These Non-Toxic Straws Are Far Better Than Paper Straws

Real talk: I love a straw. If I’m drinking any iced beverage at home — iced coffee, iced tea, iced water — I’m going to use a straw because, in my mind, it makes everything taste better. But most straws are problematic. Plastic ones are bad for the environment and marine life, and a 2003 study found harmful forever chemicals (aka PFAs) in paper straws, as well as glass and bamboo ones. Yes, stainless steel straws are a good alternative, but I honestly hate cleaning them, and many people can’t stand the feeling of metal on their teeth. That’s why I was thrilled to discover Corn Next Straws. 

Made from cornstarch, water, and natural enzymes, the eco-friendly drinking straws are a non-toxic solution for sipping – and at $9 for a box of 50, they’re an affordable option, too.

Corn Next Non-Flavored Straws

When I was offered the chance to try Corn Next straws, I honestly thought they sounded too good to be true. Durable, biodegradable straws that are free of PFAS and microplastics? Surely there must be something wrong with them, I thought. They’re going to either taste like dirt or dissolve the minute they’re submerged in liquid. 

After removing the straw from its compostable wrapper, the first thing I noticed was how sturdy it was — the material was thick and unbending, almost like a hard plastic straw. Already a good sign. However, it did have a cloudy, slightly yellow tinge that made me question what it would taste like. The answer? Nothing. When I plunged the Corn Next straw into a glass of iced water and took a sip, the straw itself was flavorless, and the taste of the water didn’t change as it made its way up the all-natural tube. 

What really impressed me, though, was that unlike most paper straws, this one actually stayed firm for a good length of time. Corn Next’s corn straws are designed to last up to two hours in cold or room temperature liquids, and mine showed no signs of deterioration during its one hour of use. It expanded and softened just a tiny bit during that time, but it remained completely functional right up until the last sip.

Since then, I’ve used the non-toxic straws in everything from my morning cold brew to an early evening Aperol spritz. I’ve even gotten some of Corn Next’s flavored straws — hello, lemon and lime! — to give my iced water and chilled sodas a little extra zing. I love that I finally have a responsible alternative to plastic straws and paper straws, and bonus points for the fact that it requires no washing. Corn Next straws are the only ones I’m using from now on. They’re good for me, good for the planet, and at just 18 cents per straw, good for my wallet.

Shop More Non-Toxic Swaps on Amazon

Stasher Premium Silicone Food Storage Bags, 2-Pack

Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

Superscandi Swedish Dishcloths, 10-Pack

GIR Ultimate Silicone Spatula

Bee’s Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps, 3-Pack

At the time of publishing, the price was $9.