Types of Drinking Straws

Straw Sizes

There are several different sizes of drinking straws. From smallest to largest, the straw sizes are classified as cocktail, jumbo, super jumbo, giant, boba, and colossal. Each has a different diameter, which means they are all used for drinking different beverages. For example, colossal straws are extra large beverage straws that are best for thicker drinks like smoothies, milkshakes, bubble tea, or slushies, whereas cocktail straws are much shorter in length, smaller in diameter, and are best for use with milk and juice cartons or kids' drinks.

We've listed the diameters below for each straw size. For reference, the standard drinking straw diameter is 6 mm.

1. Cocktail Straws: 3 mm Diameter - Ideal for mixed drinks, milk, water, and juice

2. Jumbo Straws: 6 mm Diameter - Used for water, juice, and soda

3. Super Jumbo Straws: 7 mm Diameter - Perfect for thick drinks like milkshakes, slushies, and frappes

4. Giant Straws: 8-10 mm Diameter - Primarily for thick drinks like smoothies, milkshakes, and floats

5. Smoothie Straws: 10 mm Diameter - Paired with thicker smoothies or iced coffees

6. Colossal Straws: 12 mm Diameter - Perfect for extra-thick drinks and drinks with add-ins

7. Boba Straws: 13 mm Diameter - Great when used for bubble tea, smoothies, and milkshakes

Plastic Straw Alternatives

It is estimated that Americans alone use around 500 million single-use plastic straws a day. As a result, straw bans have been enacted across the United State in an effort to reduce ocean pollution. Replacing plastic straws with eco-friendly alternatives is a simple, cost-effective way to go green in your restaurant. Some plastic straw alternatives include:

Plastic Straw Bans

Environmentally friendly straws have increased in demand since the rise of straw bans around the globe. Several cities in the states of New York, Washington, New Jersey, Florida, Hawaii, and California have already established, or are in the process of establishing, a ban on the use of plastic straws in local businesses. In addition, some states, such as Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon, and Rhode Island, are considering asking restaurants to only give plastic straws to those who ask for one.

Types of Drink Stirrers

If you own a bar or restaurant that regularly serves cocktails, you may find yourself in need of mixed drink stirrers so customers can stir drinks and keep them from settling and separating.

Drinking Straw Styles

Whether you own a restaurant, bar, smoothie shop, or cafe, straws are an essential part of your drink service. There are various features and styles to look for when choosing the right straws for your establishment.

Straw Dispensers and Storage Options

The final step in choosing the straws for you bar or restaurant is selecting the proper dispenser to house them safely. Straw dispensers make sure that sanitation is always a priority, keeping dust and bacteria away from straws while they are in storage. Here are just some of the types of straw dispensers you can choose from to meet your establishment's needs.

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