Whether diving into a fresh tiger loaf for lunch, carving up some rye or slicing challah for Hanukkah, a non-toxic breadboard is essential.
Unlike the quality of the ingredients we meticulously jot down on shopping lists, we tend to put less thought into the material our breadboards are crafted from. We’re all guilty of cheaping out and opting for a flimsy plastic option, but it turns out this is far from the best offering.
Non-toxic breadboards mean harmful chemicals are not exposed to food while eating or meal prepping. Typically constructed from dense, solid wood, such boards help detox the kitchen and keep the family safe. How? Because they don’t contain any endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Endocrine disruptors are hormone-altering chemicals commonly found in consumer products. According to Umbel Organics: “The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce, store and secrete hormones (like adrenaline, insulin, dopamine, melatonin and growth hormones). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with the way normal hormones work in the body. These chemicals can be found in consumer products, personal care products, our food supply and in the environment (water, air and soil)."
Types of these pesky chemicals include:
PFAS - a widely used, long-lasting synthetic chemical which is often found in non-stick cookware and is known to resist water, oil and dirt.
Bisphenol A (BPA) - BPA is a synthetic chemical compound used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins commonly found in plastic products.
Phthalates - a large class of synthetic chemicals that make plastic more flexible and act as binding agents.
Parabens - preservatives used to inhibit microbial growth and prolong the shelf life.
Flame Retardants - used to prevent fires from starting and spreading which are often used in household products.
Some plastic cutting boards can contain chemicals like phthalates, DEHA and Bisphenol. Instead of opting for plastic, try wooden alternatives made from maple, walnut, cherry, beech or teak wood. Another benefit for wooden boards is that, once treated, they offer greater resistance to bacteria; sharp knives can cut or scratch the surface of plastic boards, making it easier for bacteria to collect in the crevices and spread.
As evidenced by a 1994 study published by the National Library of Medicine, bacteria multiply if held in these crevices for prolonged periods. The study found that the amount of bacteria gathered in wooden blocks was less than those from plastic blocks, regardless of whether the boards were new or used.
Science lessons aside, wooden breadboards are also more aesthetically pleasing, especially if you're hoping to try that breadboard or butterboard trend that's so hot on social media right now.
Beautifully-crafted, non-toxic breadboards that don‘t contribute to plastic pollution? We’ll toast to that.
Discover the best non-toxic breadboards for safe slicing below.
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Toast Forge Creative Wide Oak Chopping Board
Crafted from smooth, locally sourced oak, Toast’s charming chopping board will take pride of place on any kitchen counter. The uniquely designed piece is made from durable, non-toxic oak and features a large silhouette with a circular handle for hanging up in the kitchen or to help with serving. Use the impressive piece for plating up family-style spreads or chopping safe in the knowledge that it has been treated with a natural oil to protect against wear and tear.
Buy now £69.00, Toast
John Lewis Naturally Med Olive Wood Chopping Board
A classic design can go a long way. John Lewis knows a thing or two about serving up staples at affordable prices. The brand’s olive wood chopping bread can be adorned with petite loaves due to its smaller scale and Mediterranean feel. Admire the artisan-inspired rustic shape and show off at dinner parties and holidays alike.
Buy now £28.00, John Lewis
Soho Home Ember Contrast Circular Chopping Board
Cult brand Soho Home’s breadboard will leave you feeling anything but bored. An eye-catching contrast stripe design curated from Italian walnut and ash wood is a true conversation starter. Prepare a full meal courtesy of the generous space it has to offer. From crushing garlic to chopping herbs and slicing bread, a scintillating starter awaits.
Buy now £155.00, Soho Home
John Lewis Oak Wood Bread Board
A robust design to consider, John Lewis’ solid oak breadboard comes complete with useful grooves and a tray to capture crumbs as you slice. The top section is removable, meaning you can effortlessly tip crumbs away once you've finished cutting and clean it easily.
Buy now £49.00, John Lewis
Georg Jensen Alfredo Serving Board
Georg Jensen's handsome serving board suits all household styles. A subtle piece which will elegantly blend into your kitchen, the board is defined by a smart oval silhouette with slanted edges. It’s easy to manoeuvre while you prepare meals and further features a small silver badge displaying the esteemed Georg Jensen logo.
Buy now £75.00, Georg Jensen
Toast Ambrose Vevers Scorched Ash Chopping Board
Another tempting pick from Toast, this scorched ash wood chopping board is a visual treat. British oak has been beautifully manipulated by hand in Devon by woodworker Ambrose Vevers, who employs traditional carpentry skills. Using ash, cherry, oak and walnut and scorched using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, Vevers statement kitchen staples are something to covet.
Buy now £72.00, Toast
Katto The Chopping Board
Indulge with a hefty breadboard to cherish forever. Katto’s hard-wearing showstopper has been carefully constructed from beguiling American black walnut.
What’s more, it’s a reversible piece that you can use to display breads nestled among fig chutneys, cheese and grapes. A grooved dock can be used as a nifty iPad stand so you can consult your favourite recipe as you cook. If you're considering giving this as a gift, personalisation can be done for £10 extra.
Buy now £100.00, Katto
The White Company Wooden Oak Board – Large
Slice and serve with an expansive wooden oak board to suit loaves of all shapes and sizes. The White Company stocks an array of covetable breadboards to peruse - all made from non-toxic materials. Pepper with warming bowls of carrot and ginger soup, crushed Himalayan salt and fresh rye bread for a comforting winter feast.
Buy now £60.00, The White Company
Nkuku Niju Chopping Board
Pick from small, medium and large sizes and deck out your kitchen to the max.
Nkuku’s Niju chopping board is made from sustainable mango wood, ethically harvested and made in India. Carved with a handle and loop, these chopping boards are as much of a display piece as they are serveware.
Buy now £55.00, Nkuku
Daylesford Organic Maple Breadboard
Opt for luxury with a Daylesford number. A generously sized item to flesh out with gluten galore, this dishwasher-safe board makes for a generous, functional wedding gift. Garnish with olives, artisan dips and charcoal crackers for a spellbinding spread.
Buy now £299.00, Daylesford
Verdict
Toast’s Forge Creative Wide Oak Chopping Board tops our list; not only is the piece crafted from locally sourced oak, but it’s protected with a natural oil to see it through the years. The unique, curved design makes it a touching gift ideal for foodies and interior lovers alike.
