Most of us know that silicone straws are a better choice than plastic straws, but we should still be a little choosey when selecting our silicone straws. This post will highlight some safe silicone straw brands.
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Why Switch to Reusable Straws?
Plastic pollution is a BIG problem, and switching to reusable straws is such simple thing! We’re on year 11 or 12, and, let me tell you, I have never once missed my plastic straws.
I like to use straws, because I drink a lot of tea and coffee, and I prefer not to have stained teeth. If you are really on top of it, you can even keep a reusable straw in your purse or car to use when dining out.
This is something I’d like to do improve upon this year!
What is Silicone Made of?
If you want to get scientific, Britannica defines silicone as “a diverse class of fluids, resins, or elastomers based on polymerized siloxanes, substances whose molecules consist of chains made of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms.”
For us laypeople, silicone is similar to rubber, and many consider it to be a type of rubber.
Why Choose Silicone Straws?
Silicone is known for being inert and not leaching into beverages or food, so it is one of the most non-toxic straw options. There is some question about heating silicone at high temperatures, but for the purposes of drinking, most sources agree that silicone will not leach.
Silicone is quite durable unlike plastic and paper straws (ughhh … not a fan!). I have been using the same silicone straws for over ten years, and they are all still in excellent condition. I hand wash them rather than putting them in the dishwasher due to the high temps, and I suspect this has helped them stay in good condition.
Along with glass and stainless-steel straws, silicone straws are a great eco-friendly, healthy alternative to plastic straws.
Do Silicone Straws Contain BPA or BPS?
Silicone straws should not contain BPA or BPS, but you will need to confirm with the company that you are getting 100% food-grade silicone. Food grade silicone should not contain phthalates either.
Do Silicone Straws Contain Lead or Cadmium?
Food grade silicone should be lead free, but cadmium often sneaks in. Cadmium is a heavy metal that offers similar risks to that of lead.
Testing is required as lead and cadmium are naturally occurring and can be present in the materials used to make silicone or in the ingredients used to give the silicone color.
Deep colors are more likely to contain heavy metals, which is just what we see in dishes. You can read more about heavy metals in dishes in my non-toxic dinnerware post.
Are Silicone Straws Safe for Hot Beverages?
Yes! There is some debate about using silicone for baking, but there’s really no debate at using silicone for hot beverages, which are much cooler than baking temps. The average cup of hot coffee is approximately 200F or just under.
This would be the same for hot cocoa or hot tea. You don’t have to worry about high-quality silicone leaching into your hot beverage.
Are Silicone Straws a Better Choice Than Stainless Steel?
IMHO both silicone and stainless steel are great choices for non-toxic straws as long as you are using a brand that has tested for contaminants. Silicone straws are softer and more flexible making them a better choice for children.
Stainless-steel straws can be dangerous for children. I have both in my kitchen, but my kids only use the silicone straws. Here are some stainless-steel straws that I feel pretty good about.
Glass straws are also a great option for adults, but like stainless steel, they come with some safety risks. Now, let’s move onto the reason we’re here in the first place. It’s time to take a look at some of the most trustworthy silicone straw brands.
How to Find Safe Silicone Straw Brands?
To ensure you get a quality food-grade silicone, it’s key to look for 3rd party testing of contaminants. Each brand will test for slightly different substances, but 3rd party testing is usually a good sign that a company cares about your health and safety.
Cadmium is a common silicone contaminant and only Softy names “cadmium” specifically, so they are my first choice for healthiest silicone straw brand.
Softy Silicone Straws
Softy straws are 3rd party lab tested to ensure they are phthalate, lead, cadmium and mercury free. They come in various lengths and even a wide version for smoothies. The color options are bright and fun!
These straws are perfect for kiddos and adults. They come with a pretty cool straw cleaner that is also made of silicone.
J.Born Silicone Straws
J. Born silicone straws are made of 100% high quality odorless food grade silicone. They are BPA, PVC, lead, vinyl, chloride and phthalates free. They have a “Dutch design,” so the shape and style is a little different than the standard American straw.
J. Born silicone straws come in several muted earth tone color options. I feel like these are the most sophisticated silicone straws around ;). If you are into super chic accessories, these are the straws for you.
U Konserve
U Konserve silicone straws are 3rd party tested to be free of BPA, phthalates and lead. They are made of food-grade silicone and come in a 2-pack. Unlike the first two brands, the straw cleaning brush is sold seperately.
Hopefully this post gave you a few good options for trustworthy silicone straw brands. As always, thanks for stopping by!
