Science shows that plastics and plastic-like coatings can shed microplastics and migrate additives into food, with migration increasing with heat, time, and mechanical wear. Phthalates and bisphenols are repeatedly linked in systematic reviews to endocrine and reproductive harms.
This is HIGH PRIORITY because utensils are a high-frequency contact point with food, and the combination of heat and mechanical stirring/scraping maximizes chemical release.
Laurel recommends cooking utensils made of stainless steel and wood. High-quality silicone is acceptable when mixing room-temperature or cold items only.
Laurel avoids utensils made of plastic, "plant-based plastic," aluminum, or questionable metal alloys.
Tip: Wooden spoons are one of the most affordable, versatile swaps you can make -- they're gentle on cookware and naturally inert.
Cooking Utensils
Science showsplastics and plastic-like coatings can shed microplastics and migrate additives into food, with migration increasing with heat, time, and mechanical wear. Phthalates and bisphenols are repeatedly linked in systematic reviews to endocrine and reproductive harms.
Laurel recommends cooking utensils made of stainless steel and wood. High-quality silicone is acceptable when mixing room-temperature or cold items only.
Laurel avoids utensils made of plastic, "plant-based plastic," aluminum, or questionable metal alloys.
Tip: Wooden spoons are one of the most affordable, versatile swaps you can make -- they're gentle on cookware and naturally inert.