How to Choose the Best Drinking Straws

Your Guide to buying the best drinking straw

Overview

This buying guide provides an overview of the different types of drinking straws available, their materials, and factors to consider when purchasing. It also includes tips on how to make sure you get the most out of your straw purchase, as well as recommendations for the best types of straws for different needs. Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly option or a straw with a fun design, this guide will help you make the right choice for your needs.

Key features

  1. Material: Consider the material of the drinking straw to ensure it is durable, safe to drink from, and doesn't impart any taste or odor to the beverage.
  2. Size: Choose the right size straw for your application or beverage size.
  3. Shape: Straws come in a variety of shapes, from straight to bendable. Choose one that fits your needs.
  4. Color: Straws come in many colors and styles. Choose a color that is aesthetically pleasing to you.
  5. Dishwasher Safe: Ensure that the straw is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and maintenance.
  6. Cost: Consider the cost of the straws you are looking to purchase.

See the most popular drinking straw on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Variety: Drinking straws come in a wide variety of materials, colors, designs, and sizes, allowing consumers to choose the straw that best meets their needs.
  • Functionality: Drinking straws are designed to help consumers avoid spillage and messes when drinking beverages.
  • Durability: Depending on the material used, drinking straws can be durable and reusable, making them a cost-effective choice.
  • Reusability: Many types of drinking straws are designed to be reused many times over, making them an environmentally-friendly option.
  • Convenience: Drinking straws are designed for convenience, allowing for quick and easy drinking of beverages without the need for a cup.

Cons

  • Material: Some drinking straws are made from plastic, which is not biodegradable and harms the environment.
  • Size: The size of the straw can affect how much liquid it can carry, so buyers need to ensure they get a straw that fits their drink.
  • Cleaning: Straws can be difficult to clean, and can harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly.
  • Durability: Disposable straws are not very durable and can be easily broken.
  • Cost: Some straws may be more expensive than others, depending on the materials used.

Best alternatives

  1. Reusable Metal Straws - Straws made of metal that can be reused and washed.
  2. Bamboo Straws - Straws made of bamboo that are biodegradable and compostable.
  3. Reusable Glass Straws - Straws made of glass that can be reused and washed.
  4. Paper Straws - Straws made of paper that are biodegradable and compostable.
  5. Silicone Straws - Straws made of silicone that can be reused and washed.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Reusable/disposable straws - Straws made from either biodegradable materials or plastic that can be reused or disposed of after each use.
  • Brushes - A brush specially designed for cleaning the inside of a straw.
  • Carrying cases - Cases for storing straws, usually made of fabric or plastic.
  • Utensils - A variety of tools designed for drinking with a straw, such as bent straws, straw spoons, and long straws.
  • Mugs/tumblers - A mug or tumbler designed to hold a straw while drinking.
  • Flavoring syrups - Syrups designed to flavor drinks with a straw.
  • Paper straws - Straws made of paper or other biodegradable materials.

Common questions

  1. What material do drinking straws usually come in? Drinking straws typically come in plastic, paper, biodegradable plastic, stainless steel, bamboo, and silicone.
  2. Are there different sizes of drinking straws? Yes, there are different sizes of drinking straws available, including jumbo, standard, bubble tea, and bent.
  3. What are some of the benefits of using a drinking straw? Some of the benefits of using a drinking straw include reducing direct contact with the drink to reduce the transfer of germs, reducing spills, and helping to keep the drink at a desired temperature for a longer period of time.
  4. Are there any drawbacks to using a drinking straw? Some of the drawbacks to using a drinking straw include possible choking hazards, environmental concerns due to plastic waste, and the potential for spillages if the plastic straw is not sealed to the cup properly.

Trivia

In the early days of McDonald's, the company was having trouble keeping up with the demand for straws. To solve the problem, the company enlisted the help of the St. Louis-based company, A.J. Stix, Inc., which invented the first paper straws. This allowed McDonald's to keep up with the demand for straws and paved the way for the paper straws we see today. Sources: [Mental Floss]

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.