Target’s Figmint Brand – An Honest Review

Considering purchasing something from Target’s new kitchen brand, Figmint? Here is my honest review of the kitchen collection.

Whenever a new Target line launches, I’m always interested to see what the fuss is about. I counted down the minutes until the Lilly Pulitzer for Target collection launched and I’m a huge fan of Good and Gather, so when I saw Target was bringing a line of stylish kitchen products to their shelves I was excited. Target touts their new line, Figmint, as functional and stylish everyday kitchen accessories that includes everything from cutting boards to bakeware. The price points are on-brand with what Target carries and overall pretty affordable. 

When I first saw that the brand was launching, I was intrigued. Admittedly, I’m an AllClad and Le Creuset gal, so pans weren’t at the top of my to-get list, but cooking tools? Tell me more.

Target Figmint – An Honest Review

I saw the Figmint line online before I saw it in my store and I mentally flagged silicone kitchen tools, as well as some of the wooden kitchen tools. As it turns out, nearly everything I was interested in has chemical warnings for consumers 🙁

The silicone tools I looked at, including the silicone mini spatula set contain enough silicia (known to cause cancer) to warrant a warning, and some include chromium (can cause birth defects) and manganese (added to things like fireworks and fertilizer). The wood serving spoons contain toulene, a chemical often found in things like paint thinner and nail polish, and known for causing reproductive harm and birth defects. 

All of this to say, I wasn’t interested after reading why these chemicals are banned under Prop 65, a California law that helps to warn consumers about possible exposure to chemicals that are known to cause health problems, and I was a little sad that this information is literally buried under a drop down menu. A consumer trying to make smart decisions for their family shouldn’t have to dig and honestly, it should be more than just a link to click and see what the inclusion of those chemicals means.

After realizing this, I started paying attention to other products and noticed quite a few people commented that items contained lead, including in the pans and random kitchen tools like the lemon squeezer. It was enough to turn me off from the line altogether, if I’m being honest.  Am I the picture of health? No. But I am trying harder to make a conscious effort about what we bring into our home, especially after all we’ve been through. Do I get it right every single time? Also no. I do what I can when it’s possible to make healthier choices and I recognize that is an immense privilege.

I understand that the goal of this line was to create more affordable kitchen pieces with a pretty aesthetic, but at what cost? Maybe this wasn’t the type of review post you expected and to be fair – it’s not what I expected either! I was really excited to swap out some of my worn cooking tools for a refresh, but I’m holding off for now and wanted to share why, particularly because every single media outlet I’ve seen talking about it hasn’t mentioned it. So my honest recommendation is that you do your research, know what you’re buying and make the best possible choice for your family.