Best microplastic-free cutting boards for safe cooking

Microplastics are supposedly being found everywhere, from the depths of the ocean floor to intricate and hardworking bodies of our precious bumblebees – not to mention the likelihood of their presence in our own bloodstreams.

While it’s impossible to attack the bigger picture as individual humans, there are a myriad of ways we can make more sustainable, eco-conscious decisions within our homes. One such method, which is sure to have a knock-on effect on local environments and personal health alike, is switching out plastic cutting boards for wooden, composite and even bamboo options.

According to No Mise En Plastic, peer-reviewed studies have shown that microplastics from chopping boards serve as a substantial source of microplastics in our food. Other studies show that wood is not unhygienic, contrary to popular belief, and that there is no significant difference in microbiological count on a beech board compared to a plastic board after cleaning. Perhaps the most surprising of all is that handwashing is said to be more effective at cleaning boards, which is certainly better for their longevity, too.

Let’s talk through the alternative materials available to gather what might be right for your kitchen.

• Wood: Despite claims that wooden chopping boards are unhygienic, wood remains the most recommended material for home and professional kitchens alike (see linked studies above). The misconception lies in the porosity of wood; some believe this can trap bacteria, but well-maintained wooden chopping boards are actually antimicrobial. Beech is one of the best options because it grows relatively quickly throughout Europe, making it a more sustainable choice.
• Bamboo: Fast-growing and sustainable, bamboo is a popular, eco-conscious and naturally hygienic option for many kitchens. However, lots of bamboo chopping boards are treated with plastic and resin, so always check the fine print. What’s more, bamboo is harsh on knives, especially as many bamboo boards contain sand and glue, which can dull your knife quicker.
• Rubber: These chopping boards are often used in professional kitchens, especially by sushi chefs. This is because they are durable, knife-friendly and hygienic – the soft, flexible surface prevents knives from dulling. They are often sanded down between uses to maintain the surface. One downside is that they are quite heavy due to the density of the rubber. High-quality Japanese boards are also on the pricier side. They’re not as eco-conscious as other options, as they are commonly made from synthetic rubber.
• Composite: Chopping boards crafted from composites vary; some are made from paper composite and wheatgrass, others from wood and paper composite, and they are always bonded with food-safe resin. They’re thin but durable and are often complete with non-slip feet for better grip. Synthetic resin is a form of unprocessed plastic, so composite boards which utilise it can’t be considered plastic-free. Some composite boards are crafted with plant-based resins like tree sap.
• Stainless steel: Non-porous, smooth and easy-to-clean, stainless steel chopping boards are a popular and chic option among chefs. They’re less susceptible to damage and antimicrobial, but can dull and damage knives quicker than other materials. They’re also popular among bakers as they provide a smooth, scratch-free, non-stick surface for kneading and cutting dough.

We’ve curated a selection of the best microplastic-free cutting boards on the market below.

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Victorinox All-in-One Cutting Board

Sizes: 6 x 36.8 x 28.5 cm

Crafted in the US from a paper composite material, this all-purpose and rather luxurious chopping board from Victorinox may be on the slim side, but it’s incredibly durable.

The process of creating the composite material involves sheets of high-quality craft paper being dipped into a food-safe resin before being cut to length and laid out by hand. The sheets are then hand-stacked in alternate directions for durability. Blade-friendly and heat-resistant up to 175°C, it’s a versatile piece of kitchen kit that you can also rest hot pots and pans on. It’s covered by Victorinox’s lifetime warranty.

Asahi Cookin Cut Rubber Cutting Board

Sizes: 38 x 21cm, 42 x 25 cm

One of the most popular Japanese rubber cutting boards preferred by sushi chefs across the globe, this extra-durable and minimalistic option by Asahi is beloved for its tactility and ability to mimic the feeling of cutting on a traditional wooden board. Gentle to knives, quick drying and scratch-resistant, this board can be sanded down between uses with a special block to maintain its ultra-smooth and blemish-free appearance.

Sanding block or not, the unique self-restorative nature of rubber prevents deep scratches from forming – which means better hygiene, and little to no chance of synthetic materials leeching into your food.

Zwilling Bamboo Chopping board with tray

Sizes: 39 x 30 cm

One of the most practical cutting boards we’ve ever come across, this option by Zwilling features a brilliant stainless steel drip tray and circumferential grooves for catching offcuts and spillages.

It’s also equipped with sturdy non-slip feet, so you can be sure it’s not going anywhere while you’re attempting to cut through a butternut squash. The only way it could get any better in our eyes is if it were made from beechwood.

Brabantia Wooden Chopping Board Set of 3

Sizes: 6 x 25 x 40 cm

This value-for-money set of three chopping boards by Brabantia features three different purpose-led designs for all your slicing and dicing needs. They’re made from high-quality beech wood with a protective, natural oil coating. Our favourite of the three boards features two height levels for popping ingredients straight into the pan without fuss or mess.

Joseph Joseph Folio™ Steel Bamboo 3-piece Chopping Board Set

Sizes: 11.3 x 38 x 3.5 cm

Designed for households in need of multiple boards as well as a handy, convenient storage solution, Joseph Joseph’s Folio set is a best-seller for a reason. It keeps your worktop organised, while the smooth and sleek bamboo construction is microplastic-free.

Plus, each board is equipped with non-slip feet for secure chopping no matter what. We’re big fans of the fact that the stainless steel case is also resistant to fingerprints and smudging while holding boards apart to ensure proper air circulation.

David Mellor Epicurean cutting board

Sizes: 20 x 15 x 6cm, 22 x 30 x 6 cm, 28 x 37 x 6cm, 33 x 44 c 6 cm

This Epicurean cutting board by the masters over at David Mellor is made with an eco-conscious, FSC-accredited wood fibre composite that’s dishwasher safe and ultra hygienic. It’s heat-resistant up to 176°C, kind to even the most precious of knives, and looks good on any countertop.

BESTCOOK Wood Fibre Chopping Board

Sizes: 37 x 27 cm, 44 x 33cm

BPA-free, non-toxic and made of FSC-certified wood fibre composite, this functional board is equipped with a juice groove for messy fruit and veg, non-slip feet and has been designed to withstand deep cuts while maintaining knife sharpness. It’s also available in a sleek black hue.

Guanci Double-Sided Chopping Board

Sizes: 35 x 24 cm, 40 x 27 cm

Guanci’s chopping board is a brilliantly versatile two-in-one kitchen tool featuring food-grade 304 stainless steel on one side and eco-conscious wheat straw composite on the other. The composite side is additionally equipped with a garlic grinding area, which can also be used to prepare ginger and chilli.

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