Reusable straws are not only an economical option they are a great way to help the environment and reduce our carbon footprint. If you are one of the millions who have chosen to take the plunge and use this earth-friendly alternative you might have wondered if you can use them for hot beverages like coffee and hot cocoa.
The answer to that question is a definite yes. However, not all reusable straws are made equal and some are better suited to coffee than others.
In this article, we will explore the best reusable straw types for hot drinks, make recommendations as to what we consider the best of the best, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about using reusable straws for hot drinks.
Don’t have time to read? Here’s a quick summary of the products we recommend.
| Reusable Straw Name | Why We Picked It |
| Softy Straws | Flexible for safety but firm enough for milkshakes |
| QLE Reusable Organic Bamboo Drinking Straws | All-natural, organic, chemical-free, biodegradable, and compostable |
| StrawExpert Set of 16 Reusable Stainless Steel Straws with Travel Case | Won’t stain or absorb odors and taste |
| LIFEHIM Glass Straws | Dishwasher safe |
| Razita Slyire Plastic Straws | Very cost-effective |
Best Reusable Straws for Hot Drinks & Coffee
Reusable straws are one of the best ideas around but using them for hot drinks requires a few considerations that cold drinks don’t involve. Just as an example, hot drinks can release BPAs from non-food grade plastics and silicone straws. Just as important, You don’t have to worry about straws in a cold drink conducting heat and causing burns.
With these and other factors in mind here are how we rank the straws in each category and our top choices in each.
Silicone Reusable Straws
Silicone reusable straws are our top choice for sipping hot drinks. They are BPA-free, don’t conduct heat, are soft so you don’t have to worry about your kids chipping a tooth, and most are easily trimmable to length using a common pair of scissors.
What we consider the best silicone reusable straws on the market are:
Softy Straws
Softy Straws are made of the highest grade BPA-free silicone available and every batch is FDA inspected for purity and consistency so you can use them without the worry of dangerous byproducts.
They are the same diameter as standard plastic straws so they will fit any normal to-go coffee cup but being 8.25 inches long will work in tall glasses.
Because they are made of soft silicone they don’t absorb heat making them ideal for hot drinks and coffee and they are safe for use by the youngest kids you might offer hot cocoa. Soft and flexible, there are no worries about eye pocks or chipped teeth.
Softy Straws come in packs of five multi-colored straws and include a straw cleaner for easy cleaning.
Pros
- Flexible for safety but firm enough for milkshakes
- Same size as standard straight straws
- Don’t absorb or transfer heat
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes with an included straw squeegee
Cons
- Can be difficult to clean
- Doesn’t include a carrying case
- Can take on the taste of drinks if not promptly cleaned
Bamboo Straws
Bamboo straws take being eco-friendly to an entirely different level. They are not only reusable and cut down on waste but since they are completely natural and biodegradable They essentially create a zero carbon footprint and depending on the manufacturing method can actually be carbon negative. No other form of reusable straws can make that claim.
Bamboo reusable straws are made of fast-growing grass that is considered sustainable at almost any harvest level. Chemical-free, BPA-free, dye-free, and all-natural organic bamboo straws are widely considered the healthiest sipping option for cold and hot drinks alike.
Our top choice in bamboo straws is:
QLE Reusable Organic Bamboo Drinking Straws
QLE reusable organic bamboo drinking straws are odorless, tasteless, compostable, eco-friendly, and zero waste. They are also naturally heat resistant which makes them a very earth-friendly straw for drinking hot drinks like coffee, tea, and cocoa.
They come 12 to the pack so you’ll always have plenty to share with family and friends and they include a cleaning brush in the packaging for your convenience. Also included is a carrying case made of organic fibers to help make these reusable straws as environmentally friendly as is possible.
If you are looking for reusable straws that offer the maximum environmental benefits and near-zero health risks then these bamboo straws from QLE are an ideal choice.
Pros
- All-natural, organic, chemical-free, biodegradable, and compostable
- Dishwasher safe
- Naturally, heat resistant so they can be used for hot drinks without fear of burns
- Odorless and tasteless
- Good for hundreds of uses each
- Comes with a cleaning brush and carrying case
Cons
- Not as durable as some other reusable straws
- Can absorb flavors and odors over time.
Stainless Steel Straws
Stainless steel reusable straws are the most durable and toughest available but the issue with stainless steel straws for hot drinks is that metal reusable straws transfer heat very quickly and can cause burns to both the hands and lips.
Before you completely discount using a stainless steel straw though be aware that there are some stainless steel straws that have a silicone tip making them suitable for hot and cold beverages.
Provided that you chose wisely and practice a modicum of caution, you can use stainless steel straws as easily as silicone or bamboo and they will virtually last forever. We are not here to delve into the relative environmental impact of how these straws are manufactured but stainless steel straws will outlast and stand up to more abuse than any other type of reusable straw.
Cautioned should be used however when children are involved as stainless steel straws can cause physical harm when handled inappropriately.
Our choice for the best reusable stainless steel straws:
StrawExpert Set of 16 Reusable Stainless Steel Straws with Travel Case
The StrawExpert 16-piece set of reusable straws is made of polished stainless steel and comes with interchangeable silicone tips in a variety of colors. One reason we like this set so much is the fact that it comes in two different lengths of both straight and bent straws.
This gives you the option of using the type of straw that you prefer in a variety of container sizes without the need to resort to sawing off the straw.
Along with the 16 stainless steel straws, and silicone tips, the kit comes standard with a carrying case and four stainless steel cleaning brushes making it easy to take with you to the local coffee shops or tea houses and wash up in any restroom.
If you are looking for a stainless steel straw set large enough to take care of the entire family, this package from StrawExpert is a hard deal to pass up.
Pros
- Offers a variety of lengths and designs in one kit
- Very durable and long-lasting
- Relatively inexpensive for the number of straws included.
- Easy to clean by hand and dishwasher safe
- Won’t stain or absorb odors and taste
Cons
- Straws will get hot to the touch when used in hot beverages
- Better than disposable straws but not biodegradable
Glass Straws
Reusable glass straws are made of a variety of different types of glass and some are stronger than others. However, no true glass straw will offer the impact resistance of the other types of reusable straws listed here. They are all subject to breakage if mishandled.
They also share the issue of transferring heat with metal straws.
On the plus side, most reusable glass straws are made of clear glass making them easier to keep clean and use with confidence. Besides, it is just cool to watch a drink slip up and down in them.
Glass also has the advantage of being one of the most stain-resistant materials available and is almost completely impervious to odors and taste.
Our pick for the best reusable straws made of glass is:
LIFEHIM Glass Straws
LIFEHIM reusable glass straws are shorter than most other drinking straws which makes them ideal for small er cups like you usually find at your local coffee shop or mugs like most of us use at home or office. Being just six inches long they are less likely to tip out causing a mess.
Another feature that sets these glass drinking straws apart is that they are made of tinted glass giving them a little more style than is the norm.
Unfortunately, there is no provision for insulating your fingers or lips from heat meaning that these straws are at best suited for warm coffee and other beverages and should be used with caution when sipping extremely hot and cold beverages.
Pros
- Shorter work with smaller cups and mugs
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes with a cleaning brush
- Comes in seven different colors in each set
Cons
- Prone to breakage if dropped or bumped on a hard surface
- Conducts heat and could lead to burnt fingers or lips
Hard Plastic Straws
Hard plastic straws are another reusable option that is commonly seen and while some may be made from materials that could safely be used for drinking hot liquids, we cannot say that they are safe in general.
They have the same heat transfer issues that you find with glass and metal straws and the added risk that comes from heating a material that could possibly contain dangerous VOCs.
Of course, any plastic straw that is designed for hot drinks should be BPA-free but there are many other possible contaminants for us to give a blanket endorsement to the category.
If you should choose reusable hard plastic straws, do your research carefully, and even then use them for hot drinks cautiously.
Razita Slyire Reusable Plastic Straws
Reusable plastic straws from Razita Slyire are certified polypropylene and BPA-free eliminating two of the biggest chemicals that cause health concerns in humans.
They are clear and come with a cleaning brush to make them easier to keep clean and germ-free and dishwasher safe for sanitizing purposes.
Pros
- Come 33 pieces to the box
- Very cost-effective
- Includes cleaning brushes
- Dishwasher safe
- Polypropylene and BPA-free
Cons
- Not very durable
- Are not biodegradable or compostable
Frequently Asked Questions
Are silicone straws safe for hot drinks?
Silicone straws are not only safe for hot drinks they are one of the two safest options available along with bamboo.
Silicone doesn’t transfer heat so you don’t have to worry about burning your fingers or lips. As long as they are food-grade silicone straws and BPA-free there is little to no risk of chemical leaching.
Can you use silicone straws in coffee?
Yes, you can use silicone straws in coffee. Silicone is unaffected by heat and won’t release any chemicals into your drink. This not only protects the flavor of your coffee but also your health.
Because silicone doesn’t conduct heat, it is also one of the safest materials you can use. There is almost zero chance of you burning your lips or fingers on the straw itself.
However, this also means it is difficult to gauge how hot your coffee is which can lead to burnt tongues.
Why should you avoid drinking hot drinks with a plastic straw?
There are a number of reasons you should avoid drinking hot drinks through plastic straws.
- Most plastics contain chemicals that can be released when they are heated.
- Unless a plastic straw is clear it can be difficult to clean them well enough to avoid bacterial buildup.
- Whether we are talking about reusable or disposable plastic straws the end result is the same; they contribute to landfilled plastic waste buildup and ocean pollution.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
