The Best Biodegradable Straws

Comfy Package Paper Drinking Straws 200-Pack

Think Globally

These sturdy paper straws will help you drink more conscientiously and affordably.

Best Overall

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Deciding to turn away from plastic straws isn’t just good for the environment; it can also be good for your wallet. These highly affordable paper straws from Comfy Package are in the same low price range as plastic straws. You won’t even notice the difference in your monthly budget. These straws are made with multiple layers of thick paper, so they won’t fall apart or get soggy when left in liquid. Comfy Package’s 200-pack also has a wide assortment of color variation, which means you’ve now got a straw for every mood and occasion. These are some of the most affordable paper straws you’re going to find, and we highly recommend them to anyone looking to make the eco-friendly switch from plastic to biodegradable.

Pros:

• A sturdy paper alternative to plastic straws
• Great value
• Uses layers of thick paper to create a straw that won’t disintegrate quickly

Cons:

• The seams may untwist after a while, letting air into the straw and making it difficult to get full sips

Alink Biodegradable Paper Straws 100-Pack

Party Straws

These fun and whimsical paper straws are perfect for birthday parties or get-togethers.

Best for Ladies Night

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Who said paper straws can’t be fun? These party-themed paper straws from Alink are a perfect addition to your next big house party. These BPA-free paper straws feature fun pink and gold patterns that’ll liven up the atmosphere of any shindig. At 7 3/4” long and 1/4” wide, these are the perfect length straws for cocktails and soda. Many paper straws have trouble sticking together when exposed to liquid for long periods, but Alink’s straws hold up rather well to liquid scrutiny. These are the perfect gift for your environmentally friendly newlywed’s baby shower or bachelorette party.

Pros:

• Cute, fun designs
• Thick and sturdy
• Don’t disintegrate in liquid

Cons:

• Other straws are more affordable

Plasticless Plant-Based Compostable Straws 200-Pack

Go Green

These plant-based biodegradable straws offer a sturdier alternative to paper straws.

Best Classic

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Paper straws are all well and good, but no matter how thick they are, they’ll always start to get soggy after they’re submerged. With these plant-based straws from Plasticless, that problem disappears. These biodegradable straws are made from various compostable plant materials that result in a sturdy, affordable, and eco-friendly option. One of the biggest issues with paper straws is that they’re unable to bend. Plasticless’s plant-based straws, however, bend just as well as the plastic straws of old. We know change can be rough, but with these fantastic straws from Plasticless, going green won’t feel like much of a chore at all.

Pros:

• Sturdier and more durable than paper straws
• Great value for the price
• They bend like traditional plastic straws

Cons:

• Cracks can form in the bendy part of the straw, causing air to get sucked in with your sips

Bionex Biodegradable Sugarcane Straws 100-Pack

Save with Sugarcane

Your savings will be sweet with these affordable and environmentally friendly sugarcane straws.

Best Sugarcane Straws

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They’re making straws out of everything these days. Surprisingly, these sugarcane straws from Bionex are top-notch performers. You’d think that sugarcane straws might make everything you drink taste sweeter, but there’s no aftertaste at all from these convenient, eco-friendly straws. With these biodegradable straws, you never have to worry about quickly dissolving paper straws and environmentally disastrous plastic ones. These sugarcane straws from Bionex are the real deal. The only downside is that they’re a little pricey, but considering the quality, we think they’re well worth it.

Pros:

• Sugarcane base material offers a sturdy, durable straw frame
• Won’t dissolve or disintegrate in water
• No weird aftertaste

Cons:

• A bit pricier than some of our other picks

Naturalik Paper Straws

Sturdy and Safe Straws

Get an incredible value with these no-nonsense, affordably priced paper straws.

Best Value

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If you’re a small business owner navigating your area’s new plastic straw ban, these affordable paper straws from Naturalik are right up your alley. Naturalik offers a 300-pack and a 1000-pack, and each is a great value, making this the perfect choice for restaurants or coffee shops. To spice things up a little, Naturalik offers three different designs for you to choose from. Some biodegradable straws have the unfortunate side effect of having an unpleasant aftertaste or smell, but that issue is nonexistent with these paper straws from Naturalik. With some inexpensive bulk orders like this, quality can sometimes be questionable. But Naturalik separates itself from the pack by providing you with great value alongside high-quality. For any eco-warriors looking to save a buck while they’re saving the world, this is the pick for you.

Pros:

• Affordable without skimping on quality
• Three different designs to choose from
• No unpleasant aftertaste

Cons:

• Doesn’t last in liquid as long as the plant-based picks

Frequently Asked Questions

Have plastic straws been banned in certain areas?

The European Union has indeed banned plastic straws and single-use plastics writ large. Corporations and governments have been working toward finding viable alternatives for some time. In America, certain cities have taken the initiative to ban plastic straws from restaurants, but there have yet to be state or nationwide bans.

What are the most popular types of biodegradable straws?

The most widely used biodegradable straw material is paper, but some other alternatives have seen a rise in popularity. Bamboo straws are an effective, if not pricey, alternative to paper. Bamboo is more sturdy and durable than paper, which tends to disintegrate when exposed to liquid for too long. Another alternative is hemp, which is a fairly inexpensive and durable biodegradable choice. Legal issues prevented hemp from becoming a widely used material for decades, but now that legality is less of a problem, hemp is becoming more prevalent.