With so many sustainable options currently on the market choosing which reusable straw is the best option for you may be surprisingly difficult to decide. After all there’s all of stainless steel, glass, silicone and bamboo straws to choose from. Each of them having a long list of brownie points and each of them being a good reason to stop contributing to plastic waste through the use of plastic straws.
Yet there is so much to consider. You’ll probably want the option that is made using the safest material, that is the most environmentally friendly and that is the easiest to clean. You may additionally have concerns about durability, heat and cold conductivity, taste, and texture. So with all of that in mind let’s see what you have to choose from.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel gives you indestructible, smooth, sleek texture and heat resistance. You can even disinfect them in the dishwasher. As long as you choose stainless steel straws that are food or medical grade and safe for home use there really are minimal cons for stainless steel. However, one exception may be size constraints. When purchasing be sure the size suits your needs because you won’t be able to make adjustments. Another may be taste interference. Some have reported a metal aftertaste with certain styles, particularly when drinking water. Nonetheless, stainless straws more or less have it all.
Glass
Now while we’re on the topic of clean, the options don’t get any better than glass straws. Heck, you can even see the clean when you wash these bad boys. Besides that, with glass straws, like stainless steel, you get heat resistance, chip resistance, and a smooth texture. Additionally, glass straws give you no interference with taste and are erosion and acid resistant.
On top of that, with glass straws you also get the bonus of style. From a design perspective glass straws look supremely elegant! Think upscale dinner party or brunch.
Now in terms of durability, glass straws don’t give you indestructibility of stainless steel. However, you have to really go out of your way and try really hard to break them. If that’s your move than you would most likely refrain from choosing glass straws to begin with.
Another possible turn off may be size restrictions. Get the size that you need because you won’t be able to make any adjustments.
Silicone
Speaking of size adjustments, silicone is the first option thus far that gives you that flexibility. Adjusting the size of silicone straws to your desired length is simple and easy. Just cut them to size. Similarly, silicone straws give you soft and pliable. The super soft texture of silicone straws makes them easy to bend and not prone to poking making them the perfect choice for children. Notwithstanding, that previously revered flexibility could just as easily become a con when difficulty arises from attempting to insert a silicone straw into a plastic cup lid or narrow bottle. Nonetheless, depending on your needs silicone straws make a wonderful option. Like several of the other options silicon is also dishwasher safe.
Bamboo
Then we have bamboo straws which give you 100% organic and all natural goodness. You also get 100% biodegradable. Then for style, bamboo easily gives you chic, fab vibes for sure. Now on the down side, with bamboo it will deteriorate quicker than say stainless steel or glass. Also, you may get some slight taste interference as bamboo carries it’s own mild, distinct taste. Moreover, it may not be as easy to clean bamboo straws. They certainly aren’t dishwasher safe.
No Straw
You’ve probably noticed the ‘no straw movement’ amidst. So on the occasion where you simply don’t need a straw, the no straw choice is readily available. Of course, this is a particularly great option when you’re out and about town dining at restaurants and such.
What about you? Which reusable straw option is best for you?
