Best reusable coffee cups

Reusable cups are the latest love of the waste-conscious and are an especially great idea for those of us who regularly purchase beverages to go. But with so many products on the market, how do you determine which one is best suited for your lifestyle?

Here are our top picks based on our own research and some of our personal favorites.

Compare some of the best reusable coffee cups

Name	Average price	Material	Collapsible?	Capacity (ounces)	Purchase
Stojo S2	$20	Silicone	Yes	16	Buy now
KeepCup	$30	Glass and cork	No	12	Buy now
JOCO	$25	Glass and silicone	No	12	Buy now
Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug	$30	Stainless steel with ceramic lining	No	12	Buy now
Yeti Rambler Mug	$30	Stainless steel	No	24	Buy now
rCUP	$22	BPA-free recycled paper cups	No	12	Buy now

Types of reusable coffee cups

Other than appearance, material is the main factor that differentiates various types of reusable cups. These are a few of the most popular options you’ll find on the shelves:

• Silicone. Slip- and thermal-resistant, silicone makes for a convenient reusable cup. Many silicone models can collapse when not in use for easy storage. But silicone is nonrecyclable, and doesn’t decompose.
• Stainless steel. A popular option for drinks on-the-go, stainless steel will keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for longer periods of time than other materials. But stainless steel cups can be heavier and pricier.
• Glass. Glass can withstand high temperatures and doesn’t absorb flavors or odors, making it ideal for a warm cup of coffee or tea. But it can break more easily than other materials.
• Ceramic. Many reusable mugs are made of ceramic, as this material retains heat and tends to be less breakable than glass. Still, ceramic cups can chip or crack more easily than some other materials, and the lid design on some models could be prone to leaking.
• Plastic. BPA-free plastic is a wallet-friendly option. Some plastic reusable coffee cups are even made with recycled plastic, reducing your carbon footprint even further.
• Bamboo fiber. Bamboo fiber is a sustainable material that can be made into a variety of items, including reusable cups. But some bamboo products may contain a resin called melamine, which contains formaldehyde.

Why should you invest in a reusable coffee cup?

An estimated 16 billion coffee cups are disposed of annually around the globe, according to GreenMatch. Even worse, most of these cups cannot be recycled, which results in wasting natural resources — like water and forests — to produce more cups.

But the good news is that the number of reusable cup purchases has surged in recent years, and this number is expected to continue growing.

To put things into perspective, KeepCup did the math and found that only one person using a reusable cup instead of single-use cups for a year saves the same amount of carbon emissions as:

• A car driving nearly 130 miles
• 750 LED lights being switched on for one year

Switching to a more sustainable method of consuming your favorite hot beverage can have an enormously positive environmental impact. It’s also easier now more than ever to integrate reusable cups into your life, as most coffee shops are more than happy for you to bring your own. In fact, many will even offer a small discount off the price of your drink.

How to compare reusable coffee cups

Some factors to consider when looking for a reusable cup include:

• Size. Think about the size of your regular coffee order and make sure you buy a reusable cup that’ll hold that amount. To give you a frame of reference: Starbucks’ tall to-go cups holds 12 ounces, while a venti cup holds 20 ounces.
• Lifestyle.To make sure you’ll get the most out of your investment in a reusable cup, think about the ways it could make your life easier. Will it fit into the cup holder in your car? Is it dishwasher-safe? The easier it is to use in your day-to-day life, the more likely it is that you’ll actually use your new cup.
• Material. Reusable coffee cups come in a variety of materials, including plastic, glass, silicone and bamboo. Each has its pros and cons, so do some research into which is best for you before you buy.

Bottom line

Reduce your carbon footprint, save money and sip in style with the right reusable coffee cup for your lifestyle and preferences.

Ready to buy? Compare top reusable coffee cups

Prefer to drink water on the go? Take a look at our guide to see our top water bottle picks.

Frequently asked questions

• Which coffee shops offer a discount if you bring your own cup?

  Some of the most popular coffee chains that offer a discount when you use a reusable cup include:

  • Au Bon Pain
  • Caribou Coffee
  • Dunkin’
  • Einstein Bros.
  • Panera
  • Peet’s Coffee
  • Starbucks
  • Tim Hortons

  Many smaller shops and local chains offer a discount for bringing your own coffee cup, too. The amount differs between retailers, but we’ve seen discounts as much as 50 cents.

• How do I get a free reusable holiday cup from Starbucks?

  In the past, Starbucks has offered a free reusable holiday cup for one day only, while supplies last. All you have to do is show up on the day — usually in early November — and purchase a holiday beverage.

• Where can I buy reusable coffee cups in bulk?

  Amazon, Oriental Trading and Dollar Tree have large selections of wholesale and bulk reusable coffee cups.