What Is Melamine? Are Melamine Dishes (Plates) Safe to Use?

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Affordability, durability, and style – these are three considerations that one makes when buying crockery.

And Melamine crockery delivers on all three counts.

But it’s easy to forget to think about safety, which is undoubtedly the most important consideration.

Melamine is a type of plastic, after all, and ingestion of plastic has proved harmful time and time again.

There has been a lot of contention about the use of Melamine for manufacturing crockery recently.

Is it safe? Or is Melamine crockery among the best there is? 

In this post, I will clear the air and help you figure out if Melamine crockery should have a place in your cabinets. 

What is Melamine?

Melamine is the nitrogen-based compound of choice of several cutlery and utensil manufacturers. 

It’s cheap to manufacture with, and it’s also very durable – which is one of many the reasons why many eateries get Melamine crockery. 

Replacing broken dinnerware costs these businesses a lot of money, and getting Melamine crockery is an excellent way for them to sidestep those expenses.

Another excellent benefit of the material is that it’s super lightweight. The staff working at the eatery doesn’t need to strain themselves lifting large, heavy trays of food.

But perhaps the best thing about Melamine is that it’s versatile – it can be crafted in any color and shaped in any way, making it the perfect material to use in a variety of settings.

Here’s the big question, though:

Is Melamine Safe? Should you be using Melamine Dinnerware?

Yes, it’s safe. 

But the answer’s not that simple – the safety concerns are valid, and the material can harm your health. 

Viability-wise, though, it’s the perfect material to use to make crockery.

It’s cheap and lightweight. But most importantly, it’s durable and doesn’t break.

The high durability is a result of how it’s processed. Since Melamine is a nitrogen-based compound, it’s processed with formaldehyde and some organic compounds to make a resin for manufacturing.

The resin is then strengthened and used to make the crockery you find at stores. 

Its high strength is also why the compound is also used to make glues, laminates, countertops, dry-erase boards, and a lot more.

Safety Concerns

Manufacturers heat up the Melamine to mold it into crockery. While most of the chemical is lost in the process, a small amount remains on the crockery or utensil.

Here’s where it gets ugly:

If Melamine crockery is heated up enough, it starts to melt, and the chemical mixes with the food/drink in it.

In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration published a study about the material and its viability for manufacturing crockery and utensils.

The research found that Melamine transfers a lot easier to acidic, citrus-filled foods like orange juice.

Findings

However, even when Melamine crockery is used to hold acidic foods, the amount of Melamine transferred from the crockery to the food is marginal.

The typical Melamine plate will transfer 250 times less Melamine than what’s considered toxic.

The tolerable intake of Melamine is 0.0063 milligrams/kilogram of body weight as established by the FDA.

So, Melamine crockery is safe to use.

But there’s a catch:

You can never microwave food on a Melamine plate – the chemical will leach into your food. However, you could heat food and serve it on a Melamine plate.

Risks and Side-Effects

While Melamine crockery is safe to use, there are risks associated with its use, and it’s vital that you be aware of them.

A 2013 study released on JAMA Network reveals the difference in the Melamine levels in the body hours after consuming food from Melamine crockery.

In the study, researchers asked 16 healthy volunteers to eat noodle soup from Melamine bowls.

Urine samples were collected from the participants every two hours.

What the researchers found wasn’t very surprising – the content of Melamine in the urine had zoomed up, peaking between the four- and six-hour marks after the participants ate the soup.

The researchers had made sure that the participants had no Melamine in their urine before starting the study, and the difference was staggering.

The authors concluded that the long-term effects of the consumption of Melamine are concerning.

An article in the International Journal of Food Contamination confirms that the constant exposure to Melamine increases the risk of kidney stones and kidney failure in both children and adults.

So, is Melamine safe? Technically, yes.

But should you avoid it if you can? Definitely.

It’s important to note that the chemicals from the crockery leach out over time, and sooner or later, they will begin to affect your health.

The side effects of Melamine poisoning include high blood pressure, blood in urine, pain in the flank area, and a host of other problems in the urinary tract. You will also be at a higher risk of kidney failure.

It’s best to avoid using Melamine utensils and crockery altogether.

Luckily, there are some excellent alternatives to Melamine that don’t break the bank and don’t affect your well-being.

Alternatives to Melamine Dinnerware: Top Non-Toxic Picks

Alternatives to Melamine Dishes/Plates

#1 Shopwithgreen Lightweight Wheat Straw Plates

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Shopwithgreen plates are some of the safest plates in the market – they’re made out of wheat straw fiber and food-grade PP material. The robust material doesn’t break and will last you years.

In addition to being very affordable, they are also BPA-free, making them an excellent choice for you and your family.

The smooth, round plate has round edges, and the plate is deep, which ensures that food doesn’t splash out if you accidentally bump into something.

The plates are dishwasher safe and microwavable and can handle temperatures of up to 120°C.

The plates come in five different sizes, and their lightweight and durable nature make them perfect for use by both children and adults.

#2 Sweese Porcelain Fluted Dessert Salad Plates

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re looking to get your hands on non-toxic dessert plates, the porcelain plates from Sweese won’t disappoint.

Porcelain is a lead-free ceramic, and it’s also chip-resistant and sturdier than stoneware. You could use these plates to serve snacks, too. 

The plates have a lip around the edge, which helps avoid food runaway. 

But what I like most about it is that it comes with a fluted design, making it easier to hold and giving it a stylish look.

The set has six plates and is available in a bunch of different color options. Since they’re stackable, they won’t take up much space in your cupboard.

Sweese uses pro-grade porcelain, making the plates dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer-safe.

#3 Corelle Winter Frost White Plate Set

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you like graceful white plates and not newer, fancier ones with modern designs, you will love the Corelle Winter Frost set.

Corelle sells the Winter Frost set in two sizes: lunch plate and bread-and-butter plate. 

The plates are affordable and have a simple design – these plates will look great on any table.

Perhaps the best thing about the plates is that they’re made from Corelle’s triple-layer strong glass. The plates won’t chip or break, and they’re lightweight and stackable. They are also dishwasher-safe, making clean-up easy.

The company offers a three-year warranty protecting you from manufacturing defects, which is excellent.

#4 Gibson Soho Lounge 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Gibson’s dinnerware is popular for good reason. The Soho Lounge set is one of the company’s best offerings, and it’s available in both square and round shapes.

The dinnerware has a glistening quality, and it changes color with light. It’s certainly one of the most attractive sets in the market.

The Soho Lounge set has seen success in the market for over ten years. It comes in nine different colors and finding one that suits your table best should be a breeze.

The stoneware is scratch-resistant and doesn’t break easily. It’s also dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and the pricing is reasonable too.

You cannot go wrong with the Gibson Soho Lounge.

#5 Stone Lain Coupe Dinnerware Set

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you don’t mind spending a little extra for quality, the Stone Lain Coupe dinnerware set is the perfect option for you.

It’s available in two sizes: service for four and service for eight. It’s pricier than other options on this list, but the pricing is reasonable for what’s offered.

All the sets come in three colors: matte black, matte brown, and grey matte. The stoneware used is safe and fashioned in a trendy, modern lipped rim design.

The excellent design makes the set a perfect housewarming gift – but it’ll add a touch of style to your table just the same.

The plates and cups in the set can be cleaned in the dishwasher and are also microwave safe. 

Alternatives to Melamine Bowls

#1 DOWAN Ceramic Soup Bowls

Last update on 2025-01-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The DOWAN ceramic bowl set is super pocket friendly, but no compromises are made to quality.

The healthy porcelain used has no cadmium or lead, and its dishwasher, microwave, oven, and refrigerator safe.

The bowls are lightweight and durable, and they won’t chip or crack from accidental bumps. These bowls will look new for years!

Since the bowls are white, they’ll match the dinnerware that’s already in your kitchen. The bowls are available in three sizes, and they’re stackable, allowing you to store them away efficiently.

#2 Corelle Soup/Cereal Bowls Set

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you need some bowls to go with the Corelle White Frost plate set I mentioned above, this Corelle bowl set will be perfect.

The 18-ounce bowls are sized perfectly for use as soup and cereal bowls. Corelle makes no compromises on quality, and you can expect these bowls to last for years.

The bowls are break- and chip-resistant, which is super impressive considering the low price of the set of six. 

The non-porous bowls don’t stain, which can be a problem with many affordable options.

The bowls are stackable, too, meaning they won’t take up much space in your cupboard.

#3 DUOLUV Cereal Bowls

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These cheap DUOLUV bowls will add a touch of vibrancy to any table. The set of four is very affordable, and since it’s made from organic wheat straw fiber, you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals.

What I like most about the bowls is that they’re super durable and don’t break – even if you slam them against the wall!

The organic material is also very lightweight, and you’ll be able to safely microwave food in the bowls.

You also don’t have to hand wash the bowls and can pop them in the dishwasher without worrying.

While the bowls are advertised as cereal bowls, they are deep enough for salads, fruit, rice, and noodle, and the food won’t splash out.

The 30-day satisfaction warranty makes your purchase risk-free!

#4 Y YHY Pasta Bowls

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These large 30-ounce bowls perfect for large servings of salad and pasta. The large size makes them super versatile, too. 

You can use these for your morning cereal, stir-fries, and even for seafood.

While the bowls are made from porcelain, they aren’t delicate and are shock-resistant. The anti-scratch finish gives the bowls a long life – these will last you years.

You can heat food in the bowl, and after you’re finished with your meal, you can pop it in the dishwasher without worrying.

The bowls stack, so the set won’t take up much space in your cupboard, either.

#5 TGLBT 40 Ounce Porcelain Soup Bowls

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The TGLBT bowls look great and come cheap – but there’s still a lot more to like about them.

The depth of the large bowls ensures that food doesn’t splash out. You can use them for serving salads, pasta, and curry. 

What I like most about the set is that it’s made from safe AB-grade porcelain, meaning it’s cadmium and lead-free.

The strengthened porcelain is designed to last long, and the bowls won’t crack or break. Since they’re dishwasher-safe, you don’t have to worry about clean up.

TGLBT gives you a 30-day money-back guarantee, which makes your purchase risk-free. 

Alternatives to Melamine Flatware 

#1 E-far 60-Piece Silverware Set 

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re looking to get the most value out of your money, the E-far silverware set is the perfect set to go for.

The set includes utensils for a service of 12, and the modern design of the flatware elevates the dining experience to another level.

E-far also offers sets for service of four, six, and eight at affordable prices.

The best thing about the set is that the utensils are crafted out of 100% stainless steel. Not only does the stainless-steel construction make the utensils non-toxic, but it also makes them resistant to rust and nickel-free.

#2 LIANYU 48-Piece Silverware Set

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The LIANYU set is pricier than the E-far set. 

However, the exquisite design of the utensils makes it worth the extra dollars. The utensils in the set are crafted from high-quality stainless steel, which ensures durability.

The stainless steel’s rust-resistant properties are another big plus – the set will last you years.

The quality of the utensils is noticeably higher – the flatware has a nice weight to it, but it’s not heavy or unbalanced. The set includes an 8-piece serrated knife, which makes cutting through meat a lot easier.

The triple-riveted handle on the knife gives you an excellent grip.

All utensils in the set are dishwasher-safe, and all things considered, it’s one of the best flatware sets money can buy. 

#3 Matte Black Silverware Set

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The SHARECOOK silverware set is crafted out of stainless steel, but it comes with a matte black finish, giving it a sleek and modern look.

It is also available in matte blue, matte gold, and a multicolored hue, making it one of the most unique-looking silverware set in the market.

It’s a little expensive for a set for a service of four. However, it boasts a smooth surface and satin polish, which elevates the everyday meal to a fine-dining experience.

The utensils are dishwasher-safe, but the company recommends that you hand wash them to keep them looking new for longer.

#4 Radley & Stowe 20-Piece Flatware

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Radley & Stowe’s designer-grade silverware set boasts a modern design, which, coupled with the elegant matte finish, gives it a very attractive look.

The company uses 30% more 18/0 stainless steel than usual, making the utensils a lot more durable. 

The rust- and bend-resistant properties of the utensils are also a big plus. The set will last you years.

The silverware set is dishwasher-safe, making post-meal clean-up a lot easier. But what I like the most about the set is that it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.

If you don’t like the set when it arrives for any reason, you can get a full refund, no questions asked. 

#5 Elegant Life Silverware Set

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If you’re looking to get the most value for your money, the Elegant Life silverware set is right for you.

It includes utensils for five and also comes with a utensil drawer organizer. In addition to protecting your silverware from damage, the five-compartment organizer also looks excellent. 

The black mesh gives it a sleek look and also prevents the collection of dust and grime.

While the set is cheap, no compromise is made to the quality of the utensils. The utensils have a nice weight to them and don’t bend – the set will last you years.

Melamine Dishes FAQ

Are Melamine Dishes Dishwasher Safe?

All melamine tableware is dishwasher safe. Additionally, the dishes can handle a lot more heat than the recommended dishwasher temperatures.

Melamine retains heat well naturally, enabling it to dry faster than other dishware. This is one of the biggest advantages of using Melamine dishware.

Are Melamine Dishes Microwave Safe?

As I mentioned above, Melamine can withstand and retain well. However, you should never heat Melamine dishes with food on them since the chemicals can leach into the food.

Melamine dishes are not microwave safe.

Do Melamine Dishes Break Easily?

No, Melamine is a robust material, and Melamine dishes rarely break.

However, the dishes tend to be weaker around the edges, and if not handled with care, can chip.

Overall, though, Melamine dishes are a lot more durable than traditional dinnerware material, including chinaware. The dishes don’t shatter when dropped, saving you a lot of time, effort, and money.

It’s also worth noting that Melamine dishes are naturally resistant to scratch marks from utensils.

Are Melamine Dishes Right for Hot and Cold Uses?

Melamine is not a conductor – it’s an insulator, meaning it can maintain its temperature for a lot longer than other material. Changing its temperature takes a long time.

This is the reason why Melamine dishware will remain cold even when hot foods are served. The food doesn’t stay hot long enough to change the temperature of the dishware.

Its unique properties make it the right choice for serving cold food and buffet displays. 

The durability of the material, coupled with the fact that it protects the servers and the diners from burn hazards is why restaurants use Melamine dishes.

Can Melamine be Recycled?

Melamine is a plastic, which leaves many eco-conscious consumers wondering whether it can be recycled. Melamine falls under Class #7 of the plastic resin codes, which means you cannot throw it into your recycling bin.

The material cannot be melted and recycled. However, it can be ground down and used as a filler for composites.

There’s no universal answer to this question – you will need to enquire with your local recycling center about how you should dispose of your Melamine dishware.

Final Thoughts

Is Melamine durable? Yes.

Does it have excellent heat retaining properties? Also, yes.

But is it safe? No.

You may not notice the effects of using Melamine dishware immediately. However, in the long run, using the dishware can cause all kinds of kidney issues – even kidney failure.

While the FDA considers it a safe material, there’s no doubting that the chemicals in the dishware will leach out into your food more and more over time.

The effects of Melamine poisoning can damage your urinary system and lead to high blood pressure. 

The benefits that the material provides are certainly not worth the cost.

There are several alternatives that you can get your hands on for cheap – you can take a look at our non-toxic dinnerware recommendations here.