Zojirushi · Insulated Drink Tumblers
Zojirushi Stainless Carry Tumbler
Low risk. Bare stainless contact surfaces, no known PFAS.
Zojirushi stainless steel tumblers keep liquid contact with bare metal, reducing PFAS risk. Exterior plastic and seals aren't fully specified, but no documented PFAS issues exist.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Stainless steel interior, plastic exterior
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What Zojirushi Stainless Carry Tumbler is made of, ingredients and materials
This tumbler combines a stainless steel interior (typically 18/8 or 18/10 grade, which is corrosion-resistant and non-reactive) with a plastic exterior shell. Stainless steel is not a material linked to metal leaching into beverages under normal use. The plastic exterior is a secondary barrier that does not contact the contents; its composition (likely polypropylene or ABS) is not a direct ingestion concern as long as the interior surface remains undamaged.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Stainless steel interior corrosion or nickel release
High-quality 18/8 stainless is highly resistant to corrosion and nickel leaching in acidic or salty beverages, but prolonged contact with strong acids (lemon juice, vinegar) or chlorine-heavy water could theoretically increase surface reactivity over years. This is not a documented issue for Zojirushi products specifically.
Seal integrity and bacterial growth in lid
Like all reusable beverage containers, the lid gasket can trap moisture and become a site for mold or bacterial growth if not dried thoroughly after washing. This is a maintenance issue rather than a manufacturing defect; regular cleaning and air-drying the lid prevents this.
Thermal shock or seal failure from extreme temperature swings
Some users report that placing a hot-filled tumbler directly into freezers can cause the seal to separate or crack over time. This is a durability concern and potential leak hazard, not a chemical hazard, but it shortens product life.
What’s reassuring
Bare uncoated material
Recorded as a bare, uncoated material with no surface coating or treatment.
Plastic exterior degradation and leaching
No documented cases of harmful leaching from Zojirushi tumbler plastic under normal use conditions. Risk is minimal because plastic does not contact beverages directly, and exterior plastics (typically PP or ABS) are lower concern than soft plastics, even if scratched.
Heavy metals
No cadmium, lead, or other heavy metal coatings are applied to Zojirushi stainless tumblers; stainless steel itself is the finish. Adhesives used to bond plastic to steel are not in contact with beverages and are not a documented concern for this brand.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Zojirushi is a Japanese thermal housewares manufacturer with decades of market presence and no major product safety recalls or regulatory violations on record for their drinkware. The brand does not publicly disclose detailed material certifications or PFAS testing results, which is typical of the category but represents a gap in transparency. Their products are generally compliant with FDA food contact regulations and Japanese safety standards, though independent third-party testing data is limited.
How it compares in its category
Stainless steel interior tumblers are among the lowest-risk beverage containers on the market, comparable to glass or ceramic mugs but with superior thermal performance and durability. Most competitors in this price range (Hydro Flask, Contigo, YETI) use the same basic construction and pose similar low-hazard profiles. The primary differentiator is manufacturing quality and seal integrity, where Zojirushi has a reputation for durability; plastic exterior alternatives are functionally equivalent.
If you buy it
Keep the plastic exterior away from direct heat sources (dishwasher safe, but hand washing prolongs life). Inspect the interior for scratches or pitting periodically; minor cosmetic wear is normal and does not compromise safety, but deep gouges warrant replacement. Do not place in the freezer (thermal shock can crack the seal) or use with caustic cleaners. Replace the lid gasket or tumbler itself if the seal degrades, as loss of insulation is the main failure mode, not a safety issue per se.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Zojirushi has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Zojirushi Stainless Carry Tumbler?
- Stainless steel bottle, stainless steel cap
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Powder-coat cap degradation over time
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Stainless steel body, powder-coat finish
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Powder-coat finish degradation
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Stainless steel bottle, plastic cap and silicone gasket
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Silicone gasket degradation and leaching
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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.