Cookware Glow Up: Why Upgrading Matters

Cooking at home is not only healthier than dining out but also empowers you to take full control of your nutrition. By preparing your own meals, you can select high-quality ingredients, limit additives, and customize recipes to align with your personal tastes and wellness goals. A key ally in home cooking is nonstick cookware, celebrated for its ease of use—streamlining the cooking process and making cleanup effortless. However, the safety of traditional nonstick pans has been a topic of heated discussion since their introduction, raising important questions about their impact on health and the environment.

Here’s Why:

The concern stems from the materials and coatings used in conventional nonstick cookware, particularly substances like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals." These chemicals are prized for their nonstick properties but have raised red flags due to potential health risks, including links to hormone disruption, developmental issues, cancer and environmental contamination. Over time, as non-stick pans age or are overheated, they can release toxic fumes and particles that may compromise both human health and the environment. PFAS and heavy metals can also leach into food, particularly when cooking at high temperatures with acid (tomatoes, citrus, vinegar).

In response to these concerns, the cookware market has evolved, introducing “safer” alternatives like ceramic-coated pans. While some brands genuinely prioritize health and sustainability, not all cookware labeled as “green” or “nontoxic” is entirely safe. Even when the ceramic coating itself is non-toxic, the underlying materials—such as lead, aluminum, or cadmium—can pose risks. Over time, wear and tear can cause the ceramic coating to chip or degrade, potentially exposing these harmful base materials. Aluminum exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity, obesity, and even breast cancer; while lead, another known neurotoxin, is linked to kidney and heart disease.

Since I believe that cooking should be a source of nourishment and joy—not a cause for worry, I’ve created a list of things for you to look for when purchasing cookware for your own home. I’ve also added a list of products and brands I trust and I use daily.

Non-Toxic Cookware: What to Look For and Why I Like It

Solid Ceramic Cookware

• Made entirely from clay, these pots and pans are free of heavy metals and synthetic coatings.

• Naturally nonstick, durable, and safe for high-heat cooking.

Cast Iron

• Free of synthetic chemicals and highly durable.

• Offers the added benefit of iron supplementation to your diet.

• When properly seasoned, it creates a naturally nonstick surface.

Enameled Cast Iron

• Combines the benefits of cast iron with a non-reactive, chip-resistant enamel coating.

• Beautiful, durable, and free from PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, cadmium, aluminum, and BPA.

Stainless Steel

• Food-grade stainless steel (18/8 or 18/10) is durable, versatile, and resistant to leaching.

• Ideal for cooking acidic foods without concern for chemical leaching and contamination.

Recommended Products

Xtrema 100% Ceramic Cookware

• Made from solid ceramic and third-party tested to be lead- and cadmium-free, meeting California Proposition 65 safety standards.

• Xtrema Cookware Sets

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

• Pre-seasoned for convenience, naturally nonstick with care, and built to last for generations.

• Lodge Cast Iron Sets

All-Clad Stainless Steel Cookware

• Premium, food-safe stainless steel with excellent durability and heat distribution

• All-Clad Cookware 10-Piece Set

Made In Enameled Cast Iron

• Made in France, free from PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, cadmium, and BPA.

• Made In Enameled Cast Iron Set. This is the enameled cookware I own and use daily. Heavy, cooks evenly, and beautifully made. I love the Dutch Oven for soups and roasts.

Made In Stainless Steel Cookware

• Manufactured in Italy and third-party tested to meet European Food Contact Safety Regulations (Report #158240287a 001).

• Made In Stainless Clad10-Piece Set. This is the stainless set I have in my kitchen. It’s substantial, beautifully made, and cooks food evenly. I love the shape of the pots and find them easy to clean.

Final Thoughts

Swapping out toxic cookware doesn’t have to be an overnight change—small steps can lead to big improvements. Start with a single piece of high-quality, non-toxic cookware and build your collection over time.

Additional Sources:

1. Sunderland, E. M., et al. “Environmental Health Impacts of PFAS: What We Know and What We Can Do.” Environmental Science & Technology.

2. Krewski, D., et al. "Aluminum in the Human Body." Critical Reviews in Toxicology.

3. Tadele, A., et al. "Toxicity of Heavy Metals in Everyday Products." Environmental Science and Pollution Research.

Baking Sheets and Bakeware: Why Upgrade?

The Problem with Conventional Bakeware

Conventional bakeware can present significant health risks due to the materials used in its construction. Aluminum bakeware, commonly used for muffin tins, loaf pans, and baking sheets, has the potential to leach aluminum into food, particularly when cooking acidic recipes like those containing tomatoes or citrus. Research has associated aluminum exposure with neurotoxicity and an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Nonstick bakeware, often coated with substances like (commonly known as Teflon), frequently contains PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." These persistent environmental pollutants have been linked to hormone disruption, liver damage, and a heightened risk of certain cancers. Moreover, when overheated, nonstick coatings can release toxic fumes, posing serious health risks to humans and pets, particularly birds, which are highly sensitive to these emissions.

Safer, Nontoxic Options

Stainless Steel Bakeware
Durable, nonreactive, and free of coatings, stainless steel bakeware is a versatile and safe alternative.

Cast Iron Bakeware
Cast iron bakeware delivers excellent heat retention and even cooking. With proper seasoning, it creates a naturally nonstick surface without harmful chemicals.

Enameled Stoneware and Cast Iron
Enameled bakeware combines beauty with functionality. It offers a naturally nonstick surface without PFAS, PTFE, or other synthetic coatings.

Food-Grade Silicone Bakeware
Silicone bakeware is flexible, lightweight, and naturally nonstick. When made from certified food-grade silicone, it is safe and free of BPA, phthalates, and fillers.

Scientific Insight

• Aluminum Risks: High aluminum exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s

• Non-Stick PFAS Hazards: Persistent and toxic PFAS chemicals in nonstick coatings are associated with cancer, liver damage, and immune suppression.

• Silicone: Food-grade silicone is safe at high temperatures, unlike plastics or lower-quality silicone, which may release harmful chemicals during baking.

Product Recommendations:

1. TeamFar Stainless Steel Baking Sheets and Bakeware
   Affordable and made from premium food-grade stainless steel, these are rustproof, easy to clean, and dishwasher-safe.

2. Lodge Cast Iron Bakeware
   This collection includes everything from loaf pans to muffin tins. Lodge is known for its durable and chemical-free cookware that’s made to last generations.

3. Le Creuset Enamel Glazed Stoneware
   Stunning, durable, and certified free of lead, cadmium, and other harmful substances, Le Creuset bakeware resists scratches and stains.

4. Silpat Baking Mats and Molds
   High-quality, LFGB-certified food-grade silicone products that are reinforced with fiberglass for even baking.

Last Thoughts

Investing in high-quality, nontoxic options is a small yet powerful step toward a cleaner, safer kitchen.

Cutting Boards: Why Upgrade?

Cutting boards are essential kitchen tools, but the materials used to create them matter. Many conventional plastic cutting boards harbor harmful bacteria in their scratches and degrade over time, releasing microplastics into your food and the environment. Additionally, plastics often contain chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which are linked to endocrine disruption and a host of other health concerns.

Wooden cutting boards offer a safer, more sustainable alternative, but even they require careful consideration. Some are treated and sealed with polyurethane or plastic-based finishes that can release toxic chemicals, especially when scratched or cut into during use. Additionally, bamboo or composite wooden boards constructed with adhesives may pose risks, as these adhesives can contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

That said, a high-quality, natural wood cutting board can minimizes these risks and transform meal prep into a more enjoyable, elevated experience. A beautifully crafted board made from untreated, sustainably sourced hardwood like maple or walnut is gentle on knives, easy to clean, and adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen. I find that preparing fresh ingredients on a heavy, beautiful cutting board makes meal prep feel special. I actually like chopping veggies now that I upgraded my board.

Scientific Takeaways

To minimize chemical exposure and improve sustainability, carefully source cutting boards that are free from plastics, harmful adhesives, resins, formaldehyde, and chemical coatings.

Nontoxic Options: What to Look For

Bamboo

Why: Bamboo is sustainable, antimicrobial, and naturally free of toxic chemicals.

Best Use: Great for general food prep, lightweight, and easy to handle.

Caution: Avoid bamboo boards treated with synthetic finishes.

Wood

Why: Hardwoods like maple, walnut, and beech are naturally antimicrobial and durable.

What to Avoid: Composite boards glued together with formaldehyde-containing

What to Look For: Boards treated with food-safe finishes like mineral oil or beeswax rather than synthetic coatings.

Glass

Why: Glass boards are nonporous and ideal for raw meat or fish, as they won’t harbor bacteria.

Caution: The hard surface can dull knives, so they may not be ideal for everyday use.

Products to Consider

Sonder LA Wood Cutting Board

Features: Crafted with non-toxic, food-safe materials. They steer clear of formaldehyde-based adhesives and anything potentially harmful. The boards are completely free of VOCs, BPA, microplastics, PFOA, and phthalates.

Why I Love It: They’re as safe as they are beautiful. They make food prep feel special.

John Boos Wood Cutting Boards

Features: Made from sustainably harvested hardwoods like maple and walnut, these boards are heavy, durable, and beautiful enough to double as serving trays. They carry NSF International certification, ensuring they meet public health standards. John Boos also uses sustainable timber practices as outlined by the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA).

Why I Love It: These are the gold standard in professional kitchens, blending performance and sustainability. Beautifully designed and substantial. Makes meal prep feel like an art.

Totally Bamboo Cutting Boards

Features: Sustainably harvested bamboo boards that are lightweight, durable, and "Panda safe" (bamboo not consumed by pandas).

Why I Like It: A budget-friendly, eco-friendly alternative with natural antimicrobial properties. Lightweight for light prep and comes in a variety of sizes.

Bambu® Cutting Boards

Features: 100% certified organic bamboo boards treated with only food-safe oils.

Why I Like It: Perfect for those seeking completely natural, non-toxic options.

Tips for Maintenance

Clean Carefully: Hand wash with warm, soapy water immediately after use.

Oil Regularly: Use food-safe mineral oil or beeswax to maintain wooden boards and prevent cracking.

Avoid the Dishwasher: High heat and water pressure can damage wooden and bamboo boards.

Last Thoughts:

By upgrading to thoughtfully sourced cutting boards, you eliminate the risks posed by harmful chemicals and bacteria and make an eco-conscious choice for your home. Small changes like these can create a healthier kitchen for your family.