The Best Non-Toxic, Microplastic-Free Cutting Boards

You likely use a cutting board every single day. It’s an essential kitchen tool that plays a much larger role in your health than you have probably realized. Since recent studies indicate that using a plastic cutting board results in “significant source of microplastics in human food,” it’s a good idea to swap out your questionable boards with non-toxic models.

Luckily, there are a slew of alternatives that fit every budget. If you’re looking for a style that’s thin, lightweight, and as easy to clean as plastic, we recommend grabbing Material Kitchen’s The MK Free Board. But if you want a model that doubles as a serving piece, a wooden cutting board is the way to go. No matter which route you take, we commend you for taking your health into your own hands and making smarter decisions in the kitchen.              

Best Non-Toxic Cutting Boards

Material Kitchen The MK Free Board 

Material Kitchen launched The MK Free Board in April, and we’ve been in love with it ever since. While it looks like plastic, feels like plastic, and rinses clean in the dishwasher like plastic, it’s made from natural, plant-based materials instead. Priyanka Shahane, who earned her Masters in Public Health Nutrition from George Washington University, gave it her stamp of approval, writing that “while a plastic board sloughs microplastics, nanoplastics, and the chemicals that constitute both into our food, this board has only plant-based compounds to shed.” Since these aren’t as “risky” to ingest, Material Kitchen’s new cutting board is worth the money. 

John Boos RA-Series Rectangular Wooden Maple Cutting Board 

John Boos’ wooden cutting boards are adored by celebrity chefs like Ina Garten, Rachael Ray, and Giada De Laurentiis. We’re also huge fans of this iconic board, appreciating its beautiful design, clever finger grooves, large size, and sturdy build. While we did note that “this piece can be a bit cumbersome to wash due to its size,” we decided that “the quality and functionality outweigh any wrestling required to get it into your kitchen sink.” As with all wooden cutting boards, wash it by hand, dry it quickly, and oil it often to keep it in its original pristine condition. 

Shun Cutlery Small Hinoki Cutting Board 

Hinoki is a medium-soft wood that gives with the motion of your knife, allowing your blade to stay sharper for longer. It has a natural citrusy scent due to a high concentration of an antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal compound called hinokitiol. Shun, the company behind some of our favorite Japanese knives, recommends wetting the board with water and wiping away the excess moisture before cutting to keep your board from staining.   

The Boardsmith Walnut & Maple ‘Brick’ End Grain Cutting Board

The Boardsmith’s wooden cutting board is so much more than a surface to chop on. It’s also a statement piece that will instantly catch the eye of anyone in your kitchen. While there are a few designs to choose from, the brand’s walnut and maple “brick” pattern is one of the most striking we’ve seen. You can even customize the size and grooves (and even add an engraving) to suit your preferences. It’s important to note that these beautiful boards are made to order, so the brand asks you to “allow for several weeks prior to shipping.” 

Made In Butcher Block 

We dubbed Made In’s butcher block a “must for your kitchen.” Not only were we impressed by its reversible design, which boasts a juice groove on one side for when we’re carving a roasted rack of lamb and a flat surface on the other for unimpeded chopping of herbs, garlic, and onions, but also by its “sturdy and secure” build. Weighing in at 8 pounds, this block stays still when you’re cutting.      

Farberware Bamboo Cutting Board

While there’s some concern that bamboo cutting boards are hard on chef’s knives due to a high presence of silica, it’s still a great option if you’re looking for an inexpensive, non-toxic material. Thanks to its convenient non-slip feet, this Farberware model won’t slide around on your kitchen counter, and the juice groove around the outer edge will keep liquids from spilling over.