Is Food Grade Silicone Better Than Normal Silicone?

When it comes to choosing silicone for kitchenware, bakeware, or baby products, you may have come across the term "food grade silicone." But what exactly does this mean, and how does it differ from normal silicone? In this article, we will compare food-grade silicone with standard silicone, exploring their properties, uses, and safety to help you make an informed decision for your next purchase.

Silicone has been widely used for a variety of applications due to its flexibility, durability, and heat resistance. However, not all silicones are created equal, and when it comes to items that come in direct contact with food, safety is paramount. Let’s dive deeper into the differences and understand which silicone is better for your needs.

What Is Food Grade Silicone?

Food grade silicone is a type of silicone that is specially formulated and tested to meet safety standards for use with food. It is made without harmful chemicals and has been tested to ensure that it does not release toxic substances into food, making it safe for baking, cooking, and storage.

Key Characteristics of Food Grade Silicone:

• Non-toxic: Food grade silicone is free from BPA, lead, and phthalates.
• Heat-resistant: It can withstand temperatures ranging from -40°C to 230°C (-40°F to 446°F), which is ideal for cooking and baking.
• Durable: Resistant to cracking, staining, and fading, even after repeated use.

Food Grade Silicone vs. Normal Silicone

As you can see, food grade silicone¹ is specifically manufactured to ensure that it meets rigorous standards for safety, making it far superior to regular silicone in terms of suitability for food-related applications.

What Is the Difference Between Food Grade Silicone and Normal Silicone?

The primary difference between food grade silicone and normal silicone lies in the materials used and the testing that the silicone undergoes. Food grade silicone is rigorously tested to ensure it is free from harmful substances like BPA and phthalates, which are commonly found in normal silicone products. Additionally, food grade silicone undergoes more stringent quality control to ensure that it won’t leach harmful chemicals into food when exposed to high temperatures.

Key Differences in Detail:

• Additives: Normal silicone may contain fillers and additives to enhance properties like color and texture, but these might not be food-safe. Food grade silicone avoids these contaminants, ensuring that no harmful chemicals leach into food.
• Temperature Resistance: Both types of silicone can handle high temperatures, but food grade silicone is designed to remain safe and stable even when exposed to extreme temperatures in cooking or baking applications.
• FDA Compliance: Food grade silicone must meet FDA regulations, whereas normal silicone products may not be held to such strict standards.

What Are the Benefits of Food Grade Silicone?

The main benefit of using food grade silicone is its safety for food contact. It is non-toxic², odorless, and does not react with food, making it ideal for use in kitchen tools, bakeware, and storage containers. Additionally, food grade silicone is durable and easy to clean, which adds to its convenience in daily use.

Advantages of Food Grade Silicone:

• Safe for Food: Ideal for use in kitchen tools, baby products, and bakeware.
• Non-Stick: Great for baking as it doesn’t require additional greasing, reducing food waste.
• Long-lasting: Unlike plastics or metals, food grade silicone doesn’t wear down over time, even with frequent use.
• Flexibility: The flexibility of silicone allows for easy release of baked goods, making it perfect for molds, trays, and other kitchen items.

What Are the Applications of Food Grade Silicone?

Food grade silicone is commonly used in kitchenware, bakeware, and food storage solutions. Its versatility, heat resistance, and non-toxic properties make it ideal for a range of applications in the food industry.

Common Applications:

• Bakeware: Silicone baking mats, molds, and trays are popular for their non-stick properties and easy release of baked goods.
• Cooking Tools: Silicone spatulas, tongs, and baking brushes are durable, flexible, and safe for non-stick cookware.
• Storage: Silicone food storage bags and containers provide a safe, eco-friendly alternative to plastic for storing food.
• Baby Products: Silicone baby bottles, pacifiers, and teething rings are non-toxic and safe for young children.

How to Tell If Silicone Is Food Grade?

Determining whether silicone is food grade can be tricky, but there are a few key things to look for:

Key Indicators:

• Certification: Look for the FDA approval³ or the equivalent certification in your country (e.g., EU food safety standards).
• Labeling: Food grade silicone products are usually labeled with the words “food grade” or “FDA approved.”
• Odorless: Food grade silicone has no strong chemical odor, whereas normal silicone may emit a chemical smell when new.
• Transparency: Reputable manufacturers provide information about the materials and processes used to ensure safety.

If you’re uncertain, it’s always best to buy silicone products from trusted manufacturers or suppliers who can provide documentation proving that the silicone is food grade.

Conclusion

When choosing silicone for food-related applications, it is crucial to select food grade silicone to ensure safety, durability, and performance. While normal silicone might be suitable for other industrial applications, it does not meet the safety standards required for food contact. Food grade silicone offers many benefits, including non-toxicity, heat resistance, and durability, making it the best choice for your kitchen, baby, and food storage needs.