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Looking for the best non-toxic cutting boards for meat, vegetables, and fruits? We’ve got your food prep needs covered!
Believe it or not, not all cutting boards are created equal when it comes to their environmental impact. Some options can be downright unsustainable and toxic! In reality, most conventional options are made from hardwoods like maple or walnut, which are often sourced from unsustainable logging practices.
Environmentalists point out that clear-cutting forests to harvest wood contributes to deforestation, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity.
On top of that, products treated with chemical finishes or sealants may release toxic fumes when heated or exposed to acidic foods. Yikes!
Read on to find our list of healthy cutting boards in all shapes and sizes. From glueless solid wood cutting boards to small organic cutting boards for traveling, there’s something for every taste.
P.S. For more healthy options, check out The Best Non-Toxic Knives | PFOA & PFTE Free!
Best Non-Toxic Cutting Boards in 2024
Alright, let’s talk kitchen essentials. Do you know that trusty cutting board that’s seen more action than your favorite spatula? It’s true!
Along with our trusted cooking utensils, cutting boards are the only tools that witness, time and time again, our attempts at Gordon Ramsay-level cooking. And in my case, many occasional culinary slips. But that’s a story for another day.
You know, for the longest time, I never gave a second thought to my cutting boards. I mean, they looked like they were made of wood, right? And wood is natural, so I figured, “All good!”
Turns out, those seemingly harmless wooden cutting boards weren’t as innocent as they appeared.
I realized that what holds those wooden pieces together and the finishes they slap on can be a chemical maze. Glues, treatments, you name it. Just because it looks like wood doesn’t mean it’s automatically non-toxic.
Luckily, there are many non-toxic cutting boards for meat, veggies, and fruits out there, ready for grabs.
From glueless solid wood cutting boards to sturdy organic cutting boards made of bamboo, the choices are endless. No more weird chemicals mingling with your veggies or destroying the rich flavor of your steak.
Check out 2024’s best and healthiest cutting boards for toxic-free chopping, slicing, and dicing below.
What is a non-toxic cutting board?
A non-toxic cutting board is a kitchen tool made from materials that do not contain harmful substances or chemicals that could potentially leach into food during preparation.
This includes natural wood (such as bamboo or hardwoods like maple), and certain types of plastic that are specifically labeled as food-safe and free from harmful chemicals like BPA (bisphenol-A) and phthalates.
What makes a cutting board toxic?
Low-Quality Plastics
Some low-quality plastic cutting boards may contain harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates.
These chemicals can potentially leach into food during cutting and pose health risks.
Also, this study identifies plastic chopping boards as a substantial source of microplastics in human food, which requires careful attention.
Chemical Treatments
Chemical finishes are another reason for concern. Cutting boards treated with toxic finishes, stains, or varnishes can introduce harmful chemicals into the food.
So it would be best to always opt for non-toxic cutting boards finished with food-grade materials.
Non-Food-Safe Glues
Poorly constructed cutting boards may use glues that contain toxic substances. These substances can break down over time and contaminate food.
15 Healthy and Non-Toxic Cutting Boards In 2024
1. Caraway
You know darn well how much we love the non-toxic cookware brand Caraway.
Along with premium quality food storage sets, safe knives, and many more cooking utensils, the company also offers a fantastic set of 3 non-toxic cutting boards for meat, vegetables, and everything in between.
Crafted with care, this set features three sizes – Large, medium, and small – to cater to every kitchen task.
The boards are proudly made from FSC-certified birchwood, ensuring sustainability in every slice.
On top of that, each organic cutting board is thoughtfully finished with food-safe mineral oil and wax, making it not only durable but also safe for your food and the environment.
Price: $255 for the “Cutting Board Set”
Material: FSC Certified birchwood | Mineral oil & wax finish
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
2. 360 Cookware
When it comes to non-toxic swaps for the kitchen, 360 Cookware is at the top of the list.
On their virtual shelves, you can find everything from stainless steel cookware sets to the best non-toxic cutting board for meat!
These boards are crafted with a thicker profile and heavier weight, ensuring you can tackle even the toughest fruits and veggies with precision and gusto.
One side boasts an eco-friendly slate accent, doubling as the perfect juice groove.
This not only protects your countertops but also simplifies your cleanup routine.
Also, this dishwasher safe non-toxic cutting board is also heat safe (350°F / 176°C)!
Price: $61.99
Material: Slate, richlite
Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia
3. Our Place
From fish pans to tea kettles and, of course, a fantastic solid wood cutting board with no glue, Our Place has all our kitchen needs covered.
Crafted from premium American black walnut, it’s the ultimate surface for a day-long chopping, cutting, and dicing.
No worries about dulling your blades over time – this board keeps them sharp and ready for action.
To top it all off, thanks to its genius juice trench, you can finally say goodbye to kitchen chaos.
It captures all the runoff so that you won’t leave a mess behind ever again.
Our Favorites From from Our Place:
Price: From $95+
Material: American black walnut wood
Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Australia
4. GreenPan
Next up is GreenPan and their amazing non-toxic cutting board and knife set.
Crafted from recycled steel, and eco-friendly walnut handles, this set is a kitchen essential for those who appreciate simplicity and efficiency in meal prepping.
The bonded coating not only extends blade life by up to 2x but also ensures smooth, effortless cuts.
Also, the knives are perfectly weighted and balanced, offering precision in every cut.
Plus, both the acacia wood cutting board and the knives are dishwasher safe.
Price: $119.99 for the “Knife & Cutting Board Set”
Material: Acacia wood
Location/Shipping: United States
5. Made In Cookware
Made In Cookware is the mecca of nontoxic bakeware and cookware, but did you know they also offer durable and healthy cutting boards?
The maple wood butcher block is a resilient, aesthetically pleasing addition that promises to grace your counter for years.
Crafted in the USA and steamed for enhanced durability, this butcher block stands out with its edge-grain construction.
It’s also designed with a groove to capture juices during protein slicing, and the other is perfectly flat, it caters to various prep needs.
Our Favorites From Made In Cookware:
Price: From $129+
Material: Maple wood
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
6. Zwilling
An organic bamboo cutting board for carving, slicing, and serving? We’ll take it!
Zwilling, a premium brand touted for their amazing Dutch ovens, bakeware, and cooking utensils, now offers non-toxic cutting boards!
At a size of 14 inches by 10 inches and 1 inch thick, they provide a stable surface for precision slicing, whether it’s prime rib or poultry.
The grooves thoughtfully designed into the board collect juices, ensuring a mess-free slicing experience and making it an essential tool for your carving station.
Plus, you can flip the board over and transform it into a stylish serving platter, perfect for showcasing meats, cheeses, or spreads. How cool is that?
Our Favorites From Zwilling:
Price: From $59.99+
Material: Premium bamboo
Location/Shipping: Germany & Worldwide(choose your location at the bottom of the website)
7. Public Goods
Public Goods, one of the top eco-friendly alternatives to Amazon, offers an amazing small, non-toxic cutting board for meat.
Crafted from compressed paper and large wood fiber, this board is a conscious upgrade, inspired by the materials used to create skateboard ramps.
It offers greater resistance to bacteria, including E. coli to boot.
The silicone corners provide stability, preventing the board from sliding around on your countertop for a secure and safe cutting experience.
We also love that it’s perfectly portable, making it suitable for travel.
Price: From $23.95+
Material: Wood fiber & compressed paper with silicone corners
Location/Shipping: United States
8. Grove Collaborative
Grove Collaborative is the mecca of healthy home products.
Think eco-friendly laundry detergents, non-toxic toilet paper, the safest cleaning products, and, of course, organic bamboo cutting boards!
Created as a sustainable and enduring alternative to plastic, the prep board is crafted from renewable and eco-friendly bamboo.
This means that it’s not only durable but also offers natural antibacterial properties!
Just keep in mind that we never put anything made of bamboo in your dishwasher.
Price: $12.99
Material: 100% bamboo
Location/Shipping: United States
9. Bambu
For the best non-toxic cutting board for meat and vegetables, check out the certified B Corp Bambu.
Handcrafted for small, lightweight tasks, these healthy cutting boards boast gently rounded edges, ensuring no sharp corners to dent your table.
The non-toxic bamboo is naturally moisture-resistant, preventing swelling or warping with each wash.
Also, the boards are held together with water-based glue that’s free of formaldehyde and heavy metals.
To finish the process, Bambu uses food-safe wood oil derived from sunflower oil, soybean oil, thistle oil, and/or carnauba wax.
Our Favorites From Bambu:
- Small Bamboo Cutting & Serving Board
- Undercut Bamboo Cutting Board
- Medium Bamboo Cutting & Serving Board
Price: From $11.99+
Material: Bamboo | Food-safe wood oil
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
10. The Boardsmith
The Boardsmith wants to keep things simple and healthy, and thus, they’ve created an entire line of solid wood cutting boards. Walnut, maple, cherry – you name it, they have it.
All dishwasher safe non-toxic cutting board options are made ethically in the USA with a traditional end-grain construction that can withstand years of use.
Gentle on your knife edge compared to other boards, these feature smoothly beveled edges and corners.
On top of that, the wood-encased shock-absorbing feet are attached with stainless steel screws.
Lastly, the healthy cutting boards are finished with food-grade mineral oil and beeswax for easy maintenance.
Our Favorites From The Boardsmith:
Price: From $125+
Material: Premium grade hardwood, sustainably harvested FSC Certified premium-grade maple, black walnut, cherry | Food grade mineral oil & beeswax
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
11. John Boos & Co
John Boos & Co’s non-toxic cutting board for meat and veggies delivers the same unmatched quality and luxurious aesthetics as all their other renowned products trusted by professional chefs worldwide.
Whether you’re chopping, dicing, julienning, or presenting a beautiful charcuterie, these solid wood cutting boards are designed to meet your culinary needs.
Choose from cherry, walnut, or maple woods, all available in standard edge grain or opt for end grain for enhanced durability.
What’s more, the organic cutting boards come in round or rectangular shapes, with the option of a juice groove to prevent runoff onto your countertops.
Our Favorites From John Boos & Co:
Price: From $52.95+
Material: NSF Certified Northern hard rock maple, American black walnut, American cherry
Location/Shipping: United States
12. Food52
Food52 offers their very own line for kitchen, home, and life, created with the Food52 community in mind.
The double-sided bamboo cutting board is here to transform chopping, slicing, and carving “into a revolutionary experience.”
The result? Less of a mess with extra-deep juice grooves and a convenient pour spout.
Available in three sizes or as a set, these non-toxic cutting boards boast antimicrobial and water-resistant bamboo for durability.
They strike the perfect balance with the right thickness and tapered edges for seamless handling.
Price: $30-$40+
Material: Bamboo
Location/Shipping: United States
13. BergHOFF
BergHOFF wanted to create a premium-quality, dishwasher safe non-toxic cutting board for meat, bread, cheese, fruits, or vegetables. It’s safe to say that they’ve succeeded.
Crafted from durable and eco-friendly bamboo, pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, it not only brings natural beauty to your kitchen but also offers a naturally antibacterial surface for cleanliness.
Its unique design makes it ideal for both cutting and serving, with a special shape for optimal drying.
Plus, the integrated juice groove ensures a mess-free experience while cutting fruits or meat.
Price: From $60+ for the “Bamboo Cutting Board”
Material: Eco-friendly bamboo | Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil
Location/Shipping: United States
14. JK Adams
Walnut, maple, cherry – JK Adams offers a non-toxic solid wood cutting board for every preference!
Available in both rectangular and round shapes, these organic cutting boards are crafted exclusively from sustainably harvested North American hardwoods with a lifetime guarantee.
Why choose wood? Unlike plastic, composite, or glass cutting boards, wood stands out as a natural and renewable material with innate anti-microbial properties.
Wood’s unique ability to naturally dry and further eliminate bacteria sets it apart, while other materials may harbor and encourage bacterial growth.
Price: From $29+ for the “Maple Prep Cutting Board”
Material: Sustainably harvested walnut, maple, cherry | Mineral oil & beeswax
Location/Shipping: United States
15. Totally Bamboo
Next up is one of the best eco-friendly gift ideas for kitchen enthusiasts. Self-gifting is also permitted, of course!
As the name suggests, Totally Bamboo offers a wide range of natural bamboo cutting boards in an array of unique shapes.
State-shaped cutting boards with artwork? Check! Turtle, paw, mermaid shape organic cutting boards? Double check! Two-tone healthy cutting boards and carving boards? You bet!
These small bamboo kitchen cutting boards are perfect for various occasions and uses.
Plus, caring for our bamboo cutting boards is a breeze, and every design is crafted in California.
Price: From $9.99+
Material: Bamboo
Location/Shipping: United States
What are the healthiest materials for non-toxic cutting boards?
Solid Wood Cutting Board
Solid wood cutting boards, including those made from hardwoods like maple, walnut, or cherry, are renowned for their durability and natural beauty. These boards provide a sturdy and stable surface for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Maple, in particular, is a popular choice due to its hardness and resistance to bacteria. Hardwood cutting boards are gentle on knife edges, reducing the risk of dulling, and they often showcase unique grain patterns that add aesthetic appeal to the kitchen.
Regular oiling and proper maintenance contribute to the longevity of solid wood cutting boards.
Organic bamboo Cutting Boards
Bamboo cutting boards stand out as a sustainable and eco-friendly option.
Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource with inherent antibacterial properties, making it a hygienic choice for food preparation. These boards are lightweight, yet durable, providing a reliable surface for various kitchen tasks.
Bamboo’s natural resistance to moisture makes it less prone to warping or swelling. Regular oiling, as with solid wood boards, helps maintain the condition and integrity of bamboo cutting boards over time.
Non-Toxic Plastic Cutting Boards With High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Certain types of plastic, specifically high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are designed for food contact and are considered non-toxic.
HDPE cutting boards are durable, resistant to bacteria, and lightweight, making them convenient for everyday use.
These boards are known for their longevity and ease of maintenance. It’s important to choose plastic cutting boards that are labeled as food-safe and free from harmful substances like BPA and phthalates to ensure their non-toxic qualities.
What is the safest cutting board for raw meat?
Wooden cutting boards, especially those made from hardwoods like maple or bamboo, are considered safe and suitable for cutting raw meat when properly cleaned and maintained.
The natural properties of certain woods, combined with proper care, contribute to their safety for food preparation, including handling raw meat.
What are the best non-toxic board oils?
Mineral Oil
Food-grade mineral oil is a popular and widely recommended choice for conditioning cutting boards.
Being odorless and tasteless, it provides excellent moisture resistance, preventing the wood from drying out and helping to inhibit bacterial growth.
While it is derived from petroleum, food-grade mineral oil is considered safe for use on cutting boards.
Beeswax
For a natural and non-toxic option, many folks turn to beeswax for cutting board maintenance. Beeswax is a natural substance that adds a protective layer to the wood, enhancing its water resistance.
When combined with mineral oil, it creates a potent conditioning blend for cutting boards. While pure beeswax may require more frequent applications, its food-safe nature makes it a popular choice among those seeking natural alternatives for their cutting board care routine.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil, known for its versatility, is also a good option for maintaining non-toxic cutting boards.
With its natural antimicrobial properties, coconut oil helps to protect the board from potential bacterial growth. While solid at room temperature, it melts upon application, providing effective conditioning.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a lightweight and neutral oil that serves as an alternative for those seeking plant-based options.
It provides good protection for cutting boards, though it may require more frequent applications compared to some other oils.
Grapeseed oil is appreciated for its mild flavor and the fact that it doesn’t solidify at lower temperatures, making it easy to apply.
Walnut Oil
Walnut oil, derived from nuts, is a plant-based alternative with food-safe properties. It has a pleasant nutty aroma and provides effective protection for organic cutting boards.
What cutting boards should you avoid?
Glass cutting boards are less desirable compared to other materials for several reasons.
While glass may offer a smooth and non-porous surface that is easy to clean, it has drawbacks that make it less popular for certain kitchen tasks.
Firstly, glass cutting boards can be harsh on knife edges. The hard surface of the glass can quickly dull and damage knives, reducing their sharpness over time.
This is a significant drawback for those who prioritize maintaining the longevity and effectiveness of their kitchen knives.
Also, glass is fragile and prone to breakage. Accidental drops or impacts can lead to shattered glass, posing a safety risk in the kitchen.
Lastly, while glass is non-porous and easy to clean, it lacks the natural antimicrobial properties found in materials like bamboo or hardwood.
Bacteria can potentially thrive in the scratches and grooves that develop on the glass surface over time.
How do I care for a non-toxic organic cutting board?
Before the first use, apply a thin layer of food-grade mineral oil or a mixture of mineral oil and beeswax to the entire surface of the cutting board. This initial seasoning helps to hydrate the wood and create a protective barrier.
After each use, wash the cutting board with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh detergents or placing them in a dishwasher, as these can damage the wood and strip away the protective oils.
It’s also important to periodically sanitize the cutting board to eliminate bacteria. You can use a solution of one part white vinegar to five parts water or a mild bleach solution. Apply the solution, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
Do not soak the cutting board in water, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to warping, cracking, or the growth of mold. Clean promptly after use and dry it thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.
To remove stains or odors, sprinkle baking soda on the cutting board, scrub with a brush or sponge, and rinse thoroughly. For persistent odors, wipe the surface with a mixture of lemon juice and salt, then rinse.
There you have it – the best non-toxic cutting boards for meat, vegetables, and fruits!
Whether you opt for a solid wood cutting board, choose the eco-friendly properties of bamboo, or the durability of high-density polyethylene, remember to always take care of your boards.
Regular maintenance, gentle cleaning, and periodic oiling will ensure that your cutting board remains a reliable companion in your culinary adventures.
If you enjoyed this article, check out these other community favorites below!
- 25 Safest Non-Toxic Cookware Brands, Tested & Reviewed
- The Best Non-Toxic Knives | PFOA & PFTE Free!
- 21 Best Non-Toxic Swaps To Make For A Healthy Kitchen
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