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.”
