If you’ve been trying to reduce plastic in your daily routine, you’ve probably come across reusable toothbrush systems like Nada Toothbrush and Colgate Keep. Both aim to minimize waste, offering alternatives to traditional plastic toothbrushes. But which one is right for you? Let’s take a closer look…

As someone who’s tried both, I wanted to give you a side-by-side comparison to help you make a confident, informed choice—because even the smallest switches (like how we brush our teeth) can make a big impact over time.

Design and Materials

Colgate Keep uses an aluminum handle and a snap-on replaceable head. It feels sleek in the hand and has a modern, minimalist look. The head is made from plastic and needs to be discarded every few months, like a regular toothbrush.

Nada Toothbrush, on the other hand, features a sleek aluminum handle (made in Canada!) and snap-on heads that are designed with end-of-life in mind: the heads are 100% commercially recyclable, helping reduce the waste that ends up in landfills. Nada’s commitment to circularity shows up not only in its design but also in its business ethos.

✅ Advantage Nada: Both toothbrushes reduce plastic, but Nada edges ahead by offering a recycling solution for the heads, while Colgate Keep’s heads are still tossed in the trash.

Manufacturing Transparency

One of the standout differences is where and how the products are made.

Colgate Keep is manufactured overseas by one of the largest oral care companies in the world. While that gives them global reach and recognition, it also means manufacturing and distribution have a higher carbon footprint due to international shipping.

Nada keeps things closer to home. The toothbrush is designed and assembled in Canada, and their new 100% aluminum stands are also locally made. This local-first approach means better supply chain transparency, less shipping, and more support for local businesses.

✅ Advantage Nada: If supporting local and reducing your carbon footprint matters to you, Nada’s manufacturing approach is a clear win.

User Experience

Both toothbrushes are designed to feel comfortable, familiar, and easy to use.

Colgate Keep feels like a high-end manual brush, and because it’s from a household brand, it may feel like a natural switch if you’ve always used Colgate. It’s available in major drugstores and online retailers, making it widely accessible.

Nada also nails the brushing experience. The aluminum handle is ultra-hygienic; if you put it down the flat handle prevents it from rolling over and the brush head is elevated to ensure your brush head doesn't come into contact with any bathroom germs. Nada's sleek design also rinses clean and doesn’t gather old toothpaste and bacteria. 

Nada offers two bristle options; Soft, floss-tipped and Medium sculpted bristles. Plus, Nada has built a loyal fan base around its beautiful, minimalist aesthetic—it’s a toothbrush you want to leave on the counter.

✅ Advantage Nada: Both perform well, but Nada's thoughtful handle design is more hygienic and more aesthetic. 

Waste Reduction and End-of-Life Plan

Let’s be honest—swapping to a reusable handle doesn’t matter much if the heads still end up in a landfill. This is where the fine print matters.

Colgate Keep’s plastic heads are not recyclable, which means even though you’re throwing away less plastic, you’re still creating waste. For a brand with such reach, that’s a missed opportunity.

Nada offers a take-back program for all used toothbrush heads. You collect them, send them in, and they’re properly recycled into new materials. It’s a small step for the user, but a big one for the planet.

✅ Big win for Nada: The recycling program closes the loop and makes your eco-efforts meaningful.

Brand Values

This is where the two brands really diverge.

Colgate is a major player with the resources to make sustainability mainstream—but many of their products still rely heavily on plastic. Keep is a step in the right direction, but it feels like a toe in the water rather than a full leap.

Nada was created because the founder saw a need for a better, more thoughtful alternative. It’s a small, purpose-driven brand committed to sustainability, transparency, and community. From local production to recyclable packaging and carbon offsetting, Nada walks the walk—not just in its products, but in its business practices.

✅ Advantage Nada: If you care about where your dollars go and want to support brands that prioritize the planet over profit, Nada is a no-brainer.

The Bottom Line

So Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for a toothbrush that truly reflects your values—zero waste, local impact, beautiful design, and thoughtful materials—Nada Toothbrush is a small switch with a big ripple effect.

At the end of the day, both are better than tossing full plastic brushes every few months. But if you want your brush to do more than just clean your teeth, Nada is the one that gives back—to the planet, to local makers, and to your sense of doing good.