We put time and energy into preparing a delicious and healthy meal. We think about nutrients, taste, texture, and whether the people we serve it to will enjoy it.
But have you thought about the dishes that you are serving your food on?
When we become conscious about how we are living, we become aware of so many products in our homes and environment that contain harmful toxins, but our dinnerware can also be a culprit.
Fortunately, there are now several non toxic dinnerware brands out there, which offer products that won’t contaminate your food.
I’ve looked around and found 7 dinnerware options that not only contain no harmful chemicals but will also look amazing in any kitchen or dining room.
Why Non-Toxic Dinnerware Matters
I personally never thought about hazardous materials in my plates and bowls until recently. I had made a conscious effort to reduce my exposure to harmful chemicals in my clothing, particularly bras and undies.
This led me on a journey to look at other things in my home and learn about harmful chemicals that can be found in some dinnerware materials.
These toxic substances, including lead and cadmium, can leach into food, posing potential health risks.
Safe, non-toxic dinnerware made from food-safe materials is critical for minimizing exposure to these dangers and ensures that your meals are not only delicious but also safe from the risks associated with chemical contamination.
Choosing the right dinnerware material is an easy step towards maintaining a healthy, conscious home.
Key Features of Non-Toxic Dinnerware
Dinnerware is commonly made from clay, but to make it suitable for food contact it needs to be glazed.
It is the glaze that may potentially contain toxic chemicals such as cadmium and lead.
Lead assists the glaze to melt, and is generally considered safe by the FDA as long as the product is fired properly and the lead is bound within the glaze.
This means that dinnerware products made in the USA may contain allowable amounts of lead. Also, other countries may have less strict regulations.
Cadium is another chemical that can be found in glazes for dinnerware. Cadium is a heavy metal and is used in the glaze to make colors brighter, however it can be toxic if too much leaches into your food.
It’s also possible that acidic foods could increase the potential for leaching as it can lead to the breakdown of the glaze.
There are now several non toxic dinnerware brands that are lead free and cadmium free as well as being made with ethical practices and sustainability in mind.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.
Best Non Toxic Dinnerware
1. Fable Classic Dinnerware Set
Product: Dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, breakfast bowls, dessert plates and mugs
Price: $494 for 24-piece set
The Fable dinnerware set is designed for both special occasions and everyday meals. Each piece, crafted in Portugal, showcases a unique, organically shaped, hand-finished design, ensuring no two items are exactly alike. All of the products are tested for lead and cadmium safety and comply with stringent GCGR, FDA, and Prop 65 standards.
Crafted in a zero-waste facility in Portugal, the Fable dinnerware set is made by artisans using a mix of recycled and locally sourced clay. This commitment to sustainability extends to a customer-friendly 30-day trial, offering refunds or exchanges for those not entirely satisfied, ensuring a purchase that’s both eco-conscious and risk-free.
User Review: I love these plates. They are solid plates, the aesthetics and feel are perfect. My only complaint is they are about 1 inch too big to fit in a dishwasher – Mark M
PROS
- Locally sourced and recycled clay
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave safe
- Oven safe
- Variety of colors
- 30 day trial
- Full set – you won’t need to buy more
CONS
- Higher price point
2. East Fork Pottery Shallow Dinner Set
Product: Breakfast bowl, everyday bowl, cake plate, side plate, and dinner plate
Price: $162 for 5 piece set
East Fork is proud of its commitment to creating lead-free, safe pottery for consumers. To ensure that all glazes are compliant with FDA and California Prop65 standards, they send them off to independent laboratories where they pass the acid test with flying colors. East Fork goes further still in remedying environmental damage by addressing the harm caused throughout their entire process of operation – from manufacturing through shipping goods out.
User review: Great design and quality. Fast shipping, securely packed. Great company who is doing good things for employees, their community and lots of people in general. We got dinner plates, side plates, soup bowls and the Coupe bowls. All are fantastic and solid, but not overly heavy. These look like they’ll be around for decades. Will be ordering the mugs soon – Christopher Y
PROS
- Ceramic
- Save 10% when purchased as a set
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave safe
- Variety of colors
CONS
- Higher price point
3. Public Goods Ceramic Dinner Plates
Product: Breakfast bowl, everyday bowl, cake plate, side plate and dinner plate
Price: $35 for a set of 4
These ceramic plates are designed with a lipped edge to keep food in place. The classic white color and streamlined design bring elegance to any table setting, suitable for daily dining or special celebrations.
This dinnerware is classic and gorgeous and produced with an eye towards conservation. The factory has installed a modern co-generation system to make sure that no energy goes wasted during the manufacturing process. The heat dispersed from the kiln area is diverted into two uses: drying newly formed clay bodies and powering up the office air conditioning plant – creating dual benefits of efficiency and cost savings.
User review: These plates are absolutely stunning. Perfect weight, lovely satin finish. These plates look and feel expensive. Very impressed with the quality – Elizabeth
PROS
- ceramic
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave safe
- Oven safe
- Freezer safe
- Affordable
CONS
- Only comes in white
- Have to buy bowl sets and plate sets separately
4. Year & Day The Core Set
Product: Big bowls, small bowls, big plates and small plates
Price: $240 for a 16-piece set
Year and Day’s The Core Set offers a foundational collection of dinnerware designed for modern dining, with a commitment to ethical production, use of sustainable materials, and craftsmanship by artisans in Portugal. Made from high-quality ceramics that are free from lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals, these pieces ensure safety and durability. Complying with CA Prop 65 requirements, each item in The Core Set combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, making it perfect for everyday use or special occasions.
User Review: I’m a big fan of my Year & Day ceramics set. The products are high quality, well designed and manufactured with a high bar for ethical and sustainable practices in mind. The accessible price point is a win as well, and the ability to mix and match their 4 colorways provides countless permutations to fit any aesthetic – The Quality Edit website
PROS
- ceramic
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave safe
- Oven safe
- Freezer safe
- Variety of colors
- Option on the website to ‘build a set’ according to your living situation
CONS
- Higher price point
5. Material Kitchen The Place Setting
Product: Full plate, half plate and open bowl
Price: $115 for 3 piece set
Handcrafted from natural Korean soils, these dinnerware pieces embody the beauty of artisan imperfection.
This collection is slowly and intentionally made, ensuring that every plate, bowl, and cup is not only unique but also embodies eco-friendly principles with its non-toxic materials.
User Review: I’ve been looking at a lot of dinnerware the past couple years and I think I found the perfect set. Stunning color and finish, stoneware but thin and lighter in weight – Christine L
PROS
- ceramic
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave safe
- Save $20 when purchased as a set
CONS
- Higher price point
- limited colors
6. Lafayette Avenue Ceramics Handmade Ceramic Saucy Plate
Product: Plates
Price: $108 per set of 4
Crafted by a small, woman-owned business, the Lafayette Avenue Ceramic Saucy Plate Set adds a touch of natural elegance to your dining. These handmade side plates, with their subtle, non-toxic, lead-free glaze, feature raised edges perfect for dishes with sauces or condiments. Designed for convenience, they’re food-safe and can be used in both dishwashers and microwaves, blending functionality with artisanal beauty for everyday dining or special occasions.
PROS
- ceramic
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave safe
- Variety of colors
CONS
- This set is plates only and doesn’t include bowls or cups
7. Bamboozle Blate Dining Set
Product: Plate, salad bowl, soup bowl
Price: $46 per set of 3
Elevate your everyday dining with Bamboozle’s innovative “blate,” a colorful fusion of a bowl and plate. Designed for eco-conscious living, these bamboo blates are made with deep edges, ideal for saucy meals, and come in six color combinations. Bamboozle stands out for its commitment to food safety and environmental sustainability. Tested under California’s Proposition 65, these products are verified free from toxic chemicals, and offer a safe and stylish addition to your dinner table.
User Review: Make no mistake, this is a 5 star plate… It’s well finished, light weight & presumably made with environmentally responsible materials and practices. What bothers me, and the result of the 3 star review, is their use of a very sticky bar code stuck on EACH plate.
PROS
- biodegradable bamboo fiber
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave safe
- Variety of colors
- buy as a 3-piece set (plate, salad bowl, soup bowl), or buy each size as a set of 4
- Lightweight
CONS
- Higher pricepoint
Material Guide
Safest Dinnerware Materials
- Food-grade stainless steel
- Lead-free bone china
- Ceramic without harmful glazes
- BPA-free plastics
- Borosilicate glass or lime soda glass
- Natural bamboo
- Porcelain without harmful glazes
- Earthenware with non-toxic coatings
Materials To Avoid
- BPA and phthalates in plastic dinnerware
- Lead and cadmium in ceramic glazes
- Melamine resin in “unbreakable” dinnerware
- Non-food grade metals that can leach toxins
Non Toxic Dinnerware Buying Guide
- Avoid vintage dinnerware – although it may look appealing, dishes from past eras may contain harmful chemicals
- Buy durable pieces that are chip-resistant and scratch-resistant
- Always read the product labels and manufacturer’s information to ensure the dishware is free of toxins like lead, cadmium, phthalate, and BPA
- Avoid plastic dinnerware, plates, and bowls unless they are specifically marked as being food-grade and/or BPA-free
- If you are buying dinnerware made from a natural material, look for FSC certification to ensure sustainable sourcing practices
- If buying glazed dinnerware, look for natural lead-free glazes and colors
- Double check the shipping cost before you buy to make sure it fits in your budget
Caring for Your Non-Toxic Dinnerware
To maintain the integrity and safety of your non-toxic dinnerware, follow these guidelines:
- hand wash or use the dishwasher according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage surfaces
- for microwave-safe items, heat food in moderation to prevent damage
- store pieces carefully to avoid chips and cracks
Regular care ensures your dinnerware remains safe and beautiful for years.
FAQs on Non-Toxic Dinnerware:
What is the Safest Dinnerware to Buy?
The safest dinnerware is made from materials like borosilicate glass, food-grade stainless steel, lead-free ceramic, and BPA-free plastics, known for their non-toxic properties.
Is Corelle Toxic Free?
Yes, Corelle dinnerware is made from a patented glass laminate called Vitrelle, which is lead and cadmium-free, making it a non-toxic option.
Corelle dinnerware has evolved over the years. While older Corelle products (pre-2005) might have raised concerns due to trace amounts of lead in the decorative patterns, the current manufacturing process adheres to strict safety standards. Today’s Corelle dinnerware is made from their patented Vitrelle glass, which is lead and cadmium-free, aligning with contemporary health and safety regulations to ensure that it is non-toxic and safe for food use.
What Dinnerware is Lead-Free?
Dinnerware made from borosilicate glass, high-quality stainless steel, and ceramics explicitly labeled as lead-free are considered safe options.
Is Porcelain Dinnerware Non-Toxic?
Yes, high-quality porcelain dinnerware that is properly glazed and fired at high temperatures, without lead or cadmium in the glazes, is considered non-toxic.
Conclusion
By investing in non toxic dinnerware, you can create a safe and peaceful environment in your kitchen or dining room.
Not only are non toxic materials healthier for everyone, but there is some beautiful and classic pieces available.
This guide will help you find the right non toxic dinnerware set for you by presenting brands that offer non toxic options across the dinnerware category.
Being intentional about the foods you eat, and the products you eat them off, goes a long way to creating a more mindful and healthy lifestyle. There is no point in focusing on healthy eating habits if you’re eating off of plates that are potentially full of hazardous materials.