Safe And Sustainable: A Guide To Choosing Non-Toxic Dinnerware For Your Family

Non-toxic dinnerware is becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers who want to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. These dinnerware sets are typically made from materials such as bamboo, ceramic, or glass, which are free from toxins like lead, cadmium, and phthalates. They are also durable, safe for daily use, and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for everyday meals and special occasions.

When choosing non-toxic dinnerware, it is important to consider the materials used, maintenance, acid resistance, certifications, third-party testing, and the year of manufacturing. It is recommended to opt for dinnerware that is dishwasher-safe, microwave/oven-safe, and resistant to chipping and cracking. Additionally, plain white dishes with no fancy artwork are generally safer as they are less likely to contain harmful toxins.

Some popular brands that offer non-toxic dinnerware include Corelle, Gibson Home, Amazon Basics, Stone Lain, Anchor Hocking, Euro Ceramica, Libbey Tempo, and Lenox. These brands provide a range of styles, designs, and materials to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a set for your family or as a gift, non-toxic dinnerware is a safe and stylish choice.

Glass dinnerware

One of the most trusted brands in glass dinnerware is Anchor Hocking. They have been crafting timeless and durable pieces from high-quality, sustainable materials for over 100 years. Their products are free of lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals, and they offer a range of plates, cups, and baking dishes that are safe for both the oven and microwave.

Another excellent option for glass dinnerware is Corelle. Their unique triple-layer Vitrelle glass construction makes their dinnerware lightweight yet durable. Corelle's dinnerware is stackable, break-resistant, and suitable for the microwave and dishwasher. Their Winter Frost White collection is an affordable, classic choice that is free of lead and cadmium. However, it's important to note that Corelle's mugs are made from a different material that contains lead, so it's best to stick to their plates and bowls.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, check out Libbey. Their Tempo 12-Piece Glass Dinnerware Set includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls. This set is durable, stylish, and safe for the dishwasher.

Ceramic dinnerware

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When choosing ceramic dinnerware, it's essential to select reputable brands that prioritise safety and quality. Here are some recommended brands known for their non-toxic and stylish ceramic dinnerware:

• Emerson Creek Pottery: They offer a range of non-toxic ceramic dinnerware sets, proudly made in the USA. Their products are lead-free and cadmium-safe, ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.
• Corelle: Corelle's ceramic dinnerware sets are known for their durability and chip-resistance. Their triple-layer glass construction makes them lightweight yet sturdy. Corelle offers a variety of designs, from elegant embossed patterns to classic plain white sets.
• Gibson Home: Gibson Home's ceramic dinnerware sets exude timeless charm. Their AB-grade porcelain construction ensures that their products are BPA-free and heat-resistant, making them perfect for daily use and microwave and dishwasher-safe.
• Euro Ceramica: Euro Ceramica offers elegant porcelain dinnerware sets with reactive glaze finishes and organic edges. Their products are safe for everyday use and special occasions, providing a timeless design to beautify all types of decor.
• Stone Lain: Stone Lain's ceramic dinnerware sets feature a modern matte black finish and a unique textured marble effect. Their sets are dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and oven-safe, making them a practical choice for any family.

Bamboo dinnerware

When choosing bamboo dinnerware, it is essential to select products that are properly treated and free from harmful chemicals. Look for options that are labelled as "food-safe", "non-toxic", "BPA-free", and melamine-free. Some bamboo dinnerware may use glues or toxic finishes, so it is important to choose brands that use natural dyes and food-safe finishes.

• Bamboozle: This brand offers eco-friendly and biodegradable products made from bamboo. Their "Blate" dining set includes plates, bowls, and cups with a smooth surface and a versatile, minimalist look. The set is microwave and dishwasher-safe but not oven-safe. It comes in six colours: pebble, sky, chamomile, peony, indigo, and dove.
• Ekobo: Ekobo offers a range of ethical goods, including kitchen storage containers, reusable cutlery, and eco-friendly baby dinnerware. Their tableware is crafted from raw organic bamboo sawdust and a food-safe, non-toxic melamine binding resin, creating durable BIOBU bamboo material. The dinnerware is dishwasher-safe and comes in various colours and sizes, allowing you to mix and match for a unique table setting.
• Year & Day: Year & Day offers a bamboo dinnerware set that is lightweight, unbreakable, and safe for the microwave and dishwasher. It includes bowls, plates, and mugs in a matte finish, adding a pop of colour to your table.

Stainless steel dinnerware

When choosing stainless steel dinnerware, it is important to consider the type of stainless steel used. Food-grade stainless steel, such as grades 304 and 316, are safe options for dinnerware as they are resistant to corrosion and have higher nickel content, which provides greater corrosion resistance. Grade 304 is the most commonly used food-grade stainless steel due to its excellent corrosion resistance and value for price. It comes in two types: 18/10 and 18/8, which indicate the percentage of chromium and nickel content, respectively.

Some reputable brands that offer stainless steel dinnerware include Ahimsa Home, CleanPlanetware, HaWare, and E-far. Ahimsa Home's products are designed in collaboration with paediatricians and are MADE SAFE® certified, free of harmful chemicals such as BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, and formaldehyde. CleanPlanetware's 16-piece family pack includes four cups, four bowls, four salad plates, and four dinner plates made from food-grade 202 stainless steel. HaWare offers a range of stainless steel dinnerware for children, including plates, bowls, and utensils. E-far provides a set of stainless steel plates suitable for both kids and toddlers, made from food-grade 304 stainless steel.

With its durability, safety, and ease of maintenance, stainless steel dinnerware is an excellent option for those seeking non-toxic alternatives.

Porcelain dinnerware

Porcelain is a type of ceramic dinnerware that is widely used and has been used for storing and serving food for generations. However, the glaze that gives crockery its final clean, shiny appearance as well as enhancing its vibrant colours and patterns can also render it toxic.

Porcelain is made from a fine-particle clay, often composed of feldspar, kaolin, and quartz, burnt at a higher temperature, making it very strong and nonporous. The procedure also makes it possible to add curved features into the body's design and makes the body thinner and more delicately made, giving it an almost transparent look.

Porcelain is generally safe for daily use, but it's important to do your research on the manufacturer. Ceramic items can be used in the microwave, oven, or stove top without breaking down, melting, or softening like plastic items do.

When shopping for porcelain dinnerware, look for sets that are labelled as 'lead-free' or 'lead-safe' to indicate that the amount of lead contained in the product is under legal safety regulations. You can also look for sets that are BPA-free and cadmium-free.

Frequently asked questions