What Kitchen Utensils Are Non-Toxic? The Safest Materials to Use

With growing concerns aroundPFAS ‘forever chemicals’,black plastic,BPA andmicroplastics leaching into our food, it’s no surprise more of us are rethinking what’s in our kitchens.

From the utensils we cook with to the everyday items we use to clean, store and serve food, these small choices can have a real impact on both our health and the environment.

In this guide, we’ll focus on kitchen utensils and essentials, breaking down the safest materials to use, what to avoid, and how to make simple swaps for a more non-toxic kitchen.

What Kitchen Utensils Are Non-Toxic?

Kitchen utensils are considered non-toxic when they don’t release harmful chemicals or shed microplastics into your food, especially when exposed to heat, moisture or regular use. In most cases, this comes down to the materials they’re made from.

Some materials are far safer and more stable than others. Below are four non-toxic options to look for in your kitchen:

1. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel kitchen utensils date back to the start of the 20th century, and they haven’t lost popularity since. They’re non-reactive, rust-resistant, and don’t absorb food or bacteria, making them a hygienic and reliable choice for everyday cooking.

Unlike plastic, stainless steel isn’t porous, so it won’t trap odours or harbour bacteria, meaning it’s easier to clean and maintain over time. Thequality of stainless steel depends on the grade, so look out for high-quality 18/10 and 18/8 options.

Stainless Steel Pros

• Long-lasting and highly durable

• Best for stirring, flipping and serving

• Non-reactive and won’t leach chemicals under normal use

• Easy to clean and naturally resistant to rust

• Doesn’t absorb odours or bacteria

Stainless Steel Cons

• Can scratch non-stick cookware

• Small amounts of metal may leach into acidic food during long cooking times

Steel kitchen utensils are hard-wearing, hygienic and generally non-toxic.

2. Wood & Bamboo

Wood and bamboo kitchen utensils are natural, non-toxic options – and wooden spoons are a classic for good reason. Gentle on cookware, they won’t scratch non-stick surfaces, making them ideal for everything from stirring sauces to baking and serving.

When you choose wood and bamboo utensils, it’s worth checking the quality. While a hand-carved wooden spoon could become an heirloom, pieces made from durable woods like teak, beech, and olive wood are less likely to splinter and can last for years with proper care. Cheaper, softer woods are more prone to cracking or wearing down over time.

At Wild & Stone, we take care to use FSC certified materials where possible -take a look at our eco dish brush range here. It’s worth looking out for this certification for any wooden utensils you buy.

We also love bamboo, which is a great option for kitchen essentials. Not only is it hard-wearing, it also grows incredibly quickly (by almost a metre a day) and doesn’t need extra irrigation or pesticides. Read ourguide to choosing the best bamboo products.

Wood & Bamboo Pros

• Natural and non-toxic

• Gentle on cookware, including non-stick surfaces

• Durable when well-made

• Renewable and eco-friendly materials

Wood & Bamboo Cons

• Lower-quality wood may splinter or crack over time

• Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks like flipping fried foods

• Requires occasional care, such as oiling

• Can absorb moisture if left wet, leading to warping or mildew

3. Glass & Ceramics

Glass and ceramics are traditional, non-toxic materials widely used in the kitchen, particularly for measuring, serving and food storage. While they’re less common as everyday cooking utensils, they’re excellent alternatives to plastic fororganising a zero-waste pantry and for preparing andstoring food.

Glass doesn’t absorb odours, stains or chemicals, making it a safe and hygienic choice. It’s especially useful for storing dry goods,fridge leftovers, or ingredients from zero-waste shops, helping toreduce plastic use and limit exposure to microplastics.

Ceramics are similarly non-reactive and highly heat-resistant, making them ideal for oven dishes, baking and serving. However, quality matters. Well-made, lead-free ceramics are perfectly safe, while lower-quality glazed ceramics may contain trace heavy metals.

Although more fragile than other materials, both glass and ceramics are long-lasting when handled with care and can contribute to the design of your kitchen - from glass containers on the shelves to luxuryLe Creuset ceramics.

Glass & Ceramics Pros

• Natural and non-toxic

• Non-porous, so they won’t absorb odours or stains

• Ideal for plastic-free food storage and serving

• Heat-resistant (especially ceramics)

• Durable when properly cared for

Glass & Ceramics Cons

• Can shatter or chip if dropped

• May crack under sudden temperature changes (thermal shock)

• Quality varies with ceramics (look for lead-free options)

• Limited use beyond storage, baking and serving

Are Silicone Cooking Utensils Toxic?

Silicone utensils are often considered a safer alternative to plastic, but their safety depends on quality.

High-quality, food-grade silicone (typically labelled as FDA-approved and BPA-free) is generally considered safe for use in the kitchen. It’s heat-resistant, flexible, and more stable than traditional plastics, making it a popular choice for utensils like spatulas and baking tools.

However, not all silicone is created equal. Lower-quality silicone may contain plastic fillers, which can reduce durability and potentially lead to degradation over time. When choosing silicone products, it’s worth opting for reputable brands and certified food-grade materials.

Life Without Plastic suggests a “pinch test”, twisting the silicone to check for white streaks, as an indicator of fillers. While not foolproof, it can be a quick way to assess quality alongside product certifications.

Silicone can also be a practical, family-friendly option. It doesn’t transfer heat easily, making it safer for children to use, and its soft, flexible design is ideal for everyday kitchen tasks. This is why we offer reusable silicone drinking straws as a safer alternative to single-use plastic, particularly for kids.

Food-grade silicone, like our Reusable Silicone Drinking Straws is a non-toxic alternative to plastic that's family-friendly and doesn't release microplastics.

Silicone Pros

• Non-scratch, ideal for non-stick cookware

• Heat-resistant and versatile

• Flexible and easy to use

• Does not break down into microplastics like traditional plastics

• Safer, child-friendly option

Silicone Cons

• Lower-quality silicone may contain plastic fillers

• Not as natural or environmentally friendly as materials like wood or stainless steel

Choosing Non-Toxic Kitchen Utensils

Creating a non-toxic kitchen is a work in progress. It’s about making small, informed decisions over time, like swapping out a worn plastic spatula for a wooden or high-quality silicone alternative.

In the end, it’s not just about what you cook with, but everything you use in your kitchen—from food storage and preparation towashing up. When you choose durable, safe materials and reducing your reliance on plastic where possible, you can build a kitchen that’s not only non-toxic, but alsolower waste and better for the environment.

For more on creating a sustainable kitchen, read our guide to the 5 best eco-friendly kitchen products.

If you’re looking for simple, sustainable swaps, explore our range of eco-friendly household and on-the-go essentials, from organic cotton dishcloths and wooden brushes to reusable straws and produce bags.