Are Metal Straws Safe and Worth It?
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Reusable metal straws are everywhere now, but two questions still come up: are they actually safe, and are they really worth it over just going without? Here's an honest answer to both.
Are stainless steel straws safe?
Yes — food-grade stainless steel is one of the safest materials you can drink through. It's non-toxic, BPA-free, doesn't leach chemicals, and doesn't harbour flavour or bacteria when cleaned properly. It's the same material used in cookware and cutlery for exactly these reasons.
There's one sensible caution: because metal is rigid and conducts temperature, hold a straw steady rather than walking around with it, and take care with very hot drinks and with young children — for kids, a soft silicone straw is often the better choice. For everyday cold drinks in a tumbler, a stainless steel straw is completely safe.
Are reusable straws worth it?
On cost: a set of metal straws costs a few pounds and lasts years. If you'd otherwise buy drinks with single-use straws or replace flimsy plastic ones, they pay for themselves quickly.
On the environment: single-use plastic straws are used for minutes and last centuries. A reusable straw replaces hundreds of them over its life. As long as you actually use it, the environmental maths is firmly in its favour.
On experience: a good metal straw simply feels better — no papery collapse, no plastic taste, and it turns your tumbler into a complete, reusable setup.
Making them last
The only thing that lets a metal straw down is poor cleaning — and that's solved with a brush. Our stainless steel replacement straws include a cleaning brush and storage pouch, are BPA-free, and fit Stanley Cup 40oz and every Mato London tumbler — £7.99 with free UK delivery.
Related reading
- Stainless Steel vs Silicone vs Plastic Straws: Which Is Best?
- What Size Straw Fits a 40oz Tumbler?
- How to Clean Reusable Metal Straws (So They Never Smell)
- Why Does My Tumbler Straw Smell? (And How to Fix It)
Frequently asked questions
Are stainless steel straws safe to use?
Yes — food-grade stainless steel is non-toxic, BPA-free and doesn't leach chemicals. It's the same material as cutlery and cookware.
Are metal straws safe for children?
They can be, but because metal is rigid and conducts heat, soft silicone straws are usually a safer choice for young children.
Are reusable straws actually worth it?
Yes — they cost a few pounds, last years, replace hundreds of single-use straws, and feel better to drink from.
Do metal straws get too hot for hot drinks?
They can conduct heat with very hot drinks. They're best suited to cold drinks in an insulated tumbler.