Question from Marisa
First of all, I am LOVING your website and so thankful to have found it! You are a wealth of knowledge.
I am slowly converting our home to the best of my knowledge and abilities to be non-toxic. I am wanting to switch our dishes, bowls, cups, etc. I like what I find in regards to bamboo, but I don’t like that I can’t find any that are microwaveable. I came across a line called Coza on Amazon. It says they are unbreakable and reusable non-disposable Polypropylene plastic bowls. I have found some sites that say polypropylene is non-toxic and others are not as clear. What are your thoughts on polypropylene? And what would be your recommendation for non-breakable, re-useable, microwaveable dishes for my children? I have 4 young ones and I would like these to be something we can use for years to come. I like the looks of the Natura Green- Bamboo Whirl Bowls also on Amazon but they are not microwaveable. Thank you in advance for your time and input. It is GREATLY appreciated!
Lisa’s Answer
I’m glad you are finding the site helpful. Unfortunately, I am not aware of a microwaveable bowl that is unbreakable. Polypropylene is typically one of the safer plastics but any type of plastic can have additives that are harmful. You can read more about that here. Additionally, no plastic should be used in the microwave.
While I rarely use a microwave, I do have small pyrex glass bowls that are microwavable and more durable than many other glass bowls.
When my kids were little, I used stainless steel plates and bowls. Could you perhaps microwave the food in a safe container such as glass and then put it on a stainless steel plates or bowls for them to eat? Life Without Plastic is a great source for dishware for kids and adults.
Readers, do you have any suggestions?
I would be far more concerned about microwaving food, especially for children., then in the material of the bowl in which it is microwaved. Microwaving changes the protein structure and the human body doesn’t know how to process it. A little research will give you lots of information on the food damaging that happens from microwaving.
This is very helpful! Thank you. So I will not worry about microwaving the kids food in the bowls. With that thought aside, what are your thoughts on silicone plates and bowls or bamboo plates and bowls? The silicone say you can microwave, but I think I will stick to glass per your recommendation.
More research is needed on silicone. Read more here. Silicone seems to be safe when not heated above 350. I would not put it in the microwave.
Bamboo uses glue and sometimes coatings so it is important to know what is in them. If they are made in the U.S. the glue will be food safe but if it is made in a foreign country it could use phenolic resin which is a formaldehyde-based resins.