If you’re doing everything you can to eat a clean and healthy diet, then you may be wondering if an investment in non-toxic baking sheets and pans is a good idea. As a society, we’d like to think that everything on store shelves is safe for human use, but that is simply not the case.
Even modern baking sheets and pans contain elements of toxic materials that can be linked to human ailments such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, kidney and liver damage, thyroid disease, low sperm count, and other reproductive issues. The question you have to ask yourself when purchasing cookware is: “Are cheaper options going to be best in the long run?”
Which Baking Pans Are Toxic?
If your goal is to eliminate toxins from your diet, then we recommend not cooking directly on aluminum cookware. In a 2006 study on aluminum contents in meats baked in aluminum foil, aluminum was shown to transfer to the meat, with the highest concentration of aluminum absorbed by fat. Although the study showed the level of aluminum transferred was within the daily allowable limit for human consumption, it does warn that “eating meals prepared in aluminum foil may carry a risk to [human] health by adding to other aluminum sources.” Needless to say, the transfer of aluminum to your food does take place when cooking at high temperatures.
So why does it matter? Does a little bit of aluminum really hurt?
In short, yes. Aluminum consumption has been linked to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and autism. A 2012 study by the Alzheimer Disease Fund shows “a strong and statistically highly significant link between the number vaccines with aluminum and the changes in autism rates.”
As a result of these findings, we find it best to cook with non-toxic bakeware such as stainless steel or glass cookware. If you do use an aluminum baking sheet, cover it with unbleached parchment paper.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]And don’t assume that “coated” sheets are a better option. From saucepans to baking sheets and muffin tins, cooking products with surfaces covered with a non-stick coating that contains PFCs (perfluorinated compounds) are just as, if not more, toxic. In fact, these compounds are known by the EPA to be a human carcinogen and pose other heath risks.
So now what? What CAN you cook with? Here are some of the best non-toxic cooking options:
Best Non-Toxic Baking Sheets and Pans
Non-Toxic Baking Sheet
When it comes to purchasing the perfect non-toxic baking sheet, go for a stainless steel option. Stainless steel sheets are non-toxic, but be sure that the description says, “no coating.” This is very important! Also, because these are not “non-stick,” use unbleached parchment paper to prevent sticking or messy cleanup.
Stainless Steel Non-Toxic Baking Pans
Stainless steel is an absolute necessity to have in the kitchen with regards to boiling, sauteing and heating. Stainless steel is likewise simple to clean; scrubbing pans down with steel wool will keep layers of oil from accumulating on the surface. All-Clad makes an extensive collection of high-quality stainless steel pots and pans, including roasters, griddles, and even a lasagna pan.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
All-Clad 59900 Stainless Steel 7-Inch Oval-Shaped Baker
Glass Cookware Non-Toxic Pans
Glass is entirely eco-friendly, nontoxic and resilient—a fine cookware to choose when keeping your kitchen a chemical-free zone. However, glass pans can’t be used for everything—certain items like baking tins are hard to find in glass, and some dishes like pies don’t always cook evenly in glassware. Glass pans usually work best for savory dishes such as pot pies, baked pasta, and quick bread. Some outstanding brands include beautifully crafted pieces by Emile Henry, and more affordable pans by Pyrex.
Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Oven Safe Container Set
