Plastic Straws

Drinking Straws: What You Need to Know

Our drinking straws vary in length, diameter, color, and packaging, and though the differences may appear minor, they contribute to the overall feel of professional service. Each type of straw is designed for a specific use. Diameter determines the thickness of the drink it can be used with, from water and soda to milkshakes and smoothies. Each beverage has a straw length that best suits it, while the color choice enables operators to match their existing aesthetic.

Not all plastic straws are made of the same material. While most plastics function similarly in disposable straws, PLA straws are made of a special type of plastic that biodegrades over time, meaning you get the functionality of plastic without the same harmful environmental footprint.

Common Questions About Plastic Straws

What straw diameter do I need?

The diameter of a plastic drinking straw refers to the width of the aperture, which is the total space through which the drink travels. Wide-diameter straws are designed for thick drinks, such as smoothies and milkshakes, while small-diameter straws work best with thin drinks intended to be sipped, such as soft drinks and crafted cocktails. Diameter is measured in millimeters, with small straws usually measuring 5 millimeters and larger straws measuring 8 millimeters. Consider the thickness of the beverage you'll be serving and look for a straw with a diameter large enough to transfer that drink without much effort. Any specialty drinks with chunks, such as fruit or chocolate, need special straws to accommodate them.

What straw length should I choose?

The depth of the serving glass determines the necessary length of your straw. For short glasses, such as a highball and other cocktail glasses, you'll want to look for shorter straws, as a tall straw won't sit comfortably in a short glass. On the other hand, a straw that's too short to reach the bottom of the cup and the customer's mouth at the same time isn't very useful. If your establishment serves multiple types of drinks, such as soft drinks, cocktails, children's sizes, and milkshakes, you may need to purchase multiple straw lengths, as an inappropriately sized straw is awkward to use and feels unprofessional. Consider which sizes might fit multiple uses before purchasing bulk plastic straws.

Which straw color is best for my establishment?

The two primary colors for straws are black and natural plastic color. Natural plastic straws are usually translucent, so they blend into any existing aesthetic. Black straws make a stronger impression and fit in well with most elegant decor, while working well with high-end drinks, such as cocktails. Natural plastic works well with sodas and colorful beverages but aren't used often with expensive drinks. Price shouldn't be a consideration when choosing between the two, as the prices of black and natural straws are usually the same.

Should I use wrapped or unwrapped straws?

Individually wrapped straws prove to customers their utensil hasn't been exposed to potential contamination, as it's still sealed when they receive it. Depending on your customer base, this might be an important consideration, or it might not be. Unwrapped straws come safely sealed in groups of several hundred and are cheaper than individually wrapped straws, though operators need a place to store unwrapped straws safely between each serving. Consider the preference of your customer base and your establishment's potential storage spaces before placing a plastic straws bulk order.

What are PLA straws?

PLA is a type of bioplastic typically made from corn starch or sugarcane. PLA drinking straws retain the same beneficial properties that make plastic straws so popular while being made from sustainable materials, instead of petroleum. PLA straws are also biodegradable, meaning they won't clog landfills or the ocean in the same way traditional plastics do.