Why everyone should switch to reusable coffee cups already

If you don't work from home, or even if you do, stopping (or running out) for a cup of joe is convenient for those busy mornings, which, let’s face it, are basically every day. As much of a lifesaver and convenience as that liquid gold can be in the morning, grabbing a cup to-go at your local coffee shop adds up over time in both monetary value and waste. In fact, it’s estimated that 50 billion coffee cups are thrown away each year in the U.S. alone On a global scale, roughly 500 billion plastic cups are thrown away each year.

Bottom line: That’s a lot of preventable waste.

Reusable coffee cups are an eco-friendly alternative. Most coffee shops (at least in non-pandemic times) allow you to bring your own cup that can be filled with your drink of choice, and some even knock a few cents off your bill for doing so, such as Starbucks. Before you decide to go-green and do so, just make sure that your coffee cup is clean when you bring it in — cleanliness is next to godliness after all.

It’s also worth noting that it’s not just coffee drinkers who can use reusable cups — I’m looking at you, tea drinkers and kombucha lovers.

What should I look for in a resusable cup?

When you start to look for a reusable coffee cup, there’s a lot that you should consider. Price is a big driving factor but shouldn’t be your main determinant. Right off the bat, the first thing you should look for is that your reusable cup is BPA-free. BPA stands for bisphenol A, and it’s a toxic industrial chemical that’s been used to make various plastic items, such as food and beverage containers, since the 1960s.

So please, think of your health and don’t buy a cup that is made with BPA.

Secondly, you’ll want to make sure that your cup has great insulation to keep your coffee cold or hot throughout the day, whichever you prefer. This will prevent you from having to reheat your drink throughout the day. Some keywords to look for are "18/8 stainless steel" or "double insulated walls."

Next, you’ll want to look for a reusable cup that has a vacuum-sealed lid. This is especially important for folks who take their coffee on-the-go, as it’ll prevent your beverage from spilling during your commute. One of the worst ways to start your day is with spilled coffee. Once that happens, it’s just all downhill from there.

Lastly, when you’re on the hunt for your new reusable coffee cup, take your cup holder into consideration. Save yourself some time and heartache and make sure your cup is a reasonable size and will fit into your car’s cup holder.

Now that you know what to look for in a reusable coffee cup and have been trained on the best practices when you bring your own cup to the coffeehouse, here are some cups for you to consider.

Best Overall

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Image: yeti

The Good

Protective layer of DuraCoat • No-sweat design • Difficult to chip its paint or dent its exterior

The Bad

Some reviewers reported having leaky lids, making it not ideal for on-the-go

The Bottom Line

The Rambler is one of the more expensive tumblers, but many Amazon reviewers agree that it’s worth every penny.

YETI Rambler Insulated Tumbler

The YETI Rambler is pretty much everything you could ever want out of a coffee cup.

Holds: 12 oz.

For those early morning commutes when coffee is a necessity, there’s a laundry list of features that coffee snobs look for in a good, reusable cup.
At the top of the list is for it to stay hot/cold for X amount of hours, to be sweat- and leak-proof, and for the cup to be compatible with coffee cup holders in vehicles. With the YETI Rambler, that’s exactly what you get.
It’s pretty pricey compared to other tumblers, but it packs a punch. Its 18/8 stainless steel exterior makes it nearly impossible to dent, and it's BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. The Rambler also comes with its signature MagSlider Lid, which uses the power of magnets to keep the cup's contents on lock.
Amazon reviewer Austin describes the Rambler as everything he was looking for in a coffee cup, as well as really high quality.

“It’s everything I was looking for. It’s strong and has a good weight to it. Even with scalding hot coffee inside, you cannot feel the heat while holding the outside of the container.”

Best Eco-Friendly Design

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Image: keepcup

The Good

Minimal and compact design • 100% recyclable • Glass cup keeps coffee flavor better

The Bad

It’s made of glass, so if you’re clumsy this might be something to pass on

The Bottom Line

This cup's design is eye-catching, but it’s breakable.

KeepCup

The minimal design is cute, while the glass body could make your coffee taste better.

Holds: 12 oz.

This one caught my eye because of how unique it looks compared to others on the market. It’s aesthetically pleasing while also offering features unlike any other cup.
The KeepCup is BPA-free and has a splash-proof lid. Here’s where it gets interesting: all of its bells and whistles can be recycled when they’ve come to the end of their life, such as its lid and cork band. They offer replacement parts on Amazon when that time comes.
Amazon reviewer Becky describes this cup as a great value and says she gets all the compliments at her local coffee shop when she uses it. Who doesn’t love a compliment to start their morning?

“Absolutely love this cup, it is a joy to use time and time again. I get lots of compliments at my local coffeehouse for its appearance. The cup is made of glass, so that part doesn't absorb any coloring or smells. I quite like being able to see that it's clean.”

Best for portability

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Image: stojo

The Good

Portable • Easy to store • Compactible • Made from eco-friendly materials

The Bad

Amazon customers report it not keeping their beverages hot or cold very long • Leaks

The Bottom Line

It’s unique and practical for everyday use, but doesn’t keep your beverages hot or cold very long.

Stojo

If portability is your main concern, a collapsible cup might be your solution.

Holds: 8 oz.

For on-the-go coffee drinkers, this cup is a lifesaver — you just collapse it, throw it in your bag, and go! Its petite design is decked out in cool features, such as a sleeve to protect your hand from hot beverages, and an insulated lid to keep your beverages at just the right temperature — and to keep it from spilling, of course.
The Stojo cup is made from recyclable materials, only adding to its eco-friendly appeal. However, users beware: Some reviewers have reported leakage after they’ve collapsed their cup, spilling their cups' contents in their bags or purses, while others say that the cup can get too hot if very hot liquids are poured inside. This one is probably better for iced coffee, cold brew, and tea.

Best leak-proof cup

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Image: emisk

The Good

Leak proof • You can drink from it on all sides

The Bad

It’s only available in one color

The Bottom Line

Reviewers say this one is truly leak-proof and ideal for travel.

EMISK

This innovative 360-degree cup is the whole package.

Holds: 12 oz.

Most decent reusable coffee cups can run upwards of $25, but that isn’t the case with the EMISK cup.
It has double walls to keep your beverages at your ideal temperature, and is made of 18/8 stainless steel. The EMISK cup’s exterior is pretty basic and has standard leak-proof and sweat-proof features. However, it gets your attention with its one-click opening design, which allows you to drink from all sides, 360 degrees — allowing you to save time unscrewing and screwing back on the lid. No one has time for that.
Just ask J Thomas, who couldn’t stop listing off good things about this EMISK cup on Amazon:

“So, I'll preface by saying I'm demanding, and pretty much want a coffee mug to be perfect in every way, like a holy grail. The design is great. I'm on the go and toss this in my bag, car, anywhere, without worrying. Keeps heat? Absolutely. I imagine it's great for cold too, but I use it pretty much for morning coffee then possibly tea or hot water later in the day. No problems keeping the heat. Easy to use. Easy to take apart and clean. Good size.”

Best color selection

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Image: simple modern

The Good

It’s available in 15 unique designs and colors

The Bad

Dents easily • Some Amazon reviewers report leakage

The Bottom Line

Its sleek and slim design is great, while its color selection is mesmerizing

Simple Modern

Its bold color selection is reason enough to buy this reusable cup.

Holds: 16 oz.

If you drink a *lot* of coffee, you'll love this one. The Simple Modern Kona Travel Mug is one of the bigger cup options on the market, coming in at 16 oz. of goodness.
Even bigger is its color selection. The tumbler has 15 color choices, which include patterns like marble and ombres. Its slim design fits in most cup holders, while its travel safe and lock lid makes it leak-proof and ideal for one-the-go and everyday use. Just ask Amazon reviewer Teenah Tee.

“The leak proof lid is great! I can easily leave this in my bag without any worries about it leaking or the lid accidentally opening due to the lock! It’s also a good size; not too big or too small. It’s also smooth to touch!”

Plus, coming in at only $13.99, it’s sure to not break the bank.

Most unique coffee cup

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Image: Thompson Mug Co

The Good

Pretty unique • Compact design • Good quality

The Bad

Isn’t leak proof • Doesn’t keep your beverages hot or cold • Not ideal for everyday use

The Bottom Line

It’s perfect for baseball fans and baseball fans only.

Thompson Mug Co.

For a baseball fan, this cup is ideal for slow mornings at home sipping coffee, but not for on-the-go use.

Holds: 12 oz.

One item most people probably wouldn’t think could double as a coffee mug is a baseball bat, and rightfully so.
Thompson Mug Co. sells baseball bat mugs for sports lovers. However, it doesn’t have a lid — it’s literally a hollowed out baseball bat. This cup's design makes it rather difficult to use every day and with on-the-go lifestyles.
Nonetheless, its slim design and unique material makes it a great gift and will surely stand out at coffee shops. (Still, it's only for baseball fans.)

Best budget option

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Image: contigo

The Good

Leak-proof • Easy one-handed drinking

The Bad

Isn’t sweat proof

The Bottom Line

This cup's laundry list of features satisfies high-maintenance coffee drinkers.

Contigo

For the size, price, and features, the Contigo gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

Holds : 20 oz.

When it comes down to it, the Contigo coffee cup is incredibly hard to beat. For its size and price, there aren’t too many other options on Amazon like this one.
The coffee mug has a snapseal leak-proof lid, which is essential for any and all coffee cups that you’ll be enjoying on the go. It has a no-slip belt, which makes carrying it in one hand safe and easy — with much less risk of spilling.
Even better, its thermalock vacuum insulation keeps your beverages hot or cold for hours. This Contigo’s features has Amazon customers raving about it, just ask reviewer R. Curbo.

“Turn it upside down. Give it a shake. Let it roll under the seat. This thing NEVER leaks! I have three of these now in different colors because some days I might want to carry more than one coffee + hot chocolate or tea. SUPER easy to clean! I put the cup on the lower rack of the dishwasher and the lid on the top rack. They come out clean as a whistle every time.”

Best electric cup

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Image: ember

The Good

Keeps your coffee continuously warm

The Bad

Not ideal for travel • Pricey • Some users report incompatibility with LG Smartphones • Others report its color chipping • Can only keep drinks hot

The Bottom Line

Definitely expensive for a cup, but great if you hate having to get up to reheat your coffee throughout the day.

Ember

This gadget-cup is incredibly bougie, but great if you can afford it.

Holds: 10 oz.

The last thing you’d imagine to go electric is your coffee cup, yet, here we are, discussing an electric coffee cup.
The Ember cup is ideal for coffee snobs. This cup can keep your beverage between 120°F — 145°F and has a one hour battery life. You can even connect it to your smartphone and heat up your cup from another room. Its design makes it not ideal for using on-the-go, but its ability to control the temperature with your smartphone is convenient. Say goodbye to heating your coffee up over and over again in the microwave with this tech-savvy alternative.
Amazon reviewer EPG says this cup is decked out in all the features, and is worth the investment.

“My favorite feature is how the ember app notifies you when your coffee is at your perfect temperature. The app also has some awesome preset temps to choose from (I.e. coffee, tea, latte, etc.). Although the battery doesn’t last for hours, the battery has more than enough energy capacity for your morning coffee or tea rituals.”

Best handled cup

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Image: MiiR

The Good

Uniqe color selection

The Bad

Its handle makes it hard to fit in standard cup holders • Pricey for a cup

The Bottom Line

This cup puts a new twist on to-go cups.

MiiR

This cup is perfect for the office, and won’t spill during the drive — but it probably won't fit in your cup holder.

Holds: 12 oz.

Sometimes the best thing is just sitting down to enjoy a nice cup of coffee while you’re on the go or in the office. Even better is getting the chance to enjoy it out of an actual coffee cup and not a travel thermos.
The MiiR allows you to transport your coffee cup to and from the wherever, thanks to its vacuum-insulated lid and hardshell powder coating, giving you extra grip. Even better — it comes in speckled and copper colors to add some flair to your desk.
This Amazon reviewer even goes as far as to rave about this being the best mug ever.

“Best mug ever! I typically don't drink my coffee with the lid on, but on bumpy car rides sometimes it's necessary! I have a little coffee mess kit I bring with me everywhere and this mug is now part of it! Durable and always keeps my liquids hot!”

Best Glass Cup

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Image: joco

The Good

Anti-splash lid

The Bad

Easily breakable because it’s glass • Expensive

The Bottom Line

Its sleek design is eco-friendly but not ideal if you’re clumsy.

JOCO

This glass mug helps your coffee keep its taste, but is easily breakable.

Holds: 16 oz.

Coffee connoisseurs swear by using a glass coffee cup.
The JOCO glass reusable coffee cup has many Amazon reviewers referring to it as their new everyday coffee cup that keeps their coffee tasting great. Just ask reviewer Hungry.

“I have two of these cups, one in the 12 oz (mint) and one in 16 oz (red). I have had them for over a year and use them both almost every day. I have never had any problem with spills - I am constantly amazed that the lid stays on so nicely and seals everything in with just a tiny little lip!”

Its silicone sleeve protects your hand from the hottest of coffee and its minimal design makes it easy to clean. Even better, it’ll hold up over time because it’s made from glass.