It’s for that reason that we liked these: although there is some variation in their sizes, on the whole, they’re much slimmer. You can find other alternatives to single-use plastic straws, which are better for the environment because they can be composted, but are still one-use as they deteriorate quickly.

Short Metal Straw - Etsy UK Short Metal Straw - Etsy UK

Single-use plastic drinking straws have been one of the main products in the firing line, with the government banning them completely as of 2019. It’s more common than you’d think, so it’s no surprise many would rather use a straw than drink directly from glasses when they’re out. As we become increasingly aware of the detrimental effects of single-use plastic on the environment, we're always looking for ways to cut down. While 316L medical grade stainless steel straws are generally more costly, there is less of a chance of the straw wearing over time. Made from 100 per cent organic bamboo from sustainably managed forests, they tick the eco-friendly box.While some of us have stopped drinking from straws altogether, many people still like to use them, for reasons including dental hygiene and taste. A panel of Good Food team members tested 20 different reusable straws made from plastic, silicone, bamboo, metal and glass. For a start, they’re hardy and can be reused and washed plenty of times, but the best part is that, when you do finally want to get rid of them, they're biodegradable.

Metal Straws - Etsy Metal Straws - Etsy

Also, glass straws are great alternatives to single-use plastic straws, but they do break easily, especially if you drop them in the sink or against tile. While metal straws are considered unbreakable — and their durability is certainly an advantage for a reusable product — it can also be a disadvantage.A cleaning brush is included in the box, but the straw is also dishwasher safe and, at the end of its life, can be recycled.

Short Reusable Straws - Etsy Short Reusable Straws - Etsy

The most common gripes with metal straws are that they can impart a metallic taste on drinks, can clink against the teeth and, as metal is extremely heat conductive, you can't use them with hot drinks. Our rainbow-coloured metal straws are a great finishing touch to add when serving drinks to guests at home. The case is made from rust-proof aluminium, comes in a range of cool colours and has a keyring so you can attach it to your keys or bag, (hopefully) meaning you’ll never forget it.

Plus, bamboo doesn’t transfer heat as much as metal or glass straws, so they can be used for hot and cold drinks. For this, we looked at how transportable the straws were – did they collapse or fold down for easy transporation?

Metal Straws: See Our Picks - Green Matters The Best Metal Straws: See Our Picks - Green Matters

While inexpensive types of stainless-steel straws may be tempting, straws made of cheap metal could potentially leach heavy metals and plasticizer, making them no healthier an option than plastic. Most are made from food-grade stainless steel, which means they are not as susceptible to rust as other metals and won’t break – so will last a really long time. Save a turtle, skip a straw” became a massive motto and reusable, sustainable straws started popping up all over social media. However, none of the silicone straws we tested made it into our review because we found them all to be too flimsy, floppy and rubbery – not qualities you want from a straw! There’s no faffing around to build and piece the straw back together, it simply extends up to 19cm (a pretty ideal straw length).The pros of glass straws are that they’re smooth and sturdy and don’t impart any sort of taste onto drinks.