Simple Modern · Insulated Travel Drinkware
Simple Modern Kids Tumbler
Lower PFAS concern; typical tumbler materials pose minimal risk.
Simple Modern kids tumblers are stainless steel with plastic lids, inherently lower PFAS concern materials. Brand makes no PFAS claims; standard construction suggests no intentional PFAS-containing coatings.
Shop Simple Modern on Amazon →Material
Stainless steel, 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
This tumbler uses food-grade stainless steel (typically 18/8 or 304 grade) for the main vessel, which is chemically inert and does not leach metals into beverages under normal use. The plastic lid introduces a secondary material, commonly polypropylene (PP) or other engineered plastics, which carries minimal risk if kept away from extreme heat. Stainless steel is one of the safest food-contact materials available and resists corrosion, meaning the vessel itself poses negligible chemical hazard over years of use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Simple Modern has not published detailed material safety certifications or third-party testing data in publicly available channels, and the brand maintains silence on PFAS use in manufacturing or coatings. No major recalls or safety controversies are documented for this product line. The brand markets durability and durability-focused design rather than safety transparency, which is typical for this segment but leaves consumers without explicit assurance on lid composition or manufacturing standards.
How it compares in its category
Stainless steel tumblers are among the safest reusable drinkware options available, offering lower leaching risk than ceramic-coated or aluminum alternatives. Simple Modern's construction is standard for the mid-range insulated tumbler market and does not stand out as exceptionally safe or risky compared to brands like Hydro Flask or YETI, which also use stainless steel vessels with plastic lids. The main differentiator is price and design, not material safety profile.
If you buy it
Hand wash the plastic lid rather than subjecting it to dishwasher heat cycles, as plastic lids can degrade over time and potentially shed particles when exposed to repeated high temperatures. Do not use the tumbler for hot beverages above 160F if the lid remains in contact with liquid for extended periods, as this may accelerate plastic degradation. Replace the lid if visible cracks, discoloration, or odor develop. Regular inspection of the seal gasket (if present) ensures no bacterial growth in the insulation layer.
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 microplastics
The plastic lid material is not explicitly disclosed by Simple Modern. If composed of lower-grade plastics or subjected to dishwasher cycles and hot liquids, gradual breakdown and microscopic particle shedding can occur; no product-specific testing is publicly available to quantify this risk.
Bacterial growth in sealed insulation
Double-wall stainless steel tumblers create a sealed air gap that can harbor bacteria if moisture enters through a damaged seal. Simple Modern does not provide specific guidance on seal maintenance or replacement intervals, leaving this risk partially user-dependent.
Heavy metals in stainless steel (nickel, chromium)
Food-grade 304 stainless steel used in quality tumblers contains nickel and chromium in stable, non-leaching form. No established reports of leaching from Simple Modern tumblers exist; risk is negligible under normal use conditions.
Lid gasket or seal material (phthalates, elastomer breakdown)
If gaskets are present, Simple Modern does not disclose their composition. Silicone gaskets (common in this category) are generally safe, but the brand's silence on material sourcing prevents independent verification.
Off-gassing or odor from new plastic components
New plastic lids may emit slight odor on first use due to residual manufacturing volatiles. This is typically mild and dissipates with washing and airing; no specific off-gassing complaints are documented for this brand, but disclosure of volatile organic compound (VOC) levels would strengthen confidence.
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 Travel Drinkware
Ember
Cold Tumbler
stainless steel with silicone seal
Lower concern; stainless steel tumbler unlikely to contain PFAS.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Ember
Tumblers - Set of 4
Stainless steel double-wall insulated
Lower PFAS concern; stainless steel drinkware rarely treated.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Ember
Cup 14 oz Slate Black
Ceramic or ceramic-coated stainless steel with heated base
Lower concern. Smart cup uses ceramic coating, not Teflon-type coating nonstick.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
More insulated travel drinkware 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.