Coffee Stirrers & Straws

Coffee stirrers are an important but often overlooked item to stock in your home, restaurant or office. Learn more about the different types of coffee stirrers you can purchase from Staples.

What Are Coffee Stirrers?

Coffee stirrers are small plastic or wooden sticks that are used to mix a variety of beverages and are a must-have for any break room or cafe. As the name suggests, they are generally used for coffee and can help you mix sugar, coffee creamer and other additions to your drink for a more consistent flavor throughout. Plastic coffee stirrers are also often used at bars and restaurants for cocktails and alcoholic drinks. The use of coffee stirrers prevents the need for using spoons for stirring, keeping them available for other needs and removing the sound they can make against a mug or glass.

What to Consider When Buying Coffee Stirrers

Coffee stirrers come in different sizes. Longer varieties are good for tall tumblers, while shorter stirrers are best for coffee mugs and smaller glasses. They also come in a range of colors, so you can match them to your personality, event, or decor. You can purchase individually wrapped coffee stirrers if you will be placing them in a common space with a lot of people. Wrapped coffee stirrers help prevent the spread of germs. Consider buying coffee organizers and dispensers if buying in bulk for an office or group space, as well as complimentary items like coffee makers, disposable cups or other breakroom supplies.

Plastic vs. Wooden Coffee Stirrers

Wooden coffee stirrers are designed to be flat and help with stirring your drink. Plastic stirrers are hollow so that you can use them to both stir and sip. Both can handle various temperatures and are disposable for on-the-go usage. Wooden coffee stirrers are more environmentally friendly, however, because they are compostable.

Why Are Plastic Coffee Stirrers Hollow?

The hollowness of plastic coffee stirrers allows for more controlled stirring in hot liquids than a flat stirrer. In addition, the narrow hole keeps users from sipping too much hot liquid too quickly and burning themselves. The excess surface area the liquid has to pass through in the straw works to cool down the beverage before it gets to your mouth.

What Is PLA in Straws and Coffee Stirrers?

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bioplastic made from plant-based materials, often sugarcane or corn starch. PLA is biodegradable and compostable, making coffee stirrers manufactured with this material an eco-friendly option for businesses that prioritize sustainability.