The 5 Greatest Reusable Straws of 2024, Examined & Reviewed

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

Since then, I’ve tried all kinds of reusable straws: versatile silicone straws, stainless-steel straws, and “all-natural” bamboo straws. I’ve realized loads about what makes a superb straw, however after misplacing an previous favourite, I wished to seek out the greatest reusable straw. To take action, I examined 15 of them, utilizing the straws to drink numerous chilly water, iced tea, and thick smoothies. I discovered 5 winners that gained’t go away you thirsty for extra.

The Winners, at a Look

These straws are simple to maintain clear—metallic doesn’t stain—and so they have a helpful carrying case, so you possibly can take them wherever your iced drink adventures carry 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.) Many 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 metallic or silicone. However if you happen to like their look and texture, the ibambo straws are a superb purchase. They’d a smoother end than the opposite bamboo choices I examined, and the cleansing brush was implausible. 

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 would match within the “tiny pocket” of my denims. The straws are skinny and supremely flexible, and the cleansing squeegee labored properly. You possibly can select from three coloration units, and so they’re dishwasher-safe. 

The Checks

• Chilly Water Check: I crammed 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 develop into uncomfortably chilly.
• On the Go Check: To find out how properly 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 Check: 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 extensive 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 Realized

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

If you happen to solely use straws for water and different skinny liquids, you don’t want to fret a couple of straw that’s extensive sufficient to deal with thicker stuff. However smoothie drinkers will respect a straw with a 0.3-inch—or wider—opening. My profitable 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 few of the straws within the bundle I obtained had been wider, owing to the pure variations in bamboo.

The Greatest Straws Mixed Metallic and Silicone

Metallic straws ticked all of my packing containers: sturdy, protected to drink from, dishwasher-safe, and stain-resistant. However the metallic didn’t really feel good towards my enamel, and it turned uncomfortably chilly in ice water or iced tea. The very best straws had been product of metallic with a silicone topper. The OXO straws had been an excellent instance of this design, with a snug-fitting prime that may very well be slid off or adjusted for a taller or shorter straw. The Zoku Reusable Straw with Journey Case had a silicone topper, however it 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—very best for medium and huge sizes of to-go cups, and highball-style glasses. As you will see in a lot of the photos on this evaluate, 10 inches seems to be 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 may fall brief in a 16-ounce iced espresso. However they’d be a better option for teenagers or blended 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 idea: They’re meant to slip simply into the small openings of to-go lids. However in observe, they had been disagreeable to sip from, and it was powerful to suck a smoothie by way of their small openings. The Koffie Straw specifically was depressing with a peanut butter smoothie. Cleansing them was additionally powerful—particularly in the event that they weren’t washed right away. Many of the straws match within the to-go lids simply wonderful, so an oval form wasn’t needed.

A few 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, metallic, or glass straws, so if sipping each ounce of smoothie out of your cup is essential 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 possibility (most are biodegradable). However they stain simply, a truth I observed in an unofficial follow-up check with a blackberry shake. They’re additionally probably 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 an enormous variance in width.

The entire Glass Straws Had been High-quality

There isn’t a lot room for innovation relating to glass straws: They’re all just about the identical. The glass straws I examined had been thick and had extensive openings. Dried-on smoothie was simple to scrub off. In reality, I couldn’t discover any discernible variations between the Hiware and JimJim straws past the truth that the JimJims at the moment are unavailable. Nevertheless, I’m relentlessly powerful 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

The very best reusable straws had been snug to drink from, sturdy, and may very well 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 a super size, however eight inches labored simply wonderful for sipping at house. In order for you a metallic 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. The very best bamboo straws are comparatively uniform in dimension and form, with no splinters on the edges. Glass straws must be product of borosilicate glass, which is robust. 

Our Favourite Reusable Straws

What we appreciated: These metallic straws are sturdy, dishwasher-safe, and really sturdy. The silicone prime slid on simply and may very well 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 suits 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 dear for simply two straws.

Key Specs

• Materials: Chrome 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 fitting thickness for a sturdy-yet-squishable straw. (If you happen to wish to chunk or chew on straws, you’ll probably 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 notably useful with my smoothie. They’re 0.3 inches in diameter, which is loads extensive 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 tougher to wash with the comb. The model’s emblem is stamped onto the highest portion of the straw, which wasn’t an enormous deal however felt a bit bizarre in my mouth (though that’s the norm with silicone straws). These value virtually $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 good 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 probably the greatest I attempted, with numerous lengthy, fluffy bristles. 

What we didn’t like: The straws assorted 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 somewhat brief 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 properly with highball and tall glasses. The cleansing straw is nice, and since the straws are completely clear, you possibly can see and do away with stuck-on particles. I had no downside cleansing them, regardless of how a lot smoothie turned 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 protected 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 really useful

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. If you happen to don’t like this dimension, you should buy related kinds from GIR in additional extensive, cocktail glass, and kid-friendly sizes.

What we didn’t like: These straws are undoubtedly floppier. That’s intentional—they must 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 good 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 metallic 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 enamel clinked towards these straws’ stainless-steel. They bought very chilly through the ice water check.
• Koffie Straw: The Koffie Straw is marketed at espresso drinkers who worry enamel staining. However the lid-friendly oval mouth was disagreeable to drink from, and I couldn’t match the cleansing brush inside. May I counsel a whitening toothpaste as a substitute?
• 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 not accessible.
• Bambaw Bamboo Reusable Straws: These straws had been poorly manufactured. Just a few had cracks and splinters across the mouth, and their thickness and diameter assorted extensively from straw to straw.
• Nightingale Reusable Silicone Straws: Though this set earned factors for its agency, secure 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 finally 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 notably pronounced.
• Softy Straws: So far as silicone straws go, these had been wonderful. 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 metallic 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. Nevertheless it had a behavior of collapsing whereas I used to be utilizing it, a betrayal I merely couldn’t forgive.

FAQs

What’s the easiest way to wash a reusable straw?

It is dependent upon the kind of straw. Metallic straws are dishwasher-safe, however you must take away any silicone components earlier than operating them by way of a cycle as a result of silicone traps and holds onto scents and flavors (dishwasher detergent doesn’t pair properly with iced tea.) Bamboo, silicone, and glass straws must be hand-washed. Keep away from soaking bamboo straws to attenuate warping. The within of all straws must be cleaned with a cleansing brush—most include one, however you possibly can purchase them on-line for affordable.

Are plastic straws unhealthy for the setting?

Plastic straws contribute to land and ocean air pollution, though they’re not the only offender. 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 setting, microplastics could make their approach into people who eat seafood and salt. That stated, 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 setting?

Probably. As with reusable napkins, the fabric sourcing and manufacturing practices matter. It’s additionally essential to attenuate your waste, so if you happen to do select to purchase a reusable straw, hold it in good situation and use it for so long as you possibly can. An eco-friendly model of any product loses its inexperienced shine if it’s shortly 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 gear for Critical Eats for 3 years. Her current evaluations embody 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.