Which Straw Size? 6mm, 9mm and 12mm Straws for Cafes and Bars
A straw that is too thin for a milkshake, or too wide for a cocktail, spoils the drink. The width is the thing to get right, and it is easy to do once you know which drinks need which size. This guide covers the three straw widths we sell, with the sizes and case quantities from our product pages.
Start with the drink
Thin drinks such as soft drinks, juices and iced coffee need a narrow straw. Thick drinks such as smoothies and milkshakes need a wider one, or they will not come up. Write down the drinks on your menu, then pick the width for each. Most cafes need only two sizes.
6 mm black paper straws: soft drinks, juices and iced coffee
The 6 mm black paper straws are the standard width, about 19.7 cm long, black outside and pale inside. They suit cocktails, mocktails, soft drinks, fresh juices and iced coffee, and look sharp in a clear glass. The case holds 250 straws.
9 mm red and white paper straws: smoothies, shakes and iced drinks
The 9 mm red and white striped paper straws are wider, about 20 cm long, so thicker drinks come up more easily. They suit smoothies, milkshakes, slushies and iced drinks, and the candy stripe suits ice cream parlours, dessert shops and children's parties. The case holds 200 straws.
12 mm black straws: the widest we sell
The 12 mm black straws are the widest in the range, about 21 cm long, with an angled tip. The case holds 100 straws. If you serve very thick drinks or drinks with pieces in them, order a sample first to check the width works for your recipe.
Quick comparison
- 6 mm black paper: about 19.7 cm, case of 250. For thin drinks.
- 9 mm red and white paper: about 20 cm, case of 200. For thicker drinks.
- 12 mm black: about 21 cm, case of 100. The widest.
Paper straws and time in the drink
Our paper straws are made for cold drinks. Paper softens slowly in liquid, so hand the straw over with the drink rather than leaving drinks standing for hours.
Match the straw to the cup
Choose the straw length to suit the cup. The 6 mm and 9 mm paper straws are about 20 cm long, which suits standard 12oz and 16oz cold cups. See our smoothie, milkshake and iced coffee cups guide and the smoothie cups range, and browse all straws. For hot drinks and lids, see coffee cup sizes and lids.
Ordering and delivery
There is no minimum order, so you can buy one case of each width and see which your customers prefer. Prices are shown excluding VAT. Free UK next-day delivery: orders placed by 4pm Monday to Friday leave the same day with Evri, fully tracked, next-day where Evri offers it to your address, otherwise standard, usually 2 to 5 days. See delivery information.
Frequently asked questions
Which straw is best for a milkshake?
A wider straw. The 9 mm red and white paper straw is made for smoothies, milkshakes and iced drinks.
Which straw is best for iced coffee?
The 6 mm black paper straw, which suits soft drinks, juices, cocktails and iced coffee.
How many straws are in a case?
250 of the 6 mm black, 200 of the 9 mm red and white, and 100 of the 12 mm black.
Are the paper straws for hot drinks?
No. They are made for cold drinks.
Is there a minimum order?
No. Everything is sold by the case and you can order a single case.