Is Pyrex BPA‑Free? Understanding Glass Types and Safety Labels

Short answer: Not all Pyrex products are BPA‑free—it depends on the glass composition, manufacturing era, and especially the plastic components.

Glass Types Used by Pyrex

• Borosilicate glass (original, pre‑1998 US production) – Boron trioxide + silica. High thermal shock resistance. No BPA. (BPA is a plasticizer, not used in glass.)
• Soda‑lime glass (current US production since ~1998) – Standard window/container glass. Lower thermal shock resistance. Also no BPA in the glass itself.

Where BPA Could Appear

• Plastic lids, containers, or accessories sold under the Pyrex brand may contain BPA unless labeled "BPA‑free."
• Coatings or decorations on some products (rare).

How to Verify

1. Check the bottom stamp: "PYREX" (all caps) often indicates older borosilicate; "pyrex" (lowercase) often indicates newer soda‑lime.
2. Look for "BPA‑free" label on plastic components.
3. Recycling code #5 (PP – polypropylene) on plastic lids = BPA‑free. Code #7 (PC – polycarbonate) may contain BPA.

Practical Takeaway

The glass itself (borosilicate or soda‑lime) does not contain BPA. Concern arises only from plastic lids or accessories. For maximal thermal safety, vintage borosilicate pieces are superior; for everyday storage, current products with BPA‑free lids are perfectly fine.