The best reusable coffee cups and travel mugs

Most coffee shops will give you a discount if you bring in a reusable coffee cup, as it reduces the number of takeaway cups that end up in landfill. Disposable coffee cups can’t be recycled with paper and cardboard, because they have a plastic inner coating. Given that Britons drink almost 100 million cups of coffee per day (according to the British Coffee Association), that’s a lot of waste.

One way to reduce your footprint is by investing in one of the best reusable coffee cups or travel mugs (some of which double as reusable water bottles). Costing between £5 and £40, they come in a range of materials, shapes and sizes. Often, the coffee tastes better than in the cardboard-plastic cups. Plus if you make your brew in a coffee machine at home, you can take it on the go. 

The best reusable coffee cups: At a glance:

How to choose a reusable coffee cup

We like a stainless steel, leak-proof cup that holds under 500ml – compact enough to be tossed into a work bag or carried on a morning commute without fear of leaks or bulk. Of course, personal preference plays a big part in choosing the right reusable coffee cup.

The market now offers an impressive range of sustainable options, with most falling into two broad categories. The first includes cups with thermal linings that keep coffee hot for hours, ideal for those who sip slowly throughout the day or face long journeys between refills.

The second type lacks insulation, meaning the coffee needs to be enjoyed relatively quickly, much like a traditional mug or takeaway cup. The latter are typically cheaper and lighter, and many coffee lovers argue they provide a better drinking experience since the liquid cools to a comfortable temperature more quickly.

How we test reusable coffee cups