do the rice thing.^®

Alrize straws are 70% rice flour, 30% tapioca starch and natural fruit and veggie-based dyes, like beetroot (purple), malamar spinach/basella alba (green), black sesame (grey), carrot (orange and yellow, available soon) and of course, natural white rice (white). They also contain trace amounts of potassium sorbate and pentasodium triphosphate, to help retain their shape and prevent spoilage.

Alrize straws are FDA approved and have been assessed and registered by Intertek as conforming to the requirements of ISO 22000:2005.

It’s a lot like using a plastic one, with some minor differences. Alrize straws are about the same length and diameter of standard-size straws and bubble tea straws. Since they are made of rice and tapioca, they are 100% gluten-free. Some people report a very subtle rice flavor when drinking water with an Alrize straw. (Others do not notice it at all, especially when enjoying flavored drinks.)

Since Alrize straws are made of natural ingredients, they may crack and soften up in liquid, which makes them ideal for composting.

While we would love for everyone on earth to use Alrize, at this time our product may not be suitable for people who require a bendable straw in their drink (We’re working on it though).

Also, since Alrize straws are made of natural ingredients, they may crack if used for extended periods of time, or if they are dropped or bitten. This makes them great for composting, but not ideal for babies, young children, or adults who like to chew their straws!

Vietnam, a country that knows a thing or two about the plastic problem.

The story begins with Sandra taking time off work to travel around South America, Oceania and Asia. On her travels, she was inspired to venture out of her role as a portfolio manager in NYC and look for opportunities in her hometown of Ho Chi Minh City. In the summer 2019, Sandra took the plunge and moved back to Vietnam. Once there, Sandra noticed that Vietnamese businesses were increasingly handing out rice straws instead of plastic ones; she was intrigued.

The novel concept of creating straws from rice, a common ingredient in all Vietnamese cuisine, was the beginning of an idea. Enlisting the help of four dedicated cousins in the US and Vietnam, this family-run business leverages a diverse blend of professional expertise to manufacture, export and market the straws.

This is the beginning, and where our story goes depends on whether the world is ready to make the switch from plastic to rice… because Alrize is ready!

Because humans dispose of hundreds of millions plastic straws daily. Our oceans and landfills are literally awash in plastic—harming animals and ecosystems. And while some cities and nations have begun banning single-use plastic products, we still have a long way to go. In short, we’re concerned for our planet’s future, and we’re not alone.

It’s up to individuals like us to reduce or eliminate these products from our lives and choose more sustainable options. Luckily, these options are now within reach, starting with Alrize drinking straws.

Absolutely! Skipping the straw is the best way to combat the problem. But if you’re unable to enjoy a drink without one, reach for a straw that will naturally biodegrade in about 3 months. Do the rice thing.®

Keep them in a cool, dry, insect-free place. Use within 18 months of product date.