The Best Microplastic-Free Wood Cutting Boards

Earlier this year, news came out about plastic cutting boards being named a “significant source of microplastics in human food” by a recent study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. Microplastics, which are tiny plastic pieces less than 5 millimeters in diameter, are released when we chop on plastic cutting boards made of polyethylene and polypropylene.

These tiny bits of plastic can cling onto vegetables and meats or enter our environment when plastic cutting boards are washed in the sink or dishwasher. Emerging medical studies have found that microplastics enter the human body “through ingestion, inhalation, and skin exposure,” and their presence in humans can cause an increased risk of “myocardial infarction, stroke, or death.” So, if you have a slew of plastic cutting boards that are all scraped up over years of slicing and dicing, now’s the time to toss them out in favor of wood cutting boards, which don’t pose a risk of releasing microplastics into your foods.

Best Wooden Cutting Boards at Amazon

• Farberware Nonslip Bamboo Cutting Board with Juice Groove, $17
• Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board, $18
• John Boos Block Chop-N-Slice Reversible Wood Cutting Board, $87
• Caraway 4-Piece Double Sided Wood Cutting Board Set, $175, originally $195 
• Shun Cutlery Small Hinoki Cutting Board, $30
• Royal Craft Wooden Cutting Boards, Set of 3, $30, originally $37
• Ziruma End Grain Butcher Block Cutting Board, $70, originally $75   

Farberware Nonslip Bamboo Cutting Board with Juice Groove

One of our recommended cutting boards, this Farberware option is a great affordable pick that has helpful nonslip corners to keep the board steady while you chop. The trench around the border also catches any liquids from spilling onto the counter. The bamboo material doesn’t nick easily and stays gentle on knife edges.

Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board

We also like Epicurean cutting boards, which are made of a paper composite. It requires less maintenance than a true wooden cutting board, and can even be put in the dishwasher. During our tests, it resisted food stains and didn’t accumulate any nicks from our knifework.

John Boos Block Chop-N-Slice Reversible Wood Cutting Board 

We named this John Boos cutting board the best overall wood cutting board thanks to its stability and durability. It stays still while chopping and offers a gentle surface for knives. The end-grain maple is eye-catching and its large size can accommodate plenty of food at once for prepping.

Caraway 4-Piece Double Sided Wood Cutting Board Set

If you’re looking for a whole set to replace all your plastic cutting boards, this Caraway collection is our favorite. It comes with three cutting boards of different sizes and an included stand to keep all the boards organized. Made of birchwood, the lightweight boards are great for the multitasking cook.

Shun Cutlery Small Hinoki Cutting Board

Hinoki wood is known for its anti-bacterial properties and its gentleness on knives. Shun makes some of our favorite Japanese knives, so it makes sense the brand would also have a high-quality, knife-friendly wooden cutting board. This small board is ideal for cutting berries or slicing cheese for your afternoon snack.

Royal Craft Wooden Cutting Boards, Set of 3

If you’re in need of a whole new cutting board set and want to try bamboo, this set of three is on sale and includes a variety of helpful sizes. Each board has a juice groove for catching liquids and the built-in handles make it easy to carry. 

Ziruma End Grain Butcher Block Cutting Board

This end-grain butcher block brings the “wow” factor to any wooden cutting board collection. Pre-conditioned with beeswax, this board comes ready to use and is made of solid teak wood. It’ll look nice on your counter but serve you well through prepping food, carving roasts, and more.