These Are the Best Eco-Friendly Reusable Straws: Metal, Glass, Silicone, and More

published Aug 7, 2018
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(Image credit: VBD Photos)

In case you missed it, plastic straws, especially the disposable ones wrapped in paper, can be awful for the environment—and it’s estimated that Americans use 500 million of them every day. Many cities and businesses are taking steps to reduce or completely eradicate their plastic straw usage (including Seattle and Starbucks), so if you haven’t thought about investing in reusable straws, now is the time.

Luckily, it’s never been easier to find plastic straw alternatives, with some surprising retailers like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie selling their own versions of this eco-friendly trend. Even Etsy has a great section devoted to fun, unique straws that are as much a cool accessory as they are sustainable. And, if you want to go luxury, there are absurd $300 reusable straws popping up (!!). At the end of the day though, the most extensive and budget-friendly options can be found on Amazon (surprise, surprise).

We’ve rounded up the best of the bunch, with our favorite picks for the most popular types of reusable straw, to make finding the right option for you a breeze. From metal to bamboo, read ahead for 15 stellar reusable straws—all of which are Prime-eligible on Amazon.

(Image credit: Amazon)

The Best Metal Straws

Durable and built to last, metal straws are the ideal reusable option for drinking on the go, since they’re virtually impossible to break, don’t rust, and are super easy to clean.

Our #1 pick:

Plastic- and BPA-free, this set of eight extra long (10.5 inches each) stainless steel straws comes with four bent straws, four straight ones, and two cleaning brushes—all for under $10. Another plus: they’re dishwasher-safe.

Other options:

SipWell Stainless Steel Drinking Straws (set of 4), starts at $5: An Amazon bestseller for a reason, this cute set of four bent stainless steel straws comes with a clever cleaning brush and over 1,600 five-star reviews. You can order in four different sizes, all of which are under $10.

ALINK Stainless Steel Straws (set of 8), $7.99: Not only does this charming set of eight stainless steel straws come with both bent and straight options and two extra long cleaning brushes, you also get eight removable colored silicone tips to protect your teeth from sipping super hot and cold drinks.

(Image credit: Amazon)

The Best Glass Straws

Another reusable alternative, glass straws are a bit more fun (most come in colorful packs), and are easy to clean. Many glass straws now are shatter-resistant, plus will never have the metallic taste you sometimes get with metal options.

Our #1 pick:

Not only are these colorful glass straws completely shatter-resistant (and reusable), they boast a bent shape for easier drinking on the fly. You can also choose to order in all blue or all green.

Other options:

Hiware Reusable Glass Straws (set of 8), $7.99: Made of lead-free glass, this dishwasher-safe set of eight 10-inch long glass straws is perfect for drinking both hot or iced drinks on the go. For $2 more you can order a multicolored set.

FFERNS Reusable Glass Drinking Straw with Travel To Go Protective Case, $14.99: Although it’s pricier than other glass straws on the market and is sold individually, we like this pick because it comes with a protective travel case so you can carry it around in your purse at all times without worrying about germs.

(Image credit: Amazon)

The Best Silicone Straws

A good choice for those who worry about the hardness of metal and glass options, silicone straws are flexible and—even better—won’t transfer your drink’s temperature to your lips.

Our #1 pick:

We like these colorful silicone straws because they are bent for simplified drinking on the fly, plus are wider than other options—perfect for slurping thicker drinks. They’re also super flexible and can fit in most cups.

Other options:

Hiware 12 Inch Extra Long Silicone Straws (set of 5), $7.99: Perfect for large tumblers and water bottles, this multi-colored pack of five silicone straws comes with two cleaning brushes—and no rubbery taste!

Mcool Silicone Straws (set of 8), $7.99: Wide and long, this rainbow-colored set of eight silicone straws is designed for sipping thicker drinks and comes with a carrying pouch so you can tote them around with ease. You can also purchase as a 10- or 12-pack for only $2 extra.

(Image credit: Amazon)

The Best Bamboo Straws

Bamboo might not be the first plastic alternative that comes to mind, but it’s still deserving of attention. Completely biodegradable and reusable, they’re a more “natural” option than metal or silicone—and look nicer in your drinks.

Our #1 pick:

Sleek and durable, this pack of a dozen plant-based straws comes with a pineapple-adorned cotton pouch so you can carry them around with you wherever you go.

Other options:

Juniper Bamboo Drinking Straws (set of 6), $9.99: Not only are these chic bamboo straws stylish enough to show off, they’re surprisingly dishwasher-safe. Did we mention even the packaging they come in is recyclable?

ONE All Natural Bamboo Drinking Straws (set of 10), $10: Made of biodegradable bamboo, this set of 10 all-natural drinking straws contains no inks, dyes, or chemicals. Even cooler, one percent of all profits from these savvy bamboo straws is donated to the Ocean Conservancy to help remove plastic from the ocean.

(Image credit: Amazon)

The Best Biodegradable Paper Straws

While paper straws aren’t the best choice (they’re not reusable and are costly to produce), they’re still a more earth-friendly option than disposable plastic—and are perfect for parties.

Our #1 pick:

Not only are these adorable biodegradable paper straws safe for the environment, they come in eight different striped color ways making them perfect for cutting down on waste at parties.

Other options:

World Brand Dye-Free Premium Paper Straws (pack of 300), $10.99: For a totally organic-looking and dye-free option, you can’t do much better than this pack of 300. Totally biodegradable and extra sturdy, these won’t break apart right away in your drink.

ALINK Disposable Paper Straws (pack of 100), $6.99: Super inexpensive and stylish (check out that all-black option), these paper straws make for a great addition to parties. You can also order in all-white or multicolored for the same price.

This article was originally published on August 7, 2018, and was last updated on April 22, 2019, to reflect current offerings and prices.