Materials & safety · VANN
Are stainless steel water bottles safe?
Yes. Food-grade stainless steel is one of the safest materials for water bottles. All VANN bottles are made of 18/8 (Type 304) food-grade stainless steel — the same standard used worldwide for drinkware, kitchen equipment, and food processing.
On this page, we transparently explain what steel we use, why it's safe, how it compares to other steel types, and which European legislation it complies with. No marketing jargon – just the facts.
Which steel does VANN use
All VANN drinking bottles, coffee cups, and thermoses are made of type 304 stainless steel, also known as 18/8 stainless steel. These numbers refer to the composition: approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It is precisely this combination that makes the steel rust-free, strong, and suitable for contact with food and beverages.
304 is not just any choice — it is the global standard for drinking bottles and kitchen equipment. From the pans in your kitchen to the tanks in which dairy and beer are processed: chances are it's 304.
Why 304 Stainless Steel is Safe
The safety of stainless steel lies in its chemistry. The chromium in the steel forms a thin, invisible, and self-healing layer of chromium oxide on the surface. This layer protects the steel from rust and ensures that the material does not react with water, coffee, tea, or soft drinks under normal use.
- No BPA, no plasticizers. Stainless steel does not contain plastics, so it also does not contain bisphenol-A or other plasticizers that are controversial in plastic bottles.
- No inner coating needed. Unlike aluminum bottles, which require a plastic layer on the inside, stainless steel is inherently suitable for direct contact with beverages.
- Does not absorb odors or flavors. The smooth, non-porous surface holds nothing – after washing, water tastes like water again.
- Heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe. Stainless steel can withstand boiling water and cleaning agents without degrading.
It's important to state honestly: all stainless steel contains nickel, and minute traces can be released from any metal. For food-safe 304, these amounts are well within European safety standards for materials that come into contact with food.
304 vs. 316: What's the Difference
You sometimes come across comparisons online between Stainless Steel 304 and Stainless Steel 316. The honest answer: both are food-safe. The difference is not in safety, but in the purpose for which the steel was developed.
In addition to chromium and nickel, 316 also contains molybdenum. This extra element is valuable in extreme conditions: prolonged contact with salty seawater, aggressive chemicals, or medical applications such as implants. For a bottle containing water, coffee, or tea, this adds nothing in practice.
VANN uses
Stainless steel 304 (18/8)
- The global standard for drinking bottles and kitchen utensils
- Excellent corrosion resistance for all common beverages
- Food-safe, BPA-free, without inner coating
- Proven material with decades of track record in the food industry
- More efficient in production — quality without unnecessary extra costs
Also food-safe
Stainless steel 316
- Contains extra molybdenum
- Developed for extreme conditions: seawater, chemistry, medical applications
- No practical difference in safety for daily drinks
In short: 316 is a specialized steel for specialized environments. For drinkware, 304 is the logical, proven choice — and that's why it's the steel you'll find in almost all leading bottle brands worldwide.
Certification and European legislation
Materials that come into contact with food and beverages are subject to strict regulations in Europe. Our products comply with these:
EU Regulation 1935/2004. The European framework for food contact materials: materials must not release substances in quantities that could harm human health or alter food. VANN products comply with this regulation.
Tested for food contact. Our products are tested for food safety in accordance with applicable European standards. [CHECK: enter your exact certificates or test reports here]
BPA-free, including the parts. Not just the steel: caps, spouts, and seals are also made from BPA-free, food-safe materials.
One dedicated factory, full control. We have been working with the same trusted production partner since day one, giving us in-depth knowledge of the materials and the production process.
How to recognize a safe stainless steel bottle
Not every bottle that looks sturdy is equally transparent about its material. What you can look out for, with any brand:
- The steel type is stated. Reliable brands explicitly mention 18/8 or 304 (or 316). If it only says "stainless steel" without a type, you don't know what you're buying.
- Food contact conformity. Check if the bottle complies with EU regulation 1935/2004 — the basis for everything that comes into contact with drinks in Europe.
- Always pure stainless steel inside. The inner wall — the part that touches your drink — should be untreated food-safe steel, without a coating.
- BPA-free components. The cap and seal also touch your drink; they should be food-safe too.
At VANN, you can find this information — on this page and on the product pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stainless Steel 304 safe for everyday use?
Yes. Stainless steel 304 (18/8) is the global standard for water bottles, cutlery, pans, and food processing equipment. Under normal use, it does not react with water, coffee, tea, or soft drinks, contains no BPA, and does not require an inner coating.
What does 18/8 mean in stainless steel?
18/8 refers to the composition: approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. The chromium forms a protective, self-repairing oxide layer that makes the steel rust-proof and food-safe. 18/8 and Stainless Steel 304 are in practice designations for the same steel.
Is 316 stainless steel safer than 304?
No – both steel types are food-safe. Stainless steel 316 contains extra molybdenum and was developed for extreme conditions such as prolonged contact with seawater, aggressive chemicals, and medical applications. For drinking bottles with everyday beverages, 304 offers the same safety, which is why it is the standard in the drinkware industry.
Can nickel get into my drink?
Minute traces can be released from any metal, but with food-grade stainless steel 304, these amounts are well within European standards for food contact materials. For most people, this is not a concern. In the case of a severe nickel allergy, the advice is to be cautious about prolonged storage of highly acidic drinks in metal bottles, regardless of brand or steel type.
Is a stainless steel bottle safer than plastic or aluminum?
Stainless steel has clear advantages: it contains no BPA or plasticisers and does not require a plastic inner coating, unlike aluminium bottles. In addition, a stainless steel bottle will last for years with proper use, which saves on disposable plastic.
Can a VANN bottle go in the dishwasher?
Yes, stainless steel 304 is resistant to dishwashers and detergents. However, always check the product instructions for the lid and any accessories, as some parts will last longer if hand-washed.
Does stainless steel change the taste of my water?
No. The smooth, non-porous surface of stainless steel 304 does not absorb or release odors or flavors. If you still taste something from a new bottle, rinse it once with warm water and dish soap.
Drinkware you can build on for years
Food-grade 18/8 stainless steel, built to last everyday—for less waste in the world and more peace of mind.