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Stirring It Up: A Guide to Coffee Stir Sticks
Coffee stirrers are important to the cafe experience, so how can you pick the right one?
Published October 2, 2021
Asharita D'Silva
Coffee experts@Era of We
Coffee stir sticks are such an innocuous part of the coffee experience that many coffee drinkers don’t even notice it. Coffee stir sticks may not be essential to good coffee but they can add an extra touch of care to the café experience.
The goal is to provide consumers with stir sticks that are durable, don’t alter the taste of the coffee, and are as environmentally friendly as possible. Coffee stir sticks are available in a range of materials and sizes, each with its own pros and cons. Choosing the right stirrer can elevate any café experience so it’s something worth considering for café and restaurant owners. For home users, a dedicated coffee stirrer may be unnecessary unless you like the idea of a dedicated stirrer for your coffee.
What Are Coffee Stir Sticks?
Coffee stir sticks or coffee stirrers are used to stir and mix hot beverages, most notably coffee and tea. The main utility of coffee stir sticks is to stir in milk, cream, sugar, or other additives, as well as mixing the brew before drinking.
Coffee stir sticks are available in various styles and materials. They’re commonplace in most cafes and restaurants, especially for to-go coffee cups.
Different Types of Coffee Stir Sticks
There are three main types of coffee stir sticks:
1. Wood
Wooden coffee stir sticks are made of either birch wood or bamboo, which is eco-friendly and easy to recycle. This is the most common type of disposable coffee stirrer. It definitely has less of an ecological impact than plastic but is not a completely waste-free option.
Wooden stirrers are made of untreated wood, without any chemicals or colorants. This means it can be recycled and can be composted. Unfortunately, not all wooden stirrers are recycled which adds to the global waste problem. The advantage is that they are economical and don’t alter the taste of your coffee. They are also durable and more aesthetically pleasing than other disposable options.
2. Metal
Stainless steel is the preferred material for metal coffee stirrers. It’s durable, food-safe, and easy to clean. Metal stirrers are the most environmentally friendly option since they can be reused indefinitely.
Metal coffee stir sticks can be customized for personal use or brands, making them akin to an accessory. They can be more expensive than disposable options but if sustainability and reusability are important to you, it’s worth investing in metal stirrers. For cafes and restaurants, this gives you an added premium feel that appeals to a lot of climate-conscious younger people. Metal stirrers are a good option for home users thanks to their reusability.
3. Plastic
Plastic stirrers are made of polystyrene plastic and are disposable. The use of plastic coffee stir sticks is on the decline due to its environmental impact and the potential for contamination of the coffee. At high temperatures, the plastic may degrade and release harmful substances into the coffee. In addition, plastic stirrers are prone to breakage and can have uneven surfaces. There are few non-toxic plastic options for they are few and far between.
As a café or restaurant, it would be best to avoid the use of plastic stirrers. This will reduce your carbon footprint and prevent tainting of your coffee. Your customers will notice the difference and appreciate the care.
Most people stir their coffee to distribute the flavor evenly so coffee stirrers are a fundamental part of the coffee experience, albeit an often-overlooked detail. Paying attention to the stir sticks you use is a great branding opportunity for cafes and restaurants while also helping to promote sustainability in the coffee industry.
About the author
Asharita D'Silva
Join me in discovering the wonderful world of coffee! As a writer, coffee is my fuel and newfound passion. I love writing about new coffees, sustainability, and coffee culture around the world. I'm always discovering new things about coffee and the industry, which I share with the great community here at Era Of We.
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