Stainless Steel vs. Bamboo: Which is the Best Plastic Alternative?

As more Aussie families look to reduce their reliance on plastic—especially for food storage—stainless steel and bamboo are leading the pack as go-to alternatives. But how do these two materials stack up when it comes to everyday use?

In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of each so you can make a choice that suits your lifestyle, values, and lunch-packing needs.

Why Look Beyond Plastic?

Plastic has been the default for decades—cheap, lightweight, and easy to produce. But increasing awareness around microplastics, chemical leaching, and long-term environmental impact is shifting habits. Many households are now actively replacing plastic items with safer, more sustainable options.

When it comes to food storage, stainless steel and bamboo are two of the most talked-about plastic alternatives. Here’s how they compare.

Stainless Steel Food Storage

Stainless steel is known for its durability and clean, modern aesthetic. It’s commonly used in everything from cookware to lunch containers—and for good reason.

Pros:

• Lightweight but highly durable
• Microwave-safe (depending on design)
• Infinitely reusable
• Shatterproof and freezer-safe
• Doesn’t absorb odours or stain
• Plastic-free and non-toxic
• Easy to clean, especially with ceramic lining
• Pure taste—no metallic flavour

Cons:

• Typically more expensive than plastic or bamboo
• Can be unfamiliar for some consumers to microwave (though modern options like Smash are designed for this)

Stainless steel is ideal for busy households, work lunches, and school bags. It handles bumps, reheating, and daily wear with ease.

Bamboo Food Storage

Bamboo is a popular plastic alternative, especially for those wanting something biodegradable and natural-looking. It’s commonly used for items like lunch boxes, cutlery, wraps, and even serving containers.

Pros:

• Renewable and biodegradable
• Lightweight and naturally antibacterial
• Visually appealing and tactile
• Lower environmental impact than plastic

Cons:

• Not as durable as stainless steel
• May stain or absorb odours over time
• Dishwasher safe only for certain products—always check the label
• Can be more expensive than plastic

Bamboo is a great option for eco-conscious families, especially for dry foods or light lunches. While it's not always built for heavy-duty use, it’s a good step forward in reducing plastic waste.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re packing lunch for yourself or your kids and want something long-lasting, safe, and microwave-friendly, stainless steel is a smart investment—especially when lined with ceramic. It’s built for real-life use and requires little adjustment from your current routine.

If biodegradability is your priority and you mostly pack dry or cold foods, bamboo is a beautiful and functional alternative, though it may require gentler handling and may not last as long.

Both options help reduce your reliance on plastic—especially the kind that ends up in landfill or leaches chemicals into food.

Want to Explore Further?

Smash offers a range of microwave-safe stainless steel food storage options that are lightweight, easy to clean, and built for busy families. Explore the full range, here.