It's no secret that great strides have been made in the reusable straw realm. From glass and silicone to biodegradable and paper, there is a wide selection of reusable straws available to meet just about every preference. And this functional, affordable, and stylish straw is a great example. The straws are also 10.5 inches tall, making them long enough to become a handy accessory for many sport water bottles or large to-go mugs. Unlike most of the other products on this list, this set comes with an additional cleaning brush—a nice added bonus. Silicone straws are another reusable alternative to plastic that is less likely to absorb heat and thus won’t get overly hot or too cold like some stainless steel versions do. During testing, we were pleased with the temperature control of these straws in particular, in addition to how flexible and pliable each one was. Since silicone straws are typically soft in texture, this product is a particularly safe choice for kids since these straws pose little risk of eye pokes, teeth damage, or choking hazard. You can reuse plastic straws for a short period of time if you wash them properly and do not bite or chew on them,” Drutham says. “But they will most likely wear down eventually and are less durable than reusable straws.”

Each Softy Straw is 8.25 inches tall, which works well with child-size or regular cups. This set comes with five straws in a variety of colors and, instead of a brush, includes a straw squeegee to clean out any mold or buildup, which is also a handy tool for littles who may occasionally help with washing the dishes. In addition, the straws are dishwasher safe. The straw folds up to fit inside the case, making it super portable and something you don't have to think about grabbing before you leave the house," Waddell goes on. "After using the straw, I'm able to store the straw confidently, knowing it won't get the rest of my bag wet. Then when I get home, I'm easily able to clean it with soap and water." If you opt for a straw that doesn't come with a similar carrying case, you could carry it in a reusable fabric or silicone bag. Just make sure to thoroughly wash both the straw and bag before using them again. According to Drutham, the answer is yes, “as long as they are actually reused and not thrown out immediately. Reusable straws are made in smaller quantities and instantly replace thousands of plastic straws, which would harm the environment," she says. Each portable reusable straw has a silicone tip and can expand out to three different sizes for various cups, including 12, 20, and 30 ounces. At its full extension, it measures 9 inches long, accommodating cups, mugs, and bottles up to 40 ounces. Essentially, the straw's size fits well not only in standard glasses but also into reusable cups with lids, aluminum cans, and large tumblers. We found that when it comes to warm beverages, it is best not to insert the straw into the container until right before drinking. The outside of the straw will start to heat up the longer it's inside (particularly if the glass or bottle is covered or sealed in some way). The outer material of the straw is made of stainless steel, and the inner is made of platinum silicone. Fully extended, it measures 23 centimeters long (an appropriate length for most glasses, mason jars, and to-go mugs). Then, it can be re-folded to fit in its 7-centimeter case that weighs only 1.8 ounces.Portable reusable straws have recently received considerable attention for their convenience. They are compact, durable, and travel well. FinalStraw is known as the original reusable, collapsible straw—and is specifically designed for use with hot and cold beverages. We loved how this straw "muted" the temperature of what we were drinking (in a good way) in regard to outside touch. For those interested in a heavier material, glass straws are another good option. They are BPA-free and made from borosilicate, so they should last for a long time if properly cared for. This set includes two bent straws and two straight straws, each measuring 9 inches long—an ideal height for use with a variety of drinkware. We were particularly pleased that the straw openings were wide enough to consume many different types of beverages without the straws getting clogged or being difficult to clean afterward.

Much like when drinking a chilled beverage, the extra tips in the set can prevent lips or teeth from getting too hot when drinking warm liquids. Also, since many mugs and tea cups tend to be smaller, the shorter length of these straws pairs well with that type of ceramic or glassware. This 12-piece set also comes with two 6-inch cleaning brushes and a carrying case. Another big perk is that each one is very easy to clean because the included brushes are longer than the straws themselves, allowing a brush to be completely inserted through the straws and the extra tips (together or separately). These straws are quite versatile in regard to the types of beverages they can be used with. This set does not come with any cleaning tool, but they are dishwasher safe. That being said, the straws were wide enough during product testing to rinse out sufficiently with water and soap. We really appreciated how durable these straws were. Plus, they can be used safely by people of various ages and with different size containers thanks to the expander tube included with the set, which can be trimmed to add to each straw to make them longer as needed. Buluh Organic Bamboo Drinking Straws: Although these straws are made using sustainable bamboo, we found them too narrow to drink through and difficult to clean during testing. The absorbent natural material had us concerned about durability and long-term use, but they were also prone to staining and muted the flavor and temperature of our drinks. While we definitely appreciate the value and eco-friendliness of the straws, our testing results pushed us to leave them off the list. You can wash a reusable straw like any other utensil you have in your home with soap and water,” Drutham says. Some straws even come with specific instructions stating that they can be put in the dishwasher to be sterilized or boiled in hot water. Most straws should be cleaned or rinsed before first use.While stainless steel straws are ideal for punching through plastic to-go lids, silicone straws have a softer mouthfeel. For the best of both worlds, this straw was designed for both scenarios. The bottom piece is made of stainless steel, and the top part is a curved silicone flex tip, so it is very comfortable to drink through since you can sip without having to tip your head at an awkward angle. Investing in reusable straws is one way to counteract the current statistic that plastic is among the top contributors of debris found in oceans —and Micaela Preston of Mindful Momma heartily agrees. “Despite the many movements to eliminate them, single-use plastic straws are still an enormous source of plastic waste in our environment,” she says. “So, how can we do our part to stop the spread of plastic straws around the planet? Make a personal pact to skip the straw unless it is reusable. Reusable straws are easy to find these days and come in a variety of materials and sizes.” Get a reusable straw that folds up if possible, as it’s way easier to store in a bag or purse,” says environmental media host and Brown Girl Green blogger Kristy Drutman. “Using items, like a small pencil pouch that you can slip into your bag, are also very useful." Preston seconds Drutham’s suggestion by encouraging consumers to store their straws in a protective pouch for safekeeping.