The 5 Finest Reusable Straws of 2024, Examined & Reviewed

I began utilizing reusable ingesting straws in 2015 when a good friend gave me a glass straw for my birthday. I beloved that straw and used it day by day till a yr later, it shattered into smithereens towards my mason jar. (Enjoyable truth: Glass straws can accumulate tiny nicks that ultimately compromise the straw’s structural integrity.)

Since then, I’ve tried all types of reusable straws: versatile silicone straws, stainless-steel straws, and “all-natural” bamboo straws. I’ve realized rather a lot about what makes straw, however after misplacing an outdated favourite, I needed to seek out the greatest reusable straw. To take action, I examined 15 of them, utilizing the straws to drink plenty of chilly water, iced tea, and thick smoothies. I discovered 5 winners that received’t depart you thirsty for extra.

The Winners, at a Look

These straws are simple to maintain clear—steel doesn’t stain—and so they have a useful carrying case, so you may take them wherever your iced drink adventures deliver you. The silicone topper makes them simpler and comfier to sip from.

These straws had been sturdy and didn’t remind me of floppy worms! (I couldn’t say the identical for different silicone straws.) A lot of the silicone choices I examined had been too slender to accommodate a thick smoothie, however these had no downside.

Bamboo straws stain simply and aren’t as sturdy as steel or silicone. However when you like their look and texture, the ibambo straws are purchase. That they had a smoother end than the opposite bamboo choices I examined, and the cleansing brush was incredible. 

There isn’t a lot variance between manufacturers of glass straws. They break simply, after all, however look good in a smoothie glass and don’t stain. This set comes with each straight and bent straws. 

The GIR straws got here with a carrying case that might match within the “tiny pocket” of my denims. The straws are skinny and supremely flexible, and the cleansing squeegee labored effectively. You may select from three coloration units, and so they’re dishwasher-safe. 

The Exams

• Chilly Water Take a look at: I stuffed a ingesting glass with ice water and popped in a straw. I let it sit for 3 minutes, then drank from the straw, noting if it had grow to be uncomfortably chilly.
• On the Go Take a look at: To find out how effectively the straws performed with to-go lids, I took them to a espresso store and ordered an iced tea. I inserted the straw into the lid’s opening, noting whether or not it punctured the lid simply or needed to be compelled in. 
• Smoothie Take a look at: I made a thick smoothie with banana, peanut butter, and spinach. I used the straw to drink the smoothie, observing if the straw’s diameter was large sufficient to accommodate the viscous liquid. As soon as I completed, I let the straw sit within the glass for 3 hours. I hand-washed the straw, utilizing the included brush or cleansing wand, and famous if it was simple to clean off the crusted-on smoothie.

What We Discovered

The Most Versatile Reusable Straws Had been at Least 0.3 Inches Huge

In case you solely use straws for water and different skinny liquids, you don’t want to fret a few straw that’s large sufficient to deal with thicker stuff. However smoothie drinkers will admire a straw with a 0.3-inch—or wider—opening. My successful straw, the OXO Good Grips Stainless Metal Straw and Brush Set, had a beneficiant 0.5-inch diameter. The ibambo Bamboo Reusable Straws squeaked by with a paltry 0.25-inch diameter opening, though that was simply the product’s official measurement. A number of the straws within the package deal I acquired had been wider, owing to the pure variations in bamboo.

The Finest Straws Mixed Steel and Silicone

Steel straws ticked all of my containers: sturdy, secure to drink from, dishwasher-safe, and stain-resistant. However the steel didn’t really feel good towards my tooth, and it turned uncomfortably chilly in ice water or iced tea. One of the best straws had been manufactured from steel with a silicone topper. The OXO straws had been an impressive instance of this design, with a snug-fitting prime that could possibly be slid off or adjusted for a taller or shorter straw. The Zoku Reusable Straw with Journey Case had a silicone topper, but it surely was too small to be helpful. The Kleen Kanteen Stainless Metal Straw Set additionally featured silicone caps, however they had been lengthy and floppy—not simple to drink from! 

10 Inches Was a Handy Size

Most straws I examined had been 10 inches lengthy—ideally suited for medium and huge sizes of to-go cups, and highball-style glasses. As you may see in a lot of the photos on this evaluate, 10 inches appears to be like silly-long in most of my ingesting glasses, however general I believe it is higher to have a too-big straw. Two of my winners—the ibambo Bamboo Reusable Straws and GIR Reusable Silicone Straws—had been a petite eight inches, which might fall quick in a 16-ounce iced espresso. However they’d be a more sensible choice for youths or combined drinks.

Oval Silicone Straws Had been a Miss, however Angled Bottoms Had been Nice

The silicone straws I examined had both round or oval openings. The oval openings had been a intelligent concept in principle: They’re meant to slip simply into the small openings of to-go lids. However in apply, they had been disagreeable to sip from, and it was robust to suck a smoothie by means of their small openings. The Koffie Straw particularly was depressing with a peanut butter smoothie. Cleansing them was additionally robust—particularly in the event that they weren’t washed immediately. A lot of the straws match within the to-go lids simply fantastic, so an oval form wasn’t vital.

A number of the silicone straws had angled bottoms, which had been very useful in slurping up the previous couple of drops from a cup. This design wasn’t discovered on any of the bamboo, steel, or glass straws, so if sipping each ounce of smoothie out of your cup is necessary to you, get a silicone straw, just like the Flathead Bent Reusable Straws.

Bamboo Straws Had been Typically Tough Across the Edges

Pure bamboo straws look interesting, and so they’re touted as a extra eco-friendly choice (most are biodegradable). However they stain simply, a truth I observed in an unofficial follow-up check with a blackberry shake. They’re additionally essentially the most “naturally flavored,” and so they imparted a woody style to the water, iced tea, and smoothie. Extra concerningly, the Bambaw bamboo straws had been cracked and splintered across the edges straight out of the field. The ibambo straws had smoother edges, however there was a giant variance in width.

The entire Glass Straws Had been Effective

There isn’t a lot room for innovation with regards to glass straws: They’re all just about the identical. The glass straws I examined had been thick and had large openings. Dried-on smoothie was simple to scrub off. The truth is, I couldn’t discover any discernible variations between the Hiware and JimJim straws past the truth that the JimJims are actually unavailable. Nevertheless, I’m relentlessly robust on glassware and fear it’d be solely a matter of time earlier than all of my glass straws shattered. The much less accident-prone amongst us can get pleasure from glass straws with out worry.

The Standards: What to Search for in a Reusable Straw

One of the best reusable straws had been snug to drink from, sturdy, and could possibly be cleaned simply. Taking your straw on the go? You’ll need one with a carrying case. For medium- and large-sized cups, 10 inches was an excellent size, however eight inches labored simply fantastic for sipping at house. In order for you a steel straw, search for one with a detachable silicone topper. Silicone straws ought to have rounded openings and angled bottoms, and shouldn’t be too floppy. One of the best bamboo straws are comparatively uniform in measurement and form, with no splinters on the edges. Glass straws ought to be manufactured from borosilicate glass, which is robust. 

Our Favourite Reusable Straws

What we appreciated: These steel straws are sturdy, dishwasher-safe, and really sturdy. The silicone prime slid on simply and could possibly be adjusted for a taller straw. The topper was sturdy, and by no means flopped round. The straws include a carrying case and the cleansing brush is well-designed, with a deal with on the finish for higher leverage. (The comb additionally matches contained in the case.) After testing the entire straws, that is the one I opted to maintain for on a regular basis use.

What we didn’t like: The silicone topper was vulnerable to selecting up scents and flavors, so that you’ll wish to hand-wash it and use an unscented dish detergent. They’re fairly expensive for simply two straws.

Key Specs

• Materials: Stainless-steel, silicone
• Type: Straight
• Size: 10.5 inches
• Diameter: 0.5 inches
• Care directions: Dishwasher-safe

What we appreciated: These silicone straws are simply the suitable thickness for a sturdy-yet-squishable straw. (In case you wish to chunk or chew on straws, you’ll seemingly discover this one very palatable.) The underside of the straw is angled—a wise function for getting the previous couple of drops of no matter you’re ingesting. It was significantly useful with my smoothie. They’re 0.3 inches in diameter, which is a lot large for many shakes and smoothies. The seams that run alongside the highest and backside of the straws are skinny and discrete. The set features a drawstring carrying case.

What we didn’t like: As a result of the straws are bent, they’re more durable to scrub with the comb. The model’s emblem is stamped onto the highest portion of the straw, which wasn’t a giant deal however felt a bit bizarre in my mouth (though that’s the norm with silicone straws). These value nearly $25 for 10 straws, which is greater than most individuals want.

Key Specs

• Materials: Silicone
• Size: 10 inches
• Type: Bent
• Diameter: 0.3 inches
• Care directions: Dishwasher-safe (though hand-washing is right to attenuate scent pickup)

What we appreciated: The ibambo straws had a frivolously lacquered end that resisted staining and smells. It additionally made the straws good to drink from. (The opposite bamboo straw I examined, the Bambaw, had a tough, splintered texture.) The included bristle brush was among the finest I attempted, with plenty of lengthy, fluffy bristles. 

What we didn’t like: The straws diverse wildly when it comes to thickness, however that’s as a result of they’re produced from actual bamboo stalks. They shouldn’t be soaked, so that you’ll wish to clear them proper after use to keep away from crusted-on smoothies or lingering flavors. They’re a little bit quick for 16-ounce to-go cups.

Key Specs

• Materials: Bamboo
• Size: 8 inches
• Type: Straight
• Diameter: 0.25
• Care directions: Hand-wash

What we appreciated: This set contains two straight and two bent straws. They’re 10 inches lengthy, which works effectively with highball and tall glasses. The cleansing straw is nice, and since the straws are completely clear, you may see and do away with stuck-on particles. I had no downside cleansing them, irrespective of how a lot smoothie grew to become caked on.

What we didn’t like: Like all glass straws, these are extremely breakable. They’ll accumulate tiny, invisible-to-the-eye nicks and dings, which is able to make them much less secure to make use of over time.

Key Specs

• Materials: Borosilicate glass
• Size: 10 inches
• Type: Bent and straight
• Diameter: 0.4 inches
• Care directions: Dishwasher-safe, however hand-washing is advisable

What we appreciated: These straws had been tremendous enjoyable to fold and pack away! They nestle right into a small carrying case roughly the dimensions and form of an earbud holder. The set contains 5 straws, which gave me a pleasant vary of coloration decisions however didn’t take up area in a drawer. Though I used to be initially skeptical of the silicone squeegee, it labored rather well on crusted-on spinach bits. In case you don’t like this measurement, you should purchase related kinds from GIR in further large, cocktail glass, and kid-friendly sizes.

What we didn’t like: These straws are undoubtedly floppier. That’s intentional—they should be versatile to allow them to fold into the carrying case—however individuals who desire a sturdier straw will wish to look elsewhere. The silicone case picked up pet hairs and mysterious bottom-of-the-tote-bag confetti. They’re on the shorter facet.

Key Specs

• Materials: Silicone
• Size: 8 inches
• Type: Straight
• Diameter: 0.3 inches
• Care directions: Dishwasher-safe (though hand-washing is right to attenuate scent-pickup)

The Competitors

• Kleen Kanteen Stainless Metal Straw Set: The Kleen Kanteen straws took the silicone topper directive too far: They featured a straight steel straw with a really versatile, very floppy bent silicone mouthpiece. They had been awkward to drink from, though I did like the intense major colours of the silicone toppers.
• ALINK Stainless Metal Straws: With no silicone sheath, I cringed each time my tooth clinked towards these straws’ stainless-steel. They bought very chilly in the course of the ice water check.
• Koffie Straw: The Koffie Straw is marketed at espresso drinkers who worry tooth staining. However the lid-friendly oval mouth was disagreeable to drink from, and I couldn’t match the cleansing brush inside. May I recommend a whitening toothpaste as an alternative?
• JimJim Clear Glass Straws: It was a toss-up between these and the glass straw winners, the Hiware—till I realized that the JimJims had been now not obtainable.
• Bambaw Bamboo Reusable Straws: These straws had been poorly manufactured. A number of had cracks and splinters across the mouth, and their thickness and diameter diverse broadly from straw to straw.
• Nightingale Reusable Silicone Straws: Though this set earned factors for its agency, steady building, the mouth was extra flat than spherical and was tough to drink a smoothie from. (This design, just like the Koffie Straw, is made for use with a disposable to-go cup’s lid. An attention-grabbing concept, however in the end not that helpful.) I disliked the heavy seams operating alongside the highest and backside of your entire straw. Though that was a function shared by all silicone straws, these had been significantly pronounced.
• Softy Straws: So far as silicone straws go, these had been fantastic. However the extra-long, notched cleansing squeegee was a nightmare to make use of. Rumor has it I nonetheless haven’t been capable of extract it from the center of one in every of my check straws. 
• Zoku Reusable Straw with Journey Case: This collapsible steel straw hit lots of my marks—it had a (small) silicone topper, a cleansing brush, and a carrying case that wasn’t a lot larger than a tube of lip balm. But it surely had a behavior of collapsing whereas I used to be utilizing it, a betrayal I merely couldn’t forgive.

FAQs

What’s one of the simplest ways to scrub a reusable straw?

It will depend on the kind of straw. Steel straws are dishwasher-safe, however it’s best to take away any silicone components earlier than operating them by means of a cycle as a result of silicone traps and holds onto scents and flavors (dishwasher detergent doesn’t pair effectively with iced tea.) Bamboo, silicone, and glass straws ought to be hand-washed. Keep away from soaking bamboo straws to attenuate warping. The within of all straws ought to be cleaned with a cleansing brush—most include one, however you may purchase them on-line for reasonable.

Are plastic straws dangerous for the surroundings?

Plastic straws contribute to land and ocean air pollution, though they’re not the only real wrongdoer. Plastic luggage and single-use plastic packaging additionally contribute to the issue. Small plastic particles (microplastics) are absorbed by soil, animals, and people. Past being dangerous (clearly) to the surroundings, microplastics could make their manner into people who eat seafood and salt. That mentioned, microplastics have been confirmed to be current just about all over the place, together with faucet water and produce.

Are reusable straws higher for the surroundings?

Probably. As with reusable napkins, the fabric sourcing and manufacturing practices matter. It’s additionally necessary to attenuate your waste, so when you do select to purchase a reusable straw, preserve it in good situation and use it for so long as you may. An eco-friendly model of any product loses its inexperienced shine if it’s rapidly discarded right into a landfill.

Why We’re the Consultants

• Rochelle Bilow is a commerce editor at Critical Eats. Earlier than becoming a member of the staff, Rochelle freelanced for the positioning.
• She has been writing about meals professionally for 15 years, and has been reviewing home equipment and cooking tools for Critical Eats for 3 years. Her latest evaluations embrace dishwashing gloves and waffle makers.
• For this evaluate, Rochelle examined 13 straws, evaluating them on their efficiency in smoothies, iced tea, and to-go cups.