If you are a parent, chances are you have bought steel plates, glasses, or bottles for your child, thinking, “Steel is safe.” For generations, Indian households have trusted stainless steel for serving food, especially for babies and toddlers. But here is the part that many parents do not know. Not all steel is created equal.
There are different types and grades of stainless steel, and only some of them are truly safe for children. Low-quality steel may look shiny on the outside, but it can rust, leave a metallic taste, or even leach impurities into food. That is why understanding food-grade stainless steel is so important when choosing tableware for your family.
In this blog, we break down the differences between steel types, explain what “food grade” really means, and show you why high-quality steel is the best stainless steel for kids.
Why Stainless Steel Became a Trusted Choice in Indian Homes?
Before we explore the differences, let’s understand why stainless steel has been popular for so long. Unlike plastic or melamine, stainless steel does not melt, warp, or break easily. It is durable, long-lasting, easy to clean, and perfect for everyday Indian meals, whether hot, oily, spicy, or tangy.
Parents often choose stainless steel because they assume all of it is safe. The truth is, safety depends entirely on the grade of steel used. Some grades are designed for industrial use, some for construction, and only specific ones for food contact.
This is where the concept of food grade becomes essential.
What “Food Grade” Stainless Steel Means?
Food-grade stainless steel is a type of steel specifically designed to be safe for storing, preparing, and serving food. It does not react with ingredients, does not rust easily, and does not transfer any metallic flavour into the food.
For tableware, two things matter the most.
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The steel must resist corrosion.
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The steel must remain stable even when exposed to hot, acidic, or oily food.
This is why 304-grade steel is considered the global gold standard. It is strong, rust-resistant, and trusted in kitchens, hospitals, and baby products around the world. When brands use genuine 304-grade steel, parents can be confident that the material is safe for daily use.
What Parents Should Know About 304 vs. 200 Series Steel?
Most parents do not realise that two common stainless steel types are used in the market. 304 grade steel and 200 series steel. They look similar on the outside, but behave very differently when used for food.
1. 304 Grade Stainless Steel
This is the standard used in high-quality cookware, medical instruments, and premium baby products. It contains higher levels of chromium and nickel, which prevent rusting and improve its ability to resist acidic and salty foods.
Benefits include:
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No rusting or pitting
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No metallic taste
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Safe for hot and cold foods
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Long-lasting durability
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Superior hygiene
This makes 304 steel the best stainless steel for kids.
2. 200 Series Stainless Steel
This is a cheaper alternative used by many low-cost brands. It contains less nickel and more manganese, which lowers production cost but also lowers quality.
Issues with the 200 series include:
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Rusting over time
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Metallic smell or taste
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Reactivity with acidic foods
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Lower durability
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Possible impurities depending on the manufacturing source
Plates made from the 200 series may look shiny initially, but they lose quality quickly. This is especially risky for babies and young children whose digestive systems are still developing.
Risks of Low Quality Steel for Children
Parents often worry about plastic toxicity, but low-quality steel can also be risky. When non-food-grade steel is exposed to hot dal, rice, lemon-based foods, curd, or oily sabzis, the surface may react or release trace metals over time.
Here are the main concerns.
1. Rusting and Corrosion
Rust indicates that the steel is breaking down. Once a plate starts rusting, it becomes unsafe for food contact.
2. Metallic Taste or Smell
If your child’s food sometimes tastes metallic, it is a sign that the plate is not stable, especially after repeated washing.
3. Impurities and Heavy Metals
Lower-grade steel can contain impurities that migrate into food over time. Children are more sensitive to these contaminants.
4. Poor Hygiene
Inferior steel scratches easily. Micro scratches can trap bacteria, making the plate harder to clean properly.
Choosing safe metal plates is not about appearance alone. It is about the purity of the steel and the long-term safety of your child.
How to Ensure the Steel You Choose Is Pure and Safe?
Parents can look for a few key signs to ensure they are buying non-rusting tableware that is genuinely food-grade.
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Check whether the product specifies 304 grade or 18/8 stainless steel.
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Look for safety claims backed by testing, not vague labels.
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Avoid plates that feel unusually light, bend easily, or lose shine quickly.
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Pay attention to signs like rust spots, discolouration, or metallic smell.
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Choose brands that prioritise safety over cost-cutting.
If a brand does not clearly state the steel grade, it is likely not food grade.
Why Wellthya Chooses Only Food-Grade Stainless Steel?
At Wellthya, your child’s safety is the first priority. Every plate, cutlery, and glass is made using genuine food-grade stainless steel, exactly the same quality trusted in hospitals and premium kitchens.
Wellthya uses 304-grade steel, which is known globally for its superior rust resistance and durability. It is non-reactive, long-lasting, and safe even with hot Indian meals. Combined with a titanium coating for colour, the steel remains pure, stable, and child-friendly.
Parents can trust that Wellthya offers safe metal plates that do not rust, do not leach, and do not compromise your child’s health.
Conclusion
Stainless steel may look the same on the outside, but the difference lies in the grade. Understanding the difference between food-grade and low-grade steel helps parents choose tableware that supports their child’s long-term safety.
When you choose 304 grade food-grade steel, you choose purity, durability, and peace of mind. When you choose Wellthya, you choose products designed carefully for your child’s health, comfort, and everyday use.
