Straw length: 15 cm or 20 cm?
Straw length follows glass height. 15 cm suits coffee glasses, cocktail stems and short tumblers; 20 cm suits tall glasses, iced drinks and large servings. A short straw disappears into a tall glass, and a long straw makes a short glass top-heavy enough to tip.
Matching length to glass
What the wrong length looks like
A short straw slips between the ice in a tall glass and the guest has to fish it out. A long straw raises the centre of gravity in a short glass and can tip it. Both are noticed during service, when it is too late to fix.
One length or two
Venues serving both coffee and long drinks usually stock both. Where only one is practical, choosing for the best-selling drink causes the fewest problems.
Print area moves with length
A longer straw gives the print window more room; on a short straw a long brand name can crowd. With longer names this becomes a secondary but real factor in the choice.
Wrapped or unwrapped
Individual wrapping is a separate decision, though the sleeve runs slightly longer than the straw, and that difference shows up in storage and carton calculations.
Frequently asked
- Are longer lengths possible?
- Non-standard lengths are assessed against the production plan. Standard lengths carry shorter lead times.
- Does diameter vary too?
- Thick drinks such as smoothies and bubble tea need a wider bore, which is a separate choice.
Last updated: 2026-09-13