When it comes to furnishing your kitchen and buying cookware for your dorm room, apartment, or home, it can be difficult to know where to start — especially when sustainability and health risks come into play. Recently, a study found that black plastics can pose some serious potential health risks (including releasing harmful cancer-causing chemicals), which is extra scary given how many black plastic kitchen utensils there are on the market. Plus, sustainable or “green” kitchenware can also come with a steep price tag, meaning that your own health and safety may not seem affordable on a college budget. Luckily, we’ve rounded up some of the best black plastic-free kitchen tools and cookware essentials that are free of harmful chemicals and won’t break the bank.
Why are black plastics bad?
The “black” in plastics comes from the addition of carbon black, which is basically a form of soot that’s produced by the combustion of coal, petroleum (ya know, the stuff in crude oil and asphalt) or vegetable matter. Carbon black is often added to plastics as a reinforcing substance, which is why it’s found in tires, and it can also absorb excess ultraviolet radiation that degrades plastics for a more long-lasting product. Plus, food marketers often prefer black plastics because they are cheaper and more visually appealing than clear alternatives.
Beyond being literal fossil fuel, black plastics often contain higher levels of unregulated chemicals, including heavy metals such as lead (poison) and cadmium (a highly toxic carcinogen), plus flame retardants. These chemicals can leach into food when touched — especially when heated or melted — and have been linked to serious health problems like reproductive issues, developmental problems, and certain cancers.
In addition to the numerous serious health risks, the black pigment used in black plastics interferes with the infrared sensors used in recycling sorting systems. The use of these pigments makes it difficult to effectively recycle black plastics, which can lead to increased plastic waste in landfills – in fact, black plastics make up about 15% of plastic waste. The inability to identify these specific chemicals means that black plastic ends up in a landfill or the incinerator instead of being reconstituted or recycled for new products, which is a big no-no for sustainability.
Where can I buy affordable black-plastic free kitchen products?
If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchenware and ditch the black-plastic cooking utensils, we’ve rounded up 11 essential kitchen products that are plastic-free and affordable for all budgets.
Silicone Utensil Set, $24
This 14-piece set of kitchen essentials is made with food-grade silicone and stainless steel, plus it’s dishwasher safe. In addition to the cute aesthetic, this set features cookware that every first-time chef should have on-hand, including a whisk, ladle, and slotted spoons.
Measuring Cups, $13
Every baker needs a good set of measuring cups and spoons, and this 10-piece set is made of stainless steel for safe and rust-free cooking. These measuring cups are both durable and attractive, plus they’re easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.
Bamboo Cutting Boards, $20
If you are looking for a top-quality cutting board that is extremely safe to use, this set of three premium bamboo boards are plastic-free and knife-friendly. Earth-friendly bamboo fiber is better for your knives and cutlery than other typical cutting board surfaces (including plastic, teak, or maple), and can help reduce accidents and knife slips while also preserving your cutting tools’ razor-sharp blades.
Glass Food Storage Containers, $30
Whether you want to save time and money or just prefer home cooking over fast food, these durable glass containers are perfect for food storage, lunch boxes, or even reheating leftovers thanks to an ability to withstand temperatures up to 840 degrees Fahrenheit. This set of five containers is made from borosilicate glass, which is the strongest glass available, oven safe, and won’t break as easily as cheaper alternatives.
Non-Stick Ceramic Skillets, $50
This two-pack of truly non-stick skillets is one of my all-time favorite kitchen purchases, plus they are plastic-free. The 8- and 10-inch skillets are dishwasher safe and oven- and broiler-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and the Thermolon healthy ceramic coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
Trader Joe’s Reusable Silicone Storage Bags, $10
Not only does eliminating single-use plastics reduce food waste, it also helps keep you safe from hazardous chemicals. These reusable food storage bags from Trader Joe’s are made with super premium, food-grade, platinum silicone, meaning they’re totally microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. Each package contains three bags — small, medium, and large — , making it a steal for the price point.
Silicone Spatula Set, $20
No need to fear the black plastics here — despite the color, this four-pack of spatulas are made of food-grade silicone that’s heat resistant up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and sturdy enough to reach into tough crevices while ensuring safe and healthy cooking.
Wood + Plant Fiber Cleaning Brushes, $34
Whether tubs, tiles, or dishes are next up on your spring cleaning checklist, this set of four 100% biodegradable beechwood, sisal and coconut fiber brushes will give your plastic scrubbers the boot.
Bamboo Fiber Plates, $20
These plates may be light, but they are meant to last. Nook’s Bamboo fiber plates are dishwasher safe, durable, almost non-breakable, and perfect for everyday use, plus they are BPA-free and non-toxic. This set of eight is available in over 10 patterns, and both 8- and 10-inch diameters.
Teak Wood Utensil Set, $66
I know you might be cringing at the price point, but Woodenhouse’s 10-piece utensil set was one of my favorite and most “worth-it” kitchen additions of 2024. Not only do you get incredible bang for your buck with this set since each tool clocks in under $7, but these plastic-free utensils are sturdy, easy to clean, and built to last a lifetime.
Meat Chopper, $10
If you cook with ground beef, turkey, or chicken, this beveled and curved five-blade pinwheel design makes breaking up meat faster and easier without damaging non-stick pans or surfaces. This meat masher is made of food-grade nylon, so it’s BPA-free and won’t deform at high temperatures.