As home cooks, ensuring the safety and cleanliness of our kitchen tools is paramount. One essential item often overlooked is the cutting board. Many conventional cutting boards are made from materials that can leach toxins or harbor bacteria, posing health risks. We’ve researched and compiled a list of the best non-toxic cutting boards to keep your food preparation safe and eco-friendly.
Why Choose Non-Toxic Cutting Boards?
Conventional cutting boards are typically made from plastic or chemically treated wood. Over time, these materials can release toxins into your food, especially when exposed to heat, moisture, or acidic ingredients. Additionally, some plastics are porous, making them prone to harboring bacteria and odors. Non-toxic cutting boards are made from natural, sustainable materials free from harmful chemicals and dyes. They are safer for your health and better for the environment.
When you chop on conventional boards, tiny pieces of plastic can chip off into your food. Ingesting toxins is often more harmful than inhaling or absorbing them through the skin, as they travel quickly to our organs and negatively impact the gut microbiome.
Many toxins in conventional cutting boards disrupt the endocrine system, which balances our hormones. Hormonal imbalances can lead to fatigue, weight gain, reproductive issues, insomnia, headaches, and thyroid problems. Reducing these toxins can help maintain a balanced endocrine system and overall health.
Our Top Pick: Teakhaus Extra Large Carving Board with Juice Grooves
For our top choice, we highly recommend the Teakhaus Edge Grain Professional Carving Board with Juice Canal. Made from sustainably harvested teak, it provides an excellent cutting surface that feels better under a knife than most other boards we tested. This board stays in place with minimal effort and, at 15 by 20 inches, is generously sized yet not too heavy to move easily.
Why It’s Non-Toxic
Teak wood fights off moisture effectively, requiring less oiling than other woods. It has been used in boatbuilding for over 2,000 years due to its moisture resistance. Teak’s low shrinkage ratio prevents warping, ensuring durability. This cutting board remains in top condition even after months of heavy use, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Performance
In every test, the Teakhaus board allowed for smooth motion with a sharp knife, both parallel to and against the grain. The teak was hard enough for clean cuts yet soft enough to maintain a knife’s edge. Its remarkable moisture-fighting properties make it the gold standard for resistance and durability.
Budget Option: Hacaroa 4 Pack Tempered Glass Cutting Board with Rubber Feet
For a solid, less expensive toxin-free cutting board, consider the Hacaroa 4 Pack Tempered Glass Cutting Board with Rubber Feet. While it doesn’t offer the same feel under a knife as a wood board, it avoids toxins, is more affordable, and is easy to clean. This set provides a variety of sizes for different kitchen tasks.
How to Care for a Wood Cutting Board
- Hand Wash Only: Always hand wash both sides of your cutting boards immediately after use with warm, soapy water. Avoid submerging them in water or placing them in a dishwasher. For less dirty items, avoid water altogether to extend the board’s longevity.
- Stand Up Straight: Wood contracts and expands, so warping and cracking can occur. Dry your boards upright on your counter or in an organizer to allow even drying.
- Treat Them Right: Apply mineral oil with a clean cloth once a month. Let the oil set for a few hours before wiping dry. For extra shine, apply food-grade beeswax once dry. Avoid vegetable or nut-based oils, which can spoil and become rancid.
- Squeaky Clean: Disinfect stains by squeezing fresh lemon juice with a sprinkle of kosher salt onto the boards, using the lemon to rub the mixture across the entire surface. Once dry, gently scrape off. Alternatively, use a solution of 25% distilled white vinegar and 75% water. Avoid using bleach or baking soda.
Toxic Cutting Board Surfaces to Avoid
- Plastic: Though popular, plastic cutting boards can harbor toxins like PVC and phthalates, especially when scratched, increasing exposure to endocrine disruptors.
- Fused Bamboo: Lower quality bamboo boards are often made from bamboo particles fused with adhesive containing formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Non-food-grade mineral oil finishes can also contain harmful chemicals.
- Antibacterial Surface: Cutting boards labeled “antibacterial” often contain chemical agents like triclosan, which can disrupt hormones and promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Melamine: Commonly found in dishes and kitchen items, melamine can negatively impact brain development and reproductive functions. It is an inexpensive but toxic option that should be avoided.
Choosing a non-toxic cutting board is crucial for maintaining a healthy kitchen. Whether you prefer the classic appeal of wood, the eco-friendliness of bamboo, or the practicality of composite materials, there’s a non-toxic cutting board to suit every need. The options and tips provided here ensure that your food preparation remains safe, clean, and toxin-free.
