Best reusable straws

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

Name	Average price	Material	Collapsable?	What’s included?	Purchase
Klean Kanteen Steel Straws	$8	Stainless steel with silicone tip	No	4 straws	Buy now
FinalStraw 2.0 Stainless Steel Straw	$25	Stainless steel	Yes	Straw, keychain carrying case	Buy now
Buluh Organic Drinking Straws	$13	Bamboo	No	8 straws, cleaning brush, carrying bag	Buy now
Teenie Greenie Wide Straight Glass Straws	$20	Glass	No	4 straws, 2 cleaning brushes	Buy now
Softy Straws	$11	Silicone	No	4 straws, cleaning squeegee	Buy now
Sungrace Reusable Metal Stainless Steel Extra Wide Smoothie Drinking Straws	$9	Stainless steel	No	5 straws, cleaning brush	Buy now
Rucacio Reusable Collapsible Silicone Straw	$5	Silicone	Yes	2 straws, cleaning brush, carrying case	Buy now

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.

Frequently asked questions

• Are reusable straws safe?

  Yes. Reusable straws are made from food-grade materials and, unlike some disposable plastics, do not contain harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Just make sure you clean your reusable straw after each use so that bacteria doesn’t grow inside.

  Silicone is a safe option for kids, since it’s soft and flexible. Look for “BPA-free” on the label.

• Isn't silicone made of plastic?

  No, silicone and plastic are two different materials. Silicone is made of silicon, a naturally-occurring element. Many plastics are made from liquid petroleum gases, natural gas liquids and natural gas. When burned, plastic emits toxic materials, whereas silicone does not. Silicone also resists degradation, while plastic breaks down into tiny micro-particles that can be toxic.

• Where can I buy reusable straws in bulk?

  Amazon has a large selection of reusable straws available in bulk sizes.