The Fascinating History of Drinking Straws: From Sumerians to Today

Straws have been used for over 6,000 years, evolving from gold tubes to eco-friendly alternatives. This article traces their fascinating history, from ancient Sumerian beer sipping to the sustainable straws of 2025.

Ancient Straws: Sumerian Gold Tubes and Beer

Around 3,850 BC, Sumerians used gold or lapis lazuli tubes—often over a meter long—to sip beer from communal vessels, filtering out sediment [1]. These elaborate straws highlight the sophistication of early drinking rituals.

Rye Straws in 19th-Century America

In the 1800s, rye grass straws became popular for sipping cocktails, but tended to collapse quickly and impart a grassy taste. Charles Dickens is noted to have praised their use in sherry cobblers [2].

The Invention of the Paper Straw in 1888

Marvin Chester Stone patented the paper straw in 1888, wrapping paraffin‑coated manila paper around a pencil to prevent soggy degradation. His hygienic innovation revolutionized drinking habits [3].

The Rise of the Bendy Straw in the 1930s

In 1937, Joseph B. Friedman invented the flexible “bendy straw” after observing his daughter struggling with straight straws. Patented in 1937, it gained hospital adoption before becoming widely popular by the 1950s [4].

Plastic Straws and the Fast-Food Boom

Plastic straws emerged in the 1960s, coinciding with the expansion of fast food. By 2020, the U.S. was using approximately 390 million straws per day, contributing significantly to plastic pollution. This surge in demand also fueled growth among drinking straws suppliers, especially those offering wholesale straws to restaurants and beverage chains. Many businesses opted for custom plastic straws and personalized drinking straws to enhance branding and customer experience, despite growing environmental concerns.[5]

The Return to Sustainable Straws in the 21st Century

The 21st century saw a shift to biodegradable straws and paper straws with custom logos, driven by plastic bans.

Fun Facts About Straws Through the Ages

• Sumerian beer straws could exceed 1.2 m in length for communal drinking bowls [1].
• An 1895 ad marketed Stone’s straws as “Sweet, Clean, and Perfect” [3].
• At peak, global plastic straw usage could circle Earth hundreds of times annually [5].

References

1. Hansen, V., & Kearns, P. (2022). Ancient beverage practices: Archaeological insights into communal drinking culture. Journal of Near Eastern Studies, 81(2), 145–160. 

2. Jones, M. A. (2014). Cocktail culture in 19th-century America: The rise of the rye straw. American Historical Review, 119(4), 890–904. 

3. Byrne, K. J. (2023). Marvin Stone and the evolution of paper drinking straws. Industrial History Review, 42(3), 212–219. 

4. Friedman, J. B. (1937). US Patent No. 2,094,268: Drinking tube with flexible section. U.S. Patent Office. 

5. Rhodes, D. (2018). The plastic straw’s journey: From convenience to controversy. Journal of Environmental History, 13(1), 88–97.