With the oldest evidence of straw usage found in a Sumerian tomb from 3,000 BC, humans have been using straws for thousands of years. Marvin Chester Stone is credited with the invention of the modern drinking straw. He received a patent in 1888 for his paper and wax straws. These straws were quickly adopted by soda fountains. Plastic straws overtook paper straws due to their durability and low cost.

Your typical drinking straw is made with polypropylene plastic. Polypropylene is melted, formed into pellets, and then molded into straw shapes. Today, concern about single-use plastics has led to plastic straw bans in some areas (Aardvark provides a list of cities with plastic straw bans, organized by state) and a move back to paper straws, as well as reusable straws. The European Union ban on all single-use plastics went into effect in 2021.

Want to learn more about straws? We cover the pros and cons of the main types of disposable drinking straws and which straw sizes are best suited for particular beverages.

Types of Disposable Drinking Straws

Drinking straws can be made out of a variety of materials. Each type has its pros and cons.

Plastic Straws:

• These are the most widely used and come in various sizes (e.g., standard, jumbo, super jumbo, giant) and styles (e.g., color changing, clear, colored, flexible, wrapped)
• Ideal for cold beverages like water, soda, and juice.
• Pros: Inexpensive, widely available.
• Cons: Single-use plastic, has been criticized for environmental impact.

Paper Straws:

• Made from biodegradable paper.
• Often used for eco-friendly alternatives.
• Pros: Environmentally friendly, compostable.
• Cons: Can become soggy if used for too long.

Compostable Plastic Straws:

• Similar to regular plastic straws but made from plant-based materials.
• Break down more easily in composting facilities.
• Pros: Environmentally conscious.
• Cons: Still single-use and still made out of plastic.

Drinking Straw Sizes

Drinking straws come in a variety of sizes. Wider straws were created for thicker drinks. Even wider straws were needed for drinks with add-ins like boba pearls, jellies, and red beans.

Standard Straws:

• These are the everyday, straight plastic straws commonly used for sipping cold beverages like water, soda, and juice.
• Diameter: Typically around 0.25".
• Best for: Most drinks, e.g., soda, lemonade, water, milk.

Jumbo Straws:

• Slightly wider than standard straws.
• Ideal for thicker liquids like milkshakes and smoothies.
• Diameter: About 0.219".

Super Jumbo Straws:

• Even wider than jumbo straws.
• Perfect for extra-thick drinks like frappes and slushies.
• Diameter: Approximately 0.25".

Giant Straws:

• Designed for thick beverages such as smoothies and floats.
• Diameter: Around 0.296".

Boba Straws:

• Specifically for bubble tea (boba tea) with tapioca pearls.
• Slanted tip for poking through plastic film
• Diameter: 0.375".

Colossal Straws:

• Extra-large straws for drinks with add-ins or extra thickness.
• Diameter: Approximately 0.47".

Remember, whether you’re sipping a refreshing lemonade or a decadent milkshake, there’s a straw for every occasion! Check out our wide selection of straws to suit your every need. Frozen Solutions has color changing straws, wrapped straws, eco-friendly straws, bendy straws, reusable straws, boba straws, striped straws, and even custom straws.