Using recycled plastic is often seen as a positive, but in the case of black plastic, it could be seriously harming our health, according to a new study. Recent research published in the journal Chemosphere has warned that products made with recycled black plastic, including children’s toys and cooking utensils, like spatulas and ladles, could contain toxic chemicals, including high levels of flame retardants. For that reason, many experts are now urging consumers to ditch the black plastic for good—especially in the kitchen.
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Why are black plastic cooking utensils harmful?
According to the new study, the reason some black plastic utensils might be toxic is because they’re often (but not always) made with recycled electronic waste. Initially, this seems like a good thing; we’re often told that recycling is a positive way of repurposing old resources. However, the issue with reusing black plastic from items like television sets and laptops is that these products are often covered in flame retardants, which are applied to many household items to reduce the risk of fire.
Flame retardants are efficient at helping to stop fires from spreading or, at they very least, slowing them down, but they are not safe for consumption. Many are carcinogenic and have been linked with neurotoxicity or reproductive issues, for example.
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When they’re used in cooking utensils, the heat can cause the chemicals in flame retardants to leach into the food. “Flame retardants aren’t actually bound to the plastic polymers that they’re added to, it’s an additive,” explained study author Megan Liu to the Los Angeles Times. “Heat can ease migration of chemicals out of products.”
This has led many experts to call for consumers to move away from the use of black plastic in the kitchen—not just in utensils, but also in items like takeaway trays, which are often used in the microwave or in the fridge for storage. “I would recommend not using black plastic for food contact materials or buying toys with black plastic pieces,” toxicologist Linda Birnbaum told CNN.
Best non-toxic cooking utensils
If you want to replace your black plastic with safer materials, you can find some of our go-to nontoxic kitchen utensil picks below.
Best wooden cooking utensils: Aiuhi Natural Teak Wood Kitchen Utensils
This kitchen utensil set from Aiuhi contains everything from tongs to a whisk to a spatula, and everything is made from natural teak wood. This type of wood is a type of hardwood, which means it is resilient and durable, and it looks good, too. It’s also naturally nonstick and relatively easy to clean (just make sure you don’t soak them for too long, as this may lead them to warp or split). “Easy to clean, look great, durable, what’s not to like?,” reads one Amazon review of the popular utensil set. Another reviewer praised its “quality, beauty, and versatility.”
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Berglander
Best stainless steel cooking utensils: Berglander Kitchen Utensils Set
Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for kitchen pots and pans, and it works well in utensils, too. Again, it’s incredibly durable and can withstand a lot of repetitive use in the kitchen. It’s also hygienic, easy to clean, and long-lasting. Try it for yourself in this set from Berglander—it features a whopping 38 pieces, including slotted spoons, a pasta server, a ladle, a whisk, and much more.
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Best silicone cooking utensils: Mibote Silicone Utensils Set
These sleek khaki utensils are made with BPA-free, food-grade silicone, which means they’re non-toxic and safe to use in the kitchen. Silicone utensils are also a more flexible option than other wooden or steel options, which helps scrape the side of bowls or jars or stir delicate dishes (like scrambled tofu or creamy sauces). Silicone is also durable and resilient, but just pay extra attention to cleaning, as this material can harbor stains in some cases. “I have purchased these twice, first in the grey and again in the khaki,” reads one positive Amazon review. “I love that they are silicone because they never scratch my pans, [don’t] melt like so many plastic ones do, and are practically non-stick.”
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Riveira
Best budget cooking utensils: Riveira Bamboo Wooden Spoons
Similar to teak wood, bamboo is a classic, lightweight material option for your kitchen utensils. It’s also eco-friendly, resilient, comfortable to grip, and long-lasting, too. Put it to the test with this six-piece utensil set from Riveira, which is made with 100 percent organic, non-stick bamboo. The only downside is these utensils need to be hand-washed to keep their quality, so keep them out of the high heat of the dishwasher. “I have purchased other bamboo cooking utensils before as well as other wooden utensils. This product is by far the best,” says one Amazon reviewer of the Riveira set.
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Marco Almond
Best gold cooking utensils: Marco Almond Golden Titanium Set
These golden cooking utensils from Marco Almond look sleek and sophisticated, but they’re not just stylish, they’re also robust and resilient, too. They’re made with non-reactive, non-toxic golden titanium and stainless steel, so you know they’re going to be long-lasting. Just take care when scrubbing so as not to blemish or scratch the titanium surface. “I’d say this product is worth the value,” reads one review. “The size is actually bigger than I expected. The color is very nice—it looks like it is worth more than it actually is.”
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Best luxury cooking utensils: Viking Signature Handle 6-Piece Utensil Set
If you’re looking to splurge on a good-quality, perfectly crafted, sleek, and polished set of kitchen utensils, then this set from Viking might be just what you’re looking for. Complete with spoons, a deep ladle, spatulas, and a pasta fork, the set is also durable and dishwasher safe. “Despite the high cost, it is something you will keep your entire life,” reads one review on the Viking website. Another adds: “I love the finish and workmanship.”
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Best camping cooking utensils: Camp Kitchen Cooking Utensil Set
This compact kit has everything you need for the perfect camp cookout, including stainless steel and silicone tongs, a spatula, and a ladle, each of which has its own pouch for neat and easy storage. It’s easy to transport, clean, and use, ticking all of the boxes for an evening in the great outdoors. “This is probably the best car camping kitchen kit I have ever had,” says one Amazon reviewer.
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Styled Settings
Best copper cooking utensils: Styled Settings Copper Kitchen Utensils
With all the benefits of stainless steel, like durability and sturdiness, but with the look of copper thanks to the coating, these utensils from Styled Settings will fit right in with your stylish, sophisticated kitchen aesthetic. “They’re beautiful, functional, and durable,” reads one Amazon review.
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Best wok cooking utensils: Yosukata Pre-Seasoned Wok Utensils Set
If you cook with a wok regularly, you’ll likely benefit from specific utensils. This set from Yosukata, for example, includes a blue carbon steel ladle and spatula, which means they are incredibly durable and able to withstand high-heat cooking. They also have long handles to protect your hands from spatters when cooking, and they’re smooth and curved to allow easy access to the contour of your wok.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the plant-based lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission, but in no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.
