You might not think twice about those ice cube trays sitting in your freezer. I didn’t either until I learned what might be hiding in them. Those standard plastic trays that come with most refrigerators or that you pick up at the dollar store for cheap? They could be adding more than just ice to your drinks. Many older plastic ice cube trays contain chemicals that can seep into your ice and then into whatever you’re drinking. Kind of scary when you think about it, right? Let’s look at which ice cube trays you should avoid and what safer options exist.
Plastic trays with BPA should be thrown away immediately
If you have older plastic ice cube trays collecting frost in your freezer drawer, especially those made before 2012, you might want to check if they contain BPA (Bisphenol A). This chemical was commonly used in many plastic products until concerns about its safety became widespread. BPA can leak into your ice cubes, especially when the plastic is scratched, worn down, or exposed to heat (like during washing). Even though your ice is frozen, the chemical can still transfer into the ice and then into your drinks, which means you’re drinking small amounts of BPA with every sip.
Many experts suggest avoiding BPA exposure whenever possible. The chemical has been linked to various health concerns, which is why many manufacturers have moved away from using it. If your ice trays are several years old or don’t specifically say “BPA-free” on the packaging, it might be time to replace them. Some people have switched to alternative materials entirely to avoid this issue. When in doubt, check the recycling number on the bottom – if it’s marked with #7, it might contain BPA unless specifically labeled otherwise.
Cheap silicone trays can contain fillers and additives
Not all silicone ice cube trays are created equal. While silicone is generally considered a safer alternative to plastic, the quality matters a lot. Really cheap silicone trays might contain fillers or additives that can be problematic. Pure silicone is generally food-safe, but some manufacturers cut corners by adding fillers that reduce the cost but might introduce unwanted chemicals. You can test your silicone trays by pinching and twisting them – if you see white showing through where you twist, that could indicate the presence of fillers.
Better quality silicone trays will specifically say “food-grade silicone” and will often mention that they’re “BPA-free” as well. Many products now also specify “FDA-approved” materials. Look for silicone trays that don’t have a strong chemical smell when you first open them. If they do have an odor, that’s a red flag. Some popular brands have been making silicone trays that meet higher safety standards. These might cost a bit more upfront but are worth it for peace of mind and usually last much longer too, making them a better value over time.
Avoid trays with strange smells or colors
Your nose can be a good guide when it comes to ice cube tray safety. If your ice cube tray has a strong chemical smell, especially after you’ve washed it a few times, that’s a sign that something isn’t right. This smell can indicate that chemicals are leaching out of the plastic or silicone. Similarly, if your ice cubes take on a slight smell or taste that wasn’t in your water to begin with, your tray might be transferring chemicals to your ice. This is particularly common with brightly colored trays, where dyes might not be properly sealed in the material.
Strange colors can also be a warning sign. If your clear plastic tray has started to yellow or become cloudy, that’s a sign of degradation. When plastic breaks down, it’s more likely to release whatever chemicals it contains. The same goes for silicone trays that have changed color or developed stains that won’t wash off. Some ice cube trays are designed to be odor-resistant, which can help prevent your ice from picking up freezer smells. But if the tray itself has an odor, no amount of odor-resistance claims on the packaging will matter.
Plastic trays that crack easily release microplastics
Have you ever noticed how some plastic ice cube trays become brittle and start cracking after a few months of use? These cracks aren’t just annoying when you’re trying to get ice out – they can also release tiny particles of plastic into your ice. These microplastics are too small to see, but they end up in your drinks and eventually in your body. The freezing and thawing process puts stress on plastic trays, making this problem worse over time. Each time you twist the tray to release ice, you might be creating tiny new cracks that will shed more plastic particles.
The problem gets even worse if you put plastic trays in the dishwasher, especially on the bottom rack where heat is most intense. That heat can cause plastic to degrade faster, creating more opportunities for chemicals and particles to leach out. Many manufacturers now specifically label their products as dishwasher-safe, but older trays or cheaper models might not hold up well to dishwasher cleaning. Some newer options are specifically designed to be more durable and resistant to cracking, which can reduce this risk. If your tray is showing signs of wear, it’s definitely time for a replacement.
Non BPA-free labeled plastics usually contain BPS instead
Here’s something that might surprise you: just because a plastic tray says “BPA-free” doesn’t automatically mean it’s completely safe. Many manufacturers have replaced BPA with similar chemicals like BPS (Bisphenol S) or BPF (Bisphenol F). These alternatives were supposed to be safer, but some research suggests they may cause similar problems to BPA. It’s like replacing one questionable ingredient with another that hasn’t been fully studied yet. Unfortunately, products rarely advertise when they contain these BPA substitutes, making it hard for consumers to know what they’re really getting.
This is why many people are moving away from plastic entirely when it comes to items that touch their food and drinks. If you want to avoid this chemical shell game altogether, consider looking into alternative materials. Some ice cube trays are now made from stainless steel, which doesn’t contain any of these concerning chemicals. While they might be a bit more expensive initially and sometimes less convenient to use, they eliminate the worry about what might be leaching into your ice. Silicone is another option, though as mentioned earlier, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting high-quality, food-grade silicone without fillers.
Trays without clear safety certifications raise questions
When shopping for new ice cube trays, pay attention to safety certifications and manufacturing information. Products that don’t clearly state where they’re made or what materials they use should raise red flags. Reputable brands will typically provide detailed information about their products, including safety certifications like FDA approval or compliance with food safety standards. If this information is missing or vague, it might be because the product doesn’t meet these standards. This is especially important for products purchased from overseas or from less-known manufacturers online.
Some consumers prefer to buy products made in countries with stricter safety regulations. For example, ice cube trays made in the USA or Europe might follow more rigorous safety standards than those made in countries with more relaxed manufacturing oversight. When purchasing online, read the product description carefully and check reviews for any mentions of strange smells, tastes, or quality issues. Pictures can be deceiving, so dig into the details before making a purchase. Remember that a slightly higher price often reflects better quality materials and manufacturing processes that prioritize safety.
Old, scratched plastic trays release more chemicals
The age and condition of your plastic ice cube trays matter a lot when it comes to chemical leaching. As plastic ages, it can break down and release more of its component chemicals. This breakdown happens faster if the trays are exposed to heat (like hot water during washing), UV light, or physical stress. Scratches on the surface of plastic trays create more surface area for chemicals to leach out from. Think about it: those scratches expose fresh plastic that then comes into direct contact with your water as it freezes, potentially releasing more chemicals than a smooth surface would.
If your plastic trays are showing signs of wear like scratches, cloudiness, or color changes, it’s definitely time to replace them. Even if they were labeled as BPA-free when you bought them, their safety decreases as they age and become damaged. Some people choose to replace their plastic ice cube trays every year or two, depending on how frequently they’re used. Alternatives like porcelain or stainless steel trays don’t have this issue – they might be more expensive initially, but they can last for many years without degrading or releasing chemicals, making them potentially better value in the long run.
Not all “food-safe” plastics are truly safe
The term “food-safe” can be misleading when it comes to plastics. While it indicates that a product meets certain minimum safety standards, these standards don’t necessarily account for all potential health concerns. For example, a plastic might be considered food-safe because it doesn’t contain known harmful chemicals at levels currently deemed dangerous. However, science is constantly evolving, and what’s considered safe today might not be tomorrow. Additionally, safety testing often focuses on short-term exposure rather than the kind of long-term, low-dose exposure that happens when you use the same ice cube trays for years.
Different types of plastics have different safety profiles. Plastics marked with recycling codes #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE), and #5 (PP) are generally considered among the safer options for food contact. However, even these might contain additives or stabilizers that haven’t been thoroughly studied. When possible, look for ice cube trays made from materials that have a longer track record of safety. Specialty manufacturers now offer trays made from higher-quality silicone that’s been more rigorously tested. These products often cost more, but many people feel the extra expense is worth it for items that come into direct contact with what they consume.
With all we’ve learned about ice cube trays, it’s clear that what seems like a small kitchen item can actually impact our daily health. The good news is that safer alternatives exist – from high-quality food-grade silicone to stainless steel and porcelain options. Next time you’re replacing your ice cube trays, take a moment to consider what they’re made of. Your future self might thank you for making a small change that adds up over thousands of drinks.
