If you've been active on TikTok in recent months, you've probably seen a buzzy video or two surrounding the black plastic cooking utensils controversy. A 2024 study suggested that black-colored plastic kitchen tools are made from recycled electronic materials that may contain harmful flame retardants.
It was later revealed that researchers miscalculated their initial findings, well overstating the actual risk of toxicity. However, according to Google Trends, the search for queries like "nontoxic kitchen utensils" is still on the rise.
Tsvetomira Vacheva, a brand manager for Woodenhouse Lifelong Quality (a wooden utensil company), tells Shop TODAY that "consumer awareness is increasing not only about healthier food choices, but also regarding the use of nontoxic and natural alternatives for anything that comes into contact with food."
"When it comes to cooking utensils, the principle is straightforward: the more natural, the better," continues Vacheva.
Along with Vacheva and Danielle Walsh, a cookware brand representative from Anyday, we spoke with Dr. Joe Zagorski, a toxicologist and assistant professor at the Center for Research on Ingredient Safety at Michigan State University. He offered more context on these research findings and provided safer alternative materials for cooking utensils.
If you've opted to toss your black plastic cooking tools in the trash, don't fret; we're here to help you start anew. We found the best nontoxic kitchen utensils to help whip up all your favorite dishes.
Scroll down to find a complete list of expert-recommended and editor-tested cooking utensils from popular brands like Williams Sonoma, OXO, Amazon and more.
Best plastic cooking utensil replacements, according to experts and editors
Most budget-friendly:
"Between the affordable price points and long-term quality of their product scape, OXO is a kitchen brand that has never disappointed," says deputy managing editor Jess Bender. "The stainless steel make of this slotted spoon was made to last, plus you have some extra comfort of use with the non-slip grip," she explains.
A pop of color:
Production associate Audrey Ekman is a big fan of these colorful Staff kitchen tongues that are FDA-approved. "As soon as I saw these stainless steel and silicone tongs, I knew they’d have a spot in my kitchen for years to come," she shares. "They’re so cute, with the bright colors and sweet kooky face — I can’t help but smile when I reach for these! They’re dishwasher-safe and I love that they can easily lock closed to save space in storage," Ekman says.
For the "perfect" pan:
Editorial operations manager Jillian Ortiz uses Our Place's Mini Perfect Pot 2.0 and Cast Iron Always Pan on a regular basis in her kitchen, and both come equipped with a piece of the brand's beechwood utensils.
"I prefer using these spoons over silicone or metal utensils. Since I have the Our Place pot and pan, I also find it extremely convenient to rest the spoon on them while I cook," she said.
"I've been using them for just under a year and they haven't split or cracked on me — and admittedly, I have never oiled them."
Featured on TODAY:
Shop TODAY contributor Makho Ndlovu spoke highly about this 10-piece set during a 2024 Cyber Monday segment. Made with silicone, this sturdy set has wooden handles and includes all of your go-to kitchen utensils such as tongs, a spatula, pasta server and many more.
Durable editor pick:
"This is probably the spatula I use the most since I cook a lot of smaller meals with delicate ingredients (eggs, fish and tofu mainly)," notes Bender. "It's thin enough to easily get under something for flipping or moving, but durable enough where it could tackle charred remnants left behind," she explains.
Expert favorite:
"Gir has some of the best, and most fun, silicone tools around," says Walsh. "I’d recommend the 3-Piece Ultimate Tool Set to start your collection — the Spoonula is the tool I reach for most!" she suggests.
In addition to the spoonula, this nontoxic set also includes an antimicrobial spatula and also an angled edge flip.
For the seasoned cook:
"Nothing beats a quality wooden spoon, in this home cook’s opinion!" raves senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. "I received an olivewood spoon as a wedding shower gift a couple of a years ago that’s still in excellent condition — and I use it almost every day!" she says.
"My exact spoon was from Staub and is no longer available, but this one is very similar in size and material. I find this kind of spoon comfortable to hold, extremely durable and easy to hand wash," Cocchi Zabloudil explains.
Easy to clean:
"This was an investment I splurged on thanks to having a gift card on hand, but I'm glad I committed since these are probably the best tongs I've ever used," raves Bender. "While they're a bit heavier than other tongs in my arsenal, they can withstand the weight and thickness of bigger proteins and ingredients without having residue left behind. The lock feature is also quite convenient for easy storage," she explains.
Splurge option:
"While you can get wooden spoons on the cheap, I prefer sturdy, well-crafted pieces that won’t splinter," states Walsh. "This Williams Sonoma wooden spoon set features spoons in different shapes and sizes and made of high-quality walnut," she explains.
Are black cooking utensils toxic?
If you’ve been using black plastic cooking utensils in your home for years, don’t be too alarmed.
As we previously mentioned, researchers’ initial study on these potentially harmful cooking utensils presented a mathematical error. This error incorrectly noted the safety limit of BDE-209 (a flame retardant) exposure for a 132-pound adult, stating that the limit was 42,000 nanograms per day instead of 420,000 nanograms per day.
According to the study, an exposure of about 34,700 nanograms per day was present from utensils tested, which came uncomfortably close to the limit that was originally stated.
Chemosphere released an update on Dec. 15 noting the correction, making their findings a little less startling. The update also ensures readers that although this correction was made, the overall conclusion of the study wasn’t affected; the recycled plastic kitchen utensils tested did, in fact, contain flame retardants.
However, if you’re concerned about plastic or potential contamination from it, Zagorski suggests considering alternative materials such as wood or metal. “To ensure safety and durability, opt for well-established brands known for producing products designed to withstand high-heat environments,” he suggests.
“When discussing toxicity, it’s essential to consider it alongside the environmental impact of our consumer choices,” adds Vacheva. “Factors such as biodegradability, the potential release of toxins during disposal, and damage to marine ecosystems should always be taken into account. We are part of a connected ecosystem, and even if the effects are not immediately visible or direct, they remain significant and impactful,” she notes.
What to look for in cooking utensils
As many people are being cautious and opting to toss their black plastic cooking utensils, the good news is there are plenty of other materials available to shop, including wood, metal and silicone.
“When selecting cooking utensils, consumers should prioritize natural wood materials without added coloring,” states Vacheva. “Since varnish is commonly used on wooden utensils, it’s essential to choose products coated with food-grade varnish to reduce potential risks,” she explains.
“I also can’t get enough of good old-fashioned wooden spoons — I have about 10 in my utensil holder,” says Walsh. “One more thing I don’t think any kitchen should be without: A metal fish spatula. And no, it’s not just for fish — it’s unmatched for flipping eggs and pancakes,” she recommends.
Walsh is also a big fan of silicone when it comes to cooking utensils. “Silicone is flexible, resists high temperatures, and does not leach harmful chemicals into food. Not to mention that silicone tools can bring a fun pop of color into your kitchen,” she explains.
Frequently asked questions
"Microwave cookware should be plastic-free and ideally glass, have a tight-fitting lid to trap steam, and a vent to release pressure," says Walsh. "That rubbery texture that tends to be associated with microwave cooking is actually the result of moisture evaporating out of your food — not the microwave itself," she explains.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best replacements for black cooking utensils by enlisting the recommendations of two cookware brand experts as well as a toxicologist. We also asked our editors to share a few of their tried-and-true favorites as well to help finish out the list.
Meet the experts
- Tsvetomira Vacheva is the brand manager for Woodenhouse Lifelong Quality.
- Dr. Joe Zagorski is a toxicologist and an assistant professor in the Center for Research on Ingredient Safety at Michigan State University.
- Danielle Walsh is the General Manager at Anyday Microwave Cookware.
- Makho Ndlovu is an on-air expert who contributes to Shop TODAY.
