Best Non Toxic Cutting Board for your Healthy Kitchen - Healthy House on the Block (2024)

Best Non Toxic Cutting Board for your Healthy Kitchen

  • Post published:November 19, 2023
  • Post comments:11 Comments

Best Non Toxic Cutting Board for your Healthy Kitchen - Healthy House on the Block (1)

The kitchen seems to be the place I hang out the most when I’m at home, and I’ll be honest, I LOVE it. Cooking and preparing meals is usually something that brings me joy (clean up is another story though). One of the things I do most often in the kitchen is food prep with my cutting board. For a long time I used those plastic, flexible cutting boards, but let’s be honest, after my last few posts about phthalates and polyvinyl chloride, I think you could understand how ditching the plastic cutting board was the ONLY way to go. So what are the best options when it comes to non toxic cutting boards?

And while there are new materials you can choose, there’s always questions about IF it really is a non-toxic cutting board and does it hold up over time. I’m going to share with you everything I know about cutting boards and getting one that is completely safe and healthy for your family. Afterall, you’re cutting up food on it and then consuming that food (and potentially toxins from your cutting board). We know that ingesting toxins is one of the MOST harmful ways they affect our bodies, so making sure food surfaces are safe is key.

The trick to creating a truly toxin free home is not necessarily in a total overhaul process, but instead, in finding lower toxin options to choose WHEN it’s time to replace an item that you use on a frequent basis.

TOXIC CUTTING BOARD SURFACES

Plastic: Plastic is a popular choice for cutting boards, and while it’s pliable and resilient to cuts and scratches, eventually, it does scratch. The plastic that comes into contact with our food is concerned enough due to the toxins in pvc plastic and phthalates that are present in plastic. But add a few scratches and you’ve increased your exposure to these toxins. You’re looking at increasing your risk of endocrine disruption and hormone issues, developmental delays in children, reproductive system harm and an increased risk of allergies and asthma.

Fused Bamboo: So, let’s clarify, I don’t mean a SOLID, untreated bamboo cutting board. SOme cutting boards that are made of bamboo (and particularly the ones that are lower in price and therefore quality) are actually particles of bamboo fused or glued together. Most of the adhesives must be extra strength in order to hold the particles together, and unfortunately that means the glue often contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Also be careful of non-food grade mineral oil being used as a finish on these, as it contains glyphosate and atrazine, chemicals harmful to the body.

Antibacterial Surface: Any cutting board that has labels stating “Antibacterial” or “Prevents Odors” usually contains some sort of chemical antibacterial agent in or on the board. This could contain triclosan or another similar chemical that disrupts our hormone production as well as creates an environment and system that promotes superbugs. The great news is there are natural elements that have antibacterial properties you can use if bacteria is a large concern.

Melamine: Melamine is a chemical compound commonly found in dishes and kitchen items. Melamine has negative impacts on brain development as well as reproductive functions due to its suppression of the endocrine system. While it’s usually an inexpensive option, due to the chemicals present, it should be avoided when it comes to food preparation.

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WHY IT MATTERS TO CHOOSE NON TOXIC CUTTING BOARDS

I mentioned it before, and it doesn’t hurt to mention it again, the act of ingesting various toxins is often one of the most harmful ways to come in contact with them (as opposed to inhalation or absorption through skin).

Not only do we generally come into contact with greater amounts of toxins through ingestion, but it also travels to our organs and systems much more quickly in comparison to other exposure methods. They also negatively impact the gut microbiome.

What’s more is that many of the toxins I mentioned above that are in other cutting boards disrupt the endocrine system. This is what keeps our hormones balanced and in check, which in turn keeps many of our other systems up and running properly. With our hormones out of whack, we start to see other effects spill over because of this: fatigue, weight gain, reproductive issues, insomnia, headaches, and thyroid issues.

By cutting out these toxins wherever we can, we start to see a more balanced endocrine production system and we start to see our bodies become unburdened. An unburdened body will heal itself and will start to an ease in that general unwell feeling.

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THE BEST SURFACES FOR NON TOXIC CUTTING BOARDS

Wood: Solid wood that doesn’t contain any sort of toxic adhesive or non-food grade mineral oil finish is the BEST option in my opinion. You’ll want to opt for a hardwood non toxic cutting board as opposed to a soft wood, like bamboo. I truly love the cutting board we purchased from an Etsy Seller and have NEVER booked back. Urthware is another good option when it comes to solid wood non toxic cutting boards.

Epicurean: Epicurean is non porous and is made of natural wood that is pressed together in sheet form under extreme pressure and heat. Now, I have to tell you that research is KEY when you’re going to buy an epicurean product. SOME products made of this method have been soaked in resins and chemicals like phenol, which should be avoided. BUT, some epicurean materials are VOC free and chemicals from any resin are destroyed or released during the saturation process. Look for a GreenGuard Certified cutting board here and you’ll be safe.

100% Natural Rubber: Oftentimes this type of non toxic cutting board is used in commercial or professional settings. You have to find 100% high density natural rubber with no fillers. It also doubles as a non-skid surface. These boards are great because they rarely dull your knives and they typically don’t absorb bacteria, liquids or odors. You’ll have to clean them by hand, but then that’s the case with most non toxic cutting boards.

Stone: Granite and marble cutting boards are another good option. You’ll want to make sure these boards are naturally polished instead of chemically sealed. The only downside to this non toxic cutting board option is that they are often VERY hard on knives. But, on the flip side, they don’t absorb moisture or odors and therefore they are very bacteria resistant.

Glass: Make sure to opt for a tempered glass when you’re looking for a cutting board. These boards often have no other treatment on them and are 100% natural. It’s a great option when you’re looking for a non toxic cutting board. The only downfall of these is that again, they’re really hard on knives and dull them quickly.

Silicone: Look for food grade silicone for any cutting board you find. I love these for a flexible cutting board option in the kitchen instead of plastic. Silicone doe not easily breed harmful bacteria, and so even if there are small cuts in the cutting board, this is less of a concern. Silicone is also naturally nonslip and can withstand pretty high temperatures before any sort of leaching would occur.

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RESTORING WOOD CUTTING BOARDS:

Sometimes wood cutting boards need a little extra love. Or even your wood cooking utensils. They also need a little TLC sometimes. When mine start to need a little restoration, I uses Vermont Natural Coatings Wood Rescue. This solution is natural mineral oil and organic beeswax blended together to restore wood items in the kitchen. It’s also 100% food grade.

First, start with a freshly cleaned surface or utensil. Wash them with warm water and gentler dish soap. For spoons and utensils I also like to soak them in vinegar and baking soda.

Once the surface is completely dry and clean, apply the Wood Rescue Oil onto the wood. Then, use a towel and rub oil into all areas of the wood.

You’ll want to allow the wood to dry completely (at least 4-6 hours) before using it. You can repeat this procedure every month or so as needed.

TOP PICKS FOR HEALTHY CUTTING BOARDS

Remember, it’s these small steps forward that REALLY make a difference in your healthy home. Don’t be overwhelmed by choices, instead, make a list today of one small change you can make to your cutting board situation at home. When you’re ready to replace your current cutting boards, you’ll be ready to make the healthier choice.

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This Post Has 11 Comments

  1. Best Non Toxic Cutting Board for your Healthy Kitchen - Healthy House on the Block (9)

    Amy March 10, 2021Reply

    Hi! The rubber cutting board link no longer works – could you update, please?

    1. Best Non Toxic Cutting Board for your Healthy Kitchen - Healthy House on the Block (10)

      Amanda March 11, 2021Reply

      Thank you, Amy for the heads up! I got the link fixed now.

  2. Best Non Toxic Cutting Board for your Healthy Kitchen - Healthy House on the Block (11)

    Kelly March 18, 2021Reply

    What etsy shop did you purchase from?

  3. Best Non Toxic Cutting Board for your Healthy Kitchen - Healthy House on the Block (13)

    Tam March 28, 2021Reply

    Hi, which board did you purchase from the Etsy shop? The wood boards I reviewed from the link you provided are finished in mineral oil. Thanks!

    1. Best Non Toxic Cutting Board for your Healthy Kitchen - Healthy House on the Block (14)

      Amanda March 28, 2021Reply

      Hi Tam! Food Grade Mineral oil is a great option — just steer clear of anything that is not food grade.

  4. Best Non Toxic Cutting Board for your Healthy Kitchen - Healthy House on the Block (15)

    Maria August 2, 2022Reply

    Hi, how much depth of scratches in the chopping board still allowed for chopping board to use in a big setting like catering services occupant of 400 people. Or to make it short wear and tear how often should we change chopping boards?

  5. Best Non Toxic Cutting Board for your Healthy Kitchen - Healthy House on the Block (16)

    Janet January 12, 2024Reply

    My teenage daughter recently made us aware of the micro plastics in cutting boards. I literally had no idea! Thank you for your very informative posting and recommendations. We have made the switch and no longer have plastic cutting boards in our home!

    1. Best Non Toxic Cutting Board for your Healthy Kitchen - Healthy House on the Block (17)

      Amanda February 8, 2024Reply

      That’s great, Janet!

  6. Best Non Toxic Cutting Board for your Healthy Kitchen - Healthy House on the Block (18)

    Marthe Schulwolf January 22, 2024Reply

    They are selling supposedly eco-friendly (and very inexpensive) sets of cutting boards made of “wheat straw” at Home Goods. Do you know anything about these? They look kind of plastic-like. Would love to know what you think.

    1. Best Non Toxic Cutting Board for your Healthy Kitchen - Healthy House on the Block (19)

      Amanda February 8, 2024Reply

      I’m really on the fence about wheat straw. I think on a surface that wasn’t being cut, I’d be more likely to use it. But I worry that with cutting on it you could be releasing potential toxic particles into your food. I hope that was helpful!

Leave a Reply

Best Non Toxic Cutting Board for your Healthy Kitchen - Healthy House on the Block (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest cutting board to use? ›

The healthiest cutting board material is typically glass/stone or wood (hardwood, not softwood). These materials are either nonporous or have antimicrobial properties that make them more resistant to bacterial growth.

Which type of cutting board is not as safe? ›

But then the notion came around that plastic cutting boards were easier to clean, so they were assumed (you can even put some types in your dishwasher). But, it turns out, research shows that wood cutting boards are actually just as safe — if not safer — to use than plastic.

What is the most hygienic cutting board? ›

Bamboo cutting boards are harder and less porous than hardwoods. Bamboo absorbs very little moisture and resists scarring from knives, so they are more resistant to bacteria than other woods. Clean bamboo cutting boards with hot soapy water; sanitize if desired. Rub with mineral oil to help retain moisture.

Is boos block non-toxic? ›

A few examples include walnut and cherry. Cherry, maple and walnut woods are food-safe and non-toxic. No matter which type of hardwood cutting board you choose, they are all crafted and perfected in the USA by John Boos & Co. since 1887.

What do professional chefs use for cutting boards? ›

Rubber cutting boards are popular among professional chefs for several reasons. Synthetic and natural rubber are great board materials for preserving sharp knives; the surface flexes to the knife edge rather than wearing it down.

What type of cutting boards are approved by the FDA? ›

While the FDA doesn't explicitly approve cutting boards, it does establish criteria for safe food contact materials. Plastic cutting boards made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) are FDA-approved for their non-porous nature, making them easier to clean and less prone to harboring bacteria.

Is bamboo safe as a cutting board? ›

Yes, it's perfectly safe to cut meat on a bamboo cutting board. Bamboo is a dense, moisture-resistant surface that is well suited for use with fruits, vegetables as well as meat and fish. Just make sure to wash it with warm water and soap in between uses!

What material should a cutting board is best? ›

Best Overall, Wood

Since it's reversible, you can flip it over to use the other side when you need a fresh cutting surface.

What is an unacceptable cutting board? ›

Several types of materials are used for cutting boards including wood, plastic, rubber, granite and glass. Glass and granite cutting boards are not recommended. Wood cutting boards should be made from hard, tight grained woods; rock maple, walnut, cherry, teak, bamboo, ash and birch.

What are the worst surfaces for cutting boards? ›

Avoid softwoods, toxic exotic species, chemically treated woods, highly porous varieties, and unstable or brittle woods when selecting material for your cutting board. By choosing the right wood, you can ensure a functional, hygienic, and long-lasting cutting surface for your culinary endeavors.

How often should you wash a cutting board? ›

Soap & Water: The Standard Approach

Your daily routine should include cleaning your wood-cutting board with soap and water after each use. This standard approach is simple yet effective. Start by scraping off any food residue using a bench scraper or spatula. Next, use soapy water and a sponge to scrub the board.

What are the healthiest cutting boards? ›

The safest choice for the planet and human health is a solid wood cutting board with natural oil finish or a pure rubber cutting board without an antimicrobial treatment.

Why are John Boos cutting boards so good? ›

Measuring 1.5 inches thick, it's also less likely to warp or crack than more lightweight boards. All of that's to say, the John Boos Maple Edge-Grain Reversible Cutting Board board is designed to be a reliable, all-purpose chopping block that can withstand years and years of vigorous slicing and dicing.

What is the best alternative to plastic cutting boards? ›

You can also avoid microplastics by using alternatives to plastic cutting boards – neither glass, marble, bamboo or wood will cause a microplastic mess. Wooden cutting boards , which have natural antimicrobial properties, are typically the cheapest.

Is a wooden cutting board more sanitary than plastic? ›

Health-wise, wood offers a significant advantage, as it doesn't contain BPA, a synthetic compound found in most plastics linked to various health conditions. Therefore, choosing a wood cutting board over a plastic one can be healthier. The individuality of plastic and wood cutting boards is another factor to consider.

Do plastic cutting boards release microplastics? ›

A 2022 study found that chopping on these boards releases microplastics into meat and a similar study found that microplastics can be found on fish, chicken, and meat purchased at markets that use plastic boards.

Is a bamboo or wood cutting board better? ›

Bamboo is denser and less likely to absorb bacteria than even high-quality hardwood, and its surface fights off bacteria (while plastic is a haven for microbes). So it's clear: bamboo is the healthiest cutting board to use.

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