Zojirushi · Insulated Drink Tumblers
Zojirushi 27oz Stainless Steel Tumbler
Lower concern; stainless steel core rarely contains PFAS.
Zojirushi tumblers are primarily stainless steel, an inherently PFAS-free material with no known Teflon-family coating coatings. No public PFAS claims or testing exist, but material composition poses lower risk.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
stainless steel with standard plastic lid
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
BPA & bisphenols
Zojirushi does not publicly specify lid polymer type or disclose BPA/BPS testing. Standard PP or acrylic lids carry low inherent risk, but if polycarbonate was used (unlikely but not ruled out), BPA exposure under hot conditions is possible.
Source: FDA ↗Lid degradation and microplastic release
Plastic lids degrade over time with repeated thermal cycles and UV exposure. Visible cloudiness or brittleness indicates polymer breakdown; continued use may introduce microplastics into beverages, especially if lid is heated.
Seal material contamination or mold growth
Rubber or silicone gaskets in the lid seal area can harbor bacteria and mold if not cleaned thoroughly or allowed to dry. This is a maintenance issue, not a manufacturing defect, but relevant to safe use.
What’s reassuring
Uncoated safe material
Bare cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, or glass with no PFAS coating.
Stainless steel nickel leaching
Food-grade 304/18-8 stainless steel is formulated to resist corrosion and nickel migration under normal beverage storage conditions. No recall or published testing data shows elevated nickel leaching from Zojirushi stainless tumblers.
Coating or paint on exterior graphics
If the tumbler has printed logos or graphics, the inks/coatings are not in food contact and pose minimal ingestion risk. No known issues documented for Zojirushi exterior finishes.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This tumbler uses food-grade stainless steel (typically 18/8 or 304 grade) as the primary container material, which is chemically inert and does not leach metals under normal use. The plastic lid is the secondary concern; Zojirushi typically uses polypropylene (PP) or acrylic-based polymers for lids, which are lower-risk plastics compared to polycarbonate. The double-wall vacuum insulation layer sits between the steel walls and poses no exposure risk since it is sealed away from contents.
The brand's record and disclosure
Zojirushi is a Japanese manufacturer with a long track record in food-contact drinkware and has not faced major product safety recalls related to chemical leaching in their tumbler lines. The company does not publicly disclose detailed material sourcing or independent safety testing results for this specific product, which is typical for the category. No established controversies regarding heavy metals, coatings, or off-gassing have been documented for their stainless steel tumblers.
How it compares in its category
Stainless steel tumblers are among the safest reusable beverage containers available because the material itself is non-reactive with acidic, alkaline, or hot liquids. This product sits at the safer end of the drinkware spectrum compared to ceramic-coated alternatives (which may contain lead in glazes) or older non-stick coated metals (Teflon-type coating risk). The plastic lid is a standard design choice across this category and introduces minimal hazard if PP or acrylic is used, though lid materials are rarely disclosed by manufacturers.
If you buy it
Hand wash the lid separately and inspect it annually for cracks or cloudiness, which may indicate polymer degradation; replace if visible damage occurs. Avoid prolonged exposure to boiling water (above 212F/100C) with the lid sealed, as pressure buildup and plastic stress can increase leaching risk. Do not microwave the lid or tumbler, and do not store acidic beverages (vinegar, citrus juice) for extended periods, though stainless steel resists corrosion well. Rinse thoroughly after each use and dry promptly to prevent mineral deposits and mold growth in the seal area.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 82% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Zojirushi has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More insulated drink tumblers grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.