The Best Non-Toxic, PFAS-Free Bakeware
Switch out your Teflon-coated and aluminum bakeware and bake with safer, non-toxic bakeware. From cookie sheets to muffin pans to pie plates, choose non-toxic bakeware that doesn’t leach harmful chemicals into your food or the air around you. We’ve found the best non-toxic bakeware for a healthier home.
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Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion or an after-school treat for your kids, you don’t want your baked goods to pick up any toxic chemicals from your baking pans. Bake with peace of mind and use non-toxic bakeware that doesn’t contain PFAS or other harmful chemicals.
Bakeware To Avoid
- Teflon and similar non-stick surfaces– One of the main concerns when it comes to bakeware is the non-stick coating (which usually contains PFAS chemicals) – it is so handy for both releasing baked goods from the pan and for super easy clean-up, but there are health concerns that make these products less than ideal (see more about Teflon below).
- Aluminum– Research shows a relationship between aluminum accumulation in the brain and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers.
- Lead and cadmium– Some glazes on ceramic pans can leach these heavy metals.
Why Avoid Teflon?
PFAS is short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Chemicals in this class of approximately 5,000 substances are found in products like nonstick pans (e.g. “Teflon”), food packaging, waterproof jackets, and carpets to repel water, grease, and stains. PFAS don’t easily break down, and they can persist in your body and in the environment for decades. As a result of their pervasiveness, more than 95 percent of the U.S. population has PFAS in their bodies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What is Teflon? Teflon, otherwise known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is the brand name for the non-stick coating used in cookware and bakeware. Prior to 2013, a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA or C8) was added to PTFE to aid in processing. Although the majority of PFOA was burned off during processing, small amounts remained in the cookware coating.
DuPont manufactured Teflon for decades, despite the fact that confidential internal company studies showed the chemicals caused cancer and birth defects. You can read more about what happened to the residents exposed to PFOA in drinking water near a Teflon plant in West Virginia here. Although PFOA and PFOS have been voluntarily phased out by industry, they have been replaced by other chemicals in the PFAS family. GenX is a replacement for PFOA, yet studies suggest that GenX is linked to harmful effects in the liver and reproductive problems.
Have you heard the term “canary in a coalmine”? In this case, it’s “canary in the kitchen”. Hundreds of pet bird deaths have been blamed on toxic emissions from non-stick cookware. In humans, inhalation of Teflon fumes (from heating an empty pan above 500°F) can cause “Teflon flu” with coughing, fever and sore throat.
Safer, Non-Toxic Bakeware
- Stainless Steel– Stainless steel is PFAS-free and generally considered safe to cook and bake on. If you’re cooking or baking acidic foods (like tomato sauce) or heavily salted foods for extended periods, this can cause leaching of nickel, chromium, and iron into your food, within levels specified as safe to consume. Neither iron nor chromium pose a risk in the small amounts that may leach, and nickel only poses a problem if you have a nickel allergy. If you have a nickel allergy, look for nickel-free 21/0 or 18/0 stainless steel or use a different type of bakeware.
- Glass– Glass is a non-toxic, PFAS-free, inert material that can be used for cooking and baking. One downfall is that glass can break, especially if dropped or exposed to freezing temps followed quickly by high heat, or vice versa. The two types of glass produced and sold for cookware and bakeware are borosilicate glass and soda lime glass. Borosilicate glass is resistant to thermal shock and soda lime glass is less resistant to thermal shock, but more resistant to breaking if dropped.
- Caraway Coated Ceramic Cookware & Bakeware– Caraway products are made without any toxic materials like PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, or other hard-to-pronounce chemicals. This ceramic-coated aluminum cookware is free of PTFE (such as Teflon®), lead, cadmium, and other toxic materials that can make their way into your food. The ceramic non-stick coating is made from inorganic natural ingredients which are all 100% safe to use in contact with all foods (and FDA approved). The main ingredient in the coating is silicon dioxide (silicon and oxygen), which is what sand is made of. It’s SGS third party certified as well as California Prop 65 tested and passed.
- Xtrema Ceramic Coookware & Bakeware– Each 100% ceramic Xtrema pan is formed in a high-pressure casting mold and triple-fired at 2,500°F, for optimal strength and durability. Non-toxic, inorganic and nonreactive, this brand contains no PFOA, PTFE, glues, polymers, coatings or dyes. Xtrema products do not leach metal, cadmium or lead. This material is breakable if dropped.
- Porcelain Enamel– Le Creuset is a well-known French company that makes porcelain enamel cookware and bakeware. Lab testing has revealed no lead or cadmium on the inside of the cookware and only a trace amounts on the outside of some products. According to Le Creuset, the Dune and Palm colors do not contain cadmium. The cookware is in compliance with California Proposition 65 limits for accessible lead and cadmium.
- Cast Iron– Cast iron is generally safe to cook and bake with. It may leach iron into your food, which is a good thing if you’re low in iron like I am, but if you have hemochromatosis, you may want to avoid this type of cookware. I have a high-quality Field Cast Iron Skillet and it is so worth the price for this non-stick, well-seasoned pan. I did not include cast iron below because it is so heavy, but you can make a large skillet cookie in a frying pan, and you can find cast iron muffin pans, cast iron pie pans, and cast iron fluted pans. You also have to season cast iron after every use.
It’s not just non-stick bakeware that you have to avoid- non-stick cookware can also be coated with PFAS chemicals. There are non-toxic cookware materials and brands to look for if you cook at home and want to avoid non-stick coating with PFAS.
There are other swaps you can make for a toxin-free kitchen as well!
My favorite non-toxic bakeware is grouped below into 9 categories, and there are options ranging in price depending on what you’re looking for. If you want truly non-stick, Caraway is your best “safe” option. Look below for all of my non-toxic bakeware picks for your kitchen:
Non-Toxic Baking Sheets
- Caraway Medium Baking Sheet– Featuring a naturally slick ceramic-coated interior, this sheet makes healthy baking (and clean up) easier than ever. 10 x 5 inch.
- Caraway Large Baking Sheet– Featuring a naturally slick ceramic-coated interior, this sheet makes healthy baking (and clean up) easier than ever. 18 x 13 inch.
- TeamFar Stainless Steel Baking Sheets– These baking sheets and racks are made of high quality pure stainless steel 18/10 material without toxic chemical coating or any other materials, you needn’t worry of rusty or chrome flaking off into your food.
Non-Toxic Rectangular Baking Dishes
- Caraway 5-Piece Bakeware Set– includes medium and large baking sheets, 9 x 13 inch Rectangular Pan, a 12 Cup Muffin Pan and a Storage Holder.
- Oxo Glass Rectangular Baking Dish– Borosilicate glass for freezer to oven use, comes with BPA-free lid.
- TeamFar Stainless Steel Rectangular Baking Dish– 12⅖ x 9¾ x 2 inch 18/10 stainless steel.
- Xtrema Rectangular Baking Dish– 100% ceramic, 2 quart, 11.5 x 9.5 inch.
Non-Toxic Square Baking Dishes
- Pyrex Glass Square 8″ Baking Dish– Durable 8 x 8 inch high-quality tempered glass for even heating.
- Caraway 11-Piece Bakeware Set– includes medium and large baking sheets, 9 x 13 inch Rectangular Pan, 9 x 9 inch Square Pan, 12 Cup Muffin Pan, 1 lb Loaf Pan, two 9 inch Circle Pans, 18 x 13 inch Cooling Rack, and 2 Storage Holders.
- TeamFar Stainless Steel 8″ Square Baking Dish– 8 × 8 × 2 inch, Perfectly shape square moderate sized cakes, Great for making individual cakes or family cakes. 18/10 heavy gauge stainless steel.
Non-Toxic Loaf Pans
- Caraway 11-Piece Bakeware Set– includes medium and large baking sheets, 9 x 13 inch Rectangular Pan, 9 x 9 inch Square Pan 12 Cup Muffin Pan, 1 lb Loaf Pan, 2 9 inch Circle Pans, 18 x 13 Cooling Rack, and 2 Storage Holders.
- Le Creuset Stoneware Loaf Pan– Made of durable, high-fired stoneware with glossy enamel glazing. 9 x 3 x 5 inch Durable high-quality tempered glass for even heating.
- Pyrex Glass Loaf Pan– Durable high-quality tempered glass for even heating. Dish measures 8.75 x 5.25 x 3 inches and product dimensions is 11.4 x 3.4 x 6 inches.
- Xtrema Loaf Pan– 100% ceramic, measures 11.5 x 3 x 6.5 inches.
- TeamFar Stainless Steel Loaf Pan– 18/10 stainless steel loaf pan outer measured 9¼ x 5 inch, Inner measured 9 x 4.7 inch.
Non-Toxic Cake Pans & Pie Plates
- Caraway 11-Piece Bakeware Set– includes medium and large baking sheets, 9 x 13 inch Rectangular Pan, 9 x 9 inch Square Pan, 12 Cup Muffin Pan, 1 lb Loaf Pan, 2 9 inch Circle Pans, 18 x 13 inch Cooling Rack, and 2 Storage Holders.
- TeamFar Stainless Steel Cake Pans– Two 8.3 x 8.3 x 2 inches round cake pans. 18/10 stainless steel.
- Pyrex Glass Pie Plates– These 9 ½ inch pie plates are ideal for most recipes and have easy grab rims for a sure grip. This is the perfect pair for doubling up your baking. Durable high quality tempered glass Xtrema Pie Plate– 100% ceramic 8 inch round pie plate with 2 inch depth.
- Le Creuset Stoneware Pie Dish– 9 inch pie dish. Hard-wearing, impermeable finish fired at temperatures as high as 2192ºF.
Non-Toxic Muffin Pans
- Old Mountain Cast Iron Muffin Pan– Pre-seasoned cast iron that’s ready to use. 6 round muffin cups.
- TeamFar Stainless Steel Muffin Pan– Constructed with 18/10 stainless steel, No aluminum or toxic chemical materials. 6 CAVITY (2 PACK): Muffin tins set of 2 measures 11.3 × 7 × 1.2 inches, Each set with 6 cup, Inner cavity size: 2.6 inch and Bottom Cup Diameter 2 inches.
- Caraway 5-Piece Bakeware Set– includes medium and large baking sheets, 9 x 13 inch Rectangular Pan, 12 Cup Muffin Pan and a Storage Holder.
- Xtrema Muffin Pan– 100% non-toxic ceramic, 6 muffin cups.
Specialty Bakeware Pans
Glass Fluted Bundt Pan– Bundt pan is thermal shock resistant and can withstand temperatures between 572° and -40° Fahrenheit (300°/-40° Celsius). Use it to cook your food and then place the leftovers in the fridge or freezer for convenient storage- transparent glass allows you to monitor the cooking process and easily identify leftovers. Baking dish measures 10-inches in diameter by 5-inches deep, and holds 2.1 quarts
Silicone Bundt Pan– Made of European-grade, LFGB approved professional silicone. High temperature resistance, safe use temperature -40℃ to 230℃ (-40℉ to 446℉) , oven, microwave and freezer safe. 9 inch internal diameter, 3.3 inch height. Dishwasher safe and BPA free.
Silicone & Glass Springform Pan– 100% Food-Grade Silicone ring with removable tempered glass bottom. Maximum temperature of 428ºF. Dishwasher safe and PPA-free.
Non-Toxic Mixing Bowls
- Nested Glass Mixing Bowls– The 100% hermetic silicone o-ring seal of our glass bowls with 100% BPA-free lids prevents unpleasant odors. This nesting bowls with lids set fits perfect for food storage too. Made of borosilicate glass, which is up to 5 times stronger than ordinary glass. Microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher safe.
- Cuisinart Nested Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls– 1.5 qt., 3 qt. and 5 qt high quality study stainless steel mixing bowls.
- Nested Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls With Non-Slip Silicone Bottoms– Wildone mixing bowls set contains 5 piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (5, 3, 2, 1.5, 0.63QT), which allows users to measure, mix, pour, and serve food all in one kitchen tool! They come with BPA free lids, 3 grater attachments, silicone non-slip bottoms and measurement marks.
Non-Toxic Baking Utensils
- Silicone Slotted Spatula– Silicone with stainless steel handle.
- Silicone Spatula Set– Jamie Oliver heat resistant silicone spatulas with acacia wood handles- detachable heads for easy washing.
- Beech Wood Mixing Spoons– BIBC unfinished beech wood. The pack includes small 8 inch, medium 10 inch, large 12 inch, and extra-large 14 inch cooking spoons.
- Stainless Steel Mixing Spoon– Ultra-durable, strong 18/10 stainless steel.
- Silicone Mixing Spoon– BPA-free silicone is scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and food-safe for the best possible kitchen tool. Stainless Steel Handle. The soft-touch silicone will not scratch pans, making it a gentle and safe choice for nonstick and cast iron cookware. 12.25 x 2.25 x 0.75 inch; dishwasher safe. Head is heat-resistant up to 600°F.
- Small Stainless Steel Spatula– Made of durable 18/8 stainless steel.
- Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons Set– Gordo Boss 18/8 heavy duty stainless steel.
- Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups– Durable high-quality tempered glass.
- Stainless Steel Whisk Set– Durable stainless steel.
Non-Toxic Baking Supplies
- If You Care Parchment Paper– PFAS-free, chlorine-free parchment paper.
- If You Care Parchment Muffin Cups– PFAS-free, chlorine-free parchment muffin cups.
- Maple Wood Rolling Pin– J.K. Adams unfinished maple wood rolling pin.
- Stainless Steel Cookie Cutters– Stainless steel hearts, stars, circles, and flowers.
- Stainless Steel Holiday Cookie Cutters– Stainless Steel gingerbread man, star, snowman, candy cane and tree.
- Silicone Decorating Kit– Stainless steel tips and heat resistant silicone bulbs.
- Stainless steel Cooling Rack– PriorityChef 18/8 stainless steel cooling rack.
More Healthy Home Inspiration
References
- Exley, Christopher. ‘Aluminum Should Now Be Considered a Primary Etiological Factor in Alzheimer’s Disease’. 1 Jan. 2017 : 23 – 25.
https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease-reports/adr170010 - Conley JM, Lambright CS, Evans N, Strynar MJ, McCord J, McIntyre BS, Travlos GS, Cardon MC, Medlock-Kakaley E, Hartig PC, Wilson VS, Gray LE Jr. Adverse Maternal, Fetal, and Postnatal Effects of Hexafluoropropylene Oxide Dimer Acid (GenX) from Oral Gestational Exposure in Sprague-Dawley Rats. Environ Health Perspect. 2019 Mar;127(3):37008. doi: 10.1289/EHP4372. PMID: 30920876; PMCID: PMC6768323.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30920876/ - Canaries in the Kitchen: EWG finds heated Teflon pans can turn toxic faster than DuPont claims. Environmental Working Group. May 15, 2003.
https://www.ewg.org/research/canaries-kitchen