It’s no secret that plastic has a stranglehold on our planet. It has, by far, the most used material in the production of intermediate and finished goods – which is just a fancy way of saying that a lot of products use plastic.

But it’s also no secret that plastic is absolutely horrible for the environment. It kills millions of animals per year in all environments. It’s also ending up in our bodies as microplastics, which may bring with it a host of health problems.

It’s important that we make the transition away from plastic and to more eco-friendly materials. There are materials that are biodegradable and compostable and perform well – just as well or better than traditional plastic.

Now, cutlery may not be an obvious choice for this. After all, many people end up using silverware for their meals. This is perfectly fine, but what about parties or other events? That’s you start to see a lot more plastic ware, right?

So next time there is a get-together, consider bringing these eco-friendly options. At the very least, they will make for an interesting conversation starter. You might even be able to convince someone else to give them a try.

That said, we aim to make your lives just a bit easier, so we compiled this list of the best biodegradable and compostable utensils & cutlery. That way, you already have a wonderful selection of products to choose from. And if you want to learn more, check out our guide at the bottom of this list.

Without further delay, let’s jump right in!

Note: We are committed to extensively researching and recommending the best products. We are partnered with Amazon’s affiliate program and may receive commissions from affiliate links within our content, which comes at no extra cost to you.

Top 10 Best Biodegradable and Compostable Utensils & Cutlery

#1 – Ecovita 100% Compostable Forks, Spoons, and Knives Cutlery Combo Set

Ecovita’s cutlery set is a must-have for people who want the durability of plastic without the environmental harm that comes with it. Being made of corn-based resin, this material is 100% plastic-free and compostable.

This product is also certified by the USA and European ASTM D6400 & EN13432 High Standards. This means that this product has been adequately tested to ensure that it does break down in proper composting conditions.

Products with these certifications have the eco-friendly stamp of international approval, which speaks to their authenticity.

The cutlery itself is large and easy to handle. Furthermore, most of them do not break or bend easily, though you may get a few that are a bit weaker than others.

It’s not just the cutlery that is good for the environment – all of the contents, including the packaging that holds the set, do not contain a hint of plastic. They can be recycled or composted like any other green material. You even get a recycling tray for easy storing or displaying at parties.

The company even donates 5% of its profits to organizations and programs that make a positive impact on both the community and the environment. When a company is willing to put its own money towards a green cause, you know that it’s legit.

Pros:

1. Durable and high heat resistance.
2. Certified 100% compostable.
3. Comes with a guide on setting up an eco-event.

Cons:

1. Some utensils may be stronger than others.
2. Expensive relative to similar options.

If you are looking for something relatively strong, resistant to heat, and still eco-friendly, then you would enjoy using Ecovita’s cutlery set. Many people have enjoyed it as well, so don’t just take it from us! Check it out for yourself.

#2 – Woodland Premium Disposable Wooden Cutlery

The Woodland wooden cutlery is a fine option for people who want a truly biodegradable cutlery combo. Unlike materials made from resin, wooden cutlery is as organic and natural as it gets – it will break down in nature just like normal wood.

This is because this cutlery set is made from birchwood, which makes it super eco-friendly and provides other benefits. Using 100% birchwood means no dyes, no bleach, and no coating, so there’s nothing to get into the soil when it’s thrown away.

It’s also heat resistant up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit, which is quite hot. You won’t have to worry about your utensils burning or melting away.

But what’s really cool is that this company does not cut down trees to make this cutlery set. This is because the bark can be harvested while the tree is still alive.

You do, however, need to be aware of the fact that you are working with wood. So if you are living in a humid climate, it’s possible for the wood to absorb moisture and swell – it wouldn’t be by much, but it could roughen the surface and cause splinters with enough time.

The utensils themselves come in convenient travel packs, which make them super easy to hand out at events and parties. You can also get creative and arrange these packs into festive shapes if you have an eye for it.

PROS:

1. They are made from biodegradable birchwood – which can be composted at home or thrown away.
2. Wooden material is better for cutting than plastic.
3. Travel packs make grabbing on the go or serving at parties a breeze.

CONS:

1. Wooden mouthfeel may be offputting.
2. Some people report a bit of a wood taste.
3. The surface is a bit grainy.

If you don’t like the idea of dealing with some woody feel and taste with your food, then you might want to skip this one. But if you like the idea of dependable cutlery that can be thrown away without guilt, then we highly recommend the Woodland wooden cutlery set.

#3 – Treeatery Compostable Cutlery Set

The Treeatery compostable cutlery set is another great option for people who are looking for plastic-like cutlery. This set uses a corn-based resin that is non-toxic and BPA-free, so you can eat with it without worry!

This set was designed with efficiency in mind. The knives are made to slice through meats that may be tough, the forks can puncture and hold many different food items, while the spoons won’t bend or break while under pressure. If you want dependability, this is a great set to consider.

And unlike some other eco-friendly utensils, this one is dishwasher-safe. So if you really needed to get more use out of this set, you are free to run them through a wash cycle. This alone greatly enhances the value of this set while also helping the environment. After all, you don’t dispose of what you can reuse.

For every box that is purchased, the company behind this cutlery set pledges to plant 1 tree in the deforested areas of the USA and Canada. It’s great to see companies take interest in saving the environment beyond just selling an eco-focused product. Personally, we love to support that kind of behavior.

PROS:

1. Dependable, durable, and dishwasher-safe.
2. 100% non-toxic and BPA-free.
3. 1 tree is planted for every box purchased.

CONS:

1. Cannot be composted at home – only at a facility.
2. A bit on the smaller side.

The Treeatery compostable cutlery set is a simple yet solid option for people looking for compostable cutlery. The main draw is the cutting ability of the knives, so if you are really focused on slicing through thicker food, then this might be the most “palatable” option. We recommend that you check it out!

#4 – WoodAble Disposable Wooden Cutlery

WoodAble disposable wooden cutlery is what happens when you refine the idea of wooden cutlery and create something stellar. These guys go above and beyond to give you one of the best wooden cutlery sets out there.

The material for this set is Chilean poplar and pine. Once the wood is harvested, each spoon, fork, and knife is stamped, thermo-formed, and then turbo-polished for 4-6 hours. All this is done to give you very durable, very smooth biodegradable utensils. That means no splinters either, so you can eat in peace.

What we like most is just how smooth the utensils end up becoming. It’s not as smooth as plastic, few things ever are, but it’s still remarkably smooth for wood. It’s similar to that of lightly-polished furniture wood.

It’s also cool that it comes out like a plastic straw dispenser found at a fast-food restaurant. It injects a bit of fun with grabbing and serving them. It helps that they are all wrapped together in their own packs.

The bad news is that they cut down trees in order to create this product. However, they do environmental good by planting 4 trees for every 3 that they cut down. The result is that one day, there will be a more bountiful forest from the net positive of trees planted.

PROS:

1. Strong, durable, and smooth.
2. 100% biodegradable and compostable at home.
3. The company plants 4 trees for every 3 cut down – a net positive.

CONS:

1. Wooden, dry mouthfeel.
2. The spoons can be a bit shallow.
3. May have a woody taste.

WoodAble’s disposable wooden cutlery is a great option for people who don’t mind the (potential) taste and mouthfeel of wood, specifically Chilean poplar and pine, as this tends to be more pronounced than with other woods. We recommend that you check it out if you are interested.

#5 – GREENPRINT compostable cutlery set

The GREENPRINT compostable cutlery is another solid contender on our list.

We like this brand because it’s a bit more “elegant” than some other options, at least in its appearance. It has a more rustic, natural color that seems to combine the earthy tones of wood with the lightness of the corn-based material.

This cutlery set is also resistant to stains, which can be useful for people who want intend to reuse their utensils. Since the material of this cutlery is known for its durability and high-temperature resistance (up 248 degrees Fahrenheit), you could wash them by hand. Of course, you can also dispose of them as long as you send them to a composting facility.

What’s also nice is the package that these utensils come in. The extra-long cutlery is already sorted into a recyclable tray with 3 large sections for the forks, spoons, and knives. All you have to do is pull it out and boom, it’s ready to go. When setting up for an event or a party, nothing is easier.

The company is so confident in their product that they place a 60-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t completely satisfied with their cutlery.

PROS:

1. Natural, rustic coloring.
2. Stain-resistant, water-resistant, and heat-resistant.
3. Incredibly similar in look and feel to traditional disposable cutlery.

CONS:

1. Can’t be composted at home.
2. May fall out of the box depending on how it’s opened.
3. A bit pricey compared to other options.

So if you are looking for a strong, eco-friendly substitute for plastic (while still feeling like plastic), then we recommend that you check out GREENPRINT compostable cutlery. This one is a bit of a hidden gem compared to the other big hitters, so don’t overlook it!

#6 – Aevia Disposable Wooden Cutlery Set

The Aevia Disposable Wooden Cutlery Set looks like something that came straight out of a forest. Its soft wood design makes it a hit at parties, especially ones that take place outdoors.

The small business behind this cutlery set goes the extra mile to ensure that they are approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FCS) for environmentally and socially responsible production.

This just means that the company conforms to an independent regulator organization to ensure that their product is eco-friendly, both in making it and disposing of it. So you can be certain that their utensils are truly good for the environment.

Since they are just made of natural birchwood and have no added chemicals, you can compost them at home or simply throw them away. It makes disposing of them really easy, which may be a huge benefit at events where people may not care to “properly” sort trash.

You can even use these utensils for arts and crafts projects if you wanted to. If you are left with extra for some reason, it’s not a bad idea to toss them onto some cardboard paper, break out the coloring, and go to town on the glue. Get creative!

You couldn’t be worse than us; our projects rarely turn out well, but we still have fun!

PROS:

1. FSC-certified.
2. Easy to compost or throw away.
3. Has a pretty aesthetic and is suitable for most parties.

CONS:

1. The knives struggle to cut throw tough meat.
2. The spoons are rather shallow, making them not ideal for eating soup.
3. Wood may splinter if exposed to certain elements over a long period.

Overall, this cutlery set is the one to go with if you value convenience and aesthetics. The Aevia Disposable Wooden Cutlery Set is a wonderful set of utensils, so we recommend you check it out if that sounds good to you.

#7 – BAMBOODLERS Disposable Wooden Cutlery Set

The BAMBOODLERS Disposable Wooden Cutlery Set is another take on wood-fashioned utensils but with an emphasis on the “earthy” attributes of wood.

Unlike what the name might suggest, the BAMBOODLERS cutlery is not made from bamboo – it is made of birchwood. But it is produced in a way to brings out the more rugged parts of the wood. With this cutlery set, the utensils may feel a bit coarser and even have an earthy taste to them.

For some, this can be a dealbreaker. A lifetime of silky smooth utensils can be hard to break away from. But we like to believe that these natural attributes offer a unique experience. For example, you can use these utensils for dishes that might appreciate added texture and flavor – soups, chilis, and guacamole are a few great choices.

And because the company sources this wood from sustainably managed forests, the risk of deforestation is greatly limited. This cutlery set is great for the environment from being to end.

PROS:

1. Hearty texture and slight flavor.
2. Responsibly sourced and easy to dispose of.
3. Looks great on any plate.

CONS:

1. Packaging comes in single-use plastic.
2. Not to be used on hard-to-cut food.
3. People may not like the texture and flavor of the utensils.

Overall, we respect the BAMBOODLERS Disposable Wooden Cutlery Set for being a bit different without skimping on the quality. If you are eager or simply curious to try them out, we recommend that you give them a go!

#8 – ECO SOUL Biodegradable Cutlery

The ECO SOUL Biodegradable Cutlery is a more affordable option for people who want the eco-friendly benefits of birchwood without the higher price tag.

These utensils actually look really good. They harbor a deeper shade of brown that can melt into any dark surface, making them a particularly good choice for woody tables. They are pleasing to the eye and rather smooth, which can make them easier for people to handle who otherwise may be surprised by other wooden utensils.

But with the lower price comes some unfortunate consequences. The utensils themselves are rather flimsy, even by the standards of other wooden utensils. They can also be a bit flat and shallow, so accidentally breaking them is possible.

That said, they still work well for many events, although you may want to skip them for children’s parties. Kids tend to be rather aggressive with their forks, spoons, and knives. You are less likely to have issues when adults are handling these utensils.

PROS:

1. Easy to clean up and dispose of.
2. A beautiful, rustic addition to any event.
3. Lightweight and easy to handle.

CONS:

1. Lacks sturdiness.
2. Comes in plastic packaging.
3. May splinter.

Overall, the ECO SOUL Biodegradable Cutlery is a good starting point for people who want to try eco-friendly cutlery on a budget. If that sounds like a great deal for you, then we recommend that you check them out!

#9 – GreenWorks 7″ Compostable CPLA Cutlery Set

The GreenWorks 7″ Compostable CPLA Cutlery Set is the definition of “keep it simple, stupid”. It’s the most basic version of compostable cutlery, but this isn’t a knock against it. We believe that there is a time and place for simplicity, and this cutlery set nails it.

These utensils are made from non-GMO corn-based polylactic acid. It’s the material that can only be properly broken down in a dedicated composting facility. It’s not as bad as plastic, but it can last for a very long time in a landfill. This is why it needs to be sent to one of these facilities; it cannot be composted at home, either.

To ensure that this product is actually eco-friendly, it managed to snag ASTM D6400 (United States) and EN13432 (Europe) certifications. These regulatory organizations essentially confirm that the product will properly break down in the right conditions, which lends credibility to its eco-friendly claims.

The benefit to using this material is that it closely mirrors the taste and feel of plastic, making it super easy to switch over and use. It also doesn’t require any trees to be cut down to make, which reduces deforestation.

And these utensils are sturdy, kind of like the midpoint between steel cutlery and plastic. If you don’t have a problem with plastic utensils, you won’t have a problem with these.

PROS:

1. Made from corn-based, non-GMO material.
2. Closely mimics the look and feel of plastic.
3. Reduces deforestation and is backed up by regulatory bodies.

CONS:

1. Won’t break down at home or in nature – only at composting facilities.
2. Will melt if exposed to a high enough heat.
3. May snap under enough pressure.

If you are looking for eco-friendly utensils that work well and are authenticated by multiple organizations then we bet that the GreenWorks 7″ Compostable CPLA will work great for you.

#10 – Ibambo Natural Bamboo, Biodegradable, and Compostable Cutlery

The Ibambo Natural Bamboo, Biodegradable, and Compostable Cutlery is a more refined take on bamboo-based cutlery.

While it is made from bamboo, these utensils have been produced in such a way as to eliminate a lot of the more “earthy” elements. The result is a smoother, tasteless, and splinter-less set of forks, spoons, and knives. This is fantastic for people with sensory sensitivity who otherwise can’t stand the taste and texture of plant-based cutlery.

They come in a biodegradable cardboard box and are tied together with natural fibers, so the entire package is good for the environment. We can always commend a company that goes out of its way to avoid using plastic.

And through the use of bamboo, fewer trees will have to be cut down. It’s a win-win for our wonderful planet. Bamboo has the added benefit of being sturdy, so you can apply more force to them without worrying about snapping them.

Disposal is easy, too. Just throw it away or compost it at home. Either way, bamboo is a 100% natural material, so it won’t harm the environment no matter where it goes.

PROS:

1. Made from sturdy, reliable bamboo.
2. Refined to eliminate the rougher attributes.
3. The packaging is 100% biodegradable.

CONS:

1. The woody texture may still put people off.
2. May splinter with long-term use.
3. May become saturated if left in liquid for long periods.

Overall, the Ibambo Natural Bamboo, Biodegradable, and Compostable Cutlery is great for people who want an eco-friendly cutlery set without much of the natural tastes and textures that come from plant-based utensils. If that sounds good to you, then we recommend that you check it out!

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A Guide on Picking Out the Perfect Biodegradable Utensils & Cutlery

Here are a few things that you should watch when shopping around.

Make Sure That the Material Is Actually Good for the Environment

We recommend that you keep a lookout for any nefarious greenwashing that may be taking place. If you don’t know what that is, greenwashing refers to when companies attempt to make their products seem more eco-friendly than they really are.

They usually use clever marketing and various shades of green in their product to convert a sense of environmentalism when, in reality, this isn’t the case at all.

Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to tell the difference between a product that is legit versus one that is greenwashed – just check the materials for the product. Companies can’t lie on their packaging without facing legal issues, so they’ll usually disclose what their products are actually made of.

We recommend sticking with products that are biodegradable and/or compostable. Biodegradable materials include bamboo and wood. The most common compostable material is a corn-based derivative plastic called polylactic acid (PLA), which can be further refined into crystallized polylactic acid (CPLA). The only difference between the two is that CPLA is able to withstand higher temperatures.

The important thing to note is that PLA and CPLA are both technically plastics. They function remarkably similarly to plastic and even tend to look like it, at least for PLA. The difference is that they are designed to biodegrade in a timely manner.

But to properly degrade them, they need to be sent to a composting facility. These facilities have conditions and procedures that are designed to break down these plastics. You cannot do it at home. And if they are tossed into a landfill or worse, the natural environment, they are basically the same as traditional plastic.

In short, wood and bamboo is the way to go if you want a no-hassle, eco-friendly choice for cutlery. If you have a composting facility near you and still desire the strength, look, and feel of plastic, you can’t go wrong with PLA and CPLA.

Make Sure That the Cutlery is Chemical-Free

If an otherwise eco-friendly product is treated with environmentally-damaging chemicals, then it’s no longer eco-friendly. This may seem obvious, but it’s a truth that many people tend to overlook. As the materials break down, nasty chemicals can leach into the ground and spread into other areas.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell whether or not a product has been exposed to such chemicals. Our best advice is to prioritize products that claim that they are chemical-free or otherwise healthy.

If you really want to be sure, we recommend reaching out to the company directly and asking them. You may just get a response and can rest easy knowing that you made the (hopefully) right choice.

Be Aware of the Unique Characteristics of Each Material

Bamboo and wood will have different characteristics than PLA and CPLA. Again, this might get a resounding “duh” from you, but it’s still important.

Wood can absorb moisture and be affected by other conditions depending on where they are stored. This could cause them to form splinters if you aren’t careful. Bamboo fibers can store much more water, which makes them ideal for more humid places.

PLA won’t be affected by things like humidity, but you should be careful around sources of heat – PLA can melt at common cooking temperatures, but it should be fine for consuming food. CPLA is specifically designed not to melt until higher temperatures but even this will struggle when exposed to the heat from an oven, for example.

As long as you are aware of what comes with each type of eco-friendly material, you can make the right choice each and every time.

Ensure That You Choose the Right Packaging Method

This is a minor point, yet people get upset when they buy biodegradable/compostable cutlery and find out that each fork, spoon, and knife are wrapped up in sets. Others may be surprised to find that there are no packaged sets. And even others still will balk at a packaging method similar to that of how straws are dispensed at fast-food places.

We recommend reading each box very carefully and seeing just how they package their cutlery.

If you are looking to provide eco-friendly cutlery at a party, then you might want to try out the packaged sets. They are great as they are not directly exposed to the outside, reducing the risk of contamination or other complications.

If you enjoy the novelty and convenience of having the cutlery sets packaged and dispensed from their own container, then consider choosing that one. We personally love to press down on a box and have something pop out – it tickles the rewards center of a brain wonderfully.

And if you like to stock your drawers with these biodegradable/compostable forks, spoons, and knives, then you should stay away from packaged sets altogether. Heck, you might even consider buying in bulk and pulling the cutlery right from the boxes.

Consider Choosing Products From Companies That Go the Extra Mile

If you are trying to avoid companies engaged in greenwashing, then it stands to reason that we should also support companies that go the extra mile for both the consumer and the environment.

Here are a few “green flags”:

1. The company pledges to be carbon neutral.
2. The company pledges to plant a tree for products sold.
3. The company aims to make its product as eco-friendly as possible.
4. The company’s product is certified by eco-focused regulatory bodies like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

When you see a company engages in eco-friendly behaviors like the ones above, try to support them. By funneling money into companies that care, we can starve out the ones that do and send a clear message – supporting our planet is good business.

And when business is good, more and more companies will aim to do better.

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Wrap Up

All right, that wraps up our list. We hope you enjoyed it.

As always, thanks for reading! We appreciate you stopping by!

Let’s continue to strive for a greener, better way of living!