Review Update – January 2026
When we first tried the Huskee Cup, we genuinely thought it was a clever, eco-friendly solution. The idea of turning coffee husks into a reusable cup seemed like a win. But after using it for longer, and hearing from readers, we’ve had to completely change our recommendation. This is now a “Do Not Buy” for us. We’re leaving our original impressions below for transparency, but here’s why we no longer support it.
Why We Changed Our Mind
At first, the design felt sturdy and stylish. But the more we used the cups, the more the flaws showed up:
- Hard to recycle. The cup is made from a composite of plastic and coffee husk. That sounds sustainable, but in reality it makes recycling harder. One of our readers, an engineer in plastic reclamation, put it bluntly: mixing biodegradable material with non-biodegradable plastic makes proper recycling almost impossible.
- Drinks went cold. We noticed our coffee didn’t stay hot for long. For a daily reusable cup, that’s a dealbreaker.
- Leaking issues. Despite having a lid, the cup still leaks. Not ideal when you’re carrying it in a bag or car.
A reader even emailed us with a strong warning, calling the Huskee Cup a “cynical attempt to profit on the eco bandwagon.” After digging deeper, we have to agree.
Our Verdict: ❌ Do Not Buy
We no longer recommend the Huskee Cup. While the marketing is polished, we found the product doesn’t live up to its eco-friendly claims or to basic performance needs.
What We Use Instead: ✅ LARS NYSØM Thermo Coffee Mug
We’ve since switched to the LARS NYSØM Thermo Coffee Mug, and it’s been a huge improvement:
- Keeps drinks hot for hours thanks to double-wall insulation.
- Doesn’t leak, the seal has been reliable, even when thrown in a bag.
- Durable stainless steel build that can actually be recycled at end of life.
- Sleek minimalist design (we like that it feels more like a proper thermos than a gimmick).
This is now our daily go-to mug, and it’s the one we’d recommend to anyone looking for a truly sustainable, practical alternative.
Our Original Review (Archived for Transparency)
(This section reflects our first impressions when we tested the Huskee Cup. We’re leaving it here so readers can see our full journey, but our updated view above is what we stand by today.)
My Honest Huskee Cup Review
Huskee Cup is a leading brand in sustainable coffee cups. Their innovative solution repurposes waste coffee grounds to create durable, reusable cups.
The company is dedicated to reducing waste, and its HuskeeSwap and HuskeeLoop programs promote a closed-loop system to ensure that no cups end up in landfills.
Huskee is also a Certified B-Corporation with an outstanding B impact score of 81.
In this Huskee Cup review, we will examine the unique features in detail and evaluate its overall value. We will take a closer look at the design and materials used to create the cup and its durability and ease of use.
Filling our cup with a hot brew from the coffee machine
The Problem with Single-Use Coffee Cups
Single-use or disposable cups have become a common sight in today’s society. The convenience of grabbing a cup of coffee on the go has led to a significant increase in the consumption of disposable cups. However, just because a cup is labeled as compostable does not mean it is the most environmentally friendly option.
While compostable cups may seem more environmentally friendly, they still require specific conditions to break down and have an environmental impact. The best way to reduce waste is to avoid using single-use cups altogether.
By choosing to use reusable coffee cups, you are taking a step towards a more sustainable lifestyle and reducing your environmental impact.
Huskee Cup in Detail
The specially designed fins provide a comfortable grip, making it easy to hold and drink from.
Lid ventilation ensures ideal pour rate.
The cup base features the hill and valley locking system, designed for use with their saucer.
Huskee Cup Features
There are several features of the cup that I would like to share with you.
12oz and 8oz Charcoal Huskee Cups
Various Cup Sizes Available
HuskeeCup offers a range of sizes, including 3oz, 6oz, 8oz, 12oz, and 16oz.
To cater to the most common cup sizes at regular coffee shops, we have chosen the 8oz and 12oz sizes.
To help you make a decision, 8oz is equivalent to a Short size at Starbucks, while 12oz is equivalent to a Tall size.
Made Using Coffee Husk Waste
These cups are manufactured using a unique and sustainable material: recycled coffee husk waste. This material is derived from the coffee milling process, where large quantities are discarded as a byproduct.
Because of the high volume of coffee produced annually, thousands of tonnes of this waste material is generated yearly. Using this material is a great way to repurpose them and reduce waste.
While the cup primarily uses recycled coffee waste to manufacture the cup, it also contains some non-compostable and non-biodegradable polypropylene. The addition of this material is to increase the durability of the cups. Despite this, the company’s HuskeeLoop program ensures that the cups are repurposed at the end of their useful life and do not end up in landfills.
Designed to Stack Neatly
One of the unique design features is their stackability, resulting from the lack of handles on the cups. This allows you to save space when incorporating them in your household.
It doesn’t matter which size of cup you choose. They are all designed to fit snugly on top of one another, making storage more organized and efficient.
Unique Heat Fins
One of my favorite features of the cups is their unique fin design. These fins not only add a visually appealing aesthetic to the cup but also serve a practical purpose.
The fins not only provide exceptional insulation but also allow you to comfortably hold the cup without burning your hands, even when it contains a hot beverages.
Huskee Cups are great when it comes to stackability.
Universal Saucer and Lid
Huskee offers a universal saucer and lid design, allowing maximum flexibility in use. Whether you use your cup at home or on the go, the saucer and lid can be used with all sizes of cups, eliminating the need to purchase multiple accessories.
This means that even if you buy different sizes of cups, you can still use the same saucer and lid for all of them. This simplicity in design is an innovative and practical feature that provides added convenience for you.
Available in Natural and Charcoal Colors
The cup comes in two natural and minimalist colors: the natural color of the husk and a charcoal color.
These limited color options make it easy for Huskee to sort and recycle at the end of their lifespan.
HuskeeSwap App
HuskeeSwap App
The program allows you to bring your cup and lid in any size to participating cafes and exchange it for fresh, clean cups.
To take advantage of the program, you need to download the HuskeeSwap App, which lists all the coffee shops participating in your area. Once at the shop, hand over your used cup and lid to the barista and you will receive a fresh one in exchange.
This program benefits both the customers and coffee shops, as it allows the transition away from single-use cups.
HuskeeLoop Program
Just like any other product, the cups have a lifespan and will eventually reach the end of their useful life. While they are designed to be durable and last for many years, they still subject to normal wear and tear.
When your old cups are no longer usable, they can be dropped off at designated HuskeeSwap locations. They will be returned to Huskee for proper disposal.
This end-of-life recycling program is incredibly convenient because the cups may not be recyclable through standard recycling streams. The program ensures that the cups are appropriately collected and repurposed instead of ending up in landfills.
Huskee will then collect the used cups and repurpose them into new products called the HuskeeLoop range, keeping the waste out of landfills and the material in a closed loop.
Positives and Negatives
There are the pros and cons of Huskee Cups that I find:
Positives
- Partially made from recycled coffee husk: which is a by-product of coffee production, thus reducing waste in the environment.
- Durable and long lasting: These cups are durable and made to last for several years reducing the need for constant replacement.
- Unique design and stylish: The unique fin design not only ensures a comfortable grip but also provides added insulation.
- Sustainable programs: HuskeeSwap and HuskeeLoop program for exchanging and recycling used cups
- Various sizes available: They are available in various sizes to fit different needs.
- Universal saucer and lid: The saucer and lids can be used for all cup sizes makes it very convenient.
- Stackable design: The lack of handle makes them stackable which saves space and makes storage more efficient.
Negatives
- Contains plastic: One potential downside is that they contain some amount of plastic. However, it’s worth noting that the amount of plastic used is minimized, and through the HuskeeLoop program, these cups are repurposed at the end of their life, keeping them out of landfills.
- Not insulated: The cups are not insulated, so they may not keep drinks hot for an extended period of time. If you are looking for a cup that holds heat for a long time, this may not be suitable for you.
- Not available in multiple colors: The Huskee Cups are only available in the natural color of the husk and charcoal color.
- Not recyclable in standard streams: The cups are not recyclable in your local recycling centre. However, at the end of its useful life, you can return your cup back to Huskee so they can repurpose it into new product.
Wrapping Up
While the idea of a reusable cup made from coffee husks felt promising, it did not perform well in real use. It was difficult to recycle, it did not retain heat effectively and it was prone to leaking.
We now use the LARS NYSØM Thermo Coffee Mug instead, which offers better insulation and a more reliable everyday experience.
A full review of that option is on the way.
Huskee Cups FAQ
Are Huskee Cups dishwashers safe?
Yes, Huskee Cups are dishwasher friendly. However, we only hand wash our cups at home to extend the lifespan of our cups.
Are Huskee Cups insulated?
No, Huskee Cups are not insulated. If heat retention is a priority for you, the Huskee Cup may not be the best fit as it is not insulated.
Are Huskee Cups recyclable?
Huskee Cups are made of a composite material, meaning they may not be recyclable through standard recycling streams. That’s why Huskee has the end-of-life program HuskeeLoop, which repurposes used cups and turns them into new products.
Hi! Thank you for your review! You recommend LARS NYSØM Thermo Coffee Mug
can you tell me; is this mug stackable?
Hi Daisy, Glad you liked the review!
We think the LARS NYSØM Thermo Coffee Mug is stackable as they get thinner at the bottom, but it isn’t something we have tried.
We are currently apart, so can’t test it, but will when we can, will let you know!
Thank you for reading.
Hi Daisy. We have checked and can confirm the Lars Nysom Thermo Coffee Mug is fully stackable!