The good news is that there are a plethora of non-toxic cookware options available. Toss out the toxic pots and pans and look through our list of healthier alternatives below. And, if you’ve already made the switch, tell us about your favorite cookware in the comments!
We buy organic produce, replace toxic cleaners with safer alternatives, avoid artificial fragrances in our home, and opt for more natural beauty products.
Many people are surprised to learn that our cookware can be a major source of hidden toxic chemicals and contribute to our toxic load (when I told a friend about it the other day, she exclaimed, “Oh my gosh, my cookware is poisoning me?! “I had no idea!” says the narrator. Unfortunately, materials and metals like aluminum, plastic, lead, and Teflon, which are common in a lot of cookware options, can pose serious health risks.
What to Toss:
Traditional Non-Stick Coatings
Teflon is a trademarked coating that prevents nonstick cookware from sticking to the pan. When it was first introduced around 80 years ago, it was a gamechanger in the world of cooking. The problem is that these coatings (which contain PFOA or PTFE) are extremely toxic and have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, organ failure, reproductive damage, and other health problems (check out the film Dark Waters and the documentary The Devil We Know for a deeper dive into the health risks).
The safety of aluminum is a point of contention. Aluminum is found in our environment, and we are all exposed to it on a daily basis. Aluminum, on the other hand, has been shown to be toxic at certain concentrations in studies. Anemia and other blood disorders, ALS and Parkinson’s disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and neurological problems have all been linked to elevated aluminum levels.
Aluminum
The safety of aluminum is a point of contention. Aluminum is found in our environment, and we are all exposed to it on a daily basis. Aluminum, on the other hand, has been shown to be toxic at certain concentrations in studies. Anemia and other blood disorders, ALS and Parkinson’s disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and neurological problems have all been linked to elevated aluminum levels.
Healthier Swaps:
Non-Toxic Cookware: Ceramic Coated
Ceramic coatings are not all created equal. Avoid the low-cost ceramic coatings in favor of those that have been certified by third-party testing and are free of PFAs, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. I own a couple of Green Pans and adore them! They’re nonstick, inexpensive, and with a little care, they’ll last a long time. Another great option is the Always Pan, which comes in a variety of colors.
Non-Toxic Cookware: Ceramic
Ceramic is advantageous non-toxic cookware because it is completely inert, which means it will not leach any harmful toxins. Heavy metals, polymers, coatings, and dyes are generally absent from ceramic pans, and they’re also dishwasher safe! It’s easier to clean than cast iron because all you need is warm soapy water. If you’re interested in giving it a shot, Xtrema is a great place to start. Note that these pans are more delicate than other types of best pots and pans, so use them with caution.
Non-Toxic Cookware: Cast iron
The original non-toxic cookware. If you’ve never tried them before, they take a little getting used to, but once you do, they’re incredibly effective and cost-effective! Some suggestions include heating the food before adding it, cleaning without soap, and seasoning on a regular basis. Cleaning cast irons can be done in a variety of ways, but my favorite is scrubbing with salt and then rinsing with water. After that, I thoroughly dry the pan, drizzle it with cooking oil, spread it around, and place it on low heat for a few minutes to ensure it is completely dry.
Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
