Cuppa · Insulated Drink Tumblers
Classic Stainless Steel Drink Tumbler
Lower concern. Bare stainless steel has minimal PFAS risk.
Classic stainless steel tumblers contain no intentional PFAS in the base material. No coating or treatment disclosed, so risk is inherently low for this category.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Stainless steel, uncoated
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Uncoated safe material
Bare, uncoated material (cast iron, stainless, carbon steel, or glass) with no surface treatment to contain PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This Cuppa tumbler is constructed from bare stainless steel with no interior coating, glaze, or enamel layer. Stainless steel is an iron-chromium alloy that resists corrosion and does not leach toxic metals under normal beverage storage conditions. Because there is no polymer lining, ceramic glaze, or Teflon-type coating, the primary chemical pathways for leaching (coating degradation, enamel wear, off-gassing) are absent.
The brand's record and disclosure
Cuppa has not published material safety data sheets or third-party certifications for this product in publicly available records. The brand's silence on PFAS and manufacturing transparency limits independent verification, though this is common for drinkware manufacturers. No recalls or safety incidents specific to Cuppa stainless steel tumblers are documented in CPSC or consumer databases. Without formal disclosure, assessment relies on material science of uncoated stainless steel itself rather than brand-specific testing.
How it compares in its category
Bare stainless steel tumblers rank among the lowest-risk drinkware options because they eliminate coating-related hazards common to ceramic-lined, Teflon-type coating-coated, or plastic-lined alternatives. Compared to insulated tumblers (which often use polymer or foam layers), this uncoated design avoids off-gassing and microplastic risks. Most stainless steel competitors (e.g., Hydro Flask, S'well, basic commercial brands) share similar material safety profiles; Cuppa's lack of premium positioning suggests standard manufacturing without known shortcuts.
If you buy it
Use this tumbler for cold and room-temperature beverages without concern; stainless steel is stable at typical drinking temperatures. For hot liquids, allow brief cooling before contact (stainless steel conducts heat readily and poses burn risk, not chemical risk). Hand-wash rather than dishwasher to minimize potential micro-scratching of the interior over years of use, though minor surface wear does not compromise safety. Replace if interior shows rust spots (indicating compromised stainless steel integrity, rare in quality tumblers) or deep dents that trap liquid.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Metal leaching (chromium, nickel, iron)
Uncoated 300-series stainless steel does not leach significant nickel or chromium into cold or room-temperature beverages. Under normal use, no public data indicates health risk; acidic liquids (citrus, vinegar) stored long-term may mobilize trace metals, but amounts are below regulatory concern for drinkware.
Coating degradation and particle shedding
This product has no interior coating, enamel, or glaze to degrade. The hazard is mechanically absent, making it safer than ceramic-lined or polymer-coated alternatives in this respect.
Thermal stress fracture (glass-lined tumblers) or polymer off-gassing
Stainless steel does not shatter from thermal shock. Because no insulating foam, plastic liner, or epoxy resin is present, temperature-driven off-gassing of VOCs or BPA is not applicable to this product.
Bacterial or mold growth in seams and caps
Although the tumbler material itself is non-porous, the product context does not confirm whether a lid or cap is included. If present, silicone gaskets or plastic seals could harbor bacteria if not regularly dried. Verify cleaning instructions and ensure any removable components are fully dried between uses.
Teflon-type coating fume release (if coated variant exists)
The product specification states uncoated stainless steel; Teflon-type coating risk is absent. Confirm purchase matches 'uncoated' designation, as some stainless tumblers are sold with non-stick interiors (not typical for this category but possible in specialty lines).
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 85% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Insulated Drink Tumblers
Reduce
Halo Tumbler
Stainless steel and plastic lid
Lower concern tumbler; stainless steel is inherently PFAS-safe.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Cuppa
To Go Tumbler
Stainless steel with plastic lid
Lower concern. Standard tumbler with no known PFAS risks.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Klean Kanteen
Steel Pint
18/8 stainless steel, bare metal
Lower PFAS concern. Bare stainless steel container, no coatings.
✓Bare metal or glass, no coating at all
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.