Common Types of Reusable Drinking Straws and What Makes them Different

Reusable straws are now a staple for those looking to limit their plastic consumption and waste generation. Plastic straws are one of the most commonly scrutinized single-use plastic items, and for good reason. In the United States alone, more than 500 million single-use plastic straws are used and discarded each day. Turning to reusable straws as a solution is a great option to combat this form of plastic pollution.

Through awareness and excellent marketing, especially on social media, reusable straws have gained great reviews and uptake by the public. Where there used to be few reusable options, there now appears to be a plethora. Many may wonder what reusable options are best for them, and what options have been well-reviewed. Reusable straws are now offered in many different forms; stainless steel, glass, bamboo, and others.

Let’s compare them.

Stainless Steel

Metal reusable straw options, like stainless steel, are often chosen for their longevity. They last the longest of all straw options we will cover, and can last for an indefinite amount of years if they are well taken care of. Stainless steel drinking straws have not taste, odor, or harmful chemicals. They are BPA free and eco-friendly and have been around for a very long time.

Stainless steel straws offer a more luxurious feel, and are usually more expensive than other products we will cover. They are easy to clean and are dishwasher safe. Criticisms include that they do not bend, and can be tough on the teeth, if you aren’t careful, and as metal conducts and holds both hot and cold you shouldn’t use them with hot drinks.

Overall, they are a great option if you want a long-lasting product that will be worth the investment and offer a sleek look. They can also be recycled if you ever decide to dispose of them.

Glass

Glass reusable straws are great for reducing waste, and are easily made from recycled materials. They are inexpensive and usually come in a variety of colors. However, they are not child-friendly for those who have families, as they are more likely to break both during use and during washing compared to other options.

This is their largest criticism, as traveling with them and using them on a regular basis allows more opportunity for breakage.

Bamboo

Bamboo straws are cut and shaped from bamboo plants, and are one of the cheapest reusable options. They are said to be compostable and biodegradable, but this depends on company additives used in the products, if any. 

While they are cheap and environmentally friendly, they are said to become soggy and stay wet after use. They are not suitable for dishwashing and may collect bacteria due to their inability to stay dry after use. They have also been said to taste woody when using bamboo straws to drink.

Silicone

Silicone is a substance that is used for a variety of things, one of which is the manufacturing of silicone straws. Food-grade silicone tends to be odorless, tasteless, and safe to use. Silicone straws are very flexible and hold up well under hot and cold conditions. Silicone straws can be a great alternative for children or adults that may injure themselves with an inflexible straw. These types of straws may sound perfect but like most reusable straw options they do have a downside. I’ve found that silicone straws can be hard to clean with a straw cleaning brush. If the brush has stiff bristles it can get stuck inside the straw. Silicone can also get statically charged and attract dust particles. Lastly, silicone is not biodegradable and can be difficult to recycle.

So, if you are looking for a long-lasting, sanitary, and reliable option, stainless steel straws may be the best choice for you.