Earlier this year, it was found that a popular travel mug brand uses lead in its manufacturing process. However, that brand is not alone. Several brands of travel mugs still use lead to make their cups. Fortunately, there are lead-free travel mugs on the market.
While there’s a high chance you won’t be exposed to the lead in a travel mug, the impact of the exposure isn’t worth the risk. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body. Over time, high levels of lead exposure can lead to increased blood pressure, hypertension, decreased kidney function and reproductive issues in adults.
What Types of Travel Mugs are Lead-Free?
In general, ceramic and borosilicate glass travel mugs are lead-free. However, some ceramic glazes may contain lead, according to a post by the Food and Drug Administration. Borosilicate glass is a food-safe material that is both BPA- and lead-free, making it the perfect mug to purchase to avoid lead exposure. It is critical to determine if the travel mug is made with borosilicate glass or regular glass. Some manufacturers use lead to help melt glass before molding it into shape.
A few mug brands that create stainless steel products, like Owala and Hydro Flask, also don’t use lead in their manufacturing processes.
- Best Adjustable Lid: Owala 40 oz Stainless Steel Tumbler
- Best Dishwasher Safe Mug: Hydro Flask 32 oz All Around Travel Tumbler
- Best Leak-Proof Mug: BLACK + BLUM 11 oz Glass Travel Cup
- Best Microwave Safe: United By Blue 10 oz Insulated Stoneware Travel Mug
- Best Straw Options: Tronco 40 oz Glass Tumbler with Handle
Best Adjustable Lid
Owala’s Stainless Steel Tumbler
Owala’s Stainless Steel Tumbler is a lead-free travel mug with an adjustable tab on the lid. When closed, you can use the included straw to take hands-free sips. This tumbler is double wall isolated, so the outside won’t get wet as it keeps your drink cold. Grab yours in one of six colors.
Best Dishwasher Safe Mug
Hydro Flask’s All Around Travel Tumbler
Hydro Flask’s All Around Travel Tumbler is another stainless steel travel mug that is completely dishwasher safe. The durable lead-free travel mug also comes with a unique splash-resistant lid and straw. Once locked in place, you won’t have to worry about a little bump causing your drink to splash all over the place. Shop it in 14 colors.
Best Leak-Proof Mug
BLACK + BLUM’s Glass Travel Cup
BLACK + BLUM’s Glass Travel Cup is a lead-free travel mug that’s leak-proof. The lid of this cup features a locking straw that eliminates the chances for leaks and spills when closed. Beneath the silicone surface, this cup is made of borosilicate glass, which is naturally lead-free. Shop this travel mug in four colors.
Best Microwave-Safe
United By Blue’s Insulated Stoneware Travel Mug
United By Blue’s Insulated Stoneware Travel Mug is made of microwave-safe, lead-free ceramic. The body of the cup is double wall isolated, so that your hands won’t feel the heat or chill of your drink. The hand-painted travel mug also comes with a closable spout lid.
Best Straw Options
Tronco’s Glass Tumbler
Tronco’s Glass Tumbler is another lead-free travel mug that comes with two different straws. The borosilicate glass tumbler includes a slender straw for sipping on drinks like iced coffee or water. There’s also a wider straw that can handle bubble tea and smoothies. It comes with a non-slip silicone sleeve that fits around the bottom half of this lead-free travel mug.
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