The Benefits of Switching to Stainless Steel Dinnerware for Your Family
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Time to Read: 8 min
Family meals can feel like a whirlwind—spills, dropped plates, and the constant cleanup. Finding sustainable dishware that keeps up with it all? That’s not always easy. Plastic gets scratched and worn in no time. Glass seems like a good idea... until it shatters into a hundred tiny pieces on the floor. And before you know it, you’re replacing dishes all over again.
As a pediatrician, I think about what’s safe for kids all the time. I’ve seen the concerns parents have about what their children are exposed to, and I get it—nobody wants to second-guess what their dishes are made of. That’s why I believe stainless steel dinnerware is such a great choice. It’s tough enough to handle whatever kids throw at it, completely free from harmful chemicals, and a smarter option for the planet. No chips, no cracks, no worries about toxins—just safe, durable dishes that last.
Dinnerware should make life easier, not more complicated. It should work for every stage, from tiny hands learning to grip a spoon to older kids who love serving themselves. Switching to stainless steel is one of those small changes that can make a big difference, bringing a little more peace of mind to the table.
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.
Durability That Stands Up to Family Life
Kids drop things—constantly. Whether it's a bowl full of cereal or a plate stacked with dinner, accidents happen. I’ve been there, watching yet another dish hit the floor and break into pieces. It’s frustrating, not to mention a little dangerous when tiny feet are running around. That’s one of the reasons I love stainless steel. It takes those everyday bumps and spills without breaking, cracking, or chipping.
Unlike plastic, which can wear down and get scratched over time, stainless steel holds up. No faded colors, no warping in the dishwasher, and no pieces to replace every few months. It’s a relief to have dishes that can take a beating and still look good meal after meal.
For little ones who are still figuring out how to hold a fork without knocking over their plate, stainless steel is a game-changer. It’s sturdy but lightweight, so they can carry their own dishes without trouble. And when the inevitable drop happens? No big deal—just pick it up and move on.
A Safer Choice for Your Family’s Health
Keeping kids healthy is always the top priority. What they eat matters, but so does what they eat from. Plastic dishes might seem convenient, but over time, they can break down and release harmful chemicals into food—especially when exposed to heat. BPA, phthalates, and other toxins found in plastics have been linked to a range of health concerns, and it’s not something any parent wants to worry about at mealtime.
That’s why I trust stainless steel. It’s naturally free from all those questionable chemicals, so there’s no need to second-guess what’s touching your child’s food. No coatings, no hidden additives—just a clean, safe surface that you can feel good about using every day.
With stainless steel, mealtime feels a little easier. There’s peace of mind knowing that what’s on the plate stays just food—nothing more. Whether it's warm soup, fresh fruit, or yesterday’s leftovers, stainless steel keeps it safe and simple.
A Sustainable Switch for a Greener Home
Sustainability starts with small changes, and switching to stainless steel dinnerware is one of those choices that can make a real difference. Plastic dishes wear out, crack, and eventually end up in the trash. Even the ones labeled “durable” often don’t last as long as you’d hope. Every time a plastic plate or cup gets tossed, it adds to the growing problem of landfill waste.
Stainless steel offers a better way. It’s built to last for years—no cracks, no fading, no constant replacements. That means less waste, fewer trips to the store for replacements, and a kitchen stocked with dishes that can handle whatever your family dishes out. Choosing reusable options like stainless steel helps cut down on plastic consumption, making a positive impact on the planet without sacrificing convenience.
Kids pick up on these choices, too. Using stainless steel at mealtime is an easy way to show them how everyday decisions can be better for the environment. Whether it's packing a reusable lunch or washing the same dishes for years instead of months, they start to see how small steps add up. Sustainable choices become second nature, and that lesson sticks with them far beyond the dinner table.
Mealtime Essentials
Designed with Kids in Mind
Mealtime should be fun, not frustrating. Stainless steel dishes are lightweight enough for little hands to carry, making it easier for kids to serve themselves without struggling with heavy or awkward plates. They get the chance to feel more independent, whether they’re setting the table or clearing their dishes after a meal.
I wanted stainless steel dishes to feel exciting for kids, not just practical. That’s why I looked for a way to add color without compromising safety. We use a process called Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), which is completely free of harmful chemicals and safe enough to be used in medical implants. The color comes from titanium nitride—not titanium dioxide—a metal compound known for its safety and durability. It’s biocompatible, chemically inert, and stable even under tough conditions, making it an ideal choice for anything that comes into contact with food. The PVD process works by vaporizing titanium and bonding it to the stainless steel, creating a durable, non-toxic layer that won’t wear off or leach into food. There are no extra chemical coatings, paints, or powders—just a safe, colorful finish we feel good about.
Giving kids their own stainless steel dishes also helps them take ownership of their meals. When they have plates and cups that feel like “theirs,” they’re more likely to take care of them—whether that means carrying them carefully or remembering to put them in the sink after they’re done. Little habits like these build confidence and responsibility, all while keeping mealtime stress-free.
Why We Believe in Stainless Steel at Ahimsa
Life with kids is busy, and we get that. Our goal is to make it easier with dinnerware that’s safe, simple, and built to keep up with everyday life. No worrying about chips, cracks, or harmful chemicals—just dishes that do their job so families can focus on enjoying meals together.
That’s why we stand behind stainless steel. It’s safe, sustainable, and strong enough to pass down from one generation to the next. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or a snack on the go, Ahimsa dishes are designed to make mealtime worry-free and a little more fun.
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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