Wheat, rice or paper: which sustainable straw should you choose?
Since the EU ban on plastic straws, there are plenty of alternatives. Here are the three most common disposable straws side by side.
Wheat: the hollow stem of the wheat plant, with no glue or coating. Tasteless, also suitable for hot drinks, and the most affordable.
Rice: made from rice and corn starch. A sleek black look and a wider diameter, ideal for cocktails and smoothies. Not for hot drinks.
Paper: layers of paper held together with glue. Goes soggy after a while and can leave a paper taste. A University of Antwerp study (2023) found PFAS in 18 of the 20 brands tested.
In short
| Wheat | Rice | Paper | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tasteless | Yes | Yes | Not always |
| Hot drinks | Yes | No | Limited |
| No glue | Yes | Yes | No |
| Price each | from €0.02 | from €0.05 | – |
| Best for | All drinks | Cocktails, smoothies | – |
Prices excl. VAT, in the largest pack.