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 cherished that straw and used it every day till a yr later, it shattered into smithereens in opposition to 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 types of reusable straws: versatile silicone straws, chrome steel straws, and “all-natural” bamboo straws. I’ve realized loads about what makes a superb straw, however after misplacing an previous favourite, I needed to search out the finest 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 received’t depart 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 useful 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 have 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 have been too slender to accommodate a thick smoothie, however these had no drawback.

Bamboo straws stain simply and aren’t as sturdy as metallic or silicone. However in case you 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 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 would match within the “tiny pocket” of my denims. The straws are skinny and supremely flexible, and the cleansing squeegee labored properly. You’ll be able to 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 turn out to be uncomfortably chilly.
• On the Go Take a look at: 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 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 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 wash off the crusted-on smoothie.

What We Discovered

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

When you 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 successful straw, the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel 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. Among the straws within the bundle I acquired have been wider, owing to the pure variations in bamboo.

The Finest Straws Mixed Steel and Silicone

Steel straws ticked all of my containers: sturdy, protected to drink from, dishwasher-safe, and stain-resistant. However the metallic didn’t really feel good in opposition to my tooth, and it turned uncomfortably chilly in ice water or iced tea. The most effective straws have been made from metallic with a silicone topper. The OXO straws have been an excellent instance of this design, with a snug-fitting high that could possibly be slid off or adjusted for a taller or shorter straw. The Zoku Reusable Straw with Travel Case had a silicone topper, however it was too small to be helpful. The Kleen Kanteen Stainless Steel Straw Set additionally featured silicone caps, however they have been lengthy and floppy—not simple to drink from! 

10 Inches Was a Handy Size

Most straws I examined have been 10 inches lengthy—supreme for medium and enormous sizes of to-go cups, and highball-style glasses. As you may see in many of the photos on this assessment, 10 inches appears silly-long in most of my drinking 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—have been a petite eight inches, which might fall brief in a 16-ounce iced espresso. However they’d be a better option for teenagers 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 have been a intelligent concept in concept: They’re meant to slip simply into the small openings of to-go lids. However in apply, they have been disagreeable to sip from, and it was robust to suck a smoothie by way 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 high-quality, so an oval form wasn’t mandatory.

Among the silicone straws had angled bottoms, which have been very useful in slurping up the previous few 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 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 seen 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 have 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 Fantastic

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

The most effective reusable straws have 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 a super size, however eight inches labored simply high-quality for sipping at dwelling. If you’d like 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 most effective bamboo straws are comparatively uniform in measurement and form, with no splinters on the edges. Glass straws ought to be made from borosilicate glass, which is powerful. 

Our Favourite Reusable Straws

What we preferred: These metallic straws are sturdy, dishwasher-safe, and really sturdy. The silicone high 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 all the straws, that is the one I opted to maintain for on a regular basis use.

What we didn’t like: The silicone topper was liable to selecting up scents and flavors, so that you’ll need to hand-wash it and use an unscented dish detergent. They’re fairly dear 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 preferred: These silicone straws are simply the correct thickness for a sturdy-yet-squishable straw. (When you prefer to chunk or chew on straws, you’ll doubtless discover this one very palatable.) The underside of the straw is angled—a wise function for getting the previous few drops of no matter you’re ingesting. It was significantly useful with my smoothie. They’re 0.3 inches in diameter, which is lots 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 scrub with the comb. The model’s brand 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 price 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 good to reduce scent pickup)

What we preferred: The ibambo straws had a evenly 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 top-of-the-line I attempted, with numerous lengthy, fluffy bristles. 

What we didn’t like: The straws various wildly by way of thickness, however that’s as a result of they’re created from actual bamboo stalks. They shouldn’t be soaked, so that you’ll need to clear them proper after use to keep away from crusted-on smoothies or lingering flavors. They’re a bit 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 preferred: 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 drawback cleansing them, regardless 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 can 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 advisable

What we preferred: These straws have 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 selections 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. When you don’t like this measurement, you should purchase related types 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 want a sturdier straw will need to look elsewhere. The silicone case picked up pet hairs and mysterious bottom-of-the-tote-bag confetti. They’re on the shorter aspect.

Key Specs

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

The Competitors

• Kleen Kanteen Stainless Steel 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 have been awkward to drink from, though I did like the brilliant major colours of the silicone toppers.
• ALINK Stainless Steel Straws: With no silicone sheath, I cringed each time my tooth clinked in opposition to these straws’ chrome steel. They obtained 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. Would possibly I recommend 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 have been not accessible.
• Bambaw Bamboo Reusable Straws: These straws have been poorly manufactured. A number of had cracks and splinters across the mouth, and their thickness and diameter various broadly 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 troublesome 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 fascinating concept, however in the end not that helpful.) I disliked the heavy seams operating alongside the highest and backside of the complete straw. Though that was a function shared by all silicone straws, these have been significantly pronounced.
• Softy Straws: So far as silicone straws go, these have been high-quality. 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 among my check straws. 
• Zoku Reusable Straw with Travel 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. 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 best ways to scrub a reusable straw?

It will depend on the kind of straw. Steel straws are dishwasher-safe, however you need to take away any silicone elements 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 ought to be hand-washed. Keep away from soaking bamboo straws to reduce warping. The within of all straws ought to be cleaned with a cleansing brush—most include one, however you possibly can buy them online for reasonable.

Are plastic straws unhealthy for the setting?

Plastic straws contribute to land and ocean air pollution, though they’re not the only real 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 method into people who devour seafood and salt. That stated, microplastics have been confirmed to be current just about in all places, together with tap water and produce.

Are reusable straws higher for the setting?

Doubtlessly. As with reusable napkins, the fabric sourcing and manufacturing practices matter. It’s additionally necessary to reduce your waste, so in case you do select to purchase a reusable straw, maintain 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 Severe 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 Severe Eats for 3 years. Her latest evaluations embody dishwashing gloves and waffle makers.
• For this assessment, Rochelle examined 13 straws, evaluating them on their efficiency in smoothies, iced tea, and to-go cups.