Whether you're into iced coffee, matcha lattes or straight up builders tea — travel mugs are the way forward when you're on the move. Both environmentally and cost-friendly, travel mugs tick all the boxes and there are lots of stylishly designed British-made options to choose from, combining sustainability and flair.
Travel mugs are invaluable for the daily commute, taking hot or cold drinks on long journeys, or to enjoy on a nature walk. There are a few things to consider to ensure you get the perfect mug — such as insulation, leakproof abilities, and size — but we're sure you'll find one amongst our picks from Amazon, eBay, John Lewis and ASOS that'll be just your cup of tea!
Quick List - Top Travel Mugs
Circular&Co.
A Planet-Friendly Choice Promising 10 Years of Use
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Stainless steel is a solid choice if retaining a hot or cold temperature for as long as possible is a high priority in your purchase. Steel is the best at thermal insulation, particularly if you choose a double-walled travel mug, which can insulate for anywhere between 4 and 6 hours. However, consider how lightweight it needs to be as many options can be large or cumbersome.
Also, go for high quality, food-grade stainless steel which prevents bacteria growth and minimises any unwanted tastes. Overall, steel travel mugs can last a long time and are very hardwearing, which is great for both the environment and your pocket!
Check out our article on steel tumblers for more sturdy and sustainable options!
Glass is not only an environmentally-friendly option but a healthy choice too. Of all the possible materials — glass tends to maintain the purest flavour, works well for hot or cold beverages and doesn't absorb odour or taste.
You'll want to check that your choice is as lightweight as possible while also being shatterproof so that it's convenient to use and travels well. You may also prefer to choose glass that can be recycled at the end of its lifespan, such as soda-lime glass.
Would you like a matching glass water bottle to go with your travel mug?
These days there are many options for eco-friendly mugs made from naturally derived materials to choose from. Bamboo is very popular, however, there are some future-forward cups made from 100% recycled single-use paper coffee cups for a very eco-conscious choice.
Travel mugs made from natural materials are known to erode over time, and therefore may not be a 'lifetime' option. Though many of the high-end products do claim to last at least 10 years if you're happy to spend slightly more.
However, the cheap cost of most mugs made of natural materials means it isn't too big a deal to replace them after a few years, and they're usually biodegradable, too. You can also look for those used in combination with hardier materials like stainless steel for the best of both worlds.
Take a look at the top-rated reusable coffee cups while you're here.
We now know some materials are better than others when it comes to insulation, but it's also worth looking out for a double-walled mug, which will keep your drink at the desired temperature for longer.
As well as keeping the heat in, there's also the important consideration of choosing a cup that doesn't burn your hands on the outside. A handled mug provides a comfortable grip, but if you want a design that fits in coffee holders and doesn't take up as much space, go for one with a grip band (which also doubles up as extra insulation!)
Glass can really feel the heat, but a cup that has either a silicone or cork band is the perfect solution for your hands. The wider the band, the more efficient it'll be at both protection and insulation.
Getting the right type of lid is more of a big deal than you might think. You can choose a very secure, leakproof lid, but if it's so hard to open that it causes spillages then you may end up wondering if it was worth it!
Decide whether you need a completely leakproof closure that can be thrown into a backpack or handbag with full reassurance, or something more simple — some cups boast 360-degree lids that you can drink from on any side, whereas others just have a drip-proof clasp.
For the real coffee lovers out there, shape and size can really make or break a purchase. When it comes to barista-standard sizing — an 8oz cup is the best for a flat white, a long black or other short drinks, whereas a latte, mocha or cappuccino would fit better in a 12oz cup.
Following this sizing not only means you can enjoy your favourite drinks to the fullest when travelling, but it also means your mug will fit under any coffee machine, scoring you points with your local barista in the process!
However, if "the bigger the better" is more your kind of motto for a day out, a hike, or a long journey — you may also want to consider whether your cup of choice will fit comfortably into your bag, your hand and if you drive, your cupholder.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Neon Kactus Double-Walled Stainless Steel Coffee Cup | ![]() | The Best Coffee Mug With a Low Carbon Footprint | |
2 | Circular&Co. Recyclable Reusable Leak-Proof Circular Cup | ![]() | A Planet-Friendly Choice Promising 10 Years of Use | |
3 | Thermos GTB Stainless King Travel Mug | ![]() | Fully Leakproof, Well Insulated and Perfect for All-Day Travel | |
4 | Le Creuset Stainless Steel Travel Mug | ![]() | A Beautifully Designed Option That's Built to Last | |
5 | bru Reusable Coffee Cup | ![]() | A Chic, British-Made Mug for Your Morning Cafe Pilgrimage | |
6 | Thermos ThermoCafé Translucent Desk Mug | ![]() | A Desk-Friendly Update on the Classic Thermos | |
7 | TruBamboo Premium Bamboo and Stainless Steel Tumbler | ![]() | A Big, Sturdy Tumbler Made for Outdoor Adventures | |
8 | Contigo Autoseal Thermal Mug | ![]() | A 100% Leakproof Flask You Can Stow in a Bag | |
9 | KeepCup Cork Brew Reusable 8oz Glass Coffee Cup/Travel Mug | ![]() | The Barista-Standard Choice for the Commute | |
10 | Artlive Double Walled Travel Mug | ![]() | A Great Value Pick for 6 Hours of Hot Coffee |
This cup by Neon Kactus is made from 304 grade double walled stainless steel, which promises to insulate hot drinks for up to 6 hours and cold drinks for up to 12. Not only that, but it comes in a range of colours to suit anybody's aesthetic.
The cup made of recycled materials, which ensures a low carbon footprint. As if that wasn't enough, Neon Cactus have promised that for every cup sold, they'll plant a tree in the rainforest! Although this cup is limited in sizing options, we'd say it's perfect for any eco-warrior looking to carry their coffee in style!
Exceptionally stylish with top-class eco-credentials, the Circular Cup (formerly the rCup) is the world's first reusable travel mug made from recycled single-use paper coffee cups. Boasting at least 10 years of use, the cup itself is then fully recyclable too and is even dishwasher-safe.
Leakproof and fully insulated, it can keep your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold for over an hour, even in your bag! Its well-designed lid makes it easy and comfortable to drink from using just one hand. Convenient and chic!
If thermal insulation is your highest priority in a travel mug and you love a splash of colour — Thermos GTB have got you all fixed up. This mug has the ability to keep your drink hot for up to seven hours or cold for up to eighteen hours.
Made from vacuum-insulated stainless steel and plastic ergonomic handle, it's also fully leakproof so can be throw in a backpack. A very sturdy travel mug, it is also surprisingly slim and fits into bags and cup holders easily.
If you've ever lusted after Le Creuset's signature range of kitchenware, you'll love this well-insulated travel mug. Coming in a range of gorgeous Le Creuset colours and featuring the brand's three stripes, it doesn't only look great but it is also very practical.
Vacuum-sealed, it's made of double-walled stainless steel to keep drinks hot or cold for longer. It has some other handy features, such as a silicone ring on the base to keep the mug stable and a heat-resistant screw-top lid that locks to stop leaks.
A cool mug from an even cooler company — the smooth, curved design on this beauty makes you feel like you're at home wherever you are. It's also robust, double-walled, and vacuum insulated, as well as being long-lasting and shatterproof!
Made for those who love design and the daily cafe pilgrimage, it fits perfectly under coffee machines whilst still being a good size for travel. Coming in a range of colours, you'll love this eco-friendly cup from a UK-based family start-up.
Reminiscent of '90's camping trips with a nostalgic outdoorsy feel — the ThermoCafé is not only practical but feels like a cool update on the regular Thermos, and is available in plenty of fun colours.
The handle makes it cosy yet convenient to use on the go or in the car, and the splash-resistant lid twists open to allow easy drinking without spillage. Its double-walled insulation keeps your drinks at the right temperature, and it's safe for dishwasher use, too.
This big, sturdy mug by TruBamboo is great for longer travel times or sustained periods of time outside. It's unscrewable base is the perfect space to store teabags, extra coffee grounds, or other small valuable items.
It's BPA-free, made from 100% organic bamboo and food-grade stainless steel, which makes it extremely resistant to bacteria, stains, and odours. Its triple-walled technology keeps drinks hot for up to twelve hours, or cold for twenty-four hours. It also comes with a built in tea strainer to make drinks on the go!
With its autoseal technology and thermalock vacuum insulation, this is the Terminator of the travel mug world! If being able to safely stow your drink into your bag without it ever spilling while making sure it stays perfectly hot or cold are your biggest concerns — this is the one for you.
It's a great size for a big latte or iced drink, or for when you want to have a drink with you all day. Plus, its pop-up lid is not only super secure but also very pleasant to drink from. With a utilitarian design, it's definitely more functional than stylish though.
One of two KeepCup picks, this reusable glass cup has been specifically designed for specialty coffee drinkers. It's made to fit under coffee machines with barista-standard sizing, and this 8oz cup is perfect for a flat white, long black or a matcha latte!
A great eco option — it's made from toughened glass, non-toxic plastic, and sustainable cork from wine industry waste products. However, the lid isn't secure enough to put in a bag when full and drinks only stay hot or cold for a short time, so it's best for casual walks and shorter trips.
This travel mug's greatest superpower is its temperature retention abilities. It can keep drinks hot or cold for an amazing six hours! Made with food-grade stainless steel for durability and health, it also has a leakproof lid.
A steal at just over a tenner, this cup has all of the practical functions needed. However, the lid isn't as durable as some and once it breaks the cup would need to be replaced. So with all things considered, it may be better for occasional use like day trips or picnics rather than a long-term investment.
No. 1: Neon Kactus|Double-Walled Stainless Steel Coffee Cup
No. 2: Circular&Co.|Recyclable Reusable Leak-Proof Circular Cup
No. 3: Thermos GTB|Stainless King Travel Mug
No. 4: Le Creuset|Stainless Steel Travel Mug
No. 5: bru|Reusable Coffee Cup
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