BPA-free and still a concern? What BPS, BPF and other substitutes mean

Last updated: October 2026 · by Ulrike Nester, founder of KiNDKiT

If you buy a plastic water bottle or kids' cup, you will almost always see the note "BPA-free". That is reassuring at first. But many parents rightly ask afterwards what the manufacturer used instead. That is exactly what this article is about.

Is BPA-free plastic automatically safe?

No, not automatically. "BPA-free" only says that one particular substance is missing. It says nothing about which substance was used in its place. With some plastics, manufacturers replace BPA with chemically very similar bisphenols, for example BPS or BPF. Other plastics manage entirely without bisphenols.

What are BPS and BPF?

BPS (bisphenol S) and BPF (bisphenol F) belong to the same group of bisphenols as BPA. They are used in plastics, coatings and thermal paper, among other things. Because their structure is very similar to BPA, authorities and researchers are investigating whether they act similarly in the body. Several studies point to a hormone-like effect, but the assessment is not yet complete.

For parents, this means: a product can be "BPA-free" and still contain a closely related substance. The label alone therefore does not answer the question.

What has the EU regulated since 2025?

With Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, the European Union banned bisphenol A in materials that come into contact with food. The regulation has applied since 20 January 2025, with transition periods for many products. It also covers other bisphenols classified as a health concern. The trigger was a new assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2023, which drastically lowered the tolerable intake for BPA.

In baby bottles, BPA has no longer been allowed in the EU since 2011.

Which plastics manage without bisphenols?

Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) are made without bisphenols. According to manufacturers, copolyesters such as Tritan also contain no BPA and no BPS. That does not make these materials perfect, but they are not part of the bisphenol discussion.

Another issue with plastic is abrasion and heat. In 2020, researchers showed that polypropylene baby bottles can release microplastics when formula is prepared with very hot water. Scratches and frequent washing at high temperatures also play a role.

How to recognise a safe kids' cup

Material	Bisphenols	What to look out for
Plastic "BPA-free"	possible (BPS, BPF)	Ask which plastic it is. Replace when scratched.
Polypropylene (PP)	none	Do not fill with boiling water, keep an eye on scratches.
Tritan / copolyester	none, according to the manufacturer	Robust, but not unbreakable.
Glass	none	Heavy and breakable, unsuitable for daycare and school.
Stainless steel 18/8	none	Choose uncoated, so the drink only touches metal.

The simplest question when buying is therefore: what is the cup actually made of? If the manufacturer does not answer that clearly, that is already an answer.

Why we rely on stainless steel at KiNDKiT

Our cups are made of uncoated 18/8 stainless steel (also called 304). Stainless steel needs no plasticisers and no bisphenols. It does not absorb odours, and even after years in the dishwasher it does not become dull or cracked. Every batch is tested for material quality at the factory before shipping.

There are also downsides you should know about. Stainless steel is heavier than plastic and does not belong in the microwave. For very small children under about 12 months, a lighter cup is sometimes more practical.

Here you will find our stainless steel cups for kids. If you first want to understand what the "BPA-free" label actually says, read our article "BPA-free" is not enough.

Frequently asked questions

Is BPS better than BPA?

That is not established. BPS is chemically very similar to BPA and is currently being studied more closely. A substitute is not automatically the better choice.

How can I tell whether a cup contains BPS?

It is usually not stated on the packaging. The safest approach is to ask for the exact material, or to choose a material that needs no bisphenols at all, for example stainless steel or glass.

Is BPA completely banned now?

In materials that come into contact with food, BPA has been banned in the EU since 2025, with transition periods for certain products. Older cups and bottles you already have at home may still contain BPA, though.

Is stainless steel healthy for children?

Stainless steel 18/8 is a proven material for kitchens and food. Under normal use it releases no plastic components, because it contains none. Make sure the cup is uncoated on the inside.

In short

• "BPA-free" only says what is missing, not what is in there instead.
• BPS and BPF are close relatives of BPA and are still being studied.
• The EU has banned BPA in food contact materials since 2025.
• PP, glass and stainless steel manage without bisphenols.
• Uncoated stainless steel avoids the question entirely.