Simple Modern · Insulated Drink Tumblers
Simple Modern 40 oz Tumbler with Handle and Straw Lid Leak-Proof Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle Travel Mug Cupho
Lower concern. Stainless steel core, but plastic lid composition unclear.
Stainless steel tumbler with unspecified plastic components in lid and handle. No known PFAS-coated surface treatments, but lid materials warrant clarification from brand.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Stainless steel body, plastic handle and lid components
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
The core is food-grade stainless steel (typically 18/8), which is chemically inert and does not leach metals into beverages under normal conditions. The handle and lid are plastic components whose exact polymer composition Simple Modern does not publicly disclose. Stainless steel body eliminates the leaching risks associated with aluminum cores or ceramic coatings found in some competitor tumblers. The plastic lid's propensity to leach depends on material type and temperature exposure, which cannot be assessed without manufacturer transparency.
The brand's record and disclosure
Simple Modern does not publish detailed material safety data sheets or third-party certifications (e.g., BPA-free claims backed by independent testing) on their website. The brand has not issued public statements about PFAS avoidance or plastic sourcing practices. No major safety recalls or regulatory actions are on record for this product line as of available public databases. The lack of proactive disclosure is typical for mid-market drinkware brands but leaves questions about plastic component sourcing unanswered.
How it compares in its category
Stainless steel insulated tumblers are among the safer drinkware choices because the metal core eliminates ceramic glaze or non-stick coating hazards. Simple Modern's pricing and design place it in the mass-market segment; premium brands (Hydro Flask, YETI) often provide more detailed material disclosures, while budget competitors may use lower-grade plastics. The 40 oz volume and handle design are standard for travel mugs; the leak-proof lid is a functional advantage but shifts chemical risk entirely to the plastic closure. Stainless steel core is genuinely safer than aluminum, ceramic-coated, or plastic-bodied alternatives.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged exposure of the plastic lid and straw to boiling water or hot beverages above 65°C (149°F) to minimize any leaching from the plastic components; use the lid primarily for cold or warm (not hot) liquids. Hand-wash the lid and straw rather than dishwashing to extend plastic lifespan and reduce heat stress. Replace the lid or straw if visible cracks, cloudiness, or discoloration appear, as degraded plastic poses higher leaching risk. The stainless steel body itself requires no special care and is durable for years; the plastic components are the wear items.
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.”
BPA/other bisphenols in plastic lid and handle
Simple Modern does not declare BPA-free status for this tumbler on packaging or website. The plastic lid and handle material is unspecified; if polycarbonate or older polypropylene, BPA or BPS migration is possible under heat or acidic liquid exposure.
Phthalate plasticizers in flexible straw or silicone components
Included straw material is not disclosed. Flexible PVC or low-grade rubber seals may contain phthalates; risk is low if used only for cold beverages and not microwaved.
Leaching from plastic lid and straw under heat
The plastic lid and straw have not undergone published leaching studies specific to this product. Heat above 50-60°C can accelerate release of unidentified monomers or additives from undisclosed plastic formulations.
Bacterial or mold growth in lid seals and straw
Leak-proof lids often have crevices and rubber gaskets where moisture accumulates; without frequent disassembly and thorough drying, microbial growth is common to all reusable water bottles. Not a product defect but a maintenance issue.
Corrosion or degradation of stainless steel seams over time
No reported failures of the stainless steel body or seams for Simple Modern tumblers. The internal welds and closure seams are typically food-grade and corrosion-resistant unless exposed to extreme salt or acidic environments for years.
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.