10 Best Reusable Coffee Cups

Travel coffee cups aren’t just about saving the planet and your purse. They need to keep the drink warm, not leak all over your work/laptop/new white jumper, and not require ten hands to open.

The Circular&Co Leak Proof Recycled Cup (previously the rCup) is the first cup made from used single-use paper cups, so it uses materials which are already ‘waste’. It is 100% leakproof, and designed for 10 years of use (which is what sustainability is all about). The unique push lid mechanism minimises spills and offers one-hand opening which is ideal when you’re on the go.

It offers 360° drinking, so the drink doesn’t come out of just one tiny hole. As we have all experienced, the latter can make it difficult to work and also cause more difficulty than ease. So, just push the inner part and you can drink from any angle without risking spillages. Just push again to close.

As said, it requires just one hand, so would be great when driving, walking the dog or pushing a pram. Drinks stay warm for around an hour which should be plenty of time to drink it.

Even though reusable plastic is seen by many to be suitable, you may be completely anti-plastic. Which is where a cup such as this bamboo option comes into play.

Bamboo is one of the newest materials when it comes to coffee cups such as this. It gives superior strength and is naturally sterile, with no flavour impairment or tainting. Because it is strong, it is one of the best materials if you are a little bit clumsy and there is a chance you could drop it or throw it into your bag where it could become damaged.

The silicone lid (latex free for anyone with allergies) hugs the cup for little chance of spillages. There is a little plug which seals the hole to prevent these too, and also keep it warmer for a bit longer.

Bodum flasks are amongst some of the most famous, with a unique style and the quality which comes with the brand.

They are amongst some of the best for heat insulation too, so if you do need the coffee to last for quite a while, the double insulated walls are fabulous. It is also made from stainless steel for an extra boost.

Thanks to the stopper, the coffee will remain in the cup. There is also a nice rubber sleeve around it so it is cool to touch and carry, and it is available in a number of finishes so you could match it to your bag or simply pick your favourite.

The big downside? Bodum admits it isn’t entirely leak-proof. Not one for the cramped morning commute on the train, but better if you want something at your work desk or on a calm car ride.

KeepCup are currently one of the biggest names in the eco-friendly coffee cup world.

This model is BPA free and non toxic, with a really solid cork sleeve which is substantial and doesn’t transfer the heat at all so is comfortable to hold.

It is maybe not the best for public transport commutes as it is glass, so instead could be great if you are in the safety of a car or you want something at work rather than nipping out on your lunch break every day.

Having said this, it is fully-tempered soda-lime glass so isn’t going to smash as easily as your ordinary drinking glasses and mugs. The sealable lid and stopper hole will keep the coffee securely in the cup, too.

The glass also makes it really nice and easy to clean, which is great as some others can have so many nooks and crannies or take on the colour of the coffee.

We love this coffee cup for various reasons – there is a huge colour choice available, it is safely under £20, and is robust so will be long-lasting.

It is a very modern style and compact in size, and can take both hot and cold drinks so you can switch to an iced coffee in the summer. The material it uses doesn’t cause it to ‘sweat’, so there will be no condensation on the outer of the cup.

Plus, it stays comfortable to touch, whether you have just poured in boiling water or ice cubes. To drink from it, just slide back the opening cover. This will keep your drinks from spilling when they are being carried, too.

You’ve seen the metal cups. And the glass. Even the bamboo. This Huskup is actually made from rice husks however, so is definitely one of the best when it comes to using the by-products of other industries if you are really concerned about manufacturing.

The husks are usually burnt in the fields to get rid of them, creating pollution, so this alternative is a fabulous alternative.

This also means it is biodegradable, so when it does come to the end of its life, it won’t sit in a landfill forever. Even the silicone lid and sleeve are recyclable. Unlike a lot of other cups on this list, it is top rack dishwasher and microwave reheat safe too.

On to the actual performance, and we are pleased to say it doesn’t retain the smell or flavour of past drinks so is great for changing things up. The lid stays on well, and although there is no way to cover the drinking hole (so you can’t pop it in your bag), it is safe enough to carry.

For those of you who love a pop of colour to brighten up a dreary morning before the caffeine has hit.

Zip is another well-respected name in the reusable cup world. Made from borosilicate glass, it won’t stain or hold the flavour of old drinks, or taint your drink on the first few uses. 100% plastic free, it is recyclable and non-toxic.

It is leak-free from ordinary movement. There is a drinking seal closure to keep it spill-free, and the thermal sleeve is anti-slip so comfortable and secure to hold. It is also nice and thick, which is somewhere where others can fail as the bands are too thin.

As it is standard barista size, it could be great to take into a coffee shop and get some pennies off your coffee while avoiding the dreaded paper cups. When you’re finished, it is dishwasher safe so can be thoroughly cleaned with no trouble.

An award-winning design, the Huskee Cup has been engineered for use in cafes and retail establishments, but this lidded version is perfect for homes and those who want something strong and sustainable.

They are made from coffee husk, so as with the rice husk cups, this is a by-product from an industry and using it means less waste and more practical solutions by repurposing what would otherwise be redundant. There is 1.7 million tonnes of coffee husk wasted every year, so it is the perfect material for this kind of product.

It is comfortable to hold and cool to touch. Despite retaining heat really well, the outer doesn’t get too warm and it is nice and durable. It’s also dishwasher safe, so almost looks after itself.

You can also purchase extra lids, and even perfectly matching saucers if you’re using at home. They’re all interchangeable with each size of cup too, so you’ll never have to miss out if one is in the washing up bowl.

Using the by-product of the rice manufacturing industry means that this 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.

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.