MonkeyProof Dishes: A Non-Toxic Alternative for Kids

When it comes to things that come into contact with our food, my family is a little particular. I want high-quality, non-toxic products that will last with my family through many seasons.

Over the last few months, I have been able to test out MonkeyProof bowls— a brand and product that meets all my mom requirements 👏

Since becoming a mom, I have tried to mitigate my children’s exposure to toxins wherever possible. My philosophy has always been to first prioritize the things that go in and on our bodies, followed by the things we come into regular contact with (especially those that come in contact with our food and drinks).

So, non-toxic dishes and dinnerware have always been a priority in our home.

This post shares my review of Monkey Proof dishes, a non-toxic, stainless steel option for children’s dinnerware!

Disclaimer: Monkey Proof generously sent me a set of 4 bowls to try out. There was no obligation or expectation to share my review, but after having a great experience, I knew I wanted to share about the brand for other families looking for a good option!

What Is Monkey Proof?

Monkey Proof is a family-owned and operated brand committed to making healthier dishes for families. They use high-grade stainless steel and food-grade silicone sleeves that are free from BPA and PFAS.

Currently, they offer stainless steel bowls that come with silicone sleeves in a variety of colors. My family chose the Arizona ridged bowl set and loves that they’re gender neutral, while still being colorful and fun for little ones.

Why Are Non-Toxic Dishes Important for Children?

Since becoming mindful of the toxins in my environment, I knew there had to be a balance. I’ve never advocated for an all-or-nothing approach, and instead recommend analyzing your own life and what works for your family.

For me and mine, we prioritize first what goes in and on our bodies. This includes things like food, body care products, and even our clothing. Second, we prioritize what directly comes in contact with those things, like our laundry detergents and dishes.

That’s where non-toxic dishes come in.

Every single day, multiple times per day, my children are eating food off of dishes. Then, these dishes are being washed at high heat in the dishwasher, potentially making them susceptible to breaking down (depending on the quality of the material).

For dishes made of plastic, that means as they break down, they can leach chemicals and shed microplastics directly into the foods my children are eating. Again, if it’s occasional or a one-off, I’m not overly concerned about it.

But for a product my children are using multiple times per day, every single day, I’m not comfortable with that level of exposure.

The 4 set of Arizona ridged bowls

The Problem With Conventional Dishes for Children

Most conventional dishes designed for children are made from plastic or plastic-based materials. While they’re often marketed as “safe,” “durable,” or “BPA-free,” that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re free from other concerning chemicals.

Many plastic dishes still contain additives, dyes, or fillers that can break down over time—especially when exposed to heat from dishwashers, hot foods, or microwaves. As these materials degrade, they can leach chemicals or release microplastics into food, which children then ingest.

Young children are also uniquely vulnerable. Their bodies are still developing, they eat more food per pound of body weight than adults, and they often use the same dishes day after day. That repeated, daily exposure is what gives me pause—not a single meal or occasional use, but the cumulative effect over time.

On top of that, plastic dishes tend to stain, scratch, and hold onto odors. Those tiny scratches can harbor bacteria and further accelerate material breakdown, meaning the dishes need to be replaced more frequently—adding to both waste and long-term cost.

For families trying to reduce unnecessary exposures where it’s realistic to do so, kids’ dinnerware is a very practical place to start.

The Benefits of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel dishes are my top recommendation for kids’ dishes. For starters, they are extremely durable and will last for years. Instead of purchasing “baby plates,” then “toddler plates,” and then “kid plates,” you can purchase one set of bowls that will serve your babies, your toddlers, your children, and even adults for years and years to come.

While the stainless steel option may be more expensive initially, it will save you money in the long run from not needing to be replaced.

My Experience With Monkey Proof Bowls

I am constantly reaching for these bowls! While we also have several other dishes in our non-toxic arsenal (you can read my Recette review and Elkie and Friends review), Monkey Proof bowls have been a family favorite.

The Pros

My whole experience with Monkey Proof has been really positive. Here are some of my favorite things about the company and their stainless steel bowls:

• Sustainable

• Non-toxic

• Aesthetic silicone sleeve

The Cons

Honestly, I have not had a single problem with the product. The only thing I wish the brand offered was a stainless steel plate as well. There are certain meals my family has in our rotation that are more plate-friendly. But other than that, I have loved our experience using these bowls!

Would I Recommend These for Your Family?

Yes! If you are shopping for healthier bowls for your family, this is a great option to consider.

The only downside is that they don’t offer a plate option, as some other brands do. If you are looking for a stainless steel plate specifically, you can check out my review on that brand here. In my family, we use a combination of two brands, and it has served all our needs.

Not only are they healthier and more sustainable, but I also love the aesthetic of the colors and patterns available. I feel confident knowing my family will use them for years to come without introducing unwanted chemicals, microplastics, or toxins.

Is your family looking for a more sustainable dinnerware option? I’d love to hear what you use.

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