Can I put styrofoam in the microwave?
Health

Can I put styrofoam in the microwave?

By Gretel Morales - 2025-04-29T12:37:24Z
We have all enjoyed some good esquites, a glass of orange juice, or some tacos... All served in styrofoam containers! However, there are things that can and cannot be done with this material. So today we’ll tell you if you can put styrofoam in the microwave or not. Get rid of your doubts! There’s a question that overwhelms us all: can I put styrofoam in the microwave? Some say yes, others say no, so at kiwilimón we set out to investigate whether it is true that it is harmful to put styrofoam in the microwave. Take note and take care of your health! In addition to keeping you informed about these hygiene and health topics, remember that here you will find a plethora of easy recipes for everyday meals, for kids, healthy dishes, and much more. Don’t miss everything kiwilimón has for you! You can also read: How to properly separate trash?Can I put styrofoam in the microwave?After much research, we found that no, you cannot put styrofoam in the microwave. This is because when heating styrofoam, the food can melt or the container can deform, which could “cause harmful chemicals to contaminate the food,” according to Clemson University. According to the Healthline portal, styrofoam contains a substance called styrene, which has been linked to cases of cancer in humans and animals. Additionally, when heating beverages or food in this type of container, there is a possibility that substances will leach into the food. This is much more likely with greasy foods, such as cheese and red meat, according to experts. On the other hand, authorities recommend transferring food from styrofoam or plastic containers to a plate and heating it this way. In the case of containers that are microwave-safe, they can only be used once. Besides styrofoam, the USDA also does not recommend putting the following materials in the microwave: Empty plastic containersNewspaperPaper bagsMetalAluminum foilIn contrast, containers that can be put in the microwave are:All microwave-safe utensilsGlass containersGlazed ceramicsSpecial oven bagsPaper platesWax paperSee more: Maruchan Soup: How bad is it for your health?What is styrofoam used for?Styrofoam is used to keep food hot for longer, making it a good option for those who sell hot food or beverages. Unlike other materials like cardboard or plastic, styrofoam keeps food hot for a longer time. However, since it is not very friendly to the environment and not good for health, consider whether styrofoam is a good option for your family gatherings or your business. In the meantime, at kiwilimón we share a couple of recipes that will surely be a hit if you decide to start selling food, and if not, it doesn’t matter! Prepare them to delight yourself with their incredible flavor. Enjoy! Continue reading: The reason why you should not store food in yogurt containers