I was watching Ace of Cakes last night, and saw that Duff used some kind of big plastic straws for support on his cake. I only know and use those darn wood dowels and they are sooooo hard to cut to size. And Duff just used scissors to cut those straws.

What are they called and where can I buy them? I need to get them desperately.

Thank you everyone!!!

I haven't seen that episode you are talking about, but if they are big, wide straws they are probably bubble tea straws. The really are great for supports! I've used them many times. You can find them in most Asian markets or grocery stores. If you don't have something like that around you, you can also order them online. They're super cheap too!

lotsa people use bubble tea straws

How much weight can they support? For instance, could you use them throughout all tiers of a 5-tier cake? or just in the upper tiers?

I live in a small town. The only places that I can buy any supply I can only find the wood ones.

Do you know any website? Or I can just look for bubble tea straws?

Thanks.

the straws work like any dowel. i have only done two tiered cakes, but i believe they will tackle anything the wooden ones can do!

try looking in chinese supermarkets, or else ebay.
xx

You can get them on amazon too. Just type "bubble tea straws" in the search bar.