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Looking for safe non-toxic dinnerware brands so you can enjoy your meals without worrying about what’s sneaking into your food? We feel your pain!
Regular dinnerware can be a hidden source of health hazards. From lead-laden glazes to plasticizers like phthalates, the chemicals present in regular dinnerware can pose significant risks, especially when heated or in contact with acidic foods.
That’s why the SKL team searched far and wide for the best non-toxic dinnerware brands that we can trust. Keep reading to find 2024’s best non-toxic stoneware dinnerware and an array of glass and porcelain options for every taste.
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the 25 Best Non-Toxic Cookware | Tested & Reviewed!
Non-Toxic Dinnerware Brands For Safe Plates & Bowls Sets.
You know those regular dishes you’ve been using forever? Turns out, they might not be so great for your health. When I was younger, I used to think that choosing cheap dinnerware was no big deal – who doesn’t love a good bargain?
But the truth is, there are some pretty serious issues with those dishes that I never really considered before.
A lot of them contain sneaky chemicals like lead and cadmium, which can leach into your food and cause some serious health issues over time.
The Most Toxic Materials Hiding In Dinnerware
Cadmium: Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal often used in pigments to create vibrant colors in ceramic glazes. It can leach into food and beverages, especially acidic ones, and over time, exposure to cadmium can lead to kidney problems, bone damage, and even cancer.
Lead: Lead is another heavy metal commonly found in ceramic glazes, particularly in older or handcrafted pieces. Like cadmium, lead can leach into food and beverages, posing serious health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women. Chronic lead exposure can lead to developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and other health issues.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in the production of non-stick coatings, including those found in some cookware and food packaging. PFAS have been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, immune system dysfunction, and reproductive problems.
Melamine: Melamine is a type of plastic often used in dinnerware, particularly in children’s dishes and outdoor tableware. When heated, melamine can release formaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can cause respiratory problems, irritation, and other health issues.
What is non-toxic dinnerware?
Chemical-free dinnerware is made from a whole bunch of amazing materials that are not only safe but also super eco-friendly. Think porcelain, ceramic, and glass.
Plus, they are durable and long-lasting, so you can say goodbye to constantly replacing chipped or broken dishes.
Also, choosing toxin-free dinnerware doesn’t mean that you have to settle with the same, old monochromatic options.
These eco-friendly options come in a ton of awesome styles and designs. Seriously, you’ll be amazed at the variety out there!
Whether you’re into sleek and modern dishes or prefer something more rustic and handmade, there’s something for everyone.
From classic white to vibrant pops of color, lead and cadmium-free dinnerware brands let you express your personality and style in the kitchen.
Read on to find the 7 best non-toxic dinnerware made in the USA and abroad.
7 Safe Non-Toxic Dinnerware Options in 2024:
1. Our Place
When it comes to minimalist, display-worthy chemical-free dinnerware, Our Place is the best brand to turn to!
Crafted from sturdy ceramic stoneware straight from the earth, these non-toxic dishes, bowls, and platters are as safe as they are stylish.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a meal with family, the sets have all your needs covered with 5 different colors to match every setting with ease.
I am in love with the hand-painted rim and scratch-resistant glossy interior – feels like each set is uniquely ours.
To top it all off, with the ability to stack neatly for easy storage, you’ll love how these sets save space in your cabinets.
P.S. You can also check out Our Place’s fish pans and tea kettles; you’ll fall in love with their design and color options.
Price Range: From $80+ for the Dinner Plates (Set of 4)
Materials/Notable Features: Ceramic stoneware | 100-day trial, lead & cadmium free, microwave, dishwasher & oven-safe
Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Australia
Our Favorites from Our Place:
2. GreenPan
For the longest time, GreenPan has been helping us create delicious treats thanks to their non-toxic bakeware and cookware.
But did you know that they also offer versatile, toxin-free dinnerware?
These bowls and serving plates are perfect for serving up your favorite snacks or side dishes. Think soups, pasta, cereal and more.
What’s more, all sets are made ethically in Portugal by master artisans.
The reactive glaze used in the firing process creates a stunning kaleidoscope of tonal variations.
Plus, they are microwave and dishwasher-safe.
Our Favorites from GreenPan:
Price Range: From $28.99+ for the Dinner Plates (Set of 2)
Materials/Notable Features: Stoneware | Free from lead, microwave & dishwasher-safe
Location/Shipping: United States
3. Made In Cookware
In addition to stainless steel cookware sets and premium quality Dutch ovens, Made In Cookware is also here to help us serve our delicious creations to our friends and family.
Their lineup of safe non-toxic dinnerware is crafted with care in Stoke-on-Trent, England, home to the world’s best China since the 1600s.
This means that your fully glazed porcelain entree bowls, side bowls, appetizer plates, platers, and dinner plates will be with you for years.
I love that all pieces are stain-resistant, scratch-proof, oven-safe, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe because they will surely remain as elegant as the day you brought them home, no matter how many meals they have served.
Our Favorites from Made In Cookware:
Price Range: From $109+ for the Dinner Plates (Set of 4)
Materials/Notable Features: Porcelain | Lifetime warranty, 1-year no-chip guarantee, lead-free, microwave, dishwasher & oven-safe
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
4. Duralex
For enviable non-toxic glass dinnerware, look no further than Duralex.
This is the oldest company on the list that has been manufacturing tempered glassware and tabletop products for over 70 years in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin in the very heart of France.
Duralex proudly creates glassware 2-1/2 times stronger than ordinary glass.
In fact, all bowls and dinner plates are impact-resistant as well as resistant to thermal shocks of 130°C, dishwasher and microwave-safe.
Take your pick from green, amber, blue, and classic color options.
Our Favorites from Duralex:
Price Range: From $50+ for the Dinner Plate (Set of 6)
Materials/Notable Features: Duralex® tempered glass | Lead, cadmium & BPA free, microwave, dishwasher & freezer-safe
Location/Shipping: France, ships to the United States
5. Libbey
Libbey is one of the best lead and cadmium-free dinnerware brands with an array of porcelain dish sets and bowls to choose from.
The company was originally founded in 1818 in East Cambridge, Massachusetts, and managed to become the only maker of luxury glassware in the U.S. in 2015.
Crafted from smooth ceramic, the minimalist yet contemporary aesthetic of their products will match every table setting with ease.
You’ll be able to pull together the perfect tablescape, whether it’s for a romantic dinner or a big get-together with friends.
Our Favorites from Libbey:
Price Range: From $59.99+ for the Dinner Plate (Set of 4)
Materials/Notable Features: Porcelain/ceramic | Lead & PFAS-free, dishwasher-safe, not safe for microwave
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
6. Ekobo
From kid’s bamboo dinner sets and FSC-certified sushi sets to cereal bowls, Ekobo is one of the most eco-friendly dinnerware brands on the market.
The bamboo sawdust, a byproduct of China’s chopstick and flooring industry, is responsibly transformed into EKOBO’s sturdy material when mixed with a safe and food-grade melamine binding resin.
To add those modern colors, the ethical brand uses 100% food-grade dyes and is free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates.
Last, but not least, all products are made at BSCI-compliant factories in China.
Our Favorites from Ekobo:
Price Range: From $44+ for Dinner Plate (Set of 4)
Materials/Notable Features: BIOBU® FSC-certified bamboo | LFBG/FDA Certified, BPA, PVC & phthalates free, non-toxic 100% food-grade dyes, dishwasher safe, not safe for microwave
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
7. Corelle
Corelle’s is known for their premium-quality non-toxic stoneware dinnerware, but it also offers an array of triple-layer-strong glass plates and bowls that will be a staple of every get-together.
In fact, Corelle is the world’s only three-layered Vitrelle™ Glass dinnerware brand!
Boasting artisanal effects and color variations, the stoneware sets are microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe. So, cleaning will definitely be a breeze.
The same is true for the ultra-hygienic, non-porous, and easy-to-clean glass – just don’t put these non-toxic dishes in the oven.
Our Favorites from Corelle:
Price Range: From $80.20+ for the Dinner Plate (Set of 8)
Materials/Notable Features: Vitrelle® glass, 80% recycled glass, stoneware | Warranty included, lead-free, BPA-free, microwave & dishwasher-safe
Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Canada
How to tell if dishes have lead?
If you have vintage dish sets, they might contain harmful chemicals like lead. The easiest way to tell if dishes have lead or not is to purchase lead testing kits from hardware stores or online retailers to test dishes for the presence of lead. These kits typically contain swabs or test strips that change color in the presence of lead.
If you’re unsure whether your new dishes contain lead, you can contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about their materials and production processes.
Most reputable manufacturers provide information on their websites or through customer service channels about the safety of their products. If they are not upfront, something is definitely wrong here.
What are the safest materials for dinnerware?
Glass
Simple, elegant, and oh-so-safe, non-toxic glass dinnerware is the gold standard when it comes to safety. Glass is completely non-porous, which means it won’t absorb any funky flavors or harmful chemicals from your food.
Plus, it’s super easy to clean—just pop it in the dishwasher and you’re good to go. Plus, it’s microwave-safe and can handle the heat without any worries. So go ahead, heat up those leftovers, and enjoy your meal – just don’t put it in the oven!
Porcelain
Porcelain is one of the safest dinnerware materials. Made from natural clay and silica, porcelain is fired at crazy high temperatures to create a super durable and non-toxic finish. Porcelain is also scratch and chip-resistant, so you can bet it’ll hold up to whatever you throw its way.
It’s also safe to use in the microwave, oven, and dishwasher. So whether you’re baking up a storm or just reheating last night’s leftovers, these dishes have got you covered.
Ceramic Stoneware
Ceramic stoneware is where rustic charm meets modern convenience. It’s crafted from clay that’s fired at ultra-high temperatures, ceramic stoneware is dense, durable, and totally non-toxic. Stoneware is also non-porous, which means it won’t absorb any funky odors or flavors from your food.
Plus, they are known for their heat retention properties, so your meals will stay warm long after they hit the table. And just like porcelain, it’s safe to use in the microwave, oven, and dishwasher.
How to choose the safest toxin-free dinnerware?
- Look for dinnerware that adheres to safety standards set by organizations like the FDA or California’s Proposition 65 to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Pay attention to labels such as “for decorative purposes only” or “not food-safe,” as these indicate that the dinnerware may not be suitable for use with food and beverages.
- Choose dinnerware with minimal decoration and color, sticking to clear or white varieties to reduce the likelihood of harmful substances in glazes or paints.
- Avoid using vintage dinnerware, especially if it predates 1970, as older pieces may contain lead or other harmful substances. Reserve them for decorative purposes only.
- Steer clear of dinnerware made from melamine or leaded crystal, as these materials can contain harmful chemicals that may leach into food.
What is less toxic – porcelain or ceramic?
Both porcelain and ceramic are considered safe choices for non-toxic dinnerware, but porcelain may have a slight edge in terms of purity and non-reactivity.
Porcelain is made from kaolin clay and other natural materials, which are fired at very high temperatures to create a dense and durable material. The material is non-porous and does not absorb food or liquid, which reduces the risk of contamination.
Ceramics, on the other hand, is a broader category that encompasses a variety of materials and production methods. Ceramic dinnerware can be made from different types of clay, such as earthenware, stoneware, or terracotta, which may contain varying levels of impurities.
What’s more, ceramic glazes can contain additives and pigments that may contain trace amounts of heavy metals or other toxic substances.
Are all glass plates non-toxic?
In general, glass plates are considered non-toxic because glass is an inert material that does not leach harmful chemicals into food or beverages. Unlike some plastics or ceramics, glass does not contain additives or coatings that could potentially pose health risks.
However, not all glass dinnerware is created equal. While most glass plates are safe for everyday use, there may be exceptions, particularly in cases where the glass has been treated or coated with certain materials.
For example, glass plates with decorative patterns or designs may have been treated with paints or coatings that could contain potentially harmful substances.
This was your full guide to the best and safest non-toxic dinnerware brands!
Unlike regular dinnerware, which may contain harmful chemicals like lead, cadmium, or phthalates, chemical-free dinnerware is not only pretty to look at but also completely safe for you and the entire family. Glass, ceramic, and porcelain dishes are the safest choices.
Non-toxic glass dinnerware does not leach any harmful chemicals into food or beverages, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals.
Ceramic and porcelain dinnerware, are durable, non-porous, and resistant to scratching and chipping, making them ideal for everyday use. To top it all off, the sets also come in an array of styles, designs, and colors.
Seriously? Why settle for anything less than that?
If you enjoyed this article, check out these other community favorites below!
- 9 Best Non-Toxic Flatware & Silverware For A Healthier Dining Experience
- 25 Best Non-Toxic Cookware Brands | Tested & Reviewed
- The Best Non-Toxic Knives | PFOA & PFTE Free!
