What is the Most Non-Toxic Dinnerware?

Our Guide to the Best Non-Toxic Kid’s Dinnerware 

Long before I started EcoCubs and our range of non toxic kids dinnerware, I was just a parent using the standard dinnerware from the shops. It wasn't until I was pregnant with my second, and starting to learn about things like microplastics, hidden chemical, and the problems with heating standard kids dinnerware, that I really looked in to it.  It was shocking to find that products that were being marketed as “eco-friendly” or “bamboo” were often still full of plastic, or worse, toxic binders like formaldehyde-based melamine.

So, I went down the rabbit hole of non-toxic options (so far down in fact, that I ended up creating my own brand!). And if you're here reading this, I’m guessing you're now in that same boat- looking for safe, practical alternatives that won’t harm your kids (or the planet).

Let me help you skip the hours of research, because trust me- I've already done it! Below is what you actually need to know when choosing the best non-toxic kids dinnerware.

The Problem with Standard Kids’ Dinnerware

Most mass-produced kids plates and bowls on the market are made from plastic or melamine, often with bright colours, cartoon prints, that use synthetic dyes, pigments and coatings. Here's the issue that can come with that:

• Melamine is made with formaldehyde, a chemical that can leach into food when exposed to heat (like in the microwave or dishwasher). This combo has raised enough health concerns that melamine-based bamboo dinnerware has been banned in parts of the EU for children under 3, and strongly discouraged for all food contact by the European Food Safety Authority. We've actually done a whole blog post on this before, if you do want to read more about it (Is Melamine Dinnerware Safe? Exploring the Hidden Dangers)
• Plastic, even when labelled “BPA-free” or when using recycled plastic dinnerware, can still break down into microplastics over time, especially when exposed to heat (think microwaves, dishwashers, or even hot food). These microplastics can leach into food and have been found in everything from human placentas to children's stools. It's alarming and sadly, most plastic kids’ dinnerware and products will inevitably falls into this category (again, you can check out another of our blog posts: Plastic Free Kids Plates: Does It Really Matter?)
• Many labelled “bamboo” products still contain melamine or plastic binders- see above- so the still have these same issues.  meaning they’re not truly biodegradable or compostable — and often end up as waste anyway.  
• The environmental impact is of course huge as well. Conventional plastic and melamine contributes to plastic waste that can take hundreds to thousands of years to degrade, breaking down into microplastics (see above) that contaminate oceans, rivers, soil, and air.  

So, What is the Best Non Toxic Kids Dinnerware Materials: Our Front Runners

1) Plant-based fibres. *Note- this is NOT the same as straightforward bamboo!*

Some years ago, standard bamboo dishes were all the rage, marketed as the best non-toxic and eco-friendly choice. What wasn’t disclosed, is that plain old bamboo fibre dinnerware also includes a resin to enhance its strength and ability to bind. These resins are more often than not… melamine (!!). Melamine= made from formaldehyde, non-biodegradable and highly toxic for human health. Because of this, they’ve even been banned for sale in many parts of Europe. It’s crucial to choose the RIGHT “bamboo dishes”. Obviously NOT the best non toxic kids dinnerware choice.

Enter 100% plant-based dinnerware. Many still contain bamboo, but instead of synthetic resins like melamine, they use natural binders made from plant starch or sugarcane. These materials are designed to be biodegradable and compostable, breaking down into natural components without leaving harmful residues. There’s also a heap of environmental benefits to choosing plant-based dinnerware over non disposable plastic plates.

And this is where my search led me when I first created our small business.

EcoCubs bamboo dishes are certified 100% plant-based dinnerware. Made from 70% bamboo fibres and 30% plant-based starch binder such as corn or PLA. They’re also simple in design, without the tacky cartoon characters, and will suit any home. As an extra bonus, they’re dishwasher AND microwave safe. I wanted health and sustainability… but I also value easy!

2) Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel is an excellent material for non-toxic kids' dinnerware for several key reasons. Unlike plastic, it doesn’t leach harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, or PVC, making it a safer choice for children. Stainless steel is also non-reactive, meaning it won’t interact with acidic foods (like tomatoes or citrus), which can sometimes cause other materials to release toxins. Plus, it's easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and practically indestructible, making it both eco-friendly and practical. 

It’s also why we decided to release our collection of Stainless Steel cutlery, bowls and plates. A range that we spent over a year perfecting with our own bears. We wanted to make sure the practicality of stainless steel could go toe to toe with the other important factors like cuteness and ergonomics.

3) Raw Wood or Bamboo (as in, in its natural state!)

Bamboo and wood are also naturally durable and resistant to staining, which makes them ideal for everyday use by kids. Bamboo, in particular, is lightweight yet incredibly strong, making it easy for little ones to handle. Without all the usual additives, they’re naturally non-toxic. 

Once parents started to request a safe suction option for their younger children, I decided to release EcoCubs Bamboo Suction Range. The suction feature on our bowls and plates have been tested and verified by my three wild bears. However, as they are natural in their composition they obviously can’t go in the dishwasher. A small compromise to consider when looking at opting for bamboo or wood dinnerware.

4) Silicone Dinnerware

(although the jury is still out on this one!)

Silicone, derived from silicon and oxygen, is a non-toxic, durable material. And unlike plastics, silicone does not degrade into microplastics or harm your little one’s foods. It is heat-resistant, flexible, and easy to clean, making it an ideal choice across the market for the best non toxic kids dinnerware.

So why are we still undecided? Because while technically, silicone is recyclable… there’s not really anywhere to recycle it! And I’ve looked! Which means it will likely end up in landfill. While it won’t necessarily leak harmful toxins into the earth like plastic does, I will always prefer an easily compostable or recyclable material. So for us, it isn't the best option for non toxic kids dinnerware.

For this reason, I’ve opted to use silicone sparingly in our products and more importantly, chose to start EcoCubs Silicone Send Back Scheme. This program allows customers to return any EcoCubs silicone to us and we’ll return them to our manufacturer for reuse.

5) Ceramic or Glass

This one is safe but not always practical for kids, which is why we haven't gone down this route for our own brand! Ceramic and glass are naturally non-toxic and don’t leach chemicals into food. They’re easy to clean, durable for adults, and recyclable. However, when it comes to kids:

• They break easily. Young children drop things a lot, and broken ceramic or glass isn’t just inconvenient and can become a safety hazard.
• Ceramics are tricky to recycle. While glass is highly recyclable, many ceramics end up in landfill because their glaze or mixed materials make them incompatible with standard recycling processes

For these reasons, while ceramic and glass are great in theory, they’re not our go-to for everyday kids’ dinnerware. We prefer options that can handle the chaos of toddler life and reduce environmental impact.

The Bottom Line When it Comes to the Best Non Toxic Kids Dinnerware

When hunting for your kid’s dinnerware, I get the options can be overwhelming. The main thing to consider is non-toxic materials that minimise the risk of microplastic and chemical contamination for your family and the planet.

While the choices certainly aren’t endless, they are out there! I hope this helps to ease your mind when it comes to the concerning research and assist in narrowing down the choices for your own home x