Simple Modern · Insulated Drink Tumblers
Simple Modern Forget Me Not Blue Steel Classic Tumbler
Lower concern. Stainless steel core is PFAS-safe, but plastic lid warrants caution.
Simple Modern tumblers use stainless steel construction, which is inherently PFAS-free. Plastic components (lid, base) present minor risk, but brand does not disclose surface treatments or PFAS status.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Stainless steel body, plastic/polymer lid and base
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 tumbler's core is 18/8 stainless steel, which is inert and does not leach metals or off-gas under normal use. The lid and base are polymer-based plastics typical of drinkware (likely polypropylene or acetal copolymer). Stainless steel is one of the safest food-contact materials available; the plastic components are where minor hazards could theoretically exist, though they contact liquids rather than heat in typical use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Simple Modern does not publicly disclose material certifications, testing protocols, or PFAS screening. The brand has no documented safety recalls or regulatory violations on record for this tumbler line. There is no independent third-party certification (e.g., NSF, FDA) prominently claimed on marketing materials, which is typical for mid-market drinkware brands.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the mainstream insulated tumbler category alongside Hydro Flask, YETI, and Contigo. The stainless steel construction is equivalent to or safer than glass-lined or powder-coated alternatives. It avoids ceramics (which may have lead in glazes) and lower-grade plastics, making it a middle-to-upper option within budget drinkware.
If you buy it
Do not expose the plastic lid to extreme heat (e.g., boiling water in direct contact for extended periods); hand wash rather than dishwasher to extend seal integrity and avoid thermal stress. Replace the lid if it becomes cracked, cloudy, or develops odor, as degraded plastic can shed microparticles. The stainless steel body is durable for years and requires only occasional rinsing.
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 degradation and microplastic shedding
Repeated heating cycles or dishwasher exposure can degrade polymer lids over time. Simple Modern does not disclose lid material specification or durability testing; replacement lids are widely available, suggesting this is a known wear item.
Lid seal leachables (phthalates, BPA alternatives)
No documented recalls or safety alerts for Simple Modern drinkware lids. Modern polypropylene and acetal copolymer are not typically associated with BPA or phthalate content, but Simple Modern does not explicitly confirm absence of these or their replacements (e.g., BPS).
Stainless steel coating degradation
18/8 stainless steel does not corrode under normal drinkware use and poses no leaching risk. Exterior powder coat (if present) is minimal and not in contact with beverages.
Plastic off-gassing (VOCs)
No documented off-gassing complaints or testing results for Simple Modern tumblers. Plastic lids used in food-contact applications are typically screened for volatile organic compounds by manufacturers, though Simple Modern does not disclose this testing.
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
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✓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.