Reel Toilet Paper Review: Is This Sustainable Toilet Paper Worth It?
I tried Reel toilet paper for a whole month and these are my key takeaways.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, but only if you don’t mind the rough texture.
Reel toilet paper is by far the most absorbent toilet paper I’ve used! I don’t need to use much each time so each roll lasts me such a long time. The paper is thick too so it doesn’t break easily. It’s definitely not the softest toilet paper I’ve tried but it’s also not completely rough. I will buy it again!
The Good
- Really thick and highly absorbent
- Made from 100% bamboo which means it breaks down easily
- Layers do not separate easily
- 100% plastic-free, even the packaging
- Septic-tank safe
- Looks very aesthetically pleasing on display
Considerations
- Has a rougher texture than most other toilet paper
- For a 24-roll pack, it costs on average $15 USD more than conventional brands like Charmin and Quilted Northern
- Only comes in a pack of 24 or 48
What I think of Reel toilet paper
The Texture
My first impression of this was – “wow, this toilet paper is harder than I expected”. But my second thought was –“the thickness and high absorbency totally makes up for it”.
Even though it’s a bit rougher, it still has some softness to it. It’s definitely not going to hurt when you glide it against your skin. The top side is smooth and the bottom is slightly rougher. On the bottom side, you can feel the texture which I surprisingly like. The pattern of the texture is shaped like small rice grains.
I like that every time I tear a piece out, it tears evenly. It doesn’t feel like I waste any bit of it.
The Cost
- A pack of 24 mega Reel rolls is $43.99
- A pack of 48 mega Reel rolls is $69.99
- Option to save by subscribing to save 16%
- I found a discount code AFFILIATE20 which gives you 20% off.
I compared the cost of a 24-pack of 3-ply toilet papers from Charmin and Quilted Northern. Charmin cost around $27 and Quilted Northern was $30.
I read a source that said each person uses at least 8 rolls of toilet paper per month. So let’s do the calculations.
- Reel 24pk cost: $175 per year (without discount), $148 per year (with discount)
- Charmin 24pk cost: $108 per year
- Quilted Northern 14pk cost: $120 per year
Bottom Line: When you look at it this way, Reel costs $40 more per year if I subscribe. I get even more savings if I use their discount code. Just speaking for myself, but I’d be willing to pay that amount to go green.
Sustainability
They use 100% bamboo. Why is cutting down bamboo better than cutting down trees? It’s because it produces much less carbon emissions. The bamboo plant also regenerates very quickly – 2.91ft per day to be exact. It also uses less water than trees.
I like that even the packaging is 100% plastic-free. Each roll is wrapped in recyclable and compostable paper. The core is made of recycled cardboard.
Is It Non-Toxic?
The toilet paper is formaldehyde-free, PFAS-free, and BPA-free. So yes.
My Recommendation
I would buy it again for sure! I thought it checked all the boxes for me in terms of sustainability, plastic-free packaging, nice design, good absorbency, and reasonable price. This is, no doubt, a good product but I think it ultimately comes down to if you’re willing to justify the higher price tag.
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