The other articles I saw in search results on non-toxic cutting boards all contained misinformation on what really is in these different materials.
In this article, I aim to cover all the possible contaminants in the different types of cutting board materials.
I have three categories, that start from the purest options to the next best options that do have some minor risks, to options I would not use due to their possible contaminants.
This article contains affiliate links, upon purchase I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Best Non-Toxic Cutting Boards:
1. Solid Wood (One Solid Slab of Wood)
Solid wood is one of the safest materials for a cutting board.
One solid slab of wood means we are eliminating glues used which could contain chemicals of concern.
Most wood should be regularly conditioned with non-toxic food-safe petroleum-free oil like this cutting board oil or this wood wax.
You can use wooden cutting boards for meat, but it is advised that you delegate one for meat and fish and another for veggies and bread.
Some solid slab wood cutting boards are dishwasher safe, others are not.
You can wash them by hand and you need to sanitize them – use HOCl (as a non-toxic alternative to bleach). See the USDA cleaning recommendations here.
i. Hinoki Cypress Cutting Board
Hinoki Cypress Wood Cutting Boards are my top pick (that one is pictured above), the Umezawa brand from Japan is also a respected brand.
Both are one solid piece with no glues and no finish.
Traditionally, hinoki wood cutting boards are not oiled (or sealed in any way).
The natural wood is antibacterial and holds up without oiling. (You just wet it before each use).
The one I bought above is made in Korea, Umezawa brand is made in Japan.
They are really beautiful and gentle on knives.
The one I got is large (almost 20 x 12 inches) and they are thick too.
Hinoki Cyprus is an aromatic wood and it is a naturally mold-resistant species that is used in saunas, Japanese soaking tubs, and traditionally as a cutting board in Japan.
The fact that these two brands make one solid slab boards with no glue, not finished in mineral oil or anything else (which most wood cutting boards are), and not made in China, makes them my top pick.
(Another brand that makes solid slab hinoki boards is Selecene).
PS. Canadians can get hinoki cutting boards here.
ii. Sapele Wood Cutting Board
This Brosisincorp Cutting Board is one solid piece of Sapele wood with no glues used.
The handle is stainless steel.
It’s been treated with food-grade mineral oil.
And to condition it I would recommend this natural petroleum-free oil.
This is more affordable than the Hinoki Cyprus cutting boards above and the Treeboard below, but they do use mineral oil and it is made in China.
iii. Treeboard
Want a cutting board from a small business and made in America?
Treeboard makes solid slab cutting boards out of one solid piece of oak, cherry, or maple.
They are finished with raw linseed oil and carnauba wax.
Silicone feet are optional.
2. Titanium
My second choice is titanium.
If you are super chemically sensitive and/or cannot use wood for any reason, this is the next best inert non-toxic option.
There are also stainless steel cutting boards (which some people do like), which are cheaper than titanium, but they are harder on knives than titanium (titanium a softer metal, which is actually not that hard on knives).
Titanium is also much better on knives than glass.
One reader of My Chemical-Free House said about her metal cutting board (which might be stainless steel):
“My sense is I’m having to sharpen my knife a little more often than with a plastic or wooden board. However, it’s not too bad and for me the benefits of non-toxicity outweigh that.”
In terms of toxicity, both stainless steel and titanium are safe.
Real titanium has basically no leaching after the first use.
Stainless steel can leach chromium and nickel but there is a lot less leaching from a cutting board than pots and pans, generally.
Note, it seems that the vast majority of “titanium” cutting boards online are actually steel. Some could be unknown metal mixes. I went down the rabbit hole on this to find ones I believe are really titanium.
These are two I reviewed:
I. Taima
Taima is real titanium – and they are the only brand I know of that has a certification to show that.
This is the only one I feel confident is really titanium and the only one I would use.
I own this one, and it looks like titanium next to stainless steel and next to aluminum.
It is not magnetic and it does not have any grey residue wiping off of it, which both bode well for it actually being titanium.
I am testing knives on it now, I’m at exactly one month of using it for all my cooking and my knives do not feel that they are affected at all so far.
PS. They ship to the US, Canada, Australia, UK and more.
iI. Fivose Titanium
Fivose brand cutting boards look like they could be titanium in person.
The look of this board next to stainless steel and aluminum is different for sure (stainless steel has a slightly different color, sheen and brushed look).
I took the photo on the left/above of my Fivose cutting board with a stainless steel item on top of it.
It’s also not magnetic where all of the steel in my house is (though that is not a definitive test).
However, a grey residue comes off when I wipe it down (and this happened straight away as well as over time), so I’m not sure that this is real titanium.
I have doubts about what this is. It’s seems too heavy to be 100% aluminum. But could it be a zinc-titanium-copper alloy?
I don’t know that this is food-safe.
Other titanium boards on Amazon look to be much more obviously stainless steel, which is at least food-safe (though not as good on knives as titanium).
3. Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is pure glass and it’s inert.
Those highly sensitive to chemicals may want to consider glass (though I would strongly recommend titanium over glass).
It’s highly sanitary but the downside is that it is very hard on knives, much more than wood and more than titanium.
Hacaroa 4-pack tempered glass cutting board comes with two different sizes, two large cutting boards measure 15.7 x 11.8 inches, two small ones 11.8 x 7.9 inches, perfect for almost any kind of food including meats, breads, fruits, etc.
Shatter resistant, stable, and sturdy according to the reviews.
It has rubber feet.
This one says hand wash only, but some brands like this one are dishwasher safe.
Next Best Options:
1. Paper composite
This is what I usually use on a daily basis.
They are Greenguard Certified for low emissions and the final product has 0.001 ppm formaldehyde, which will not change the background levels in a room.
Epicurean is the most well-known paper composite brand and it’s made from Richlite.
This is paper pressed together with phenol-formaldehyde.
I can smell the formaldehyde in Richlite/Epicurean cutting boards, but it does dissipate in a number of weeks (I could smell it for 40 days).
But the smell comes out when it’s heated up again.
I currently own one of these cutting boards (pictured) and I like it a lot – I like how it looks and feels (soft).
Although it’s around the same price as one of the solid wood options, it is easier to take care of than some solid wood types since it doesn’t need a sealer/conditioner or to be disinfected.
I’m not against very low levels of formaldehyde (since formaldehyde is naturally occurring in the outdoor air everywhere). However, those extremely sensitive to off-gassing/formaldehyde may not want to go with this option.
They are dishwasher safe.
Epicurean is the best-known brand of paper-composite cutting boards and the one I use.
2. Polyethylene:
Polyethylene is a durable non-toxic plastic that won’t leach or off-gas any significant VOCs.
While obviously not the answer to those avoiding plastics/microplastics, they do work for many chemically sensitive folks (who primarily want to avoid odors and VOCs).
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) cutting boards are not known to contain BPA or phthalates (source) or other plasticizers.
(However, I would not choose a board made of recycled plastic as that can potentially lead to including contaminants of concern).
PE generally does not have an odor or off-gas perceptible VOCs.
They are dishwasher safe.
This is the safest plastic for cutting boards, in my opinion.
The downside for those wanting to go completely non-toxic is there is a possibility of small scratches releasing particles of plastic.
Scratches can also become breeding grounds for bacteria over time (though they can easily be sanitized with HOCL, most people don’t do this).
Didn’t Make My List:
1. Wood that isn’t solid: Wood that isn’t solid (including bamboo cutting boards) has glues in the construction.
These glues are normally not disclosed.
We can hope they used a water-based food-contact-safe glue (like Titebond III).
However, wood glues (PVA glues) contain a plasticizer, and orthophthalates are still used in some PVA adhesives (Pharos).
Other glues could include formaldehyde or epoxy which contains BPA.
I also often see mold in bamboo cutting boards.
2. Polypropylene (PP) cutting boards are another option.
PP plastics are not known to contain added BPA or phthalates (source) but they can contain trace contamination of phthalates (source) and that does concern me a little bit.
PP can also be recycled, which often increases the likelihood of it containing contaminants of concern.
Rigid PP is odorless and generally does not off-gas VOCs.
It’s used in many food storage applications (this PP option is the least expensive option in the article).
There is a risk of microplastic production.
3. Wheat Straw cutting boards are a mix of wheat straw and plastic, the ones I looked at were polypropylene so I would put them in the same category as polypropylene above.
While some of them claim to be an “alternative to plastic” all of them look like plastic-wheat composites to me.
Same risks as above.
4. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) cutting boards are made from a PVC-free plastic.
Some grades do not contain plasticizers like phthalates, though it’s not always clear which ones could contain phthalates. (source, source, source, source)
They can contain other plasticizers as well.
It’s best to go with hard TPU cutting boards that claim to be food-safe instead of soft flexible ones if you do go with this type, though there are still some unknowns here in terms of additives.
TPU can be made with bisphenol A (source and source), though it is not the norm from what I understand.
5. Silicone: Silicone usually contains very low amounts of Cadmium which is a contaminant of the colorants or manufacturing process and it can contain very low amounts Antimony, according to Tamara Rubin, who has tested many silicone products.
The levels of these metals are very low so I wouldn’t rule it out completely (I use silicone in cooking when there aren’t many other options), but I don’t think it’s technically as good as the other options.
For many people this would be preferable to polyethylene (which has microplastic concerns) and preferable to paper composite (which has formaldehyde concerns).
6. Stone: Stone boards are not cutting boards because this is way too hard on knives.
They can be used as serving boards.
I have a preference for a food-safe non-petroleum-based oil sealer like this Soapstone Sealer.
7. Rubber: Amongst the brands that listed rubber as their material I did not see enough information on the type of rubber to make an assessment.
(This isn’t going to be 100% natural latex rubber).
However, it’s almost certain that I would not use a rubber cutting board (apart from silicone) due to various chemicals of concern or contaminants.
8. Antibacterial cutting boards: I would not use a cutting board that has added antimicrobials, as we usually don’t know which antimicrobials were added, and not all would be chemicals I would feel comfortable cutting food on.
Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.
Dianne
The Umezawa hinoki board is definitely not one solid slab of wood. You can clearly see the grain going in unnatural directions and clear lines where they’re joined. Were you thinking of another brand?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
The Umezawa board that I link to, although it’s not currently available on Amazon, is one solid piece. I’m not sure if the brand also makes like multiple piece boards as well, though it’s possible.
Dianne
Okay thank you.
Angela Raffa-Keeling
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19TBbui3JK/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Is this a good cutting board
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
how can it be microplastic free if one side is wheat straw which is polyproplyene?
Alysha
What are your thoughts on John Boos maple R series cutting board?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
My article focuses in on the wood cutting boards that don’t have any glue, and the hinoki is really unique as well because it doesn’t need a sealer, so that’s what’s different about the ones here compared to those
Jodie
Thank you for the detailed information on cutting boards. Have you looked into products such as the MK Free Board and the TILLY LIVING GRAINBOND CHOPPING BOARD for non toxic (dishwasher safe) cutting boards?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
MK Freeboard looks like it’s a bio-based plastic like PLA or similar, so it’s not immediately obvious to me that that would not create microplastics if it’s not in an environment where it can biodegrade fast enough. I don’t know what that would mean in terms of how it would act in the body, though.
It’s better than regular plastic overall.
Jodie
Thank you for your input. The advertising for this product is very misleading.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
What is the resin in Tilly Living GrainBoard? I would not buy something if I didnt know what it is
Jodie
The resin states that it is LFGB certified food grade resin, no formaldehyde, no toxins, 100% food safe. Link to page with more details
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
that does not say what it is
Jodie
After several emails, the following is the most detailed information that I received from the company.
“The food-safe resin used in our GrainBond chopping boards is a thermoset resin designed for food-contact materials. It’s commonly used in composite kitchen surfaces and food preparation tools because it becomes stable, non-porous, and inert once cured. This means that after the manufacturing process, the resin is fully hardened and does not leach or transfer into food during normal use.
It works together with the compressed wood fibres to create the durable, dense structure of the board while remaining safe for everyday food preparation.”
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
What’s common is a formaldehyde resin or different plastic resins. I don’t know anything else that’s common in those applications, so I’m still not understanding what they’re referring to.
Lea
I’m very impressed with your credentials and am grateful you are sharing your expertise.
After seeing many articles about bacteria and toxic leaching from plastic and wood, I started cutting on my ceramic plates. My assumption is that ceramic is safe to cut up my food as I eat it, so it should be safe to use as a cutting board. It is dishwasher safe and durable. What are your thoughts?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
thanks Lea. Ceramic plates are probably fine in the short term. But if you are scratching and disturbing the glaze there could be metals in the glaze including lead. Wood is better. If you already have wood I would just work on a HOCl disinfecting routine or don’t use it for meats/fish.
Carol Miller
I just received an advertisement for a plant based board from a company called Material. It’s called The MK Freeboard. Can you give your opinion on the safety of these? I own two titanium boards (paid $100 for them each)…but have no idea if they are what they say…purchased over a year ago on Amazon.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Well, it looks like it’s a bio-based plastic like PLA or similar, so it’s not immediately obvious to me that that would not create microplastics if it’s not in an environment where it can biodegrade fast enough. I don’t know what that would mean in terms of how it would act in the body, though.
It’s better than regular plastic overall.
Nancy K
I’ve used Epicurean cutting boards for years. Should I discard old ones (scratches)?
Paulla
I would like to buy some titanium boards but afraid I will get duped I would like a solid input on what brand and non -toxic thank you
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
i would only use the one in the article that was tested
Elle
Thank you for the Info.- SO Helpful to my Family!!- 🙂
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
You’re very welcome.
R
Thanks for your useful info. Can you advise on these Titanium boards. They are the original.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
i would ask to see their SGS certificate, and then submit that to the SGS verification site, I have doubts
David
If you truly want to know if the boards are Titanium get a grinder and see what color sparks come off of it. They will be a brilliant white color for pure Titanium. Any other color you see is either impurities or a different alloy mixed in.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
i imagine that it’s only the exterior that is titanium
Kaite
Thank you for always being a trusted source of valuable information! What are your thoughts on the Caraway wood cutting boards? I am trying to choose between these and the Hinoki ones.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
thanks. the ones in this article are all one slab of wood instead of multiple pieces glued together, and hinoki also has no finishes on it so it’s the most ideal
Paty Arias
Hi Corinne! Are you still liking your Taima cutting board? Any issue with your knives? Thank you!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
only used it for a month to test it out, i normally use epicurean
Dave
Let me know if you’d like to try one of our boards at AdirondackKitchen
Solid maple, cherry, or walnut wood – no glues, stains, fillers, and/or resins. Our homemade board butter is made with organic coconut oil and beeswax – truly non-toxic and made in upstate NY 🙂
Mike
Hi, thank you so much for taking the time to investigate all these different materials used to make cutting boards. I find it very interesting. I was wondering how you feel about acrylic cutting boards? My mother has been using the same one for over 10 years on a regular basis and it barely even has a scratch on it. It’s clear. I’ve inspected it with a magnifying glass. She also said she never experienced dulling knives either even though online I’ve read it is hard and can cause some dulling. I really don’t see how though since stainless is much harder than acrylic. I was thinking of getting one since it doesn’t need oiling, can be washed anywhere, it’s hygienic and always looks great. Thanks………………………….Mike
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I didn’t know acrylic cutting boards were a thing! I think it’s likely to be fine.
Nancy
Thank you so much for your deep dive into cutting boards. I’m very skeptical of the sites that say real “titanium” boards and the price doesn’t reflect good quality or real. For the health and welfare of my family, I took the plunge and ordered 2 boards.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Most of them are definitely not titanium…. Taima looks good to me
Ruth Simmons
Thank you very much for your article on the Best Cutting Boards. I am happy to find out that you recommend and use two cutting boards I currently use in our home: Hinoki cutting boards and the Epicurean cutting boards.
I have a question on using silicone utensils when cooking. Is the Di Oro silicone cooking utensils healthy for humans? It says they are heat resistant up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Do you know of any silicone utensils made here in USA? DO you have an article talking about the best cooking utensils? Thank you very much!!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I haven’t written about utensils but they generally contain the same metal contaminants that the silicone cutting boards do that i talk about in the article
Isabel Tillery
is stainless steel safe as a cutting board
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
yes as long as it’s not contaminated which it shouldn’t be these days
Teuta
Hello, what do you think about this listing:
Says it is also Hinoki wood. The listing you have would not arrive for a month or two from Japan. Wondering your thoughts on other listing using Hinoki wood.
Thank you
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Shun brand isnt one solid slab
barbara lelarge
Corinne you are such a valuable source of needed information!!!! I constantly go to you for my choices in everything!! THANK YOU FOR ALL OUR WORK!
With huge gratitude,
Barbara
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
thank you so much!
Tiffany
Well, I purchased two Taima cutting boards based on this page’s info, and found out when they shipped that they are made in China. I wrote the company with my disappointment and they said I could ship them back if packaging was all unopened with at $25 restocking fee per board. Pretty upset about it. I would have never bought a $100 cutting board from China. Now I’ll have two.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
It doesn’t say that they are not made in China anywhere. The price comes from the fact that titanium is a pretty expensive metal. Most things are made in China and some product categories are hard to avoid being made in China. Their certificate of testing is good enough for me. I am using it now.
Bette
I’m considering investing in a couple of titanium cutting boards. I’ve researched multiple sites on the internet and they all have something different to say…good, bad, ugly! I don’t want to pay a ton of money on something that is not reliably rated the safest and best! Thanks!
Bette
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Taima show’s their test results. I’m testing that one now to see how it does with knives over time.
Esti Allina
Fivose appears to be CLAIMING to be titanium but has no certification proving it is. According to the reviews on Amazon of Fivose, it is stainless steel, and customers are warning of their knives dulling with its use. I ordered the Taima one – more money for sure, but I’d rather be sure I’m getting the real deal.
Do you have any proof that the Fivose products are actually titanium?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Taima is the only one I know that provides testing and it is a safe bet. Fivose, I ordered it and it’s definitely not 100% steel or 100% aluminum as that is obvious from looking at it and the weight. But based on it giving off a grey residue I have learned that it would not be considered titanium based on that and may not be food safe.
kurt
i have a piece of Stainless steel 2×3 foot It has this NSN # 5915-00-596-1727.
Can it be used as a cutting board, or is it toxic ?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
if it’s 301 grade it’s less corrosion resistant so I don’t know exactly how well it will hold up. But it should be non-toxic.
Walter
I am particularly interested in upgrading to a titanium board. After reading your review, I am now skeptical of most of the boards listed as Titanium.
Often times we consumers read/hear these claims & “ASSUME” the materials are made of 100% (in this case) Titanium.
So, I very much appreciate you helping to educate me on this!
I viewed your two recommendations for Titanium boards and think I’ll go with Taima. I will contact them as I still have several questions.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Yeah the vast majority are not titanium, Taima looks good to me I have a board from them on the way and will report back on it
Walter
I am particularly interested in upgrading to a titanium board. After reading your review, I am now skeptical of most of the boards listed as Titanium.
Often times we consumers read/hear these claims & “ASSUME” the materials are made of 100% (in this case) Titanium.
So, I very much appreciate you helping to educate me on this!
I viewed your two recommendations for Titanium boards and think I’ll go with Taima. I will contact them as I still have several questions.
Barbara
I am now going to change to titanium cutting boards or stainless steel ones since i have learned about microplastics maybe being releasing particles and there are scratches on mine i always wash in the dishwasher and use separate different coloured ones for
red meat /vegetables /chicken . i use a solid wood board for bread ..
I have been using stainless steel water bottles for years some are very pretty patterned they keep the water cooler for longer and also hygienic.
Diane
My water bottles are all stainless steel on the inside, but they were getting stains from coffee and tea. I read online that denture cleaner would remove all stains. It does a GREAT job. They look like new inside!
Angela
I have been looking at safer non toxic cutting boards.
Paper composite got my curiosity.
Amazon sells Barfly paper composite. Reviewers prefer it over Epicurean.
what is life span of paper composite cutting board?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
They last quite a long time. in terms of lifetime cost solid wood may cost more because of the maintenance, titanium would last longer and not need maintenance but the knives will need maintenance
Laura McSpadden
I Deeply Appreciate The Information You Shared, ESPECIALLY About The Bamboo Cutting Boards! I Was Given One As A Gift And Wasn’t Sure About The Medical Safety Of Using This Due To My Current Health Situation. I Am SO Glad I Decided To Look It Up FIRST! Thank YOU So Much For Sharing This Information, Especially For Gals Like Me!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
You’re very welcome
anne
best. best. please. cutting board. non. wood, plastic. etc
titanium i. guess
Jana Schwartz
Hi Corinne,
Thanks so much for this valuable information. I do have one question though; in regards to the Epicurean board, is there a concern for small bits of formaldehyde getting into the food when cutting? Or, is this so negligible that it doesn’t pose a risk?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I still use epicurean every day as my main cutting board. i did air it out before using it until i couldnt smell it when dry, but i dont worry about formaldehyde transfer because there is already formaldehyde in many foods (and in the air)
Romy
What is bad about EliHome? I think you said you prefer Epicurean. Can you please explain the difference?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
It’s not necessarily that I prefer epicurean, just that it is the best known brand. I also haven’t looked into the other paper composite brands as closely to know all of their ingredients.
Sarah
Thanks for this great post. Do I need to get rid of all Epicurean and wood cutting boards when moving out of mold, even if the boards didn’t have mold growing on them? (There is mold in my HVAC so technically everything in the apartment is exposed.)
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
No, I wouldn’t. I cover what to leave, toss, clean from a moldy house here https://corinnesegura.substack.com/p/mold-what-to-toss-what-to-clean-guide
Dave
You forgot Adirondack Kitchen 🙂
Elizabeth
are the first two wooden cutting boards made in the US? The Brosisincorp and Luban cutting boards. I know treeboard is but wanted to confirm for the other two. thanks.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
the first two are not made in america
Swami
Hi Corinne,
You truly are a champion of us consumers.
How good are these cutting boards? Could you take a look>
https://valcucina.com/collections/accessories/products/val-board-cutting-board
https://valcucina.com/collections/accessories/products/val-cucina-val-board-cutting-board-compatible-with-val-cucina-air-fryer-toaster-oven-cream-white-accessories-for-air-fryer-toaster-oven-creates-storage-space-protects-cabinets
As always the claims of eco-friendly kind of are ringing alarm bells and the product after having read your article. I still have time to return it and will gladly do so if you think this is hogwash…
Thanks
Swami
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
see the section on paper composite and my more in depth review of epicurean will also apply to these it looks like
Jennifer
Corinne,
Found these single-piece wood cutting boards on ETSY that are beautiful and support individual businesses. They are listed as non-toxic, chemical-free.
I thought others might be interested.
Do you have concerns or do they look as good as the Amazon links?
Thanks for being such an amazing resource!
Jennifer
William Mead
Are any of these hardwoods aromatic? Are wood shards or particles any issue with wooden boards? Are metal flakes from knives used with a metal or glass cutting board any problem?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Maple would be the least aromatic wood of the ones I mentioned. Though if you are sensitive to the odorants of wood that sensitivity can be very unique so you may want to try to get samples of these wood types elsewhere. no to the other questions.
william
you did not talk about the titanium hardly at all and that was the reason for my research here—why is it not the best option? Billy
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
titanium is a best option, i just lumped it in with stainless
DKI
Before I found your site, I got a small bamboo cutting board from Bambu. Here’s what they say about it:
“Each board is constructed using a water-based, food-grade adhesive imported from Europe that contains no formaldehyde. They are then finished with food-safe wood oil” (https://www.bambuhome.com/products/undercut-series-bamboo-cutting-boards?variant=269023064).
It has a smell to it but I’m not sure if it’s the bamboo, adhesive, or oil. You have to put your nose close to it to smell it. I may get the one slab of wood option eventually as I don’t like the scratches on my polyethylene one.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
if they are using their oil that they link to then it’s tung, linseed and beeswax, it might also have a solvent. even without a solvent the natural oils have a fairly strong smell. most wood glues will smell for a little while but not long.
MS LAURA DIEHL
Thank you for your informative information. Regarding Polyethylene boards, is the Thirteen Chiefs Nonslip Plastic Cutting Boards, Two Pack 14.5 x 10 inches and 11.7 x 8.2 inches recommended? I copied below the product information. Thank you so much for your anticipated comments.
Engineered for Commercial and Home Use
Thirteen Chefs commercial grade cutting boards are designed for heavy use in the most demanding conditions. Chop, cut, slice, dice, filet and carve easily without worry of deterioration or warping. Sanitize in commercial or home dishwasher up to 180 degrees and never worry about contamination during prep.
Lightweight but sturdy boards are made from polypropylene, which is 100% BPA free and superior to everyday polyethylene boards
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I talk about both polyethylene and polypropylene in the article
laura toppazzini
I bought this Mahogany Wood Cutting Board on Amazon. I’m curious about its finish – is the color achieved through staining?
Thanks so much for all your advise! Love your blog!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Are you referring to the one in the article? it’s finished with linseed oil which will darken it significantly.
laura toppazzini
I bought the Luban board based on your review, as I trust your judgment. However, I have a query regarding its appearance—it seems quite dark. Could you please confirm if it has been stained, and if so, what was used for staining?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
they say it doesn’t. the linseed oil will darken it significantly though and mahogany can be quite dark.
Amanda
I would have to add one other downside to glass, and that is the horrible sound it makes when cutting. I used to use one, and I just had to get a new board ’cause it was almost as bad as nails on a chalkboard.
Unfortunately, the only cutting boards I can afford are either composite wood (not bamboo just ’cause that’s hard on knives, too) or plastic, and I don’t know what kind of plastic my current one is. I need to start sanitizing it more. I stopped after I stopped using the dishwasher. 🙁
But thanks for this. I can make getting a solid wood cutting board a future goal, perhaps save up for a couple months!
Corinne Segura
I would be fine with polyethylene sanitized with HOCL or the epicurean type (in a cheaper brand) with some time to offgas
Marthe Schulwolf
Hi Corinne,
Thank you so much for everything you do! I am relying heavily on the advice on your website as I plan a renovation and I am really grateful for the wealth of information you provide!
Just curious about something. I was at Home Goods one day and came across a package of three Gourmet Home Products “Eco Cutting Boards made with Wheat Straw.” I bought them but haven’t used them, as I find myself rather wary of them. The package says “Wheat straw is a sustainable alternative to plastic.” But the cutting boards look kind of plastic-like (they are grey in color). The package states they are dishwasher safe and BPA free. But, of course, that’s no guarantee of anything. Just wondering what you think about this – is it just greenwashing? Probably too late to return them, but they didn’t cost much and I can give them away.
Corinne Segura
I’m not sure without seeing the exact link and some more details from them, but it looks like it could be a polypropylene PP binder which would put it into that section. It’s also possible wheat straw is bound by a non-plastic binder like formaldehyde which would put it in the Epicurean type/section.