We Tested the Best Reusable Iced Coffee Cups to Take on the Go

How We Tested Iced Coffee Cups

We purchased and tested more than a dozen reusable iced coffee cups to provide an accurate assessment of the best options available today. Our testing team measured how long the cups kept beverages cold, gauged the durability of the materials, and took the cups outside the house to see what it was like using them while on the go. The majority of iced coffee cups were also tested side by side in our Lab. Each cup was then given a one to five rating on its design, size, functionality, effectiveness, and overall value so that we could narrow down the list above.

Other Options We Tested

• Soma Brew Bottle: The Soma Brew Bottle is a unique option because it's a two-in-one mug and brewing device. Unfortunately, the glass body broke during the testing process, so durability concerns are the main reason it can't be confidently recommended.
• Ello Campy Stainless Steel Travel Mug: One too many shortcomings prevent us from including the Ello Campy Mug on this list. Our product tester found that the paint can chip easily; plus, the lid is hard to clean and the mug itself is too large for some cupholders. There are still several positives, however, like its rustic aesthetic, large capacity, and sturdy handle.

What to Look for in a Reusable Iced Coffee Cup

Size

One of the first decisions to make before buying a reusable iced coffee cup is what size you want. Some people prefer larger bottles because they don't need to be refilled as often; others prefer smaller ones that can fit in bags, backpacks, and purses. Think about how much coffee (or other beverages) you drink in a day and then choose the size that works best for you.

Lid Style

Do you want a lid that makes it easy to sip while on the go? Or do you prefer using a straw? How important is it for an iced coffee cup to be leakproof? Questions like these will help you choose between flip lids and trigger-action lids (great for walking and driving), twist lids (the most secure), or bottles that come with straws.

Leakproof

Fortunately, it's quite easy to find iced coffee cups that are entirely leakproof. Whether you're walking to class, going on a hike, or simply making your daily commute, it's easier to transport a reusable cup if you can throw it into your bag. Make sure to read customer reviews beforehand, however, as some items advertised as leakproof may not actually be up to the task.

Material

Stainless steel and plastic are the two most common materials a reusable iced coffee cup comes in. Steel is certainly more durable, whereas plastic is a little lighter and easier to carry in a bag or backpack. You can't go wrong either way, but there are subtle differences between the two. One of the most common types of stainless steel used in drinkware is 18/8 stainless steel. Graham Nearn of the Stanley brand tells us it means the steel is made from 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel. It's a popular option because it's "food-grade, durable, and resistant to corrosion."

FAQs

How do I clean my reusable iced coffee cup?

For most reusable iced coffee cups, a simple daily cleaning only requires scrubbing with dish soap and a sponge or gentle brush. Avoid using steel wool brushes and harsh household cleaners on stainless steel. For a more thorough clean, allow a solution of vinegar and baking soda to soak inside the mug for several minutes, then rinse and clean with dish soap before using again. It’s worth consulting the product details or instruction manual provided with your reusable iced coffee cup to see if it is dishwasher-safe. This is a common benefit of glass and plastic mugs but not always stainless steel. If your reusable iced coffee cup isn’t dishwasher-safe, don’t worry. Cleaning is still quite easy.

What is a vacuum-insulated mug?

The phrase “vacuum-insulated” pops up all over the place when searching for reusable coffee cups and mugs. It’s also commonly used with another phrase: “double-walled.” Both labels denote that a reusable coffee cup is built with two different layers, an inner wall and outer wall, and that the space between the layers is partially evacuated of air, creating a vacuum. This design allows drinks to retain their temperature for a longer period of time because they are less exposed to outside air.

Regarding temperature retention, we asked an expert what it means when a cup can supposedly keep coffee "cold" for a certain number of hours. Graham Nearn is the Senior Vice President of Product Creation & Design for PMI Worldwide and oversees the Stanley brand. While he didn't speak to other brands' regulations, he told us that Stanley considers a drink hot if it's between 140 to 203 degrees and cold if it falls between 39 and 50 degrees.

Can I put milk in a reusable coffee cup?

The short answer is yes, you can add milk or creamer to your coffee in a reusable iced coffee cup. Storing dairy products at warm temperatures can lead to bacteria growth, however, especially if the coffee mug is not cleaned properly afterward, so if you do add milk, make sure it’s only in the mug for a short amount of time and that the mug is cleaned thoroughly after drinking. Check if the manufacturer advises against adding milk or has any recommendations for cleaning afterwards too.

Can I put hot coffee in a reusable iced coffee cup?

The answer to this question is almost always yes. Most products labeled as "iced coffee cups" are suitable for hot coffee too. One of the few reasons a travel cup wouldn't work for hot coffee is if the material it's made from can't withstand the temperature, but that's unlikely, even with glass. The only other thing to keep in mind is that some reusable iced coffee cups can't be put in the microwave, especially if they are made with steel.

What’s the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?

Iced coffee and cold brew are different in the way they are prepared and in overall taste. Traditional iced coffee is made by brewing coffee hot first and then chilling it with ice afterward. Cold brew, on the other hand, is made by steeping coffee beans in nothing but cold water for several hours. This makes cold brew smoother in taste, lower in acidity, and able to stay fresh for a much longer period of time than iced coffee.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This piece was written by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of coffee products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. To select these products, he read customer reviews and third-party articles, and he researched what items best insulate beverages. He received an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University and a BA in Communications from Marist College.

Sources

Graham Nearn, the Senior Vice President of Product Creation & Design for PMI Worldwide, was interviewed for this piece. He oversees the Stanley brand, which has manufactured vacuum flasks and more since 1913.