What’s New In Sustainable Dining – Edible, Biodegradable Tableware

From edible wafer cups to wheat bran plates, Stroodles is reshaping the hospitality industry with innovative tableware solutions that offer more than just sustainability

17 October 2024

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Imagine handing your guests a piping hot coffee served in a wafer cup they can eat — no waste, no hassle, just a distinct addition to their coffee experience. This is just one of the many innovations from UK-based Stroodles, a company reimagining how sustainability can be woven into every guest interaction.

MagdalenaMaLuPhotography for Stroodles

What Are Stroodles?

Initially known for their edible pasta straws launched in 2019, Stroodles has since expanded its product range to include edible wheat bran plates and bowls, biscuit-based spoons and stirrers, and versatile wafer cups designed to integrate into a variety of food and drink experiences, from cocktails to desserts and even full meals.

“Our products come at a slight premium but offer more than just functionality,” explains Maxim Gelmann, Chief Stroodler and Founder. “We help educate about sustainability and inspire [people] to see how easy and fun the topic can be.

Stroodles Pastra Straws | Photo Credit: Stroodles

Stroodles’ Product Range

  • Spoons and Stirrers: Stroodles’ vegan spoons, made from biscuits, have a one-hour use time for cold dishes and 30 minutes for hot. Available in oat flavour or a gluten-free chocolate version, they’re perfect for desserts and ice creams, with savoury options like pepper and masala for heartier meals. Their coffee stirrers are gluten-free, vegan, and edible, offering a tasty and eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic stirrers.
  • Plates and Bowls: Made from wheat bran (similar in taste to Ryvita), these plates and bowls are sturdy enough for both hot and cold dishes. Fully biodegradable, vegan, and compostable within 30 days, they provide a sustainable option that doesn’t compromise on practicality.
  • Cups: Stroodles’ wafer cups, available in 110ml and 220ml sizes, are heat-resistant up to 85°C and hold their structure for at least 40 minutes. They don’t transfer heat or alter the taste of the beverage, making them ideal for hot drinks, cocktails, or even desserts.

Better Than Paper and Bamboo

Durability is often a concern with biodegradable alternatives.

Paper straws become soggy, and wooden cutlery can leave an unpleasant taste. While bamboo products are durable, they aren’t edible and take two to six months to break down. Stroodles has created a solution by using pasta, biscuits, and wheat bran.

“With Stroodles, you don’t have to compromise on the food and drink experience,” says Maxim. “Our straws are made from pasta, and our spoons are biscuits, so they decompose just like any food product.” Their wheat bran plates and bowls remain crisp for up to 12 hours and compost naturally within 30 days, offering a compelling alternative to both single-use plastics and other biodegradable options like cornstarch, which often requires industrial composting.

The Cost Factor

While Stroodles products are typically around 30% more expensive than plastic alternatives, the company is not simply providing a replacement. “With us, it is not a like-for-like replacement,” shares Maxim. “We are not there to replace, say, a plate or cup. We are there to offer a food and drink experience and hence push for the tableware to be used as an integral part of the food item.”

By focusing on enhancing the guest experience rather than purely on cost, Stroodles creates an opportunity for venues to differentiate themselves through interaction and sustainability. This approach has attracted a wide range of clients, including institutions such as the NHS and Marriott Group.

 “We usually offer a lot of support with how to get the [sustainability] message across to end users” shares Maxim. “We cracked the tone of voice of sustainability communication and so are helping customers – in their communication and spreading the message in a fun way.”

Photo credit: MagdalenaMaLuPhotography for Stroodles

Future Innovations

As the global biodegradable disposable tableware market is expected to reach US$22.7 billion by 2034, Stroodles continues to expand its product line. Plans include the launch of dissolvable carrier bags and napkins made from materials that break down in hot water at 85°C. Additionally, the company is exploring further uses for rice-based materials and expanding its gluten-based cutlery offerings.

Photo credit: Stroodles

As sustainability becomes a business imperative, Stroodles is helping venues put their money where their mouth is — quite literally. For restaurants, bars, and hotels aiming to reduce their environmental impact, Stroodles offers more than just functional, edible tableware. Their products invite guests to engage with sustainability tangibly, transforming dining experiences with a zero-waste twist, without sacrificing quality or responsibility.

Author: Charlene Fang

Charlene Fang is a US-based writer, editor and content strategist. Originally from Singapore, she writes for lifestyle and travel publications such as Condé Nast Traveler, AFAR, Forbes Travel Guide and Louis Vuitton Guides and was previously an editor at CNNGO and Time Out. View her portfolio at www.charlenefang.co

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