Warning: That compostable fork from Chipotle fell apart in 3 minutes

I was at the Austin farmers market last Saturday grabbing a quick lunch from one of the taco stands, and they handed me one of those clear compostable forks that claim to be eco-friendly. Halfway through my first bite of barbacoa, the tines just snapped off like wet cardboard. I counted - it lasted maybe 3 minutes before I had to use my hands. These single-use plant-based plastics sound great on paper but they don't hold up for actual eating. Has anyone found a compostable fork that actually works for hot food without turning into mush?

2 comments

2 Comments

hannahk191mo ago

Yeah "turn to mush as fast" is generous. My fork turned to mush before I even finished unwrapping my burrito. Guess I'm eating with my dignity and my bare hands from now on.

kelly_west741mo ago

Totally agree with you on this. I've had the exact same problem with those clear forks from Chipotle and pretty much every taco truck I've been to. The tines just give up when they hit any bit of heat or moisture. I found that the thicker, white compostable forks made from sugarcane bagasse or bamboo actually hold up way better - they're sturdier and don't turn to mush as fast. But honestly, I've started just bringing my own metal spork from home for hot food, since it saves me the hassle and doesn't waste another fork. Have any of you tried the bamboo ones or just given up on compostable utensils altogether?