20 Best Drink Coasters [2024]

Are you looking for the best drink coasters? Based on expert reviews, we ranked them. We've listed our top-ranked picks, including the top-selling drink coasters.

We Recommended:

# Preview Product
1 LIFVER Drink Coasters with Holder, Absorbent Coaster Sets of 6, Marble Style Ceramic Drink Coaster... LIFVER Drink Coasters with Holder, Absorbent Coaster Sets of 6, Marble Style Ceramic Drink...
2 Coasters for Drinks,AODINI Set of 8 Absorbent Stone Coasters for Wooden Table, Mandala Ceramic... Coasters for Drinks,AODINI Set of 8 Absorbent Stone Coasters for Wooden Table, Mandala Ceramic...
3 LIFVER Funny Coasters for Drinks with Holder, Set of 8 Marble Style Absorbent Drink Coasters with... LIFVER Funny Coasters for Drinks with Holder, Set of 8 Marble Style Absorbent Drink Coasters with...
4 LIFVER Coasters with Holder, Set of 6 Coasters for Drinks Absorbent Stone, Black Marble Style... LIFVER Coasters with Holder, Set of 6 Coasters for Drinks Absorbent Stone, Black Marble Style...
5 Coasters for Drinks Absorbent Cork Coasters with Holder Housewarming Gifts for New Home Present for... Coasters for Drinks Absorbent Cork Coasters with Holder Housewarming Gifts for New Home Present...
6 Coasters for Drinks Set of 8, EAGMAK Silicone Drink Coasters with Grooved Pattern, Non-Slip Base,... Coasters for Drinks Set of 8, EAGMAK Silicone Drink Coasters with Grooved Pattern, Non-Slip Base,...
7 LIFVER Coasters for Drinks, Absorbent Coasters with Holder Set of 6, Avoid Furniture Being Scratched... LIFVER Coasters for Drinks, Absorbent Coasters with Holder Set of 6, Avoid Furniture Being...
8 6Pcs Coasters for Drinks, ABenkle Stylish Handmade Braided Woven Drink Coasters for Coffee Table... 6Pcs Coasters for Drinks, ABenkle Stylish Handmade Braided Woven Drink Coasters for Coffee Table...
9 Coasters for Drinks, Absorbent Ceramic Stone Coasters Set with Metal Holder Stand, Cork Base, Marble... Coasters for Drinks, Absorbent Ceramic Stone Coasters Set with Metal Holder Stand, Cork Base,...
10 Set of 8 Coasters for Drinks ,EAGMAK Absorbent Marble Style Ceramic Drink Coaster with Holder for... Set of 8 Coasters for Drinks ,EAGMAK Absorbent Marble Style Ceramic Drink Coaster with Holder for...
11 Kamenstein 4 Piece Set, Natural Acacia Wood and Cork Stackable Coasters, Set of 4 Kamenstein 4 Piece Set, Natural Acacia Wood and Cork Stackable Coasters, Set of 4
12 Thirstystone Cinnabar Brand, Multicolor All Natural Sandstone-Durable Stone with Varying Patterns,... Thirstystone Cinnabar Brand, Multicolor All Natural Sandstone-Durable Stone with Varying...
13 Coasters for Drinks, Silicone Coasters 6 Set Non-Slip Cup Coasters, Heat Resistant Cup Mate Fits Any... Coasters for Drinks, Silicone Coasters 6 Set Non-Slip Cup Coasters, Heat Resistant Cup Mate Fits...
14 LIFVER Coasters for Drinks, Absorbent Drink Coasters Set 6 Pcs, Absorbent Coasters Set with Cork... LIFVER Coasters for Drinks, Absorbent Drink Coasters Set 6 Pcs, Absorbent Coasters Set with Cork...
15 Teivio Round Drink Coasters Set of 8, Blue Marble Absorbent Stone Coaster Set, Cork Base, with... Teivio Round Drink Coasters Set of 8, Blue Marble Absorbent Stone Coaster Set, Cork Base, with...
16 Coasterlux Cork Coasters for Drinks Absorbent with Holder - Cute & Funny Set of 8 Large Round... Coasterlux Cork Coasters for Drinks Absorbent with Holder - Cute & Funny Set of 8 Large Round...
17 InnoGear Coasters, Coasters for Drinks Absorbent Ceramic Coasters for Coffee Table Wooden Table Cork... InnoGear Coasters, Coasters for Drinks Absorbent Ceramic Coasters for Coffee Table Wooden Table...
18 Coasters for Drinks Absorbent with Holder,Handmade Woven Coasters for Table Protection,... Coasters for Drinks Absorbent with Holder,Handmade Woven Coasters for Table Protection,...
19 Acacia Wood Coasters for Drinks, 4.13 Inch, Set of 6, Absorbent and Insulation Cork Stackable Cup... Acacia Wood Coasters for Drinks, 4.13 Inch, Set of 6, Absorbent and Insulation Cork Stackable Cup...
20 LIFVER Coasters for Drinks Absorbent, Living Room Decor, Ceramic Coasters Set of 6 with Cork Base,... LIFVER Coasters for Drinks Absorbent, Living Room Decor, Ceramic Coasters Set of 6 with Cork...
Bestseller No. 1
LIFVER Drink Coasters with Holder, Absorbent Coaster Sets of 6, Marble Style Ceramic Drink Coaster...
  • Coaster With Metal Holder Set: the set includes 6 round ceramic coasters (Marble Surface Pattern, 4 inch) and a 4.5-inch black metal coaster holder.
  • Convenient for Storage: you don't need to bear coasters placed everywhere. While not in use, you can put them directly into the holder, which will...
  • Functional Coasters: they are super water-absorbent, the cork back can avoid scratching your furniture and prevent coasters falling off the table.
  • Well-designed Iron Holder: the iron holder is made of black metal, stain resistant and scratch proof, and won't get rusty. Different screens may have...
  • Thoughtful Housewarming Gift Idea: great idea for gifts for friends' birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving Day and other memorable days. Ideal for room...
Bestseller No. 2
Coasters for Drinks,AODINI Set of 8 Absorbent Stone Coasters for Wooden Table, Mandala Ceramic...
  • 🍷COMPLETE SET: This AODINI coasters set includes 8 ceramic stone coasters in different mandala styles AND a black iron coaster holder. The coaster...
  • 🍷ABSORBENT CERAMIC: The upper layer of coasters is made by absorbent ceramic, which absorb ability better than silicone coaster to keep your table...
  • 🍷ANTI WEAR CORK: The back of coasters is cork, which prevent your table from scratched and worn, and provide additional gripping. Cork can also...
  • 🍷EASY TO CLEAN: Coaster diameter 4 in, suitable for all goblets, mugs and cups. More convenient to clean than other coaster, just rinse it by...
  • 🍷BEAUTIFUL DECORATION: The frosted glaze on the surface of the coaster keeps the pattern bright and never fades. Set of 8, that is great to...
SaleBestseller No. 3
LIFVER Funny Coasters for Drinks with Holder, Set of 8 Marble Style Absorbent Drink Coasters with...
  • Funny and Humorous: These 8 funny coasters contain 4 humorous sentences, and when you invite your friends to your party, they are likely amused when...
  • Amazing Absorbent Coasters : With the absorbent ceramic materials, LIFVER coasters will instantly soak up condensation—which, later, miraculously...
  • Cork Backing Design : A soft cork backing attached to each coaster, can effectively prevent the surfaces of your furniture from being scratched —...
  • So Easy to Store: Each of these coaster set comes with a modern styling iron holder to keep them all together, and you can easily take coaster out of...
  • Best Funny Coasters Gift for Friends : Funny, Creative, Humorous, Funny Home Christmas Decor, Packed in a Delicate Box. All of this is suitable for...
Bestseller No. 4
LIFVER Coasters with Holder, Set of 6 Coasters for Drinks Absorbent Stone, Black Marble Style...
  • Coaster with Metal Holder Set: the set includes 6 round ceramic coasters ( Natural Pattern, 4 inch) and a 4.5-inch black metal coaster holder.
  • Amazing Absorbency: made of special absorbent ceramic stone, more absorbent than sandstone and can easily absorb the water outside the icy cup, keep...
  • User-friendly Design: cork on the back of the coaster can not only protect the desktop from scratches, but also provide additional gripping to the...
  • No Stained: Lifver natural style absorbent coasters, solving the problem of stained coaster for you. The colorful drinks dropped on the coaster can be...
  • Thoughtful Housewarming Gift Idea: Great idea for gifts for friends' birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving Day and other memorable days. As creative...
Bestseller No. 5
Coasters for Drinks Absorbent Cork Coasters with Holder Housewarming Gifts for New Home Present for...
  • 【FEATURES】They are big enough for a wine glass and are soft enough not to scratch your nice, wooden furniture. They are a lot better at absorbing...
  • 【FIT FOR ALMOST DRINKS】Cork Coasters are 4 inches in diameter and 1/5 inches thick.
  • 【USE WIDELY】Keeps cold and hot drinks from damaging furniture. These cork coaster can be used as hot pads, put a few together for large pots and...
  • 【PRACTICAL GIFTS 】 Our functional cork coasters make a great choice for housewarmings, birthdays and any occasion.Perfect for weddings,department,...
SaleBestseller No. 6
Coasters for Drinks Set of 8, EAGMAK Silicone Drink Coasters with Grooved Pattern, Non-Slip Base,...
  • Non-slip for Safety Use: Designed with durable silicone material, which enhances the friction. The drink coasters stays in places for stable and...
  • Effective Heat Resistant: With heat resistant range from -40F to 446F, the table coasters can be used for cold or hot beverages freely, which greatly...
  • Exquisite Design: The silicone drink coasters feature grooved patterns to avoid water leaking on the desk. The non-slip bottom ensures great table...
  • Water Washable & Easy to Clean: The silicone coaster set is soft and flexible, which is designed to be water-washable and easy to clean. Ensure long...
  • Wide Application: The diameter of this set of 8 silicone coasters is 4 inch, which perfectly matches with kind of cups. It's lightweight and easy to...
Bestseller No. 7
LIFVER Coasters for Drinks, Absorbent Coasters with Holder Set of 6, Avoid Furniture Being Scratched...
  • Two Tones Terrazzo Pattern - 3 pcs with warm (Orange)tones/3 pcs with cool(Blue) tones, this coaster set is ideal gift for housewarming,...
  • Coaster With Metal Holder - Set of 6 terrazzo coasters come with a coaster holder that stores them in a stacked position; keep them organized & ready...
  • Absorbent Coasters Set – Personalized absorbent ceramic top help capture moisture from ice cold drinks and protect tabletops, also can be given as...
  • Non-slip Cork Base - A soft cork backing attached to each coaster to help absorb moisture. It can effectively prevent the surfaces of your furniture...
  • Suitable Size - Big 4 inch (10cm) diameter size match all commercial type of cups and mugs, making them fit with coffee cups, kids' drinks, sports...
SaleBestseller No. 8
6Pcs Coasters for Drinks, ABenkle Stylish Handmade Braided Woven Drink Coasters for Coffee Table...
  • Drink coasters set of 6, 4.3inch diameter and 0.3 inch thick
  • Coasters for drinks absorbent, super absorbent and soft, heat-insulated and can better protect your furniture, tabletops & counter top than those...
  • 100% cotton material, natural and safe, perfect integrate into any home decor style
  • Durable and easy to clean, just rinse it by water and hang up to dry
  • Practical gift for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving day, makes for a great housewarming and useful kitchen gift
SaleBestseller No. 9
Coasters for Drinks, Absorbent Ceramic Stone Coasters Set with Metal Holder Stand, Cork Base, Marble...
  • Super Absorbent Top: Our ceramic coasters help you avoid long lasting stains in a elegant way. The ceramic top provides more absorbent than other...
  • Non-slip Bottom: The bottom is made of cork, which won’t scratch your tables and other surfaces and provides a non-slip surface.
  • Premium Holder Included: Black metal holder included to let you can organize coasters. Makes coasters look beautiful and better organized. Classy...
  • Excellent Gift: Great gift to any deserving family or friend for Birthdays, Mothers or Fathers Day, Valentine's Day, Wedding Anniversary, House...
  • Wide Occasion: Natural marble pattern design, goes with everthing. Great for home, kitchen, living room, bar, hotel, restaurants. You can use the...
Bestseller No. 10
Set of 8 Coasters for Drinks ,EAGMAK Absorbent Marble Style Ceramic Drink Coaster with Holder for...
  • Coasters for drinks: Our ceramic coasters are made of high quality water absorbent ceramic stone, which is more elegant than other coaster made of...
  • Scratch-resistant and Slip-resistant cork base: The bottom of drink coasters are made by cork, which can prevent scratch of furniture or wooden table...
  • Coasters with Holder for Easy Storage: You can storage the coasters set in the well-designed black metal stand when you are not using them. You can...
  • House Warming Presents: The marble-patterned coasters for drinks absorbent set with an elaborate black metal holder. This fun and innovative product...
  • Wide Application: Natural black and white marble-pattern design, goes with everthing. Great for home, kitchen, living room, bar, hotel, party and...
SaleBestseller No. 11
Kamenstein 4 Piece Set, Natural Acacia Wood and Cork Stackable Coasters, Set of 4
  • PROTECT SURFACES: this set of 4 coasters will protect surfaces from both heat and moisture and can be used in multiple rooms of your home or office
  • NON-SLIP DESIGN: the outer portion is crafted from beautiful acacia wood and features a small lip to keep your drink secure; Each coaster has felt...
  • ABSORBS MOISTURE: Kamenstein coasters are designed with a cork insert to help absorb moisture and will protect against marks and rings on your coffee...
  • LARGE SIZE: each coaster measures about 4 inch diameter with a 3 inch diameter cork insert
  • ECO-FRIENDLY: these coasters are reusable unlike paper or cardboard coasters; clean as needed with a damp cloth and towel dry for best results
Bestseller No. 12
Thirstystone Cinnabar Brand, Multicolor All Natural Sandstone-Durable Stone with Varying Patterns,...
  • All natural sandstone - these Thirstystone coasters are made from natural sandstone, with an organic design derived from natural stone formations....
  • 4" Round - these natural stone coasters are four inches in diameter and one half inch thick. Fit perfectly in a Thirstystone pedestal coaster holder.
  • Protective - tired of drips on your kitchen counter or water rings on your coffee table? Use these Thirstystone coasters to protect in every room of...
  • No scratches - our Thirstystone all Natural sandstone coasters have a natural cork backing to protect any surface from scratches or scuffs and keep...
  • Care - Since these coasters are made from true stone, please gently hand wash with soap and water, then let completely dry. Please let coaster Dry...
SaleBestseller No. 13
Coasters for Drinks, Silicone Coasters 6 Set Non-Slip Cup Coasters, Heat Resistant Cup Mate Fits Any...
  • ➤UNIQUE RIVET DESIGN:The top is specially designed with many raised particles like "nails" to prevent your glass from sticking to the coaster....
  • ➤HEAT RESISTANT AND NON-SLIP :Using brand new and good materials, good anti-slip effect, resistant to wear and tear, can protect your table from...
  • ➤EASY TO CLEAN AND STORE:Simply wipe or rinse off these stain and odor resistant mats for a hassle free clean up.
  • ➤PERFECT GIFT: Family tables this set of coasters can be used as a housewarming gift, or as a gift for men, women and friends on birthdays,...
  • ➤PACKAGE QUANTITY:There are a total of 6 pcs 3.94 inch oversized black coasters for all types of cups and comes with 3 pcs snail tea bag hangers.
SaleBestseller No. 14
LIFVER Coasters for Drinks, Absorbent Drink Coasters Set 6 Pcs, Absorbent Coasters Set with Cork...
  • Don’t Stick to Your Glass: Your glass can be dripping with condensation, and LIFVER coasters will all be absorbed and not form a puddle. Drink...
  • Absorbent Coasters - LIFVER drinks coasters have a ceramic surface to absorb drips, spills, or condensation from ice-cold drinks within 10 seconds...
  • Soft Cork Bottom - Each piece of this coaster set has a natural cork base to protect the furniture or tabletops from scratches or scuffs and keep the...
  • Beautiful Decoration - Neutral color will match many decors, the natural sandstone appearance. Upper layer of coasters is absorbent ceramic stoneware...
  • Housewarming Gifts Choice – These cork coasters for drinks with LIFVER package, also can be given as Housewarming, New Year, Father’s Day,...
Bestseller No. 15
Teivio Round Drink Coasters Set of 8, Blue Marble Absorbent Stone Coaster Set, Cork Base, with...
  • COMPLETE SET – 8 pcs coasters with the black iron coaster holder which will storage your coasters and save the space.
  • ABSORBENT CERAMIC - Coaster upper layer is absorbent ceramic, to keep your table dry.
  • CORK BASE - The back of coaster is cork to prevent table from scratched and worn.
  • SUITABLE SIZE & EASY TO CLEAN - Coaster diameter 4inch, suitable for most of glasses, mug, cup. Easy to clean, just rinse it by water.
  • BEAUTIFUL DECORATION COASTER SET - This set includes eight round ceramic stone coasters in 4 blue marble styles to decorate your kitchen, living room,...
SaleBestseller No. 16
Coasterlux Cork Coasters for Drinks Absorbent with Holder - Cute & Funny Set of 8 Large Round...
  • CLEAN AND DRY CORK COASTERS! Use our absorbent coasters with round edge to protect your wooden table or any furniture from water drips, spills, and...
  • EVERYONE WILL SMILE: You get 8 different funny & cool cork coasters with positive vibe phrases. Have a great time and match each coaster to your...
  • BLACK METAL HOLDER INCLUDED: Our custom drink coasters are bigger, heat-resistant, absorbent and thicker (0.32 inches) with a stainless steel metal...
  • 100% BIODEGRADABLE: Made with 100% natural cork, the coasters are eco-friendly and enhance your home decor with their eye-catching grains. The large...
SaleBestseller No. 17
InnoGear Coasters, Coasters for Drinks Absorbent Ceramic Coasters for Coffee Table Wooden Table Cork...
  • Coasters for Drinks: Package includes 8 pieces of sleek and eye-catching coasters in bright colors and a durable metal holder to keep the coaster neat...
  • Protect Furniture: Having the coasters put under the drinks will protect your table from getting wet and leaving no trail of water marks on your loved...
  • Strong Water Absorption: Suitable for both hot and cold drinks, for ceramics and cork feature insulation and absorption performances. Water drop on...
  • Attractive Home Decor: Decorative pieces for kitchen or dining table and perfect display for home, wedding, party, and banquet.
  • Well Packed: Each piece of coasters for drinks is in an individual bubble pack to prevent the coasters from damages in transit and to present your the...
Bestseller No. 18
Coasters for Drinks Absorbent with Holder,Handmade Woven Coasters for Table Protection,...
  • 【EXCELLENT COASTER WITH METAL HOLDER】The coffee coasters set includes 8 coasters and a black metal cup holder. You can put all the coasters neatly...
  • 【CLASSIC WOVEN DESIGN】Each drink coasters is hand-woven with soft cotton rope, which can effectively prevent scratches on furniture or wooden...
  • 【SUPER ABSORBENT】The round coaster has stronger water absorption capacity than ceramic and silicone coasters. It can absorb splashing water from...
  • 【BETTER PROTECT YOUR FURNITURE】Our braided coaster has a diameter of 4.3 inches and a height of 0.8 inches. It is larger and thicker than other...
  • 【PERFECT HOUSEWARMING GIFT IDEA】Whether it is a coffee cup or any other kind of cup,the fabric coaster can be perfectly applied.The cup coaster...
Bestseller No. 19
Acacia Wood Coasters for Drinks, 4.13 Inch, Set of 6, Absorbent and Insulation Cork Stackable Cup...
  • Size and Suitability* Outer dia is 4.13", inner dia is 3.74", and thickness is 0.59". Suitable for cups with bottom size of 3.6" and smaller...
  • Material, Natural and Absorbent* S1EGAN “Pan" coasters are made with acacia wood. Each piece comes with natural touch, heavy quality, and unique...
  • Protection, for Tables and Cups* With “Pan" coasters, your table will be duly protected from the usual 'rings' and other marks that come up when you...
  • Purpose, at Home and Work * Welcome the guests with a touch of class and style by setting out your dining or coffee table with those wooden coasters....
  • Last bit, A Perfect Gift* A delicate and practical gift for housewarming, holidays, parties, and occasions.
Bestseller No. 20
LIFVER Coasters for Drinks Absorbent, Living Room Decor, Ceramic Coasters Set of 6 with Cork Base,...
  • Elegant Drink Coasters - Sharp looking and nice design grey coasters set with holder will lighten your living/kitchen area! Goes well with your marble...
  • Coasters for Drinks Absorbent - Coaster set has ceramic surface with printed finish pattern; ceramic coasters absorb water and condensation formed on...
  • Non-slip Cork Bottom - This grey coasters for drink help you avoid spillage and protect your furniture surface from hot or cold drink; each coaster...
  • Come with Coaster Holder - The black iron holder will storage your coasters and save the space; save time to constantly tidy up that pile of coasters...
  • Housewarming Gift - Coaster set with holder can be given as hostesses, Housewarming, Wedding, Thanksgiving, Dirty Santa, Christmas New Year gifts to...

Having trouble finding a great drink coasters?

This problem is well understood by us because we have gone through the entire drink coasters research process ourselves, which is why we have put together a comprehensive list of the best drink coasterss available in the market today.

After hours of searching and using all the models on the market, we have found the best drink coasters for 2023. See our ranking below!

How Do You Buy The Best Drink Coasters?

Do you get stressed out thinking about shopping for a great drink coasters? Do doubts keep creeping into your mind?

We understand, because we’ve already gone through the whole process of researching drink coasters, which is why we have assembled a comprehensive list of the greatest drink coasters available in the current market. We’ve also come up with a list of questions that you probably have yourself.

John Harvards has done the best we can with our thoughts and recommendations, but it’s still crucial that you do thorough research on your own for drink coasters that you consider buying. Your questions might include the following:

  • Is it worth buying an drink coasters?
  • What benefits are there with buying an drink coasters?
  • What factors deserve consideration when shopping for an effective drink coasters?
  • Why is it crucial to invest in any drink coasters, much less the best one?
  • Which drink coasters are good in the current market?
  • Where can you find information like this about drink coasters?

We’re convinced that you likely have far more questions than just these regarding drink coasters, and the only real way to satisfy your need for knowledge is to get information from as many reputable online sources as you possibly can.

Potential sources can include buying guides for drink coasters, rating websites, word-of-mouth testimonials, online forums, and product reviews. Thorough and mindful research is crucial to making sure you get your hands on the best-possible drink coasters. Make sure that you are only using trustworthy and credible websites and sources.

John Harvards provides an drink coasters buying guide, and the information is totally objective and authentic. We employ both AI and big data in proofreading the collected information.

How did we create this buying guide? We did it using a custom-created selection of algorithms that lets us manifest a top-10 list of the best available drink coasters currently available on the market.

This technology we use to assemble our list depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the following:

  1. Brand Value: Every brand of drink coasters has a value all its own. Most brands offer some sort of unique selling proposition that’s supposed to bring something different to the table than their competitors.
  2. Features: What bells and whistles matter for an drink coasters?
  3. Specifications: How powerful they are can be measured.
  4. Product Value: This simply is how much bang for the buck you get from your drink coasters.
  5. Customer Ratings: Number ratings grade drink coasters objectively.
  6. Customer Reviews: Closely related to ratings, these paragraphs give you first-hand and detailed information from real-world users about their drink coasters.
  7. Product Quality: You don’t always get what you pay for with an drink coasters, sometimes less, and sometimes more.
  8. Product Reliability: How sturdy and durable an drink coasters is should be an indication of how long it will work out for you.

John Harvards always remembers that maintaining drink coasters information to stay current is a top priority, which is why we are constantly updating our websites. Learn more about us using online sources.

If you think that anything we present here regarding drink coasters is irrelevant, incorrect, misleading, or erroneous, then please let us know promptly!

Related Post:

FAQ:

Q: What are the best coasters to absorb water?

A: Lifver 6-Piece Absorbent Stone Coaster. These coasters can absorb drops of water from the bottom freezing containers. They can even absorb spilled water and juice from the tabletop. These stone coasters came with soft cork backings to ensure the coasters sit firmly on the table to prevent slips and skids.

Q: Why are drink coasters called coasters?

A: Drink coasters are those (usually) square items placed under beverages. Also called a coaster, beverage coaster or beermat, they protect the furniture’s surface from moisture that could ruin the finish. The name “coaster” dates to 1887, when families used tabletop drink stands at the dinner table.

Q: What are beverage coasters?

A: A coaster, drink coaster, beverage coaster, or beermat is an item used to rest drinks upon. Coasters protect the surface of a table or any other surface where the user might place a drink. Coasters placed on top of a beverage can also be used to show that a drink is not finished or to prevent contamination (usually from insects).