The durability of paper straws can vary by brand and drink type, but on average, quality paper straws last 20 to 60 minutes before softening. They perform best in cold, non-carbonated beverages like iced tea or lemonade.
Factors like beverage acidity, temperature, and carbonation can affect their integrity. Higher-end paper straws with multilayer construction or coating tend to hold up longer.
For best results, restaurants should test paper straws with their beverage lineup to find a version that balances sustainability with guest satisfaction.
