RTIC · Insulated Drink Tumblers
RTIC Outdoors Essential Tumbler
Stainless steel core poses lower PFAS risk; plastic lid uncertain.
RTIC tumblers are primarily stainless steel, a PFAS-resistant material. The plastic lid composition is undisclosed by the brand, creating moderate uncertainty about potential coatings.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Stainless steel tumbler with plastic lid
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
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
The RTIC Essential Tumbler uses a double-wall stainless steel core, which is chemically inert and does not leach metals or off-gas under normal use. The lid and sealing components are plastic (likely polypropylene or similar commodity polymer), which represents the primary chemical exposure point. Stainless steel construction is one of the safer material choices for beverage tumblers because it avoids ceramic glazes, non-stick coatings, and aluminum that can leach into liquids.
The brand's record and disclosure
RTIC Outdoors has not published comprehensive material safety disclosures, third-party certifications, or formal PFAS commitments on record. The company maintains a practical outdoor-gear focus but does not publicly address chemical standards or testing beyond basic FDA food-contact compliance. No major recalls or documented safety controversies specific to chemical hazards have been widely reported for RTIC tumblers.
How it compares in its category
Stainless steel insulated tumblers are among the safer beverage containers available; they avoid the Teflon-type coating/non-stick risks of older Teflon-lined alternatives and the lead-glazing risks of some ceramic options. Compared to plastic-only tumblers, the RTIC's steel core is a significant advantage. The main variable across brands in this category is the plastic lid composition and whether it contains PFAS water-repellent treatments, which RTIC does not disclose.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged contact with extremely hot liquids (above 160F) in the plastic lid components; hand-wash rather than run through hot dishwashers if the manufacturer recommends it. Inspect the lid seal annually for cracks or discoloration that might indicate plastic degradation. Replace the lid if it becomes visibly worn or develops odors, since plastic seals are the first point of failure. Store empty and dry to prevent mold or bacterial growth in the seal cavity.
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.”
Plastic lid leachables (BPA/BPS, phthalates)
RTIC does not publicly disclose the plastic lid resin type or whether it is treated with PFAS water repellents or contains BPA/BPS. Most commodity polypropylene lids used in this category are BPA-free but may contain other plasticizers or additives not fully disclosed.
Microplastics from lid wear
If the plastic lid is used repeatedly with hot beverages or abrasive cleaning, microscopic fragments could theoretically shed into liquid over years of use. This risk is low but present with any plastic lid exposed to thermal cycling.
Stainless steel leaching (nickel)
Food-grade stainless steel (typically 18/8 or 18/10) is stable and does not leach significant nickel under normal beverage storage conditions. No documented issues reported for RTIC or similar stainless tumblers.
Mold or bacterial growth in lid seals
The plastic lid gasket cavity can trap moisture and become a growth site if not dried thoroughly after cleaning. This is a maintenance issue rather than a manufacturing hazard but requires user diligence.
Thermal degradation of plastic components under extreme heat
Filling the tumbler with boiling water or exposing the plastic lid to high temperatures may cause thermal stress or partial melting of the seal. Most manufacturers recommend hand-washing and avoiding direct heat on the lid.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.