Which glass is healthy for drinking water? A definitive guide

December 20, 2025 •

2 min read

With approximately 90% of manufactured glass being soda-lime glass, it is crucial to understand the differences in drinkware materials to ensure safety. Knowing which glass is healthy for drinking water can prevent chemical exposure and ensure your hydration habits are supporting your health, not hindering it.

Quick Summary

This article explores the health and safety of different glass types, including borosilicate and soda-lime, and compares them with alternatives like stainless steel and plastic. It details material properties, thermal resistance, and durability to help you make the most informed choice for your everyday hydration needs.

Key Points

Borosilicate Glass is Safest: Composed with boron trioxide, it is highly non-reactive, non-porous, and resistant to chemical leaching, making it ideal for food and drink storage.
Handles Temperature Extremes: Borosilicate glass has high thermal shock resistance, allowing it to withstand rapid temperature changes without cracking, unlike standard soda-lime glass.
Stainless Steel is a Top Alternative: High-quality 18/8 (304) food-grade stainless steel is durable, non-leaching, and excellent for temperature retention, providing a safe alternative to glass.
Soda-Lime Glass has Limitations: Though widely used and inexpensive, common soda-lime glass is susceptible to thermal shock and may have minor leaching concerns with acidic liquids over time.
Avoid Plastics: Many plastic containers, especially when scratched or heated, can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into water, making them an unhealthy choice for long-term use.
Check Product Labels: For any drinkware, look for labels indicating 'lead-free', 'BPA-free', and 'food-grade' to ensure the safest material choices.

The Healthiest Choice: Borosilicate Glass

Borosilicate glass is widely considered the healthiest and safest for drinking water due to its high concentration of boron trioxide and silica. This composition provides exceptional chemical and thermal resistance. It is less soluble and chemically inert, preventing the leaching of chemicals into drinks even at temperature extremes. Borosilicate is non-porous, avoiding stains or odors, and is highly resistant to thermal shock, making it suitable for sudden temperature changes. These properties make it the standard for laboratory equipment and high-end kitchenware.

The Common Alternative: Soda-Lime Glass

Soda-lime glass is the most common and affordable type, found in everyday items. While generally safe for normal use at room temperature, it has lower chemical resistance and may leach trace minerals with prolonged exposure to acidic liquids. Its primary limitation is susceptibility to thermal shock, making it unsuitable for hot liquids.

Comparison of Common Drinkware Materials


Feature	Borosilicate Glass	Soda-Lime Glass	18/8 Stainless Steel
Health & Safety	Excellent (non-leaching, non-porous)	Good (safe at normal temps, may leach trace minerals)	Excellent (food-grade, non-reactive)
Durability	High (thermal shock resistant, but can break on impact)	Moderate (prone to thermal shock breakage)	Very High (impact-resistant)
Thermal Resistance	Excellent (withstands extreme temperature changes)	Poor (risk of thermal shock)	Excellent (keeps temps hot/cold)
Taste Neutrality	Excellent (no retained flavors/odors)	Good (but can be less pure than borosilicate)	Excellent (no metallic taste in quality versions)
Cost	Higher	Lower	Medium to Higher

Considering Other Drinkware Materials

Stainless Steel: A Durable, Safe Option

Food-grade stainless steel (18/8 or 304) is a durable, non-toxic, and non-reactive alternative that does not leach chemicals. It's excellent for active use and travel due to impact resistance and many offer insulation. Ensure the product is verified food-grade to avoid issues with lower-quality options.

The Problematic Choice: Plastic

Plastic is generally considered the least healthy option due to the potential leaching of harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, especially when heated or scratched. It is also porous, retaining odors and potentially harboring bacteria. The environmental impact of single-use plastics is also a significant concern.

How to Choose the Right Drinkware for You

Prioritize Borosilicate Glass for Purity and Versatility: Best for chemical purity and safe use with both hot and cold liquids.
Choose Stainless Steel for Durability and Insulation: Ideal for robust, insulated, and portable hydration.
Use Soda-Lime Glass for Everyday, Room-Temperature Drinks: A budget-friendly option for home use, but avoid extreme temperature changes.
Avoid Plastic for Health and Environmental Reasons: Due to chemical leaching and environmental impact.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

When determining which glass is healthy for drinking water, borosilicate glass stands out for its chemical inertness and thermal resistance. Food-grade stainless steel is a durable, insulated alternative. Soda-lime glass is suitable for normal use but less robust. Plastic is the least recommended due to health and environmental risks. Choosing borosilicate glass or 18/8 stainless steel is a beneficial step for healthier hydration.

Learn more about glass safety and manufacturing standards from resources like Misen and other reputable manufacturers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, borosilicate glass is one of the safest materials for drinking water. It is non-toxic, non-porous, and chemically inert, meaning it will not leach any harmful chemicals into your drink.

Borosilicate glass contains a higher concentration of boron trioxide, giving it superior resistance to chemical reactions and extreme temperature changes (thermal shock) compared to standard soda-lime glass.

It is not recommended to put boiling hot water into regular soda-lime glass. Its low thermal shock resistance makes it vulnerable to cracking or shattering from sudden temperature changes.

Food-grade stainless steel (18/8 or 304) and borosilicate glass are both very safe options. Stainless steel offers superior durability and insulation, while borosilicate glass guarantees no chemical interaction. The 'best' depends on whether your priority is insulation/durability or absolute purity.

Plastic bottles can leach harmful chemicals, such as BPA and phthalates, into your water, especially when exposed to heat. Additionally, plastic is porous and can harbor bacteria and odors.

Yes, some colored or decorative glassware, particularly older or cheaply made items, can contain harmful heavy metals like lead or cadmium in the paint or coloring. It is safest to use clear, undecorated glass from reputable manufacturers.

Reputable products will be clearly labeled as 'borosilicate glass' or 'thermal shock resistant'. It often has a clearer appearance with no greenish tint, unlike some soda-lime glass. When in doubt, stick to known brands.