Baking is just as much an art as it is a favorite pastime shared with friends and family! We bake most of our meals at home because we know the ingredients are organic, fresh and nourishing. But wellness and safety in the kitchen goes beyond ingredients.
Did you know that bakeware used to prep, heat, and serve your meals can impact food safety? When picking out the best nontoxic bakeware, it’s important to consider durability, performance and your bakeware materials.
If you’ve had the chance to read our post on the safest dinnerware materials, you already know that bakeware is an important topic. So let's dig right into the healthiest bakeware options!
First things first: what’s the issue with traditional bakeware?
The Problem with Traditional Bakeware vs. Non Toxic Bakeware
Materials used in the most common everyday bakeware you find in most stores can negatively affect the quality and safety of your family's food.
Traditional nonstick materials, like Teflon (PTFE), PFOA and other perfluorinated compounds known as PFCs, release harmful chemicals into your food as well as the air inside your home when heated. These chemicals are linked to various health issues, including hormone disruption, chronic diseases and cancers. This is why it's so important to switch to non toxic bakeware.
We know that with so many options available out there, picking the healthiest bakeware can be overwhelming. Hopefully, this post will make it easier for you to choose the the best eco friendly healthy bakeware for your own culinary needs!
The Best Non Toxic Bakeware Materials
Let's start with the safest metal bakeware. Metal is a popular choice because it's so durable. But remember, not all metals are created equal when it comes to your health. It's important to pick the right alloy.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is on our list of good non toxic bakeware options. It is durable, resistant to rust, and does not react with most foods. When choosing stainless steel bakeware, look for options that are stainless steel on all surfaces. Stainless Steel is particularly useful in a busy kitchen, as it can take a beating and is easy to scrub clean.
Pros
Durable and scratch resistant
Handles high temperatures without releasing harmful chemicals
Resists rust and won't corrode
Cons
Can be prone to sticking if not properly greased
May cause slight leaching of nickel and chromium, especially with acidic foods
Want to check if your stainless steel cooking accessories contain nickel?
One simple test you can do is the "magnet test." Take a magnet and see if it sticks to your stainless steel cookware or accessories. If the magnet sticks, it means there is no nickel in the steel, which makes it safe. If the magnet doesn't stick, it means the steel contains nickel which could potentially leach into food and is of particular concern for families with nickel allergies.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is a fantastic option for bakeware. This heavy-duty material is completely nontoxic, heats up evenly, is super durable. With a little love and care, it can last forever! Just keep in mind that cast iron is heavy and needs a bit of seasoning to keep it non-stick, but it's definitely a safe and healthy choice for your kitchen.
Fun fact: Cast iron pans even add a bit of iron to your food, a necessary mineral and nice little health bonus!
Pros
Cast iron is extremely durable and can last for decades with proper care, making it a practical investment for your kitchen.
It retains heat exceptionally well, ensuring that your dishes are cooked evenly and stay warm longer once removed from the oven.
After seasoning, cast iron develops a natural non-stick surface that allows for easier cooking and cleaning, using less oil.
Cooking on cast iron adds iron to your food, increasing the iron content in your meals. This added health benefit is especially important for those with iron deficiencies.
Cast iron bakeware is free from chemicals like PFOA and PTFE found in some non-stick coatings, making it a safer option for health-conscious cooks.
Cons
Cast iron is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to handle, especially when it’s loaded with food.
It requires regular maintenance to keep its non-stick properties and prevent rust.
While great for keeping food warm, the excellent heat retention of cast iron means it can continue cooking even after being removed from the oven, which might lead to overcooking if not monitored.
Iron cooking surfaces can react with acidic foods, which can affect the flavor and color of your dish and potentially wear down the seasoning on the pan.
Iron skillets conduct heat which can make the handle hot; remember to use a handle cover or baking mitt
Aluminum
Aluminum bakeware is commonly found in kitchens, because it's economical, lightweight and heats up fast. However, it's not a material on our healthy bakeware list. It's not as tough as some other options, and aluminum is prone to leaching into food, especially when cooking with acidic ingredients.
When ingested, aluminum tends to accumulate in the brain and has been linked to Alzheimer's. Some aluminum bakeware also contains the harmful nonstick coatings mentioned earlier, like PTFE, PFOA, and PFOB.
Pros
Easy to handle because it's very lightweight
Heats up fast and bakes your food evenly
Budget-friendly compared to other metals like stainless steel or copper
Cons
Aluminum can react with foods, which affects the taste of your food and is a health hazard
It's softer than some other metals and scratches easily, which increases leaching
Most aluminum pans are treated with harmful nonstick chemicals
Is ceramic bakeware safe?
Ceramic bakeware (also called stoneware bakeware) is among our favorite choices for healthy baking!
Ceramic bakeware is crafted from beautiful, natural minerals and has inherent nonstick properties, making it a wonderful alternative to traditional nonstick pans. Plus, ceramic bakeware is free from VOCs even when heated at high temperatures, so you can feel good about using it again and again. So if you were to ask us “is ceramic bakeware safe?” Our answer would be a solid YES.
Pros
Provides even heat distribution, allowing for even cooking and keeping food warm after it's been removed from the oven
Available in attractive designs and colors
Non reactive and free from harmful chemicals like PFOA and PTFE, making it a healthier option for cooking and baking
Lasts for many years when properly cared for
Cons
Ceramic bakeware is typically heavier than metal or glass alternatives, which can make it more challenging to handle, especially when hot
Can chip or crack if dropped
Don't assume your ceramic bakeware is oven safe; check with the manufacturer first
The scoop on porcelain bakeware.
Porcelain bakeware is very similar to ceramic. The main difference is porcelain is a bit pricier but for good reason -- it's the most durable of all the ceramics.
Porcelain is a popular heirloom piece because of it's timeless good looks, durability, and non toxic natural materials. When you're looking for a classic look for your baked goods, porcelain can put your culinary creations in the spotlight.
Pros
Porcelain bakeware is nonporous, making it easy to clean and resistant to bacteria
Porcelain is made from nontoxic natural materials like mineral clay and sand
It can withstand high temperatures in the oven, and some porcelain is stovetop safe
Porcelain distributes heat evenly, ensuring that your food bakes consistently
Dishwasher safe, microwave safe, freezer safe (most porcelain is oven safe, too)
Cons
Not all porcelain is safe: those vintage porcelain dishes from grandma might have lead-based glazes, which can be harmful
Regulations have reduced lead use in the US, but it’s still important to make sure your ceramic dinnerware is lead-free and meets current safety standards
Porcelain can chip or crack if mishandled or subjected to sudden temperature changes
While porcelain is typically oven safe, it typically cannot withstand super high temps, limiting its use for some high-temperature baking and broiling
When it comes to eco friendly bakeware, glass is great.
Glass is a top choice in the healthiest bakeware if you’re looking for nontoxic options. It is free from harmful chemicals and does not react with food, making it one of the healthiest bakeware options for cooking your food safely.
Glass comes with some handy benefits. For starters, it’s clear, so you can easily check on your baking without opening the oven. Plus, it doesn't scratch easily, and glass is infinitely recyclable. Glass bakeware can keep up without showing wear. We love how easy it is to use for reheating, storing, and serving your meals.
Pros
Non-Reactive: Doesn’t react with acidic or alkaline foods, so glass won’t alter the flavor of your dishes or release harmful substances
Consistent Baking: Provides even heat distribution, helping to cook thoroughly and consistently
Easy to Clean: Won't scratch and is dishwasher safe
Odor Free: Won't retain odors or stains
Cons
Temperature Sensitivity: Can break if exposed to sudden temperature changes, which means it’s important to avoid placing a hot glass dish on a cold surface or under cold water
Heavy: While not as heavy as cast iron, glass is still heavy when loaded up with food
Cooking Time: Takes longer to heat up than metal bakeware, which can slightly extend cooking times
The low down on silicone bakeware.
Still wondering, is nonstick bakeware safe? Well good news... Silicone bakeware is a great option for non toxic bakeware that's also nonstick, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Are silicone baking pans safe? Yes - silicone handles high temperatures well and is FDA-approved for safety. It's flexible, which is great for popping out baked goods like cupcakes, but this can make it tricky to carry when full. It also doesn't heat as evenly, so you might need to tweak your baking times a bit.
Silicone bakeware is considered safe if it’s made of 100% food-grade silicone.
Cheaper silicone bakeware may contain fillers that could potentially release unwanted chemicals at high temperatures. We've found silicone with fillers will have a peculiar smell, like it's made with recycled plastic from laundry detergent bottles. Always check that it's 100% silicone (no BPA) by looking for marks or certifications.
Silicone can also hang onto food odors, and over time it may degrade or become sticky. Silicone is not recyclable and takes many years to decompose. So while silicone is a functional addition to your baking arsenal, it's not our top choice.
Pros:
Non-Stick Surface. Cakes and desserts pop out easily without extra grease or paper.
Flexible and Easy to Use. It’s super easy to remove your baked goodies without breaking them.
Temperature Resistance. Handles both freezing and high oven temperatures like a champ.
Cons:
Stability Issues. Needs a stable baking tray underneath to prevent spills because it’s so flexible.
Odor Retention. Sometimes holds onto smells from previous bakes, but good cleaning helps.
Not Ideal for Crisp Baking. Doesn’t get things as crispy as metal or ceramic bakeware.
HEALTHY BAKING HACKS:
simple substitutes for baking ingredients
for less fat and more fiber, swap 3/4 cup applesauce for 1 cup oil or butter
reduce calories by substituting the same amount of plain unsweetened yogurt for butter
use 1 cup cooked pureed beans (yes beans!) for 1 cup white flour... works wonders for gluten free brownies & excellent for boosting protein and fiber
What is the Healthiest & Safest Material for Non Toxic Baking Sheets?
When you're considering the safest material for baking sheets and pans, it's not just about finding something that cooks well—by now you know it's equally important to make sure it’s safe for you and your family.
There are a few materials that are winners on both fronts, offering great performance without nasty chemicals or heavy metals. So if you're wondering what are the safest materials for baking sheets, here’s a quick look at the healthiest baking sheet materials for non toxic baking sheets.
A closer look at popular aluminum baking sheets...
Aluminum is by far the most popular baking sheet material. While aluminum cooks food evenly and cools down in record time, we simply don't use it. Just like bakeware, aluminum cookie sheets can leach aluminum into food and often contain toxic nonstick treatments.
A great nonstick workaround is to use silicone baking mats on glass pans or baking sheets that are glazed with food-grade nonstick silicone.
Our safest materials for baking pans are...
Ceramic & Porcelain: Among the safest baking sheets are ceramic and porcelain. They are thermal shock resistant, free from nasty chemicals and naturally have a non stick surface that heats evenly. Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Downside is they're hard to find in large cookie sheet sizes.
Glass: Glass baking sheets are chemical-free, easy to clean, and contain no hazardous materials that might leach into your food. Glass bakes evenly thanks to its moisture retention ability making it an excellent option for your baking creations.
What materials should I absolutely avoid when looking for healthy baking pans?
It's just as crucial to know which bakeware materials to avoid because of the potential health risks of toxins released during the cooking process.
Teflon (PTFE) and PFOA
Is nonstick bakeware safe? Well, most of it is metal, and most metal bakeware is not safe. The most popular nonstick chemical, Teflon, uses PTFE, PFOA, or a newer version of the same chemical called PFOB, to make it nonstick.
These chemicals release harmful fumes into the air when heated, which can cause flu-like symptoms in people exposed to the fumes and are fatal for pet birds. This class of chemicals is known to damage the endocrine system, especially impacting the thyroid gland and pregnant women. Thankfully metal baking sheets and metal baking pans are now available with safer mineral based nonstick coatings and silicone coatings.
Is Enamel Bakeware Safe?
We recommend avoiding enamel bakeware, as it may contain harmful heavy metals like lead and cadmium that can leach into food. Enamels can also offgas harmful VOC's into the air when heated.
Should I Use Nonstick Baking Papers?
Remember, parchment paper and wax paper are not the same! Parchment paper is coated with a thin layer of safe silicone, whereas wax paper often contains petroleum-based paraffin wax.
We avoid using wax paper and also do not recommend using foil as a nonstick surface. While foil wrap is fine to use as a cover, direct food contact may sometimes lead to aluminum leaching into your food.
Which is the Best Nontoxic Bakeware Material?
By now you probably guessed it, we have a thing for -- Porcelain and Ceramic Bakeware!
Excellent choices for non-toxic bakeware, they are made from natural, inert materials that don’t react with foods or release harmful chemicals when heated. For us, 10 out 10!
What Makes Ceramic, Stoneware and Porcelain the Best Material for Bakeware?
Beside the facts that they're safe and don't mix chemicals into your food when you bake, most ceramic stoneware and porcelain can handle the oven, freezer and everything in between. They also last a long time, so you can feel confident in the investment. And if you're into aesthetics, there's a wide range of colors and shapes for all styles, so you can highlight your culinary creations!
Don't Forget the Eco Friendly Bakeware Accessories
To prioritize sustainability, we love eco friendly bakeware options that are also on the safest bakeware list. These materials are food safe, free of toxins, and sustainable (which means you're doing your part to collectively lower our environmental impact).
Hardwood Kitchen Accessories
Hardwoods are a must in any kitchen, featuring unique grain and natural character -- because each tree tells a story. Natural wooden kitchen accessories are wonderful to use in all stages of cooking and baking, and timber is a renewable resource -- (think spatulas and mixing spoons, cutting boards and serving boards).
Caring for Your Nontoxic Bakeware
Want to extend your bakeware’s lifespan and ensure it remains safe to use? Here are some of our top tips for maintaining your non toxic bakeware:
Glass: Avoid sudden temperature changes and handle with care to prevent breakage. Glass is dishwasher safe.
Ceramic: Use non-abrasive cleaning tools and avoid metal utensils to prevent scratching. Ceramic and porcelain are generally dishwasher safe.
Cast Iron: Regularly season your cast iron bakeware to maintain its nonstick properties and prevent rust. To clean, simply heat some oil and salt and scrub with tongs and a wad of paper towels.
Stainless Steel: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that can damage the surface. Baking soda is an excellent scrubbing agent that won't scratch.
The Healthiest Bakeware, In a Nutshell
Our top picks for safest bakeware materials are:
Glass: Non toxic, non reactive and clear for easy viewing when baking
Ceramic: Available in beautiful colors and shapes and completely nontoxic
Cast Iron: Packs a boost of iron into your food and seasons to kick up your flavor profile
Stainless Steel: Look for high-quality with silicone- or mineral-based nonstick coatings
You are what you eat (and cook with...)
We practice what we preach; choosing high quality non-toxic bakeware is important to us, as it's an investment in your wellness as much as your culinary routine. Baking delicious treats should be fun, safe and nourishing for you and your loved ones, right?
We invite you to check out our curated collection of the best non toxic bakeware sets and our Healthy Kitchen eBook for lots more info.
Here's to happy baking :)
