Every Type Of Non-Plastic Straw You Can Suck On, Ranked

And no matter what side you fall on in the debate of all-out straw bans actually solving our climate problems, my hope is that we can all agree on one thing: Paper straws are not the answer. Those flimsy excuses for liquid chutes are a papery nuisance! Not only do they inevitably rip apart when you need ‘em the most (shout-out to my fellow iced-coffee drinkers), they make everything taste like the inside of a Papyrus store, and, at the end of the day, will never, ever hold up better than other options.

To prove it, I took one for the collective (green) team and set about to find and rank the best reusable straws of the non-plastic and paper variety. Each straw type below may have its own pros and cons, but at least none of ‘em are paper.

Ah, bamboo straws. I hardly knew ye. I was admittedly freaked out by user reviews of splinters, strong aftertastes of wood, and accidental wood dust inhalation, but aside from a little splintering on the exterior of my test straw, I’m still kickin’.

Bamboo straws are durable for the most part, but straw-chewers should take note: If you bite down hard enough, it’ll definitely crack in your mouth. Generally speaking, bamboo straws are just sorta bulky and don’t travel well. And while they’re biodegradable, they’re still something you’ll have to throw out (or better yet, compost!) after a couple of uses.

Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $9.87.

Not gonna lie, these wheat straws from Hay! surprised me the most. They’re not just made of wheat, they’re literally natural wheat stems trimmed into straws. While they didn’t emit any unwanted flavors, the straws were difficult to drink from because they’re so thin — turns out hay is flexible when wet.

Unlike paper straws, wheat straws do hold up surprisingly well to liquid. They’re still basically a one-time-use deal, which really isn’t ideal, but at least they’re biodegradable? If you’re a daily straw user, this one is another pass.

Get a 100-pack from Amazon for $7.99.

Glass straws sent me on an emotional rollercoaster — they just seem so delicate! But I was pleasantly surprised at their durability and sturdiness. Would you travel with one or slam it on the counter? Probably not, but they’re functional. No weird taste either. Also? Aside from being clear, They can be super cute, colorful, and festive if that’s your thing. (see: here, here, and here).

Cleaning glass straws, however, is a different story. While I was relieved I could see inside the straw — no mold here! — I stressed about shattering it as I scrubbed (they obviously didn’t). Luckily, you can just stick them in the dishwasher. Some reviewers reported they’ve had their glass straws for years.

Get a four-pack (with cleaning brush) from Amazon for $19.99.

Confirmed: There is no metallic taste when you sip from metal straws. They’re incredibly durable, which makes them great to carry around. Plus, they’re relatively easy to clean and dishwasher-safe!

Biggest downfall? They’re susceptible to temperature. For the integrity of this review, I did stick my metal straw into a steaming espresso and yes, I do not recommend it. Luckily, no severe burns, but I’d never use a metal straw for piping-hot or iced drinks, which can be limiting.

Get an eight-pack (with pouch and two cleaning brushes) from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

Silicone straws are probably the most practical straws out there. They’re durable, flexible, dishwasher-safe, and temperature-resistant. That means they’re easy to travel with and to clean. Plus, you can chew on them and use them for hot or iced drinks — just don’t stick ‘em in the microwave. On top of that, silicone is recyclable and comes in a variety of colors. Silicone straws are great for kids and grandparents! No risk of chipped teeth here. They’re also the safest bet for people with disabilities. Overall, these straws are a win for humans and a win for the environment.

Get a 10-pack (with two cleaning brushes) from Amazon for $5.99.