Is it that day when you thought of having a break from cooking? And I know you got your meal from outside too in a chipotle bowl. Were you not able to complete the meal in one go? or did you knowingly save some for another time?
Now it seems like you need your meal hot again. Am I right? But you are stuck in a dilemma as your lazy hands are so itchy to put that chipotle bowl with your leftover food straight inside the microwave. Yes, I know your brain doesn’t let it do that unless you are clear about the consequences.
If it is so or if it was just a random doubt popping up…Don’t Worry! You are at the right place to inform you the right information…
Read the following article and know yourself if it would be possible and safe to microwave that leftover food in a chipotle bowl…
Can You Microwave Chipotle Bowl?
Being able to microwave that left over in that chipotle bowl would certainly make things much easier for you. I know, some good things, just like a hot meal does come up with some effort.
Let me tell you that chipotle bowls can not be microwaved unless and otherwise you see the tag ‘Microwave Safe’ on them.
The capability of containers to undergo reheating via microwave depends on some factors such as the reheating time, consumption of reheated food, amount of the food etc.
As you might know, chipotle bowls have been made of decomposable plant-based fibres (which suits you well if you are looking for an eco- friendly option). But, at the same time they do have a wax or plastic coating which can contaminate your food on microwaving (as they get exposed to high temperature).
Instead to enjoy a hot meal, you can transfer the leftover food to a microwavable container to microwave it.
What happens if you microwave Chipotle Bowl?
Before putting that leftover food to reheat it in a microwave lets first get educated about the consequences of this act and the end effects of microwaving a chipotle bowl.
Well, we all know that chipotle bowls are decomposable in nature, as they are most made of plant fibre. At the same time, it is to be noted that they are coated with a wax or plastic lining.
According to researchers they are polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which contain fluorine and are non-biodegradable in nature. They are added to chipotle bowls as they can hold greasy food items.
Once when you microwave your chipotle bowl for the purpose of reheating, it is obvious that the bowl gets exposed to a very high temperature.
Since the base material of the chipotle bowl is made from plant fibre, which is very fragile to hold such a high temperature. Also, the wax or plastic lining (with PFAS) present in it can contaminate the food due to exposure to high temperatures.
Consumption of foods, that have been contaminated with PFAS can bring in many health issues such as hormone disruption, cancer, development issues etc.
Don’t miss:
Can You Microwave Enamel Mugs
Can you put microwave next to fridge
What is Crisp function in Microwave
What is a Dial Microwave
Are Chipotle Bowls Microwave Safe?
One crisp and clear answer for this question of yours would be ‘NO’. Chipotle bowls are not microwavable unless and otherwise you see a label such as ‘microwave safe’ on them.
Even if the label is there you need to be concerned, may be less concerned in this case but, yet concerned!
Let me tell you why it is so. As you are already aware of, chipotle bowls are made from plant-based fibres which are biodegradable in nature. Still, they have a wax or plastic coating to hold greasy food inside this container. This coating contains a chemical called PFAS, which can contaminate your food on microwaving, thus making it toxic for consumption.
Not only in case of chipotle bowls, but in all cases of choosing a container to put inside a microwave and have a safe experience firstly, do check for the ‘Microwave Safe’ label on it; secondly, always read the packaging before microwaving; thirdly, give a check on the company websites in order to know if it is microwavable.
One simple, effective and safe suggestion for you would be to transfer the leftover food to a microwavable glass or ceramic container before microwaving to have a hot meal.
Don’t Miss:
Can You Microwave Solo Cups
Why is there a Popcorn button on the microwave
Can You Microwave Ziploc Bags
Can You Microwave Ziploc Containers
Wrapping Up
Chipotle bowls are a good option for biodegradable disposable containers, when you think of acting sustainably and eco-friendly. But they do come up with some limitations which you should be aware of before experimenting with them.
One among them is that you can not microwave chipotle bowls. As you know chipotle bowls are made of plant-based fibre that can not withstand high temperatures inside the microwave. Also, they have a wax or plastic based coating which disintegrates with high temperature.
If they were made susceptible to such conditions there is a huge chance for the chemical poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to get mixed with food inside it. This certainly makes the food toxic and unsuitable for consumption.
If you still have some leftover food from that last favourite meal of yours, don’t depend upon those chipotle bowls. They are excellent for the first meal and obviously not reheating in a microwave.
A better decision would be to transfer that food to a microwavable glass or ceramic container for reheating.
Have a safe and hot meal…