Plastic straws are a big, big problem.
Single-use plastics have always had a massive negative impact on the environment. But plastic straws are unique in that they are usually too small to be effectively recycled, which results in those straws being dumped into our oceans.
According to strawlessocean.org:
When plastic does make it into the ocean it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces known as “microplastics” rather than biodegrading or dissolving, which poses great threats to marine life including fish. It is projected that by 2050, 99% of all sea bird species will have ingested plastic. The mortality rate can be “up to” 50%. And, already, research has shown plastic in sea salt, 94% of U.S. tap water, and shellfish.
Yeah, that’s a pretty big deal.
We have to remember that we consume sea life that is often eating our plastic. That means that the non-biodegradable plastic that ends up in the ocean ultimately ends back in our stomachs, which ultimately leads to health problems.
The solution? Consider using paper/biodegradable and compostable straws instead.
These straws are made from materials that are guaranteed to degrade into the environment. They naturally break down (no chemicals released) and don’t have a negative effect when consumed by animals. These straws are typically made from fibers, plants, and certain papers.
Of course, there are some products that claim to be biodegradable only as a marketing ploy without really being good for the environment. And we don’t want to support bad business practices.
So we meticulously went through tons of eco-friendly straw brands in order to find the best of the best, which resulted in our top 10 best biodegradable straws of 2022. We hope you find consider grabbing one of these straw packs and contributing towards a greener Earth.
Without further delay, let’s jump right into the list!
Note: We are committed to extensively researching and recommending the best products on the market. We are partnered with Amazon’s affiliate program and may receive commissions from affiliate links within our content, which comes at no extra cost to you.
TOP 10 BEST BIODEGRADABLE & ECO-FRIENDLY STRAWS OF 2022
1. Naturalik White Biodegradable Paper Straws
Key Features
- Durable, made of premium kraft paper
- Long-lasting (45 min. – 2 hours)
- FDA approved and FSC certified
Our #1 pick for biodegradable straws is Naturalik Biodegradable Paper Straws. These straws are 7.7 inches and come in packs of 300 or 1000.
These straws are composed of food-grade, premium brown kraft paper. This paper gives them a distinct feel and texture; the straws are firm and durable but soft to the touch. According to user reviews, the straws hold their shape anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the beverage.
The label of “food grade” means that the straws have been rigorously tested and approved to be safe for food and beverage use. This means that you don’t have to worry about pulling anything unhealthy up along with your drink of choice.
The straws’ materials are also FDA approved, BPA free, plastic-free, dye-free, chlorine-free, and FSC certified.
FSC certification means that the straws are confirmed to have been made from paper created from forests that comply with strict environmental and social standards. This is done to guarantee that the straws are made from 100% biodegradable and compostable materials.
These straws are great for everyday drinks such as shakes, iced coffee, juices, smoothies, water, and more. They are not, however, compatible with hot drinks like normal coffee.
The design of the straws makes them good decorative pieces as well. You can use them at birthday parties, wedding receptions, housewarming parties, and baby showers just to name a few. If you want to be unique, consider using them in arts and crafts projects too.
The best part in our opinion? There is no weird taste or odor that comes with using these straws. Some users even claim that they make their drinks taste better.
Users rated this product very favorably, highlighting the straws’ durability as the biggest boon. Some users report having issues with thicker smoothies or smoothies that contain larger seeds, saying that the straw can be clogged. But overall, the response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive.
So if you are looking for an amazing eco-friendly alternative to the waste that is the single-use plastic straw, you need to check out the Naturalik Biodegradable Paper Straws.
They are seriously wonderful.
2. ECOBITE – Premium Paper Straws
Key Features
- Individually wrapped
- Can be used for any beverage
- Biodegrades quickly (14 days)
ECOBITE 1000 Count – Premium Paper Straws also make it on our list.
The straws are 7.7 inches and 0.25 inches in diameter, making them both long enough for most cups and wide enough for a variety of drinks. You don’t have to worry about stuff getting stuck in your straw or your drink being too thick for the straw to suck up (such as with thicker smoothies).
These straws are plastic-free and compostable. According to the manufacturer, these straws biodegrade in about 14 days and leave no trace of toxicity within its environment (namely soil).
This makes it a great alternative to plastic straws, which take up to 200 years to begin the biodegradation process into harmful micro-plastics.
As our #1 pick, these straws are FDA approved and FSC certified. These straws have been closely inspected for quality control and are made from materials guaranteed to be eco-friendly.
This inspection doesn’t end there, however. The straws themselves are also tested to ensure appropriate thickness and sturdiness. These straws are designed to not disintegrate after prolonged use, making them an attractive option for both personal use and event uses like parties.
These straws, unlike other paper straws, are compatible with any beverage and can be used with heated beverages.
Each straw is wrapped individually. This makes sure that you will be the first to have contact with the straw, similar to how restaurants leave the paper tip on the ends of their straws.
This promotes better hygiene, leading to safer, healthier consumption of drinks.
These straws come in 3 colors: tan-ish brown, black, and white. You’ll have to choose one of these colors for the whole box, so make sure to choose wisely.
Users have rated this product highly favorably (at the time of writing, there have only been 5 stars for this product). Most comment on the sturdiness of the straws, while others highlight the straws’ ability to last a long time.
So if you are looking for a bulk of quality eco-friendly straws, then look no further than the ECOBITE 1000 Count – Premium Paper Straws.
3. World Brand Kraft Paper Straws
Key Features
- Large variety of lengths and diameters
- Extremely durable
- FDA approved and FSC Certified
The World Brand 250 Count Kraft Paper Straws are a trendy alternative to the plastic straws we all know and used to love.
This brand of straw focuses on the composition of their straws, which is made of 5x stronger and more durable premium kraft paper. Like other straws on our list, these straws’ materials are both FDA approved and FSC certified.
What sets this brand apart is that they have 3 unique types of straws that you can choose from: cocktail, jumbo, and colossal. Each size has its respective length and diameter, making them useful for a variety of drinks.
“Cocktail”, as you might expect, is good for cocktails and small cup beverages. It’s about 5 inches in length and has an inner diameter of about 0.20 inches.
“Jumbo” is good for water, soda, iced coffee, as well as adult beverages. It has a length of 7.75 inches and an inner diameter of about 0.20 inches, making it similar in use to the cocktail size.
“Colossal” is the big one of the group sizes. It’s great for thick shakes and smoothies. It shares the same length as the jumbo size (7.75 inches) but has an inner diameter of a whopping 0.35 inches. That may not seem like much, but it makes all the difference when sucking down a thicker beverage.
Going back to the greener parts of these straws, they are manufactured to be environmentally friendly. The straws are biodegradable and compostable. They are also free of plastic, dyes, unpleasant odors, and harmful toxins, ensuring that you are not only helping yourself but the Earth too.
Please note that these straws are not to be used on heated beverages such as coffee, otherwise you risk ruining the integrity of the straw.
Users’ reviews have been positive. Many were surprised about just how sturdy the straws were. Others highlighted the straws’ long-lasting nature and lack of odor. Some remarked that the straws don’t last all day, but that was to be expected given the nature of paper straws.
So if you are looking for a brand of biodegradable straws that come in shapes and sizes guaranteed to fit all your beverage needs, we recommend checking out the World Brand 250 Count Kraft Paper Straws.
4. Comfy Package – Paper Drinking Straws 100% Biodegradable – Assorted Colors
Key Features
- Sufficiently durable
- Visually appealing
- Compatible with both cold or hot drinks
Comfy Package – 100% Biodegradable Paper Drinking Straws are some of the most beloved biodegradable straws on our list.
These straws are 7.7 inches long and 0.25 inches in diameter, making them good as general drinking straws. But if you are looking to use these straws for smoothies and other thick beverages, we recommend upgrading to a larger straw size. Some users state that they haven’t had any issues with thicker drinks, however.
The straws are composed of eco-friendly, biodegradable materials according to the manufacturer, though they do not explicitly state what the straws are made from aside from “multiple layers of thick paper”.
This paper is BPA-free and contains food-safe ink that prevents bleeding from the straw into your drink. You won’t have to worry about having weird color flakes floating in your drink with these straws.
Since the straws are layered, the straws’ stability is reinforced and quite sturdy. This means that they won’t fall apart, get overly soggy, or melt in liquid for a long time. Users state that the straws last a few hours in liquid.
The design of the straws makes them visually appealing. You can choose from purple, blue, red, lime green, bright green, yellow, pink, and light blue strip patterns.
You’ll have access to every color in one box, giving you the ability to maximize visual appeal based on the event. One user claimed that these straws garnered attention and praise from partygoers, all at a fraction of the cost of what it would be for plastic straws.
These straws are also compatible with both hot and cold beverages, meaning that you are free to use them for any drink as long as it’s not too thick.
User reviews have been highly favorable. Most customers highlight the visual appeal of these straws. Even plastic straw lovers commented on the sturdiness and long-lasting nature of the straws.
Our only complaint is that the straws lack any sort of “green” certification/approval, but the composition is soundly eco-friendly.
So if you are looking for a proven biodegradable straw that offers great visual appeal, then you should take a look at the Comfy Package – 100% Biodegradable Paper Drinking Straws.
5. Jasper Home Products – Compostable Plant-Based Drinking Straws
Key Features
- Very Long length (8.25 inches)
- Good value for the price
- Most similar to plastic straws in terms of feel
Jasper Home Products – Compostable Plant-Based Drinking Straws are the closest you’ll get to mimicking quality plastic straws.These straws clock in at 8.25 inches in length and 0.25 inches in diameter, making them a bit taller than your average brand of straw. This makes these straws a good fit for long-length beverage containers.
The straws themselves are made of a plant-based material (corn starch) derived from corn starch, to which the manufacturer says it is biodegradable and BPA-free.
However, there is no readily available documentation to support the former claim.
Not to mention that corn starch as a biodegradable material, which is considered a polylactic acid (PLA), is closer to being compostable. That means that PLA will only break down in certain environments rarely found in nature.
Still, it’s a step in the right direction as PLA isn’t dangerous to the environment and can still be broken down given enough time.
The manufacturer claims that takes 60 days to decompose their PLA straws, but this claim cannot be substantiated. Assuming that these claims are accurate, that’s not a bad amount of time for such straws. PLA straws are still much, much more eco-friendly than normal plastic straws.
And due to the material, these straws won’t get soggy when sitting in liquid, even if hours upon hours pass. They won’t dissolve even in hot liquid, but it’s still not recommended that you use these straws for heated beverages.
They look and feel just like plastic straws minus the negative environmental impact of single-use plastic.
User reviews have been overall positive. Some have problems with hot fluids, claiming that they don’t work well with them and degrade quicker when exposed. Most highlight that they are just as good as regular plastic straws for drinking.
So if you love traditional plastic straws and are looking for the closest eco-friendly alternative, you’ll find that Jasper Home Products – Compostable Plant-Based Drinking Straws are the best option on the market.
6. BIOSTARK Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Drinking Straws
Key Features
- Fibrous materials promote the long-lasting ability
- Sturdy and firm
- SGS tested and FDA approved
BIOSTARK Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Drinking Straws also make it onto our list. Fiber straws have their own set of unique advantages not found in paper straws, though there are some caveats.
These straws measure 7.76 inches in length and 0.24 inches in diameter, making them a perfect fit for water, soda, juice, and certain smoothies. Thicker shakes may be a struggle due to the size, however.
These are sugarcane straws that contain zero traditional plastic. They are also free from other harmful materials and chemicals. The manufacturer guarantees that these straws are composed of 100% natural plant-based ingredients, which has been backed by testing by the SGS and approval from the FDA.
Granted, these materials are comprised of natural cane fiber, corn fiber, and some plant fiber. This means that these straws are made of PLA.
According to test results listed by the manufacturer, it degrades itself under conditions of 60 F at 90% relative humidity for 47 days. Most environments aren’t that humid, so degradation times are likely a bit longer than that. The straws would then decompose to water and CO2, both of which are great resources for the environment. As an eco-friendly product, these straws get a pass.
Since these straws are made from fibrous materials, they are very long-lasting in liquid and will typically outlast the ever-popular paper straws. They are also remarkably durable, compostable, and even reusable for beverages whose temperatures range from -4 F to 122 F.
User reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Most compare these straws to paper straws and remarked on better sturdiness and long-lasting ability. Some highlight that the price is a steal for the quality that you get.
If you are looking for a trendy, solid option for compostable drinking straws, we recommend checking out the BIOSTARK Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Drinking Straws.
7. JOYECO Paper Biodegradable Drinking Straw
Key Features
- Very Long length (8 inches)
- Sturdy, Long Lasting
- FDA approved
JOYECO Paper Biodegradable Drinking Straws don’t do much to reinvent the eco-friendly straw formula, but they are a solid brand in terms of quality and efficiency.
These straws measure at 8 inches for length and 0.25 inches in diameter, making them one of the longest biodegradable drinking straws on the market. This makes them an excellent choice for tall beverages since these straws can reach the bottom without any pushing or bending.
The straws themselves are made of brown kraft paper, which is proven to be biodegradable. The paper is food-grade quality and FDA approved. They are also dye-free, BPA-free, toxin-free, and free of any unpleasant odors.
The paper is extra-thick, durable, and sturdy; one user stated that they retained their shape and stability after almost a week in water. While this is not likely the case for every straw, it’s a testament to how long these straws last.
These straws are great for most drinks. As for temperature compatibility, these straws can be used with both cold and hot beverages. Just know the heated beverages will cause the straw to get mushy more quickly.
The design of the straws makes them attractive pieces in nature-based environments like outdoor parties. You can use these straws not only to consume drinks, but you can also use them as decorative pieces on pastries, in cups as mini-visual standouts, or even in various arts and crafts.
User ratings have been largely positive, though there aren’t many written testimonials at this time. Of them, however, only praise was given to these straws.
So if you are looking for a long, sturdy option for your biodegradable straws, consider checking out the JOYECO Paper Biodegradable Drinking Straws.
8. Terra Products Biodegradable Paper Drinking Straws
Key Features
- Colorful and festive
- FDA approved
- Long-lasting and stable at higher temperatures
Terra Products Biodegradable Paper Drinking Straws make it on our list as one of the most visually dynamic options for biodegradable straws.The straws measure at 7.75 inches in length and 0.24 inches, which is the standard size for biodegradable straws. This size makes these straws a good fit for general beverages like water, juice, teas, alcohol, soda, thinner smoothies, and more.
Note that while these straws can be used with hot beverages (max of 140 F), it isn’t recommended as the straws end up losing their stability quicker. For anything else, these straws will last up to 24 hours when submerged.
The straws are composed of BPA-free, FDA approved paper made from only the highest quality materials and dye. These materials are claimed to be 100% eco-friendly, so you can enjoy your drinks without trashing the environment.
The 200-piece straw set offers up to 8 different colors for you to choose from (25 straws per color). This gives you a lot of variety and lets you easily complement any event with the appropriate color design.
You can use these at baby showers, birthday parties, weddings, housewarming parties, holidays, and so much more. You can even use them on a cake to give it some extra flair!
User reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.
Most highlight the bright color design and how festive they appear at parties. Some talk about how long the straws last in drinks. One even talked about how useful they were for their pet bird that loved tearing apart the paper material.
So if you are looking for a colorful and very useful biodegradable paper straw at a great value, then we wholeheartedly recommend that you check out the Terra Products Biodegradable Paper Drinking Straws.
9. Comfy Package – 100% Biodegradable Paper Sip Stirrers/Straws
Key Features
- Specialized for sipping drinks
- FDA Approved
- Highly compatible with hot beverages
Comfy Package makes it back on our list with their 100% Biodegradable Paper Sip Stirrers/Straws. Let’s talk about why.The straws are 7 inches in length and approximately 0.19 inches in diameter. This means that these straws are best for drinking only thinner beverages like juices, coffee, water, tea, etc.
It’s not recommended to use these straws for smoothies, shakes, or other similarly thick beverages.These straws specialize in drinks that are best consumed by sipping. More specifically, coffee and alcoholic beverages. They can also be used as a stirrer to mix and blend beverage concoctions, adding to the utility of these straws.
As such, these are perfect for not only your home but also restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and much more.The composition of the straws is comprised of multiple layers of thick paper, which is made with 100% biodegradable/environmentally-friendly materials according to the manufacturer.
The materials are also FDA approved, lending some credibility to these claims.
By reinforcing the paper with additional layers and thinning the straw, the sturdiness of the straw is reinforced and is able to last long even in hot beverages. These straws won’t fall apart, get soggy, or melt in liquid for many hours.
User reviews have been highly positive. Many highlight the straws’ sturdy build and tasteful appearance. Others state that the straws are simple but very effective.
Others say that the straws exceeded their expectations and then some.
So if you are looking for a sip straw that doesn’t sacrifice quality for eco-friendliness, we recommend checking out the Comfy Package – 100% Biodegradable Paper Sip Stirrers/Straws.
10. Plasticless Biodegradable Flexible Drinking Straws
Key Features
- Almost identical to plastic straws in use (Can bend straws)
- Long Length (8.25 inches)
- Very Sturdy and long lasting
If you want to get your bendable plastic straw fix but don’t want to hurt the environment, then Plasticless 100% Plant-Based Compostable Flexible Drinking Straws have you covered.
These straws are made following standards for ASTM 6400, EN13432, BPI, and OK COMPOST. What this means is that the materials make the straw are entirely tested and approved to be compostable, which is great for the environment under certain conditions.
The straws themselves are made of modified corn starch, meaning that the material is considered PLA. This means that the straws need to go to a dedicated composting facility to properly break down, though this can still happen in nature given enough time.
As an eco-friendly product, these straws get a technical pass.
The straws are 8.25 inches in length and 0.25 inches in diameter, making them similar to other long-lengthed straws on our list. This size makes them a suitable choice for most beverages as well as taller beverage containers.
Since the straws are made of such strong material, they are sturdy, convenient, and still very bendable along the upper ridge of the straw. You can comfortably enjoy your drinks without needing to get up or bend your neck.
They also won’t get soggy and disintegrate into your drink even after prolonged use in hot beverages. As an additional bonus, the straws’ bendable nature makes them friendly for disabled or bedridden people that would otherwise struggle to drink their beverages.
User reviews have been very positive. Most mention how freeing it is to drink an eco-friendly alternative to the popular plastic straw. Even more comment on easy it is to drink from these straws and how long they manage to stay solid even after hours of use.
So if you love single-use bendable plastic straws and are looking for an eco-friendly way to replace them, you need to check out the Plasticless 100% Plant-Based Compostable Flexible Drinking Straws.
What to Look Out for When Choosing Biodegradable Straws:
Certifications
It’s important to take the certification of the product into account. Look for approval/certifications from companies dedicated to a greener Earth.
Having approval from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an example of a good certification because they ensure that products made from trees undergo rigorous testing to determine if they are truly good for the environment.
For products that pertain to the food & beverage industry (like straws), an FDA certification can be a good sign as well. Just make sure that the product is actually FDA certified/approved and not just registered, as the latter doesn’t actually mean much.
Another good example is having a food grade certification, which ensures that the product is safe for uses involving food and beverage.
Composition
Always make sure to check the ingredient list located on either the product or the product’s container. This may sound strange for something like straws, but you can check what the straw is made out of.
Less is more, at least in this case. Plant-based straws should really only be made out of plant-based materials.
If you see chemicals on the list, check and make sure that these chemicals aren’t bad for the environment. We’re not going to tell you that all chemicals are bad and should be avoided (because that would be a lie), so please do your own research.
User reviews are useful for determining if a certain brand makes your drinks have a weird taste or smell (usually with low-quality paper straws). Avoid those brands as you’ll likely end up disliking the straws and not even use them, which defeats the whole point.
Shape and Stability
Paper/biodegradable/compostable straws are definitely more eco-friendly, but how they hold up as actual straws is very important. After all, people are naturally pushed towards convenience.
We just aren’t going to use something if there is an easier alternative that accomplishes the same thing, so it’s important to choose straws that can fit the plastic bill.
Eco-friendly straws have a tendency to get soft and lose their shape after prolonged use. This usually lasts around 1-2 hours of being in a drink, though this number can vary between brands.
Here’s a quick tip that you’ll want to know: it’s generally not recommended to use biodegradable paper straws in heated beverages. The temperature accelerates the degradation processes quickly and will render your straw useless.
If you want to enjoy your heated beverages with an eco-friendly straw, we recommend only sticking to straws specifically designed to handle the higher temperature. If you are looking for a quick solution, we recommend this brand of straw as they work perfectly for heated drinks.
User reviews are helpful as people will tell you how long they last based on personal experience. If you can’t find that information through reviews, check the manufacturer details online.
That concludes our list of the top 10 best biodegradable straws of 2022.
We hope that it was useful for you guys! We had a blast making this list.
And please, reach out! We’d love to hear from you! Just leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you super soon. We enjoy chatting with you guys.
Until next time, let’s continue to strive towards a greener, better world.