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Best reusable straws

Help save the ocean one sip at a time.

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Gabrielle Pastorek
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Americans use an estimated 500 million plastic straws every day, according to the National Park Service — and most of those straws end up in the world’s oceans. Fortunately, more and more companies and individuals are becoming aware of this problem and are taking steps to find a solution.

Some companies — like Starbucks — have announced that they plan to stop using plastic straws altogether. Others — like McDonald’s — have started looking at non-plastic materials for the straws of the future.

If you’d rather take action today, there are plenty of reusable straws on the market for consumers. Compare some of the most common materials used, as well as top-notch reusable straw brands to help you pick the best fit for your lifestyle.

Compare some of the best reusable straws

NameAverage priceMaterialCollapsable?What’s included?Purchase

Klean Kanteen Steel Straws		$8Stainless steel with silicone tipNo4 strawsBuy now

FinalStraw 2.0 Stainless Steel Straw		$25Stainless steelYesStraw, keychain carrying caseBuy now

Buluh Organic Drinking Straws		$13BambooNo8 straws, cleaning brush, carrying bagBuy now

Teenie Greenie Wide Straight Glass Straws 		$20GlassNo4 straws, 2 cleaning brushesBuy now

Softy Straws		$11SiliconeNo4 straws, cleaning squeegeeBuy now
Sungrace Reusable Metal Stainless Steel Extra Wide Smoothie Drinking Straws$9Stainless steelNo5 straws, cleaning brushBuy now

Rucacio Reusable Collapsible Silicone Straw		$5SiliconeYes2 straws, cleaning brush, carrying caseBuy now
Data obtained October 2019. Prices are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.

Types of reusable straws

Reusable straws are now available in a variety of materials, each with its own set of benefits. Some of the most popular include:

  • Stainless steel. Stainless steel is a popular choice, since it’s rust-resistant, easy to clean and durable.
  • Glass. Glass doesn’t absorb flavors or odors, it’s easy to clean and doesn’t conduct heat — making it an especially great choice for hot beverages.
  • Bamboo. Touted as a sustainable, eco-friendly renewable resource, bamboo has become a popular material for reusable utensils like straws, spoons and forks. It’s reusable, cost-effective and lightweight.
  • Silicone. Made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone, these straws are long-lasting, dishwasher-safe, soft and pliable — a great choice for kids!
  • Combination. Some straws are made from a combination of materials, such as stainless steel with a silicone tip, leveraging the benefits of both materials.

How to compare reusable straws

Consider these factors when shopping for a reusable straw:

  • Price. Most reusable straws are inexpensive, and many come in a pack with multiple straws. However, you can find products on either end of the price spectrum — some cost less than a dollar per straw, and others cost upwards of $25 for a straw and case set.
  • Material. The material you choose largely comes down to personal preference. Factors such as what and where you plan to use it and whether or not it’s for a child might come into play when selecting the right straw material.
  • What’s included. Some reusable straws come with carrying case and special cleaning supplies, while others just include the straw. Generally, the more that’s included, the higher the price point.
  • Collapsible vs. non-collapsible. Some reusable straws are collapsible and fit into a small, easy-to-carry case, while others resemble a regular plastic straw. If you plan to use your straw while traveling, a collapsible option might be the most convenient.

How to clean reusable straws

Similarly to washing any other eating utensil, it’s important to regularly clean your reusable straws after each use. Some models come with specific cleaning instructions and tools to help make the process even simpler.

Check to see if your straw is safe to go in the dishwasher or if it needs to be hand-washed, noting that even dishwasher-safe straws should be cleaned prior to putting them in the dishwasher.

In general, follow these basic steps to ensure your straw is clean and ready to use:

  1. Mix dish soap with hot water.
  2. Dip a pipe cleaner or straw-cleaning brush into the soap mixture.
  3. Insert the pipe cleaner or brush inside the straw. Make sure the brush is thick enough to reach all sides of the straw. If you’re using pipe cleaners, you might have to use two to make a thicker “brush”.
  4. If you notice stuck-on bits, dip the cleaning brush in baking soda and repeat step 3.
  5. Thoroughly rinse the straw in hot water.
  6. Let dry in an upright position.

If your reusable straw has a carrying case, be sure to clean it, too. You can use soapy water and/or toss the case in the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe.

Bottom line

Picking up a reusable straw is an easy way to help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in oceans and landfills across the globe. With a growing number of options available, you have plenty of materials, styles and colors to choose from — so you can stay stylish while sipping sustainably.

Ready to buy? Compare top reusable straws

Looking for an eco-friendly coffee cup to go with your reusable straw? Check out our guide to buying a sustainable coffee cup.

How did we choose these products?

To create our list of the best reusable straws, we compared the price, material and number of items included in popular options. We also factored in third-party online reviews, as well as our own personal experiences with these products.

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