Best sustainable picnicware
Our pick of the best eco-conscious picnic products and sustainable picnicware to buy this year, from reusable cups and cutlery to napkins and water bottles.
Planning a picnic? Forget single-use cutlery, plastic food bags and disposable plates which will end up in landfill, and opt for one of these tried and tested eco-friendly alternatives, so you can pack a picnic knowing you’re doing your bit for the planet.
Whether you’re taking homemade picnic treats to the park, the beach or on a camping trip, we’ve rounded up some of the most practical buys, including reusable cups, cutlery, plates, napkins, food boxes and bottles. We looked for products that are lightweight enough to be packed up and carried easily; sturdy and durable enough that they can be used time and time again for years to come; easy to clean; and made from compostable, recyclable or recycled materials.
From colourful cotton napkins and comfortable, recycled picnic blankets to reusable cutlery and crockery, read on to discover the best eco-friendly picnic products for summer 2023.
For more summer must-haves, head to our reviews section for over 400 reviews, including round-ups of the best coolboxes, best picnic rucksacks and trifle bowls.
Best eco-friendly picnic products
Meri Meri speckled bamboo plates (set of six)
- Available from Not Another Bill (£48)
These dainty speckled plates may feel like an investment, but they are made to last and pretty enough to use all year round. The six lightweight bamboo plates are dishwasher-safe and will add a splash of colour to any picnic. Matching tumblers in the same speckled pattern are also available.
Available from:
Not Another Bill (£48)
The Happy Place bamboo cutlery set
- Available from Not on the High Street (£12.99)
No more disposable plastic cutlery! This comprehensive travel cutlery set is made from sustainable bamboo and held in a colourful recycled canvas wrap. Along with a knife, fork and spoon, it also includes a bamboo straw, straw cleaner and even a set of chopsticks for all your al fresco dining requirements.
Available from:
Not on the High Street (£12.99)
Blue wave bowl
- Available from Fy! (£36)
Serve salads in style with this striking bamboo bowl. The clever lid makes it easy for transporting food to your picnic, and doubles up as a chopping board and holder for salad servers. Made from bamboo (and delivered in cardboard and recycled bubble wrap), a portion of profits go towards protecting the coral reef.
Available from:
Fy! (£36)
Eco kids' dinner set
- Available from Not on the High Street (£29)
This sweet set can be used for feeding little ones all year round, but the lightweight material means it's also great for packing for picnics. It is made from 100 per cent plant-based PLA with no toxic materials, and it's BPA-free and even compostable. The set includes a plate, bowl, mug and cutlery, and there are three colourways to choose from: green dinosaur, pink unicorn or cream with a lemon print.
Available from:
Not on the High Street (£29)
Fruit garden rice husk storage tubs, set of 3
- Available from Emma Bridgewater (£34)
Made from innovative rice husk, these storage tubs are just the thing to tuck into your picnic hamper. In three sizes decorated with apples, strawberries and lemons for all your picnic needs: use the smallest one for berries, fill the medium tub with sandwiches and pop a cake in the big tub.
Available from:
Emma Bridgewater (£34)
Coral reef plates, set of 2
- Available from Fy! (£26)
Not only are these striking coral-reef design bamboo plates lightweight, they’re also dishwasher safe and part of the profits made from their sale also goes towards helping restore coral reefs. You can also get a set of four cups to match.
Available from:
Fy! (£26 for 2)
SIGG Traveller Bottle (0.6l)
A good reusable water bottle is a must for staying hydrated at a picnic. Our managing editor Lulu Grimes swears by this large, durable, reusable bottle, which keeps drinks cold on a hot day and lasts years (five and counting for Lulu!). Choose from a variety of different sizes and a range of trendy colours.
Elephant Box stainless steel cups
- Available from Elephant Box (£28 for 4)
Made from food-grade stainless steel, these are not only sturdy and long lasting, they’re also lightweight, dishwasher safe and won’t impart any flavour to drinks, making them ideal for taking on picnics, camping, on a walk or to a festival.
Available from:
Elephant Box (£28 for 4)
Marley’s Unpaper Towels – rainbow
- Available from Peace with the Wild (£24.50)
If you’re hosting for more of a crowd, this pack of 12 colourful cotton towels is really practical – not only are they great for wiping hands, they’re also absorbent enough to clean up any spillages (and great for cleaning kitchen surfaces with at home, too).
Available from:
Peace with the Wild (£24.50)
Stainless steel spork
- Available from Elephant Box (£8.50)
Packing really light? If you want to downsize even further from the cutlery set above, this pocket-friendly spoon-fork combo is a great option, which comes in a little cotton pouch to keep it clean in your bag.
Available from:
Elephant Box (£8.50)
Related reviews
Best picnic accessories
Best cool boxes for 2023
Best picnic hampers and baskets for summer 2023
10 of the best picnic rucksacks
Best canned cocktails
Best canned wines
Best reusable straws
Best charcoal for BBQs
Related recipes
Top 50 picnic recipes
How to pack the perfect picnic
Best picnic drink ideas
Family picnic recipes
Vegetarian picnic recipes
Sausage roll recipes
Scotch egg recipes
This review was last updated in April 2023. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk
Comments, questions and tips
