Zojirushi · Insulated Drink Tumblers
Zojirushi 27oz Stainless Steel Tumbler
Lower concern. Stainless steel core rarely contains PFAS.
Zojirushi tumblers are primarily stainless steel, an inherently PFAS-free material with no known Teflon-family coating coatings. No PFAS claims or third-party testing available, but material composition presents lower risk.
Shop Zojirushi on Amazon →Material
stainless steel with standard plastic lid
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 tumbler uses food-grade stainless steel (typically 18/8 or 304 grade) as the primary container material, which is chemically inert and does not leach metals under normal use. The plastic lid is the secondary concern; Zojirushi typically uses polypropylene (PP) or acrylic-based polymers for lids, which are lower-risk plastics compared to polycarbonate. The double-wall vacuum insulation layer sits between the steel walls and poses no exposure risk since it is sealed away from contents.
The brand's record and disclosure
Zojirushi is a Japanese manufacturer with a long track record in food-contact drinkware and has not faced major product safety recalls related to chemical leaching in their tumbler lines. The company does not publicly disclose detailed material sourcing or independent safety testing results for this specific product, which is typical for the category. No established controversies regarding heavy metals, coatings, or off-gassing have been documented for their stainless steel tumblers.
How it compares in its category
Stainless steel tumblers are among the safest reusable beverage containers available because the material itself is non-reactive with acidic, alkaline, or hot liquids. This product sits at the safer end of the drinkware spectrum compared to ceramic-coated alternatives (which may contain lead in glazes) or older non-stick coated metals (Teflon-type coating risk). The plastic lid is a standard design choice across this category and introduces minimal hazard if PP or acrylic is used, though lid materials are rarely disclosed by manufacturers.
If you buy it
Hand wash the lid separately and inspect it annually for cracks or cloudiness, which may indicate polymer degradation; replace if visible damage occurs. Avoid prolonged exposure to boiling water (above 212F/100C) with the lid sealed, as pressure buildup and plastic stress can increase leaching risk. Do not microwave the lid or tumbler, and do not store acidic beverages (vinegar, citrus juice) for extended periods, though stainless steel resists corrosion well. Rinse thoroughly after each use and dry promptly to prevent mineral deposits and mold growth in the seal area.
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 leaching (BPA, BPS, or other endocrine disruptors)
Zojirushi does not publicly specify lid polymer type or disclose BPA/BPS testing. Standard PP or acrylic lids carry low inherent risk, but if polycarbonate was used (unlikely but not ruled out), BPA exposure under hot conditions is possible.
Lid degradation and microplastic release
Plastic lids degrade over time with repeated thermal cycles and UV exposure. Visible cloudiness or brittleness indicates polymer breakdown; continued use may introduce microplastics into beverages, especially if lid is heated.
Stainless steel nickel leaching
Food-grade 304/18-8 stainless steel is formulated to resist corrosion and nickel migration under normal beverage storage conditions. No recall or published testing data shows elevated nickel leaching from Zojirushi stainless tumblers.
Seal material contamination or mold growth
Rubber or silicone gaskets in the lid seal area can harbor bacteria and mold if not cleaned thoroughly or allowed to dry. This is a maintenance issue, not a manufacturing defect, but relevant to safe use.
Coating or paint on exterior graphics
If the tumbler has printed logos or graphics, the inks/coatings are not in food contact and pose minimal ingestion risk. No known issues documented for Zojirushi exterior finishes.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 82% 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.
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.