Last updated on February 1st, 2025 at 12:35 pm

sustainable home

The Ultimate Guide to Eco-Friendly & Non-Toxic Cooking Utensils

Are your cooking utensils as safe as they should be?

Spatulas and other kitchen utensils are essential tools in any kitchen, relied on daily for cooking and baking. For home chefs, choosing the best cooking utensils is crucial: with their frequent contact with food, it’s important to prioritize options that are non-toxic, durable, eco-friendly, and free from harmful chemicals. This guide will help you identify the best materials for non-toxic cooking utensils and provide top product recommendations.

Black plastic spatulas

Black plastic kitchen utensils have been scrutinized as of late due to a widely publicized study published in October 2024. Results determined that black plastic used to make kitchen cooking utensils, among other products, contain large amounts of toxic flame retardants, which can leach into food.

Many of these are classified as brominated flame retardants, including deca-BDE, which was banned by the EPA in 2021. These chemicals are linked to multiple serious health concerns, including thyroid dysfunction, endocrine disruptions, neurotoxicity, reproductive and developmental issues, and cancer. They also bioaccumulate, building up in both our bodies and persisting in the environment.

Graphic detailing study results showing flame retardants in black plastic

The study reported the presence of these chemicals was likely due to recycled black plastic, which often comes from electronics where flame retardants are commonly used. This has led some to believe that selecting items made from virgin black plastic is a safer option, but this is not the case.

Black plastic has been shown to contain other contaminants in addition to flame retardants, including bromine, phthalates, BPA, and heavy metals like antimony, lead, cadmium, and chromium. Carbon black, used to provide pigment, contains organic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic.

Plastic cooking utensils are also petroleum-based, contributing to a high carbon footprint during production and posing environmental concerns as they are not biodegradable. Over time, these utensils can degrade, potentially releasing microplastics into food—especially when made from lower-quality plastics or materials that lack heat resistance, such as nylon.

To minimize exposure to harmful chemicals and microplastics, consider replacing black plastic cooking utensils–and all plastic–with safer eco-friendly alternatives like stainless steel, food-grade silicone, or sustainably sourced bamboo and wood.

Silicone cooking utensils

Often referred to as rubber spatulas or scrapers, these tools are made from silicone, not rubber. Silicone is a synthetic polymer derived from silica (sand), oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, and while it shares some similarities with plastic, it is not technically plastic. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, silicone is more heat-resistant and flexible, making it ideal for cooking. It does not break down into microplastics like traditional plastics, however, it is neither biodegradable nor widely recyclable.

Stainless steel, wood, and bamboo utensils—recyclable or biodegradable—are highly effective for most kitchen tasks, and should be your primary cooking utensils. But silicone kitchen utensils do excel in two specific roles: scraping, where their unmatched flexibility and efficiency shine, and flipping, as silicone turners provide a durable and non-scratch alternative to plastic for use with non-stick pans.

Over time, I’ve noticed that frequent use causes my silicone spatulas to develop cracks and shed small particles, which likely end up in the food being prepared. When this happens, it’s clear they should be replaced.

Are silicone utensils safe?

Yes, silicone kitchen utensils are generally considered to be safe, but there are some specific characteristics to seek when shopping for silicone tools.

  1. Silicone should be labeled food-grade and FDA-tested to ensure safety for food contact.
  2. Choose silicone cured with platinum, which results in a purer material free from byproducts or fillers, and is less likely to leach chemicals. Platinum silicone is preferred because it is more heat-resistant, durable, flexible, and non-toxic than lower-grade silicones.
  3. The presence of a BPA-free label is reassuring, but not necessary. While this additive is a concern in plastic, BPA is not used in silicone production. The “BPA-free” label on silicone is largely a marketing strategy to address consumer concerns.
GIR silicone spatulas

Best silicone cooking utensils

My favorite silicone spatulas are made by GIR (Get It Right). These highly-rated utensils are crafted from platinum-cured, pharmaceutical-grade silicone, reinforced with nylon fiberglass and stainless steel. They’ve been independently tested to meet FDA guidelines and are free from BPA, BPS, toxins, heavy metals, and other harmful chemicals. GIR spatulas are exceptionally durable, heat-resistant up to 425°F, dishwasher-safe, and available in a wide range of vibrant colors.

One of the things I love most about these spatulas is that they are made from one solid piece of silicone, so there are no joints or seams where they can separate or food gunk can accumulate.

  • The GIR Spatula is an invaluable tool for every kitchen. It is available in several sizes to help you accomplish various culinary tasks such as scraping mixing bowls or jars. Price range is $7.95 to $15.95. Buy it on Amazon.
  • For a plastic alternative flipping spatula for use with coated pans, try the GIR Flip, available in two sizes, Ultimate ($12.95) or Mini ($10.95). Buy on Amazon

Silicone utensil disposal

Silicone recycling is possible but extremely hard to come by. When your silicone spatulas reach the end of their life, they must be thrown away. If you are dedicated you could try stripping the silicone away and recycle the stainless steel core.

Wooden cooking utensils

Wooden utensils are not only beautiful and durable but also biodegradable, making them an excellent non-toxic choice. While all wooden kitchen utensils are eco-friendly, opting for those made from sustainably sourced wood further enhances their sustainability. Popular options include cherry, teak, acacia, and olive wood, each offering unique aesthetics and functionality.

FSC logo

Companies may make sustainability claims regarding their wood sourcing, but these are difficult to trust without a high level of transparency and third party auditing.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the most creditable independent certifier of wood and paper products. Their certification is the gold standard to ensure products come from responsibly managed forests that limit deforestation and illegal logging, protect biodiversity, and engage in fair labor practices.

Besides sustainable wood sourcing, it is important to consider what types of finishes have been used on wood utensils. Avoid heavily coated, glossy, or solvent-based finishes, adhesives, or sealants. These are likely to contain chemicals that are damaging to health and the environment, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like toluene and xylene.

Instead, look for natural finishes (such as beeswax or linseed oil) that do not involve harmful solvents.

Wooden cooking utensil suggestions

  • Crate & Barrel offers a variety of FSC-certified Acacia Utensils ($7.95 to $84.95) and Oak Utensils ($12.95), in addition to a variety of other non-plastic utensils.
  • Jonathan’s Spoons are sourced from FSC-certified cherry wood and are handmade in Pennsylvania. Wood is finished with mineral oil, which you can request to be omitted. Their ‘Spootle‘ ($28) garnered a best wooden spoon award from America’s Test Kitchen, as well as other rave reviews from outlets like Serious Eats, Food & Wine, and Wirecutter.
  • The Rustic Flitch shop on Etsy sells a 5-Piece Olive Wood Utensil Set ($40.80) sourced from “wood from very old olive trees that have come to the end of their natural fruiting life and have already been replaced with younger, more productive trees.”
wooden spoon

Wood utensil care

Proper maintenance is essential to extend the life of your wood cooking utensils, but don’t let the idea of extra care deter you from choosing them. While wood requires a bit more attention compared to other materials, the upkeep is simple and quick.

Minimize water exposure

Wood utensils should always be hand washed with soap and warm water, then promptly towel-dried. Avoid putting them in your dishwasher or allowing them to soak in water for long periods of time, which can lead to warping and cracking.

Cleaning and sanitizing

If a wooden utensil has stains or odors, apply baking soda or coarse salt and scrub with a dish brush or a half a lemon to remove.

Wood has natural antimicrobial properties, so sanitizing wood spatulas beyond soap and water is not necessary. If you wish to do a deep clean, soak in a solution of 1:4 vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and water for several minutes before rinsing.

Wood oil

Regular application of food-grade oil is a worthwhile practice that preserves the quality of your wooden utensils by hydrating them, which helps prevent cracking or splitting while maintaining their appearance. If water does not bead on the surface or it feels and appears dry or dull, it’s time to condition it.

Food-grade mineral oil is the standard wood conditioner, and is a component of nearly all commercial formulations. Since mineral oil is petroleum-based, I chose to seek alternative natural products in plastic-free packaging.

Bambu brand cutting board oil

Bambu Bamboo & Wood Finishing Oil ($14.70) is a blend of naturally processed, non-GMO linseed oil, tung oil, and beeswax. This liquid oil blend comes in a recyclable glass bottle and is excellent at sealing wood and bamboo with a beautiful, non-greasy finish.

Enter ‘LETSGOGREEN’ at checkout to save 10% on your purchase.

Other good options include:

Note that you should avoid using vegetable oils (olive, canola, etc.) to protect wood. These oils may quickly turn rancid.

Wood utensil disposal

Wooden cooking utensils can last for many years, especially with proper care. They can even be sanded down if the surface becomes a bit rough. But if they reach a point where they become unsalvagable, untreated utensils can be tossed into your compost pile or yard waste collection. If coated with lacquer or shellac, they should be thrown into the trash.

Bamboo utensils

Bamboo, technically a grass, is a highly sustainable material due to its rapid growth and minimal need for fertilizers or pesticides. However, despite its sustainability, FSC certification is crucial to ensure that bamboo cultivation does not harm forests or disrupt local biodiversity. Since bamboo is primarily sourced from Asia, the environmental benefits are offset somewhat by the significant carbon footprint associated with its transportation.

Harder and less porous than hardwoods yet more lightweight, bamboo naturally repels water and absorbs little moisture. The care of bamboo utensils is the same as for wood.

Bambu brand bamboo utensils

Bambu is one of my favorite eco-friendly, non-toxic home brands. They are Women-Owned, a Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral certified, and a member of 1% for the Planet. Their bamboo is USDA Biobased certified and comes from sustainably-managed, FSC-certified forests. Utensils are made without glues or lacquers and finished with plant-based food-safe wood oil.

I own most of Bambu’s attractive and durable cooking and serving utensils and I use them often. The ‘Give It a Rest’ bamboo spatula (pictured on the far right) is my go-to for frying and sauteing, and is my favorite spatula of all-time.

Enter ‘LETSGOGREEN’ at checkout to save 10% on your purchase.

Bamboo utensil disposal

When bamboo products reach the end of their lives, they, like wood, can be composted unless they are coated with a solvent-based lacquer or shellac; then they would need to be thrown away.

Composite cooking utensils

A zero maintainance alternative to wood and bamboo, composite cooking utensils have a similar feel but will not crack or split, do not require oil, and are dishwasher safe. They are constructed from materials like paper composite or resin, compressed with heat and pressure.

Epicurean, most known for their cutting boards, offers kitchen utensils that are safe for all sufaces, including non-stick. The paper material is sourced from the US and is FSC-certified, and the resulting utensils are NSF and Greenguard certified, meaning the materials have been tested for harmful chemicals. Products are are manufactured in the USA and the company facility generates 25% of its energy from solar panels. Make sure to select all-composite utensils, rather than the styles that include nylon. Buy at Target / Amazon / Crate & Barrel

Stainless steel cooking utensils

If a metal spatula is what you’re after, look no further than stainless steel. It’s one of the safest and most eco-friendly materials available, offering exceptional durability, longevity, and easy maintenance. Stainless steel is inherently non-toxic, typically free from coatings, and easily recyclable at the end of its life.

When shopping for stainless steel utensils, choose pieces that feel solid and durable rather than cheap, lightweight ones. Avoid low-quality items with uneven finishes, rough spots, imperfections, or visible seams.

The best way to identify high-quality stainless steel is to look for a grade mark on the product itself or within its online description. Stainless steel is graded based on its chromium and nickel content, two elements that enhance durability and rust resistance. 304 stainless steel is the best type of stainless steel, and a variety of this grade may be written as a fraction, such as 18/10, indicating the steel contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. 316 stainless steel includes an additional element, molybdenum—a safe, essential nutrient—added for superior corrosion resistance. These grades, along with 18/8, are widely considered the highest-quality stainless steel options.

Cuisinart stainless steel ladle and pasta server

Stainless steel utensil suggestions

I’m a big fan of Cuisinart utensils for their sturdiness, functionality, and sleek design. At around $10 each, they’re moderately priced and built to last a lifetime. Buy at Amazon.

For those willing to splurge, All-Clad utensils are an excellent choice. Known for their superior quality and craftsmanship, they come from a long-established, high-end kitchen brand you can trust. Buy at Williams-Sonoma / Crate & Barrel / Amazon

Fish spatula

One of the most sought-after types of spatulas is the fish spatula, and stainless steel is the ideal material for this tool—especially when paired with a wood handle rather than polypropylene plastic. I’m planning to purchase the Victorinox Slotted Fish Turner ($31), which features a beautiful rosewood handle. Known for their iconic Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox is a well-respected brand with a strong commitment to sustainability.

You could also go with a spatula that is completely stainless steel, such as the Sur La Table Stainless Steel Fish Turner ($20), made entirely of 18/8 stainless steel. I recently used it during a cooking class, and I liked the feel. The handle felt durable and was easy to grip, and the head was a good length for flipping and stir frying.

Offset spatula

Offset spatulas always feature a stainless steel blade, but they often come with plastic handles. For a more eco-friendly choice, a wood handle is the better option. The Ateco Offset Baking/Icing Spatula with a wood handle is an excellent budget-friendly option, a steal at $1.99. For a slightly higher price, the Crate & Barrel Small Offset Spatula with an FSC-certified beechwood handle ($14.95) is another fantastic choice.

Stainless steel utensil disposal

I can’t imagine any stainless steel utensil becoming unusable in our lifetimes, but if that happens, don’t toss it into the trash. Stainless steel, like any other type of metal, can be recycled indefinitely with no loss in quality. The metal recycling process also saves considerable energy compared to creating new metals, and decreases the need to take more resources from the earth.

Final thoughts on non-toxic cooking utensils

With so many durable and eco-friendly options available, there’s no need for plastic or other potentially harmful materials in the kitchen. Food-grade platinum silicone, sustainably sourced and solvent-free wood or bamboo, composite materials, and stainless steel are all excellent choices for non-toxic cooking utensils that perform effectively while protecting your health and the environment.

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