One of the most used kitchen products by home cooks and pros alike is a plastic cutting board. From chopping vegetables to slicing cooked meats, this basic kitchen tool protects your countertops and makes food prep so much easier. Once you’re done cooking, you can throw it in the dishwasher for easy clean-up. Simple, right? But with growing concern about the prevalence and health implications of microplastics, some cooks may wonder: Are plastic cutting boards safe?
Shop TODAY spoke to Dr. Amber Pete, an assistant professor of chemical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, and Dr. Christie Sayes, a professor of environmental science at Baylor University, to understand the safety of plastic cutting boards (and how much home cooks should be concerned about microplastics when cooking).
“It’s important to remember that, as with many things, the potential health risks depend on various factors,” Pete says.
Ahead, we explain what you need to look out for when cooking with plastic cutting boards. Plus, we're sharing our recommendations for eco-friendly cutting boards made with materials such as bamboo, silicone and wood so that you can cook and shop smart.
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Is using a plastic cutting board harmful?
A 2023 study published in Environmental Science & Technology, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, evaluated the release of microplastics from two types of plastic cutting boards — one manufactured with polypropylene and the other made with polyethylene. Based on testing, it was estimated that one person could be exposed to up to around 50 grams of microplastics annually from a polyethylene chopping board or a polypropylene chopping board.
The number may sound scary, but Pete says that home cooks don’t need to immediately throw their plastic cutting boards in the trash. “Despite recent articles revealing that microplastics and nanoplastics can originate from plastic cutting boards, these boards are still generally considered safe for food preparation,” Pete tells Shop TODAY.
The best way to prevent exposure to microplastics when cooking with plastic cutting boards is to keep an eye out for everyday wear and tear. Heavy and frequent chopping, as well as long-term use, can create deep grooves and abrasions in a cutting board, which are more likely to release microplastics in your food.
“To some degree, all plastic-based products degrade over time [due to] wear and tear and exposure to environmental conditions (heat, UV, abrasion),” says Sayes. “So, yes, a plastic cutting board can release plastic debris.” Despite this, Sayes says that more research is needed to fully understand the health risks posed to humans who ingest plastic particles.
Discoloration is another sign that it’s probably time to replace your board. A colored plastic cutting board will more clearly reveal signs of discoloration than a white cutting board.
What is the safest cutting board material?
Looking to swap out your plastic cutting board for a more eco-friendly product? We rounded up the three best materials that you can purchase to cook with ease:
- Wood: Wood is one of the most popular materials used to create cutting boards. It’s especially popular with bakers who use it to roll out dough and shape cookies. “It’s plastic-free, durable and naturally antimicrobial,” says Pete. The downside of wood is that it’s not dishwasher safe and shouldn't be left in a pool of water in the sink.
- Bamboo: Pete calls bamboo cutting boards “a good choice for those who want a more eco-friendly option.” Like wood, bamboo is not dishwasher-safe and should be washed by hand with warm, soap water.
- Silicone: Silicone is a material that will most closely mimic the look and feel of plastic cutting boards. “Their non-porous nature and resistance to high temperatures make them incredibly easy to clean, and they generally don’t harbor bacteria,” says Pete.
The best non-plastic cutting boards
Eco-Friendly Board: Freshware Wood Cutting Board for Kitchen
Product specs
Material: high-density fiber wood | Dishwasher safe? Yes | Size: 15” x 11.25”
"This cutting board is the perfect blend of versatility and function," says TODAY Food contributor and recipe developer Jeanette Donnarumma. "Made from compounded wood, it has a smooth surface that’s gentle on knives and doesn’t absorb liquids. It's BPA-free which I always look for in a cutting board, while still being dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze."
TODAY Food approved: Architec Gripperwood Shesham Cutting Board
Product specs
Material: Indian Sheesham wood | Dishwasher safe? No | Size: 15” x 10”
"This is a great affordable option," says TODAY Food contributor Elena Besser. "It has grippy pads on the bottom to prevent slippage." Win-win!
Expert-inspired: Liflicon Thick Silicone Cutting Board
Material: Silicone | Dishwasher safe? Yes | Size: 12.6" x 9.1"
"Silicone cutting boards tend to be more durable than plastic ones," says Pete. There's a few reasons why we love this silicone cutting board. It's super flexible, which means you can gently fold it and transfer cut vegetables from the counter to your stove. It also comes in five vibrant colors, as well as varied sizes and sets so you can choose the right combination for your kitchen.
Food editor approved: Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board
Material: Composite; paper and resin | Dishwasher safe? Yes | Size: 11.5" x 9"
As a former line cook and food editor with nearly a decade of experience, I [Vaughan] consider myself an expert in kitchen gear. Epicurean is one of my favorite brands for non-plastic cutting boards.
This dishwasher-safe cutting board has the look and feel of wood, but is crafted from layers of paper and resin. It has a smooth feel and hard surface that we like for cutting hard root vegetables or tough cuts of meat. One downside is that the hard material may cause the blade of your knives to deteriorate more quickly, which means you'll need to sharpen them more frequently.
Bamboo with grooves: Greener Chef Bamboo Cutting Board
Material: Bamboo | Dishwasher safe? No | Size: Large: 18” x 12.5”, Medium: 14.5” x 11.5”, Small: 12” x 9”
The bamboo cutting board set includes multiple sizes, which can be used for both food prep and serving. The grooves around the edges of the board are great for collecting juices from cooked and sliced meat, which helps to prevent messy countertops, says the brand. Pro tip: Lay a damp paper towel or dishtowel underneath your board to prevent it from moving.
For prepping and serving: Tuckahoe Hardwoods Medium Live Edge Square End Board
Material: Wood | Dishwasher safe? No | Size: 15" x 9.5"
Shop TODAY senior editor Jess Bender loves this dual-purpose wood board because it can be used for food prep and serving alike. "The material is an East Indian walnut that feels quite soft to the touch, plus it's a convenient size for storing on my kitchen counter," Bender says. You can personalize this piece with your last name, monograms, team logos, handwritten recipes and more.
Music lovers, rejoice: Uncommon Goods Personalized Record Cutting Board
Material: Tempered glass | Dishwasher safe? No | Size: 11.87" x 11.87"
Girl, put your records on... and tell us your favorite recipe. This vinyl isn't exactly what meets the eye. It's a tempered glass cutting board that can be used for food prep and serving. "This one is super cool," says Shop TODAY associate editor Allie Wise.
"Lightweight" option: Thor Kitchen Bamboo Cutting Board
Material: Bamboo | Dishwasher safe? No | Size: 17.68" x 11"
"I've been loving this one from Thor Kitchen because it’s lightweight compared to a lot of wooden ones I’ve picked up, and middle of the pack in terms of price," says associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky.
Nonslip feet: Joseph Joseph 3-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set
Material: Bamboo | Dishwasher safe? No | Size: Large: 14.57" x 9.56", Medium: 12.99" x 8.66", Small: 11.42" x 7.87"
There are a few reasons to love this trio of bamboo cutting boards. The set includes three assorted sizes, so you can choose the best size to work with, depending on your recipe. Plus, each board is fitted with non-slip feet so you don't need to worry about your board moving on your countertop. "Personally, I choose bamboo cutting boards for my home use for my family," says Sayes.
Splurge-worthy editor favorite: Boos Reversible Walnut Cutting Board
Material: Wood | Dishwasher safe? No | Size: 20" x 15"
Several Shop TODAY editors and contributors adore this splurge-worthy wood board, including myself. "I love the big surface area for everything from chopping up salad ingredients for lunch to prepping dinner," says Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil, senior partnerships editor.
TODAY Food contributor Alexis deBoschnek is also a fan of Boos blocks like this one. "I've been lugging my Boos block cutting board around for the last decade from New York City to Los Angeles to my current home in the Catskills. Despite years of wear, this sturdy board has held up," says deBoschnek.
Cutting board accessories
SUNFCON Cutting Board Organizer
Keep your cutting boards (plus other kitchen staples like lids and sheet pans) organized with this steel rack. It’s available in two colors (black and white) and is sold as a set of one or two, so you can choose the right match for your kitchen.
John Boos Mystery Oil and Board Cream Care Kit
We get it — caring for your wooden cutting boards can seem intimidating. Fortunately, this duo’s got your covered. I [Vaughan] personally use and love this oil and cream set, which can be used to easily condition your board so that it maintains a soft, splinter-free surface.
Frequently asked questions
One of the other major culprits of deteriorating plastic cutting boards is the dishwasher. While they can effectively sanitize the surface of the cutting board, there are some downsides.
“Repeated exposure to high heat, water pressure and detergents makes them more susceptible to wear and tear, which can then lead to the release of microplastics in the dishwasher and when in use,” says Pete.
She adds that in most cases, you can efficiently clean a cutting board by handwashing. Doing so also allows you to feel the texture of the board; a rippled surface is a sign that your plastic cutting board may no longer be safe to use.
While Sayes also recommends handwashing, she adds that it’s not unsafe put a cutting board in the dishwasher. “If a product says it is microwave or dishwater safe, there is no reason not to trust its use,” adds Sayes.
Why trust us
Kelly Vaughan is the recipe editor for Shop TODAY and has written and edited service-driven cooking content and recipes for the brand since 2023. Her award-winning food writing has been featured in national and local publications. A lifelong home cook and baker, she previously worked as a line cook at a French restaurant, where she honed her professional culinary skills.
How we chose
Shop TODAY spoke with two experts about the safety of cooking with plastic cutting boards. Based on the guidance they provided, we found affordable and eco-friendly alternatives to help you cook with care. We also included editor-favorite cutting boards that align with our experts' advice.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Amber Pete is an assistant professor of chemical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Her research interests include finding solutions to environmental pollutants such as microplastics.
- Dr. Christie Sayes is a professor of environmental science at Baylor University. Her primary area of research centers around environmental health and safety.
- Alexis deBoshnek is a TODAY Food contributor, recipe developer and author of "To the Last Bite:Recipes and Ideas for Making the Most of Your Ingredients."
- Elena Besser is a TODAY Food contributor, trained restaurant cook and founder of The Lineup, a dinner series featuring the top cooks at the most-talked-about restaurants. She received her culinary degree from the International Culinary Center.
- Jeanette Donnarumma is a TODAY Food contributor and Emmy-nominated culinary producer of Rachael Ray Show.
