Could Your Salt & Pepper Grinder Be Adding Microplastics to Your Food?

Over the past few months we've had more and more customers asking the same question:

"Do your salt and pepper grinders contain plastic?"

It's a fair question, and one that's becoming increasingly common as people look for simple ways to reduce plastic in their everyday lives.

Why the sudden interest?

Recent Australian research has shown that reducing contact with plastics used around food can significantly reduce the amount of plastic-related chemicals detected in the body. While food packaging is one of the biggest sources, researchers also encourage people to look at the everyday items they use in the kitchen.

That has prompted many people to take a closer look at things like chopping boards, cooking utensils... and even salt and pepper grinders.

What's the concern?

Many inexpensive salt and pepper grinders use plastic components as part of the grinding mechanism.

Over time, these parts are subjected to constant friction as hard peppercorns and coarse salt pass through the grinder. Some researchers and commentators have suggested that this wear may contribute to tiny plastic particles entering food, particularly in grinders where plastic components are in direct contact with the grinding process.

Research into microplastics is still developing, but many people are choosing to minimise unnecessary plastic contact with their food wherever practical.

Our approach

At Tassie Timber Things, we've always believed in making products that are built to last.

• Our salt and pepper grinders feature:
• Beautiful handcrafted Tasmanian timber bodies.
• Quality ceramic grinding mechanisms.
• A design made for years of everyday use.
• No plastic grinding burrs coming into contact with your salt or pepper.

We started making timber grinders because we love working with natural materials. It's nice to know they also suit people wanting to reduce the amount of plastic in their kitchens.

This video shows our grinder mechanisms.

https://cdn.shopify.com/videos/c/o/v/640d7360147f4073a2b09efba8efe8b9.mp4

Small changes can make a difference

Nobody is suggesting you need to throw everything out overnight.

But replacing items as they wear out with well-made alternatives can be an easy place to start.

A timber chopping board.
A wooden spoon.
A quality timber salt or pepper grinder.

These are simple swaps that many people are now making as they rethink the products they use every day.

Built to last

Unlike disposable kitchen products, a well-made timber grinder can become something you'll use every day for many years.

Each grinder is handcrafted in our workshop in southern Tasmania using sustainably sourced timber, then individually finished to highlight the natural character of the wood. No two are ever exactly the same.

Whether your motivation is reducing plastic, supporting Australian-made products, or simply owning something that will last, we're proud to make grinders that are as practical as they are beautiful.

If you've been looking for a quality timber salt or pepper grinder, we'd love to show you our range.

https://tassietimberthings.com.au/collections/salt-and-pepper