Grove Co. Tree-Free Napkins vs 100% Recycled Unbleached Napkins: which is safer?

Grove Co. Tree-Free Napkins is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Our pick

Grove Co. Tree-Free Napkins

Bamboo

Grove Co. Tree-Free Napkins

PFAS grade

A 95/100

Overall grade

A 91/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 1

Material

Bamboo fiber, tree-free pulp

Confidence

72%

PossibleBacterial or mold contamination

Seventh Generation 100% Recycled Unbleached Napkins

Seventh Generation

100% Recycled Unbleached Napkins

PFAS grade

B 85/100

Overall grade

C 77/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

100% recycled paper fiber, unbleached

Confidence

78%

PossibleHeavy metals (lead, cadmium) in recycled fiber

PossibleInk residues from recycled content

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More paper napkins & paper towels: see the full ranking