Confronting Various Quality Perspectives of Paper Straws—Case Study with Generation Z

This article provides answers to the question of how Generation Z perceives various quality characteristics in connection with paper straws. The aim of this study was to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of paper straws from three perspectives: intrinsic quality characteristics, sensory perception, and physical characteristics. A total of 215 young adults and 65 students aged up to 27 years took part in the field study and sensory analysis, respectively. The field survey revealed that Serbian Gen Z prefers and expects paper straws do not contribute to the flavor of the drink, have a rounded and dull edge, and not change their shape when dipped into the drink. The sensory panel was formed by selecting students based on the results of several sensory screening tests conducted in the initial phase. Sensory testing for the difference showed that the impact of paper straws of different diameters on flavor was limited, although it was confirmed that artificial saliva could easily coat the surfaces and penetrate the layers of the paper straws, resulting in a significant loss of firmness and a greater potential to adhere to the lips. No effects were found on the sweetness, sourness, pungency, and overall flavor of the soft drink. Viscosity was the only attribute that was affected. The soft drink was perceived as more viscous when using the narrower straw than when using the larger diameter straws. Artificial saliva and water were the liquids that had the greatest influence on the loss of firmness of the soaked straws. After 20 min of exposure to most of the liquids tested, the paper straws were found to lose over 75% of their firmness. Paper straws are more sustainable and have the potential to completely replace plastic straws. However, their physical properties, especially firmness, need to be further improved, considering that they can be soaked in liquids for more than 20 min when consuming various beverages.