****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
These straws hold up very well and are a lot more attractive than most plastic straws. I'm not overly attentive when it comes to hydration (I know, shame on me, but straws help!), so it's not unusual for one of these straws to sit in a large cup of liquid for HOURS. Here's a quick review of my personal experience with Kikkerland Biodegradable Party Stripes Paper Straws:- Yes, over time, they do lose some of their rigidity but they maintain their shape and usability; no pulpy goop or sagging. It's worth noting that the texture of the straw does soften a bit as the paper becomes saturated. Another review mentioned using these straws at a party and that guests were throwing them away after a few minutes. This is likely because the guests were unsure about the slight change in texture as the straws absorbed some of the drink, NOT because the straws were unusable. Obviously, chewing on a paper straw would severely impact the longevity and integrity of the straw.- Yes, they are biodegradable, compostable, and printed with food-safe ink.- No, the ink does not bleed or stain. I've used these in clear glasses, plastic cups, and white coffee mugs, for hot & cold drinks, without any issue. I've never had issues with stained lips, either!- No, they are not coated with any kind of wax or resin.- In my opinion there is no more of a paper taste than there is a plastic taste from conventional straws. And, for the record, I'm the kind of person who notices whether or not milk/juice was in a cardboard container.- Depending on what you're drinking it may be a good idea to change straws between drinks, i.e., orange juice to milk or rum & coke to a vodka-cran. You'd probably do this anyway, but a sip or two will NOT be enough to transition between drinks if you're down to your last straw. Learn from my mistakes, you've been warned. ;)If I had to complain about anything it would that these straws aren't 'air-tight'. It's not unusual for there to be small air bubbles while drinking. This happens less as the paper becomes saturated, but doesn't go away entirely. Even with this "flaw", they're still great alternatives to plastic straws!A few people have asked about packaging details and verbiage, so I've included some pictures. (Please note that the box and straws arrived perfectly intact. The smooshed'ness didn't happen until after I stuffed the box into the utensils drawer.)*This is a zero incentive review. I paid full price for these straws.
