The Ryegrass Cocktail Straw: 

From the 1800's to Today, What Happened?

1. A History of Cocktail Straws

Cocktail straws have been a staple in bars, pubs, and restaurants for centuries. In the early 1800s, bartenders and café owners relied on natural straws, made from rye grass, to sip and stir their drinks.

These early straws were durable, biodegradable, and completely natural, aligning perfectly with today’s environmental priorities.

However, as the Industrial Revolution took hold, paper and eventually plastic straws became the norm. Factories mass-produced disposable straws, which were seen as more convenient for businesses—but not for the planet.

2. The Rise of Single-Use Straws

As cocktail culture flourished, so did the demand for straws. Paper straws known to go mushy, were introduced but quickly fell out of favor as plastic gained popularity for its durability and cost-effectiveness. Unfortunately, this convenience came at a huge environmental cost.

Plastic straws contribute significantly to ocean pollution and landfill waste. With growing awareness of the environmental impact, consumers and businesses alike are demanding better, more sustainable alternatives.

3. The Return to Rye Straws

Today, the cocktail straw industry is coming full circle. Businesses are recognizing that returning to natural materials, like rye grass, is the most sustainable solution. The zero-waste movement is gaining momentum, and innovative companies are stepping up to meet this demand.

One of the leaders in this movement is Shaffer Foods, which has revived the tradition of growing and supplying Naturally Rye Grass Cocktail Straws. These straws are sustainably farmed, fully biodegradable, and return to the earth with zero waste.

4. Shaffer Foods: Leading the Way in Zero Waste Straws

At Shaffer Foods, we are proud to play a key role in bringing the cocktail straw industry back to its roots. Our Naturally Rye Grass Straws offer a modern solution rooted in tradition. Grown on our family farm, these straws are not only eco-friendly but also perfect for stirring, sipping, and decorating your favorite drinks.

By choosing natural straws over manufactured single-use products, businesses and consumers alike can contribute to reducing plastic waste while enjoying a durable, functional straw. Our rye grass straws are chemical-free, compostable, and align perfectly with today’s demand for sustainable products.

5. The Future of Cocktail Straws

As more businesses move toward zero-waste solutions, the cocktail straw industry is evolving. The demand for eco-conscious products is growing, and Naturally Rye Grass Straws are leading the way in this transformation. By making the switch to natural straws, businesses can offer their customers an environmentally responsible option without sacrificing quality or function.

Conclusion: Making the Sustainable Choice

Cocktail straws have a rich history, and with the growing focus on sustainability, the industry is returning to its natural roots. Shaffer Foods’ Naturally Rye Grass Straws are a perfect example of how tradition and modern eco-friendly practices can work together to provide a superior product.

Whether you're running a bar, café, or restaurant, switching to Naturally Rye Grass Cocktail Straws is a simple yet impactful step toward a greener future. Support zero-waste initiatives and bring the natural straw tradition back into your business today.

Naturally Tall Grass Straws – A Tradition of Sustainability

Before paper, plastic, and then paper again, there were Rye Grass Straws—Tall, strong, sturdy stalks used by bartenders, pubs, and cafes throughout the 1800s. These natural straws were a staple in everyday life, from local pubs to military bars.

It wasn’t quality that replaced them in the 1880's, but vanity. Cigarette makers pushed paper straws as the prefered straw of the industrials which led to bankrupting local farmers, and mushy straws as it turned out. The switch wasn’t about making a better product—it was about status. Ironically, today, industrials are returning to Rye Straws, reviving a tradition that’s as sustainable as it is functional.

With the rise of single-use products—first paper, then plastic, and now paper again—pollution has surged. But there’s a better, time-tested way. 

At Shaffer Foods, we’ve revived the two-century-old tradition of growing drinking straws commercially with our Naturally Tall Grass Cocktail Straws. They’re perfect for sipping, stirring, and adding a touch of elegance to any drink—all while being 100% natural and eco-friendly.

Make the switch to zero waste today.
Zero waste, zero taste—just nature.

Order directly from Shaffer Foods, or contact Gerald Shaffer at 604-865-0588 or gerald@shafferfoods.com to set up a wholesale account. Make a difference with every sip.

A 200 Year Tradition Of Farming For The Cocktail Industry.