stainless steel iridescent plates and cups

Iridescent Plates Turn Every Meal into a Magical Experience

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

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Time to Read: 7 min

The Magic of Iridescent Plates

In the heart of every family kitchen lies the potential for magic. It's not just about the food we serve but how we choose to present it that can transform mealtime into an experience of wonder and joy, especially for the youngest members of the family. Mealtime is not just about eating. 


It's a chance for fun and togetherness. What if we could make every meal feel like a treasure hunt? That's the magic of iridescent plates. They're not ordinary plates, but an adventure on the table.


Iridescence means showing many colors that shift when you move around, kind of like a rainbow. With these plates, every meal becomes exciting, making us eager to see what's being served. These special dishes do more than look beautiful. They make mealtime inviting and turn trying new foods into a fun experience. Let's see how these rainbow plates can make every meal a magical moment.

About Ahimsa

Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three

Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 

We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet

Want to know more? Check out our story and our products

The Allure of Iridescence

Iridescence works like a natural magic trick, revealing colors that shift and glow under different lights. Imagine the swirling colors on a soap bubble or the vibrant hues of a peacock feather. That's iridescence. It makes things appear to shine from within, changing colors as you move around them.


Iridescent plates are more than just a way to serve food. They can be used as a tool to transform mealtime into an experience of wonder. When kids sit down and see their plate shimmering with a spectrum of colors, their meal turns into an adventure. It's like dining with a piece of rainbow at the table.


The magic of iridescent plates lies in their ability to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. With every change in perspective, they reveal new, mesmerizing patterns of color, making each meal a journey of discovery. This brings a touch of excitement to the dinner table, eagerly anticipated by kids and adults alike.

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Encouraging Exploration Through Color

The dynamic colors of iridescent plates do more than just decorate the table. They invite curiosity and exploration. For children, the vibrant, shifting colors can turn a regular meal into a fun game. Imagine a plate that changes colors with the light. This can be a clever way to encourage kids to try different foods, especially those they might usually avoid.


By serving meals on iridescent plates, parents can turn dinner time into a game, simply by asking "What color will your broccoli look like on a rainbow plate?"  A green bean might seem more interesting when it's resting on a plate that shifts from blue to purple. A slice of orange could look even more inviting against a backdrop that changes from gold to pink. 


Simple activities can enhance this effect. Parents can create color-themed meals, asking kids to match their foods to the colors on their plate, or they can turn guessing the next color shift into a game. These activities make mealtime more interactive and help children become more engaged with what they're eating, turning picky eaters into curious food explorers.

A Tool for Learning

Iridescent plates serve as more than just a backdrop for food. They can become interactive tools that spark curiosity about the natural world. As children notice how their plate changes color with different angles and lighting, it opens the door to discussions about science and art at the dinner table.


When a child asks why their plate changes color in different lighting, this opens the door to discussions about how light reflects and refracts, creating the beautiful iridescent effect they see. These conversations can seamlessly blend into mealtime, making learning feel like part of the fun rather than a separate, formal activity.


These colorful plates can be a springboard for artistic exploration. Children can be encouraged to draw or paint what they see, capturing the iridescent colors on paper. This activity can help develop their artistic and creative skills but also help them observe and appreciate the beauty in their environment.


Incorporating learning into mealtime with the help of iridescent plates makes for memorable experiences. It teaches children to see the wonder in everyday objects and to ask questions about the natural world. This approach fosters a love for learning that goes beyond the classroom, making every meal an educational adventure.

Incorporating Iridescence into Everyday Life

Iridescence can also bring magic into your home decor, transforming spaces with light and color. Start with small accent pieces like iridescent vases or frames to introduce sparkle without overwhelming. Wall decor like iridescent wallpapers can also shimmer, creating a captivating backdrop.


Incorporate textiles with subtle iridescent threads. Pillows or curtains that change with the light can add depth. Lighting is crucial, so you should choose fixtures that enhance iridescent effects, making your space glow.


For a more personal touch, try DIY projects. Paint a piece of furniture or create glassware that catches the eye. If you're bold, theme a whole room with iridescence, like a bathroom with sparkling tiles, for an immersive experience.


Iridescence in decor isn't just beautiful; it uplifts, constantly changing, reminding us of life's magic. It's a way to fill your home with wonder, making every corner a potential discovery.

Bringing Magic and Sustainability to the Table

Iridescence adds wonder to our daily lives, turning meals into magical moments and teaching us to appreciate beauty and sustainability. It's a reminder that making mindful choices in what we use can bring joy and protect our planet.


Ahimsa's iridescent plates perfectly capture this spirit. Made from durable, safe stainless steel, they promise endless moments of joy and learning, all while being kind to the earth. Bring the magic of iridescence to your table with Ahimsa and make every meal a step towards a brighter, more sustainable future.


Shop Ahimsa today for plates and more.

Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.

Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.

She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.

More Mealtime Essentials

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.

Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?

According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.

Will Ahimsa products break or peel?

No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.

Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?

Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set  and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.

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