Straws
Whether servers automatically provide them with every drink or ask each guest if they'd like one, plastic and paper disposable straws remain a popular choice in quick-service, fast-casual, and full-service restaurants. Biodegradable straws are another quality option that also offer a more environmentally friendly alternative. KaTom's wide selection of drinking straws offers a style for every application, from fast-casual eateries to specialty shops.
Straw Dispensers
Choose the best straw dispenser for your foodservice operation. We'll go over the various configurations and find the right straws for your establishment.
Plastic Straws
Click here to browse our selection of plastic straws. We'll help find the right option for your business, whether you serve cocktails or soft drinks.
Stirrers
Providing guests with affordable stirrers can reduce plastic utensil waste and lower costs. These pieces work great with coffee, tea, mixed drinks, and more!
Paper Straws
Browse KaTom's selection of paper straws here and find solutions to your drinkware and serving needs that won't cause lasting environmental harm.
Metal Straws
Browse our selection of stainless steel straws here to make your commercial foodservice establishment or home kitchen more environmentally responsible.
Straws For Sale
Common Questions About Disposable Straws
Why do straws have different diameters?
Different drink styles will call for straws with different diameters. The standard straw size is 5 millimeters, but if you are planning to serve a thicker drink – such as a milkshake, smoothie, or any juice containing pulp and bits of fruit – you are going to need a thicker straw, usually in the range of 6 to 9 millimeters. Straws narrower than this will make the beverage difficult to drink and lead to a disappointing customer experience.
What size and color straws are available?
Whether they are made of plastic or paper, straws are available in natural, white, and black. These all-purpose, neutral colors are able to blend into virtually any operation, but paper options are available in a number of striped patterns and bright colors, including red, green, blue, and black. These are often more expensive, but can create a unique and memorable experience for your customers.
Because these straws typically run in length from 5.75 to 10 inches, it is possible to find the right straw for small, medium, and large cups. Consider the height of your drinking glasses and to-go cups to determine how long your straws should be.
How many straws can I buy at once?
Disposable straws are packaged by the hundreds and sold in bulk. There is no standard for straws per pack, but common quantities are 300, 500, and 1,000.
Can I use these straws with hot beverages?
Paper and plastic straws should not be used in hot beverages. High temperatures will potentially soften PLA straws and reduce their lifespan, while non-PLA plastic straws should never be used in hot beverages since high temperatures can potentially release harmful toxins from the plastic into drinks if straws are left in them for extended periods of time.
Are disposable straws environmentally friendly?
In theory, plastic straws are recyclable, but current technology is unable to separate straws from other recyclable objects and millions of straws have been dumped into the ocean, polluting natural resources and harming sea life. PLA straws are made of polylactic acid, a material created from sugarcane and cornstarch. Because they are made with renewable resources, these biodegradable straws are seen by many as a more environmentally friendly alternative to typical plastic drinking straws.
What is the difference between unwrapped and wrapped straws?
As their names might suggest, wrapped straws are individually wrapped and unwrapped straws are packaged together and do not include an additional plastic or paper sheath. To eliminate some of the waste generated by disposable straws, you can buy unwrapped straws in bulk and offer them to guests via a sanitary dispenser.
