThey are strong and durable and sometimes conveniently foldable. They usually come with cleaning brushes and are dishwasher safe. However, they cannot be used with hot drinks as they are heat conductors.
Though in danger of breakingglass strawsThey are usually resistant and a hygienic option, since you can see how clean the interior is.bamboo strawsthey are made of a very sustainable material, but they can deteriorate quickly.
You can find other alternatives to single-use plastic straws that are better for the environment because they can be composted, but are still single-use as they go bad quickly. This includes strawsWheat, paper and eventime! We only tested straws that can be reused multiple times.
We tested 20 straws across all categories to bring you the best reusable straws to buy. For the most unbiased expert buyers guides, check out ourcomments sectionFind over 400 summaries on everything frombest reusable water bottlesmireusable coffee cupsFor himbest dishwashersmidishwasher tabscompare
The best reusable straws at a glance
- Best Reusable Plastic Straws:Joie Rainbow Reusable Plastic Straws,4,99€
- Best Reusable Metal Straws:National Trust Reusable Eco Friendly Steel Straws,£8
- Best Reusable Glass Straws:Kikkerland multicolor reusable glass straws,£10
- Best regular straw:The Last Straw Stainless Steel Collapsible Straw,£ 12
- Best Collapsible Straw Set:asobu reusable straws,£ 9,99
- Best Reusable Bamboo Straws:Cookut Bam Bam Bio-Bambusstrohhalme,£ 25,17
The best reusable straws you can buy in 2023
Joie Rainbow Reusable Plastic Straws
The best reusable plastic straws
We know that alarm bells may be ringing and yes, thesethey aremade of plastic, that's exactly what we want to avoid, but listen... Not only do these straws have by far the best mouthfeel of any straw we've tested (in other words, they're the right size, shape, and mouthfeel), are incredibly durable.
how do we know why oureditor-in-chief luluHe uses them at home and has had them for years. While Lulu isn't labeled dishwasher safe, she washes hers in the dishwasher frequently and they have stood the test of time.
Different colors add fun to parties (and keep drinks from getting mixed up). However, Lulu points out that they are 23 cm long, which can cause problems at children's parties with small glasses (which break easily), so it is better to use them in larger glasses.
With 20 in a pack for less than 5, they offer excellent value for money and are eventually recyclable.
National Trust Eco Friendly Steel Reusable Straws
- AccessibleVonNational Funds (£8)
The best reusable metal straws
There are a lot of metal straws on the market right now and you might think they are all the same, but after trying several different brands, we found a surprising amount of variation.
These stainless steel straws are our favorite for many reasons. For starters, the length of the straw (13.4 cm) is perfect, not too long and not too short for a normal cup, and the thickness is perfect too.
more like this
Our test panel also liked the slight but not drastic curvature and the slightly rippled surface where the straw meets the glass, which means it doesn't slide down as much as the others.
The best part? Not only do they come with their own cleaning brush, but they're also dishwasher safe, making them seem like a hygienic option.
Available from:
National Funds (£8)
Kikkerland Multi Color Reusable Glass Straws
- AccessibleVonAmazonas (£ 10,99),Oliver Bonus (€10)
The best reusable glass straws
While it takes a while to get used to the feel of using a glass straw, we turned to them for a variety of reasons. For starters, the colored glass makes them super stylish, so they'd be great for a party (but only for adults: glass straws at a kids' party are obviously not a good idea).
Although the circumference is slightly thicker than a standard straw, the length (8 inches) feels just right. The package contains three straight and three curved straws and a cotton cleaning brush and is washable. Overall, these are the most elegant options we've tried and would look great at a cocktail party.
Available from:
Amazonas (£ 10,99)
Oliver Bonus (€10)
Collapsible Stainless Steel Straw from The Last Co.
best single handjob
For a truly compact and portable reusable straw option, you really can't beat this option. The retractable stainless steel straw is just 8cm long when not extended and fits neatly into its small casing. The case is made of rust-free aluminum, comes in a variety of cool colors, and has a key ring so you can clip it to your keys or bag so you'll (hopefully) never forget it.
There's no wrapping to build and connect the straw, it just extends to 7 inches (a pretty ideal straw length). A cleaning brush is included in the box, but the straw is also dishwasher safe and can be recycled at the end of its useful life.
While it seems to tick a lot of boxes, there's no denying that the mouthfeel of this straw isn't quite as good as the others. Another disadvantage is that, like all metal straws, they cannot be used for hot drinks.
Asobu reusable flexible straws made of stainless steel and silicone
- AccessibleVonCoffee Lover (£9.99)
best set of collapsible straws
This set of two stainless steel straws comes with a silicone section so you can bend them however you like. The two metal parts, as well as the silicone, can be separated to fit into a silicone tube for easy transport.
Our judges loved the mouthfeel of these straws and their ability to be curved or straight, but felt the curve was so extreme that it looked a bit silly. They come with a cleaning brush and are hand wash only, which may be a drawback for some.
Available from:
Coffee Lover (£9.99)
Cookut Bam Bam Bio-Bamboo straw hats
Best Reusable Bamboo Straws
The main problem with bamboo straws is the mouthfeel: they are often too greasy to be comfortable. Here's why we like them: While there's some variation in their sizes, they're much slimmer overall. In addition, they are pleasantly soft and very resistant.
Made from 100% organic bamboo from sustainably managed forests, they tick the eco-friendly box. They come in a set of 6 with a drawstring bag and cleaning brush. A dishwasher would quickly damage them, so hand washing in hot, soapy water is recommended.
How we test reusable straws
a panel ofEnjoy your mealTeam members tested 20 different reusable straws made of plastic, silicone, bamboo, metal, and glass. We have experimented with different variations of each material, using them to drink from different sized glasses and with different beverages.
What are we searching for:
mouthfeel
Arguably the most important factor in a straw is how it feels to drink from. We evaluate thickness, softness and length. We also consider whether a straw affects the taste of a beverage.
cleaning
We wanted to feel like the straws could be hygienically reused. We've checked to see if the straws come with a cleaning brush and how effective it is, as well as general cleaning tips, like whether it can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
portability
While some only buy straws to use around the house, others are looking for a straw to take to pubs, pubs, clubs or parties. To do this, we looked at how transportable the straws are: were they folded or folded for easy transport? Did they come in their own pocket or suitcase? (It would also make them more sanitary.)
sustainability
You might assume that a reusable straw is a better environmental option than a single-use straw, but what if you finally decide you don't want to use it anymore? For straw to be truly sustainable, it must not only be produced in the most sustainable way possible, but it can also be recycled or composted at the end of its useful life.
Types of reusable straws: pros and cons
hard plastic straws
While we all strive to reduce plastic in our lives, reusable hard plastic straws have several advantages: they're extremely durable, they don't add any "taste" to your drink, and they have arguably the best mouthfeel around. If you can find a variety that is dishwasher safe and can be recycled at the end of its useful life, we think it's one of the best options.
silicone straws
The advantages of silicone straws are that they are durable and can be used for both hot and cold drinks. However, none of the silicone straws we tested made it into our review, as we all found them too thin, pliable and rubbery - qualities you don't want in a straw!
metallic straws
The main benefit of metal straws is their durability. Most are made from food-grade stainless steel, which means they're not as prone to rust as other metals and don't break down, so they'll last a long time. They approach standard straws in thickness, length, and overall mouthfeel, and some are conveniently collapsible.
The most common complaints about metal straws are that they can give drinks a metallic taste, they can hit your teeth, and since metal is extremely thermally conductive, they can't be used with hot drinks. While many metal straws come with cleaning brushes and some are dishwasher safe, it's harder to tell if they're any cleaner than a glass or clear plastic straw.
glass straws
The advantages of glass straws are that they are smooth and resistant and do not add flavor to drinks. They are also hygienic as they clearly identify dirt inside and out and can be cleaned with a brush, warm soapy water or partly in the dishwasher.
Some glass straws are a bit thicker than your average straw, so they can cause mouth discomfort when drinking and also hit your teeth (although one could argue that this could also be the case when drinking out of a glass). The glass heats up quickly, so it wouldn't be the best choice for hot drinks. In addition, there is always the risk of breaking the glass, so it is not suitable for children.
bamboo straws
Bamboo is considered a very sustainable material because it grows quickly and does not require as much water to grow as other crops, nor fertilizers or pesticides. As for the benefits of using bamboo to make straws, they are not lacking.
They're sturdy to begin with and can be reused and washed over and over again, but the best part is that they're biodegradable when you finally want to dispose of them. Also, bamboo doesn't transmit as much heat as metal or glass straws, so they can be used for both hot and cold drinks.
The problem with bamboo is that because it is a natural material, bamboo straws can vary in size, and many are too thick to be comfortable. Some users also complain of a slight woody taste and don't last as long as metal or plastic products, deteriorating with prolonged use.
How to clean reusable straws
The easiest to clean are reusable straws, which come with a special brush or can be washed in the dishwasher. Brushes can be purchased separately, alternatively a pipe cleaner can be used.
Wash in very hot soapy water, drain on one side, and dry thoroughly before storing. If you haven't washed your straws and they contain dry bits, soak them first, then wash as before.
The best reusable coffee cups
The best reusable water bottles
best lunch box
Best jars and thermal mugs
The best sustainable spirits
The best personalized water bottles
More about sustainability
10 tips to reduce plastic waste
Reduce, use and recycle your plastic packaging
How to reduce food packaging waste
What does biodegradable really mean?
8 ways to become a better recycler
Sustainability Center website
Notice
This review was last updated in December 2022. If you have any questions or suggestions for future reviews or notice any changes to price or availability, please contact goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.