The Real History of Straws:

The Truth They Tried to Erase

 

Before Plastic. Before Paper. There Was Only One Straw.

For centuries, the only drinking straws in existence were made from natural grasses. Farmers, bartenders, and everyday people used them because they were strong, functional, and compostable—exactly as nature intended.

But then, something changed.

In 1888, an American named Marvin Stone patented the first paper straw—and within decades, natural straws had all but disappeared from bars, homes, and restaurants. Why? Not because they failed—but because they were deliberately replaced.

The Corporate Push to Kill the Prairie Straw

Ever heard the myth that Ryegrass Straws go mushy? Well that's the lie they put forth to switch socialites to a factory made straw over the original farm grown straw. 

Marvin Stone wasn’t just some humble innovator looking to solve a problem—he was part of a much bigger industrial push.

✔ He worked for a cigarette company – Stone was in the business of making rolled paper products. The paper straw wasn’t a revolutionary idea—it was just an extension of the industrial cigarette rolling process.

✔ Paper manufacturers saw an opportunity – Natural straws cost nothing—they grew in fields, could be harvested, and were infinitely renewable. Paper straws, however, created a new market for disposable goods.

✔ Farmers and country folk were discredited – During industrialization, city elites painted rural lifestyles as outdated—this applied to food, drinks, and even something as simple as a drinking straw. Using grass straws became “low-class” while paper straws were seen as “modern.”

 ✔ The cigarette industry benefitted – Think about it: Sipping a cocktail through a straw is an alternative to smoking. By pushing paper products over natural ones, industrialists ensured that cigarettes remained the dominant paper-rolled product.

But Did Ryegrass Straws Actually Fail?

No. They never failed. That’s just the story you were told.

Prairie grass straws are naturally strong, naturally hollow, and completely biodegradable. The only reason they “fell out of favor” is because big industry wanted to replace them with a product they could control, patent, and profit from.

And that’s why we’re bringing them back.

Bringing Back the Real Straw – The One They Tried to Erase

✔ Our prairie grass straws are hand-cut, just like they were before industrialization.
✔ No chemicals, no coatings, no artificial processing. Just pure, natural drinking the way it was meant to be.
✔ Every sip is a stand against corporate-driven misinformation. This isn’t a new idea—it’s the original.
✔ Sustainable, compostable, and farm-to-bar authentic. We’re not re-inventing history—we’re restoring it.

Want to Experience What They Took Away?

Try a real straw. Not plastic. Not paper. Just straw.

🌾 Prairie Grass Straws – The Original Drinking Straw