The Very Best Non-Toxic Cutting Boards
I went down the non-toxic cutting board rabbit hole a couple of years ago after reading about formaldehyde in bamboo boards — the same bamboo board I had been chopping vegetables on every night for my family. That was enough to make me do a deep dive into what cutting boards are actually made of, and honestly, some of what I found was pretty unsettling.
The short version: the safest cutting boards are made from solid hardwood (maple, walnut, or teak), formaldehyde-free bamboo, or natural rubber. You want to avoid boards with chemical antibacterial treatments, cheap plastic that scratches easily, and anything with toxic finishes or binding resins.
Below I break down exactly what makes certain cutting boards potentially harmful, which materials to look for, and the specific boards I recommend after testing and researching dozens of options.
Why Some Cutting Boards Are Not Safe
Most of us never think twice about what our cutting boards are made of, but there are real health concerns with some common materials. The issues fall into a few categories: toxic chemicals used in manufacturing, harmful finishes applied to the surface, and materials that harbor bacteria in ways that are hard to clean.
The tricky part is that some of the worst offenders are actually marketed as the safest options. Antibacterial boards sound great until you learn what chemical makes them antibacterial. Bamboo boards seem eco-friendly until you realize many contain formaldehyde in the glue holding the strips together.
Materials to Avoid
Antibacterial Cutting Boards
Boards marketed as antibacterial typically contain a chemical called Microban, which is triclosan. While triclosan does kill bacteria effectively, studies have linked it to endocrine disruption in animals, and it may be connected to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The FDA monitors triclosan in food and cosmetic products, but its use in kitchenware is not regulated. I would rather use a naturally antibacterial material like hardwood than rely on a chemical treatment with those kinds of question marks.
Plastic Cutting Boards
Plastic boards seem convenient, but they have two significant problems. First, knives create scratches that trap bacteria on the surface. Unlike wood, which pulls bacteria below the surface where they die, plastic keeps bacteria sitting right where your food goes. Second, most plastic cutting boards are made from polyethylene, which — while BPA-free — may leach a chemical called DEHA, particularly when exposed to heat. So chopping hot food on an old, scratched plastic board is not ideal.
If you do use a plastic board, sanitize it thoroughly after every use, never put hot food on it, and replace it as soon as deep knife marks develop.
Boards With Hidden Formaldehyde
Wood composite boards (sometimes called epicurean boards) are made by binding small pieces of wood fiber together with resin — and that resin often contains formaldehyde. The same issue affects many bamboo cutting boards, which use melamine-formaldehyde resin to glue thin bamboo strips together. Even boards labeled “organic” may only mean the bamboo itself is organic, not that the finished product is chemical-free.
Toxic Finishes
It is not just what is inside the board that matters. Wood and bamboo boards are often treated with finishing products, and some of those finishes contain harmful chemicals. Avoid boards treated with chemical-based wood stains, especially those with acrylic or urethane binders, and stay away from unrefined petroleum-based mineral oil. Safe alternatives for treating cutting boards include walnut oil, beeswax, and refined coconut oil.
The Ultimate Guide To The Very Best Non-Toxic Cutting Boards
So now we know what to avoid, how can we find the very best non-toxic chopping boards? Here are the very best you can buy, along with our top picks for each type!
Wood Cutting Boards
When the plastic revolution came around, many people ditched their wooden chopping boards and switched to plastic ones instead.
But, as with many things, it seems that plastic isn’t always fantastic! When it comes to keeping our food safe, it appears that wood is a far better option.
Most people look at wooden boards and think that they are hard to clean. And yes, they do get marks from knives, but that all helps their anti-bacterial properties!
When you cut food on a wooden chopping board, wood actually fights bacteria. The grain of the wood pulls in and traps bacteria under the cutting surface, where it dies within minutes.
This is far superior to plastic, where bacteria lurk in knife grooves, multiplying happily!
Wooden chopping boards are also good for protecting knives and are highly durable and resilient. And if you think they are beginning to look unsightly, you can just lightly sand them and apply a new coat of oil or wax.
The only downside to wooden chopping boards is that they do need regular oiling, but this is all part of the experience of owning a beautiful chopping board!
As with everything, there are a few factors you need to bear in mind when buying a wood chopping board:
Grain Direction
End-grain cutting boards (where the cut end of the wood is the surface of the board) have better antibacterial properties than edge-grain boards. They are also better for keeping your knives sharp and have a longer lifespan.
Wood Type
The best types of wood for cutting boards are hardwoods, in particular maple, walnut, beech, and teak. Avoid softwoods such as pine and cedar.
Here are our top 3 picks for the best wood chopping boards:
3 Best Non-Toxic Wood Cutting Boards
1. Sonder Los Angeles Large Teak Cutting Board
Check the Current Price On Amazon
I really love this teak cutting board for a few key reasons.
First, it’s made from edge-grain teak, which is naturally durable and moisture-resistant thanks to its high oil content.
It’s tough enough to handle heavy chopping but soft enough to keep your knives sharp.
Plus, the wood is responsibly sourced and completely free of BPA, phthalates, and formaldehyde, which is exactly what we’re looking for in a great non-tox cutting board.
One feature I find super useful is the deep juice groove on one side. It holds up to 3.5 ounces of liquid, so you don’t have to deal with juices or grease spilling all over your countertops.
The other side is completely flat, giving you more space for prepping or even serving.
It’s also thick (1.25 inches), which makes it really sturdy while cutting, and the built-in finger grips make it easy to flip or carry.
Whether you’re carving a roast or chopping veggies, this board holds up beautifully.
As a bonus, it comes in a nice gift box, so it’s a perfect present for birthdays, weddings, or housewarming.
This should last you a VERY long time.
2. John Boos Block R-Board Reversible Maple Cutting Board
Check the Current Price On Amazon
The John Boos R-Board is a classic for a reason. It’s thick, sturdy, and perfect for everything from chopping veggies to serving charcuterie.
At 1.5 inches thick with edge-grain construction, it’s built to last and provides a smooth, level surface that’s easy on your knives.
One thing I love is the reversible design, so you get two cutting surfaces in one.
The recessed finger grips make it easy to lift and move around the kitchen, and the oil finish keeps it looking polished and beautiful.
John Boos boards have been around since 1887, and their quality craftsmanship really shines here.
Just be sure to hand-wash it and keep it conditioned with Boos Mystery Oil and Board Cream to make it last a lifetime.
This is the kind of cutting board that’s worth the investment—it’s durable, versatile, and perfect for everyday use or as a serving piece.
3. Shumaru Large Walnut Cutting Board
Check the Current Price On Amazon
This Walnut cutting board is an absolute workhorse and looks fantastic in just about any kitchen.
At 2 inches thick, it’s sturdy enough to handle heavy-duty chopping while still being kind to your knives.
I love the non-slip rubber feet that keep it securely in place, and the deep juice groove does a great job catching liquids so your counters stay clean.
The built-in handles make it easy to lift and carry, whether you’re prepping or serving.
What sets this one apart is its unique wood-boiling treatment, which eliminates impurities and makes the board more resistant to warping, cracking, and stains. It’s durable, easy to clean, and designed to last.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and functional addition to your kitchen (or a great gift) it’s hard to beat this one.
Plus, it comes with a 1-year replacement guarantee for peace of mind.
Best Formaldehyde-Free Bamboo Cutting Boards
For those of you who love your bamboo cutting boards, luckily there are formaldehyde-free alternatives available!
However, bamboo does have its downsides when it comes to comparing them to wooden cutting boards. The surface is harder and will cause more wear and tear to your knives, which is not a problem if you own a good knife sharpener.
Oh, and don’t be fooled by bamboo cutting boards that say they are organic! This simply means that the bamboo used is organic, and they may still contain formaldehyde.
Here are our top picks for the best formaldehyde-free bamboo chopping boards:
1. Greener Chef Bamboo Cutting Board
Check the Current Price On Amazon
You really can’t go wrong with a lifetime warranty! This beautiful bamboo cutting board is chemical-free and organic, and will not warp, split or crack.
To keep your board in the best possible condition, treat it regularly with the manufacturer’s food-grade cooking board oil.
2. EZMO One-piece Bamboo Cutting Board
Check the Current Price On Amazon
This beautiful bamboo cutting board has been cleverly crafted with a single sheet of bamboo on the surface, meaning the cutting area is free from glues and chemicals.
Made with organic bamboo, this reversible board will meet all your kitchen food prep requirements.
Natural Rubber Cutting Boards
It might sound like an odd material for a cutting board, but natural rubber has many unique benefits. This material is low-maintenance, non-toxic, and will not blunt your knives.
Rubber does not crack or split and does not absorb any liquids. It is all-natural, and will not leach any chemicals into your food.
And if your rubber cutting board becomes riddled with knife marks, simply lightly sand them out!
Unfortunately, natural rubber cutting boards are not very commonplace, and there are few manufacturers of them at the moment. However, we’ve sourced the best one for you right here!
NoTrax Sani-Tuff Premium Rubber Cutting Board
This is the smallest natural rubber cutting board in the NoTrax range, but they do have larger sizes available.
These professional-grade cutting boards are popular with chefs, so you know that you are getting the best possible quality!
Other Non-Toxic Cutting Boards To Consider
There are other types of non-toxic cutting boards you might consider, but these are not for everyone.
When it comes to non-toxic and hygienic, stone and glass cutting boards come top of the list every time. They are non-porous, easy to clean, and highly scratch-resistant.
However, these materials have fallen out of fashion for use as cutting boards, and we can see why. There are a couple of small but very significant problems with stone and glass when it comes to chopping boards!
Firstly, these very tough surfaces will destroy your knife blades. They will become blunt very quickly, making it difficult to slice through food easily.
Stone and glass are also very heavy, and cannot be moved easily. And if you do happen to drop them, they may shatter and cause some serious damage!
If you’ve got your heart set on a stone or glass cutting board, here are our top picks:
Natural Black Marble Pastry and Cutting Board
This beautiful marble cutting board would look amazing in any kitchen!
Due to the board’s heavy weight, it remains secure on your worktop. Plus with the natural beauty of marble, there is no need to put it away after use. It is easily wiped clean and looks great on any counter.
Tempered Black Glass Cutting Board
If you’re going for a glass chopping board, this is one of the safest options you can get!
Tempered glass is strengthened, heat resistant, and shatter-resistant. It also has non-slip rubber feet to prevent accidental slips.
Up Next: 13 Best Cookie Stencils
Dear Jaron,
Informative articles with great affiliate links – profitable – but quite short-sighted and inaccurate in the wood category.
While the end of your article reads like an advert, the truth about the wood and bamboo cutting boards is something Erin Brockovich-level obscured from the public. We are told that wood is good and safe, and so is bamboo – but like with so many other things, and the truth is always near, we are being bamboo-zled and egregiously misled for profits.
The facts all seem to just claim obliviousness to the existence of is that bamboo and wood boards are *manufactured* – and that means they are held together with, say it with me: toxic glues and compounds that bind these things together that also, say it with me: LEACH onto the food you think you’re safely cutting.
I contacted Greener Chef (regarding their greenwashed products!) inquiring specifically about their glues. Their response was dismissive and patronizing: “Oh, it’s safe.”
Okayyyy, if it’s safe, what Glue are you using?! Of course, they never did respond – and that reveals the epidemic in the cutting board industry regarding this topic.
There are ZERO food-grade (safe for food contact) glues. ZERO. Let that sink in.
Food-safe glues are meant for non-contact with food.
Food-safe and food-grade are Entirely Different Worlds.
Please educate yourself if you are pretending to inform the public, otherwise you are just another carnie in the world’s b.s. machine – putting people and their kids in harm’s way.
Well done, world. [Slow, disappointed clapping here]
I want Ange’s recommendation on a non-toxic cutting board
Is there a stainless steel or other metal cutting board that is safe