Reusable coffee cup is the perfect way to cut down on waste and do your part to save the environment.
There is a very high chance that if you are here, you are concerned about the impact which your coffee habit is having on the planet.
Not only is that daily visit to the coffee shop denting your bank balance, but the cups given out are rarely recyclable, and are only used once in their life cycle. In response, there is now a huge number of reusable eco-friendly coffee cups out there that you can take on the go.
From the usual plastic to alternatives such as steel, bamboo, and glass, here are our top picks which both keep your drink warm and look great, too.
The Best Eco-Friendly Reusable Coffee Cups
Circular & Co. Travel Mug
Specs:
- Brand: Circular & Co.
- Material: Recycled Paper & Polypropylene
- Color: Marine Green
- Capacity: 12 Fluid Ounces
- Special Feature: Leak Proof
Main features
- 100% LEAKPROOF
- EASY ONE-HANDED OPENING
- FULLY INSULATED & DESIGNED TO LAST.
- MADE FROM 6 RECYCLED PAPER CUPS
- FREE FROM HARMFUL CHEMICALS
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Overview
The Circular & Co. Travel Mug is the perfect addition to your daily routine.
This mug is made of recycled paper and polypropylene, so it’s as environmentally friendly as it is stylish.
The marine green color will look great in your hand or on your desk while you sip your favorite tea or coffee.
Its 12-fluid-ounce capacity means you can bring plenty of liquid with you wherever you go!
The mug’s leak-proof design ensures that there won’t be any messes when you’re out and about, either—just a clean drink and a beautiful mug.
Pros
- Made from 6 Recycled Paper Cups
- 100% leak-proof and can be sipped or poured from any angle!
- Dishwasher Safe
Cons
- Nothing – what sustainability is all about!
12oz 350ml Ecoffee Cup Reusable Eco-Friendly 100% Plant-Based Coffee Cup
Specs:
- Brand: Ecoffee Cup
- Material: Silicone
- Color: Kerr and Napier
- Capacity: 12 Ounces
- Special Feature: Portable, Biodegradable, Microwave Safe, Melamine free, Dishwasher Safe
Main features
- Made From 100% Plant Material (PLA)
- Vegan-Friendly
- Suitable For Daily Usage of Hot Drinks Up To +100°C
- Comes With Food Grade Silicone Lid & Sleeve (Latex-free)
- Lid Stopper To Prevent Leaks
- Melamine, BPA and BPS-Free
- Dishwasher-Safe
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Overview
The Ecoffee Cup is a reusable coffee cup made from 100% plant-based silicone. It’s perfect for people who love coffee and want to reduce their impact on the earth, as it’s made without any melamine or BPA.
This reusable coffee cup holds 12 ounces of liquid—that’s about 350ml—and comes in two colors: Kerr and Napier. It’s safe for use in microwaves and dishwashers, so you can clean it easily as well as reuse it indefinitely.
Pros
- Suitable For Daily Usage of Hot Drinks Up To +100°C
- Strong material
- The lid fits the cup securely
Cons
- The stopper is not attached to the lid so easy to misplace
Bodum Travel Mug, 12 oz, Gold
Specs:
- Brand: Bodum
- Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic, Rubber
- Color: Gold
- Capacity: 0.35 Liters
- Style: Stainless Travel Mug
Main features
- Stainless steel
- Vacuum-sealed, double-wall construction
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Spill-resistant lid
- Non-slip grip
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Overview
The Bodum Travel Mug is a stainless steel and plastic travel mug, perfect for taking your favorite hot or cold beverages on the go. It has a sleek, modern design, and the lid is made of rubber to ensure a tight fit.
The 12 oz. capacity will hold enough coffee or tea to keep you going through the day, and the double-wall insulation will keep it hot for longer than most other travel mugs on the market. The mug also features an easy-sip spout and a handle that makes it comfortable to use—even when you’re driving!
This mug is dishwasher safe, but we recommend handwashing it just to be safe. The stainless steel construction means that it won’t retain flavors or odors over time like some other materials might; so you can enjoy your favorite drink without worrying about what it might taste like tomorrow!
Pros
- Sleek Design
- Retains heat well
- Easy and comfortable to hold
Cons
- Not the absolute best at being water-tight
KeepCup Reusable Tempered Glass Coffee Cup
Specs:
- Brand: KeepCup
- Material: Tempered glass and cork
- Color: Filter
- Capacity: 16 Ounces
- Special Feature: Tempered glass cup with a cork band
Main features
- Durable tempered glass with a cork band
- Splashproof
- Lightweight, easy to carry, and fits comfortably in your hand and cup holders.
- Manufactured locally
- Free from BPA, BPS, and phthalates including DEHP, lead, and cadmium.
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Overview
The KeepCup Reusable Tempered Glass Coffee Cup is made with durable tempered glass and a cork band to protect your coffee from spills. This cup is splashproof, lightweight, easy to carry, and fits comfortably in your hand and cup holders. It’s also manufactured locally.
This cup is free from BPA, BPS, and phthalates including DEHP, lead, and cadmium—so you can enjoy your coffee without worrying about what it could be doing to your health!
Pros
- Brilliantly stylish
- Non-toxic
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Risk of shattering if you aren’t careful with it
BrüMate Uncork’d XL MÜV
Specs:
- Brand: BrüMate
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: Matte Black
- Capacity: 14 Ounces
- Included Components Lid
Main features
- The largest triple-insulated UNCORK’D XL
- Stays cool and dry to the touch
- Crafted from durable, food-grade stainless steel
- Removable splash-proof lid
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Overview
The BrüMate Uncork’d XL MÜV reusable cup is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite hot or cold beverages on the go. It is made of stainless steel and features a matte black finish that will look great with any outfit. With a capacity of 14 ounces, it’s big enough for all your favorite drinks.
The double-walled insulation keeps your drink at the proper temperature for longer than other cups. The lid has a silicone gasket that won’t pop off when you sip, so you can take it anywhere without worrying about spills or leaks. The cup is also dishwasher-safe and easy to clean!
Pros
- Works with hot or cold beverages
- Splash proof lid
- The Uncork’d XL comes in a dazzling range of finishes that will match every occasion
Cons
- Can be slightly awkward to hold if you have small hands due to its unique shape
The Future is Bamboo – Reusable Coffee Cup
Specs:
- Brand: The future is bamboo
- Material: Silicone, Paper
- Capacity: 16 Ounces
- Style: Dark Marble
- Theme: Marble Planet
Main features
- Environmentally friendly
- Drip-proof lids
- Silicon sleeve
- Comfortable grip
- Dishwasher-safe
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Overview
The future is here! We’re all about sustainability and keeping our planet safe. With this reusable coffee cup, you can help reduce your plastic waste and be a part of the movement towards a cleaner, greener planet.
This cup is made from silicone and paper and holds 16 ounces of your favorite hot or cold beverage. It features a marbleized design that looks great at home or on the go. The lid fits snugly onto the top of your cup to prevent leaks and spills when you’re out on the town with friends.
We believe in providing you with products that are both stylish and functional, so we make sure that every product we sell has been thoroughly tested before it reaches your doorstep. We hope you love this product as much as we do!
Pros
- Good size for longer drinks
- One of the most eco-friendly options around
- Machine Wash and Hand Wash
Cons
- It must be dry properly
HY3 Reusable Coffee Cup
Specs:
- Brand: HY3
- Material: Glass
- Color: Blue
- Capacity: 12 Fluid Ounces
- Style Modern
Main features
- Durable borosilicate glass.
- The thermal silicone sleeve and PP lid are Food-grade and BPA-free.
- Quickly opening and Splash-proof lid.
- Microwave Safe and Easy to Clean
- Anti-Scald and Non-Slip Large Grip area
- Lightweight, durable, hygienic, and simple. our EVERYDAY mug is great for your home,
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Overview
The HY3 reusable coffee cup is a stylish, modern option for your daily morning beverage. Made from glass, this 12-ounce cup is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean and care for. Its sleek design will look great in any home or office kitchen, whether you’re using it for coffee, tea, hot chocolate or even soup!
Pros
- Eco-friendly coffee cup
- Leakproof
- Large Grip area with Anti-scald silicone
Cons
- Glass could be impractical for some
Huskee Cup + Lid Charcoal
Specs:
- Brand: Huskee
- Material: Coffee husk
- Color: Charcoal
- Capacity: 12 Ounces
- Style: Modern Coffee Cup
Main features
- Keeps coffee hotter for longer
- Comfortable to hold, stackable
- Durable, dishwasher friendly, easy to clean, non-toxic (BPA free)
- Re-purposes waste material (coffee husk)
- Universal lid & saucer, aesthetically pleasing
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Overview
The Huskee Cup + Lid Charcoal is the perfect way to enjoy your coffee.
This 12-ounce cup is made from the natural coffee husk, so it’s sturdy and long-lasting. Its unique design will make you stand out from the crowd—and your coffee will stay hot for hours!
With this cup and lid set, you’ll never need to worry about spilling your drink again. The lid snaps onto the top of the cup, providing a tight seal that helps prevent spills. The lid also has a small hole in it so you can sip your drink without removing it from the cup.
This stylish coffee cup has a modern look that will complement any decor.
Pros
- A perfect no-waste solution
- One of the strongest cups out there
- Sleek Design
Cons
- Limited to charcoal or natural colors
bioGo Cup
Specs:
- Brand: BioGo
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Gray
- Capacity: 16 Ounces
- Style: Modern
Main features
- Reusable Cup
- Ergonomically Designed
- Lightweight, Seriously Strong & Heat Insulating Cup
- No Awful Plastic Taste.
- Anti-Scald Technology & Dishwasher Friendly.
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Overview
Using the by-product of the rice manufacturing industry means that this reusable coffee cup isn’t just working to reduce waste from the coffee world, but elsewhere too.
bioGo buy the husks before they are burnt (which causes pollution), turning them into these cups and also supporting the rice farms. If that isn’t enough, then 10% of their profits go towards beach clean-ups too. A truly eco-friendly firm.
It is double-walled, so retains heat nicely. Yet, it doesn’t get hot on the outside so can still be carried on your commute. We love the little handle on the top of the lid which makes a really nice change, so it could be great if you are off on a hike or need it to double up as a carabiner.
The design also puts you in mind, with a ‘nose-dome’ to prevent your nose clashing with the lid when you take a drink (face shape dependent, of course). The quality is high and strong and it has a nice capacity for all kinds of drinks from strong coffee to long lattes, and keeps them hot for quite a while too.
Pros
- Good price
- Eco-friendly product and system
- Lightweight
Cons
- Good price
- Eco-friendly product and system
Stojo Collapsible Travel Cup
Specs:
- Brand: STOJO
- Material: Silicone
- Color: Cashmere
- Capacity: 12 Ounces
- Style: Casual
Main features
- Collapsible cup.
- Stojo’s food-grade premium silicone and temperature-resistant sleeve.
- Dishwasher and microwave safe.
- No BPAs, BPSs, phthalates, leads, or glues.
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Overview
Fewer cups are quite as on-the-go as this one. This is because it is collapsible, so once you have consumed your coffee and rinsed/washed it out, it will fold down so barely takes up any space in your bag.
This could make it great for anyone who travels light or indeed is going travelling or camping. As it collapses, there is little risk of it becoming damaged. It is made from silicone, so while it isn’t the most substantial, it means it is a little less bulky.
It is one of the best for colour choices which is great if you want something very particular. And there is a cover for the drinking hole, so you don’t have to be too careful to not tip it over or spill it.
Because of the silicone material, it does hold the flavour a little bit which could be an issue if you like to change up the hot drink of choice. It also isn’t the best at keeping the drink warm. Still, we love the space-saving idea and the price, too.
Pros
- Not bulky
- Just press down to collapse – easy to use
- Leak-proof
Cons
- Takes a bit of work to remove past flavors
Reusable Coffee Cup Buying Guide
Sizes
They come in a range to match different consumption habits. If you like ordinary coffee or want the standard size, something around 350ml is perfect.
You can also buy ones around 120ml for espressos and shots, over 450ml for long drinks, or an extra long-lasting coffee boost.
We have listed all of the above in their milliliter equivalent, but bear in mind most are made in Australia or the US so come in fl. Oz. 4oz is the espresso size, 12oz is standard and 16oz is long.
Materials
Above, we have reviewed cups made from coffee husk, rice husk, silicone, glass, bamboo, plastic, and metal. There are some other materials floating about out there too, and we fully expect further innovations as people start to become more aware.
The latter two are usually the best for retaining heat, so great if you need your coffee to last. The former two are seen as the best eco-friendly options, as they take by-products of food manufacturing to make the cup so really do reduce the impact of waste. Bamboo is the world’s most sustainable crop so is pretty friendly, too (for the moment).
If you travel a lot and need something substantial, glass or metal could be problematic as they may get damaged or break. But they’re seen as the easiest to clean and least likely to retain flavors, so could be best for those who like alternative hot drinks or the real flavor.
It can mostly depend on the design of the cup, too, as opposed to the material. You may need a firm grip sleeve, or the drinking hole to be covered. You may even prefer a cup sans a drinking hole to emulate an ordinary mug, or need something lightweight.
In the end, it is down to personal choice, but the choice is something you have a lot when it comes to which reusable coffee cup to buy.
FAQs
Why are coffee shop cups bad for the planet?
Every single year, over 500 billion takeaway cups pile up in landfills. In the UK alone, we use 7 million every day – that’s 2.5 billion per year.
The rise in the number of coffee shops on the high street (which is a great thing) has unfortunately brought out the coffee industry’s worst side. ‘Single-use’ was Collins Dictionary’s word of the year for 2018, and that is a word that sums up coffee shop cups.
The work that goes into making them doesn’t match the use they get. Many are made from virgin paper pulp, so trees must be felled to make this. Seeing this is a big sacrifice for a cup that lasts around an hour before being disposed of, it is a huge question mark over the industry.
They aren’t recyclable, either. Despite many being made from recyclable materials and stating that they can be, many aren’t actually dealt with properly when they reach the centers. Most are made from paper but have a plastic polyethylene lining, which is tightly bound to the paper to keep your drink hot and safe. This can’t be separated easily.
Then there is the fact that many still have drink residue on them. They must be taken to special facilities, but as only three exist in the entirety of the UK, only around 1% of all cups end up being recycled.
How can I wash a reusable coffee cup?
Always read the instructions first. Because of the alternative materials, many aren’t dishwasher safe so have to be cleaned by hand. If they can be, it usually has to be top-shelf only.
Travel and reusable coffee mugs can suffer from flavor retention and staining so always remember the following:
- Rinse Out ASAP – You won’t always be able to give it a thorough clean straight away, but getting all of the coffee residues out should help
- Clean After Every Use – Don’t be lazy and double use as you may with a china mug. For maximum hygiene and cleaning, wash in between refills
- Baking Soda And Vinegar – This can not only banish stains but also any taste left behind. Wait for the reaction to finish, wash thoroughly and repeat if needed. This is also a great thing to do before first use to get rid of the plastic, bamboo, or metal taste
- Take Apart To Clean – From the sleeve to the lid and any covers, wash all bits separately to prevent build-up and germs. This includes around locking mechanisms and mouthpieces. You could use a small brush or soak them too
- Air Dry – So you don’t miss any folds or corners. Always leave the lid off so no moisture and mold build-up