6 Best Eco-friendly Non Toxic Bakeware Brands for Clean Kitchens 2024
When you’re cooking up a delicious meal, you’re not really thinking about what your bakeware is made of, never mind if it’s healthy. Yet the reality is that this is something we should all be thinking about.
Just like a lot of items commonly found in the home, many bakeware brands aren’t good for our health. Along with health effects, these items and the materials used to craft bakeware can also have an environmental impact!
This guide will help you discover some non-toxic bakeware brands and what materials are best. Plus, what materials to avoid!
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Is Bakeware Toxic?
It can be. While the new California 65 test has helped to stop some of the worst culprits, there is still a lot of bakeware on the market that might be leaching some nasty components into your food.
What is the California 65 Test?
If you are looking for non-toxic bakeware, then this is the test that it should be able to pass. Why? Because it’s one of the strictest tests out there.
It sets the bar for lead and cadmium at ten times lower than what is generally seen as ‘safe’. Yet for many, even this isn’t low enough. They’d prefer that there was zero leaching, and with good reason.
What Harmful Materials Should Consumers Be Aware Of in Bakeware?
There are a number of materials that you should know about if you’re looking to buy new bakeware. While many features of bakeware may seem great, they’re not always as useful as they first appear, and in actual fact, could be damaging to your health.
Traditional Non-Stick Coating
Teflon has been used for years as a fantastic way to stop your food from sticking to the bottom and sides of your bakeware. It was revolutionary when it first came out, and many people still won’t buy anything without a Teflon non-stick coating.
Yet the reality is that this can be very toxic. These coatings traditionally contain PFOA or PTFE and they have even found potential links to cancer from these materials.
Over time, Teflon will flake off, and so you end up ingesting it. As it doesn’t biodegrade, it also only accumulates in our bodies.
Lead and Cadmium
These are the heavy metals that the California 65 test is in relation to. They are found on enamel coatings, particularly those with bright coloring such as red and orange as they are used to enhance this color.
The issue with these metals however, is that while they are meant to be inert when in the ceramic, they can in fact leach into our food. Ceramic can also chip, which is another way that this can be ingested.
Lead poisoning can be extremely dangerous as we all know and is particularly damaging to your kidneys. Cadmium isn’t any better. It can accumulate in our bodies and is a known carcinogen.
6 Best Sustainable & Non-Toxic Bakeware Brands
Knowing just where to buy non-toxic cookware and bakeware isn’t always intuitive and knowing exactly what is going to be the best for your kitchen is always difficult.
That’s why I’ve put together three of my favorite bakeware companies to make the decision a little bit easier.
Caraway’s Modern Ceramic coated aluminum Bakeware
Not only is Caraway’s bakeware non-toxic, it’s also beautifully designed with stunning colors.
Made from ceramic-coated aluminum and including a mineral-based non-stick coating, Caraway's bakeware coating does not include potentially toxic materials like PFOA, PTFE, other PFAs, lead, cadmium, or toxic metals.
This brand also refrains from using any form of hard anodization. All of their cookware is made with storage in mind, as well as the environment.
Caraway cookware and bakeware is shipped in waste conscious packaging such as reusable bags and cardboard.
I was recently gifted Caraways Mini Bakeware set which I have enjoyed using. The set included two Baking Sheets, a Muffin Pan, Rectangle Pan, and cabinet organizers.
The navy features a beautiful timeless color and I love the weight of the products. As these are heavy I feel that they are well made and built to last.
Caraway bakeware can be purchased from $40-$295. Use my referral link to receive 10% off.
360 Cookware’s best American Made Bakeware
This American-made stainless steel bakeware by 360 Cookware is designed to be in your home for generations to come.
With 360 Cookware you don’t have to worry about products breaking or ending up in the landfill as these products come with a lifetime warranty.
Dedicated to the environment, and with no heavy metals, their range cooks evenly and is perfect for baking.
I was recently gifted their 5 Piece Bakeware set which I’ve been enjoying. This set has been so wonderful to have while baking for the holidays.
I can tell these products are incredibly well made and will last me for years to come. 360 Cookware products can be purchased for $99-$190. Use the discount code honestconsumer for 30% off 360 Cookware.
Xtrema’s Pure Ceramic Bakeware
100% pure ceramic. That’s what Xtrema non-toxic bakeware is all about. Absolutely zero lead, cadmium, or any other nasties, you know your food is safe in their hands.
At the same time, their bakeware is stick resistant and durable even at extreme temperatures, making it a great all-rounder. Xtream’s bakeware can be purchased from $40-$209.
Pyrex Glass Bakeware: Most affordable
Pyrex glassware is made for both purpose and passion. It can also be passed down from generation to generation! Pyrex’s glass bakeware is oven safe and great for storing leftovers as select products come with lids.
Pyrex bakeware offers pie pans, round baking dishes, square baking dishes, rectangular baking dishes, and more. Pyrex’s bakeware ranges from $7-$50.
I personally have a few pieces of Pyrex bakeware and really love how high quality it is. We’ve had it for three years and it’s held up really well. The lids make it super easy to save leftover casseroles after dinner!
Great Jones Goods Ceramic Bakeware
Great Jones Goods offers a beautiful range of ceramic bakeware dishes that are non-toxic. Enjoy fun colors and retro inspired designs as you bake. Shop pie pans, mixing bowls, casserole dishes, and more.
With Great Jones Goods it’s important to be aware that while Great Jones Goods ceramic products and non-stick skillets are free from PTFE and PFOA, it is stated on their FAQ page that aluminized steel bakeware is PFOA-free but not entirely free of PTFE or PFOS.
Great Jones Goods has worked with a third-party lab to send each piece through extensive testing. With this testing Great Jones Goods has all passed industry standard lead tests, and are free of cadmium.
Great Jones Goods bakeware can be purchased for $28-$275.
Le Creuset Stoneware baking dishes
Le Creuset’s stoneware baking dishes are not only practical, but they’re beautiful. Le Creuset’s bakeware features bold colors and timeless designs that can be passed down for generations. Their stoneware baking dishes are scratch-resistant and dishwasher-safe.
Le Creuset’s cookware and bakeware has been handcrafted by French artisans since 1925. Le Creuset stoneware baking dishes can be purchased for $22-$300 and found in select stores.
While Le Creuset’s stoneware baking dishes are on our non-toxic list, they do have other bakeware lines such as their nonstick metal bakeware. Their line of nonstick metal bakeware does contain PFAS in the nonstick properties.
The Le Creuset nonstick bakeware does offer a lower price point in comparison to their other products, but it’s important to note this difference in materials. This bakeware ranges from $25-$50.
What Materials Are Non-Toxic & Good for Baking?
Just like there are some bakeware materials that you want to avoid, there are also some that are great for cooking in. Here are my three favorites.
Stainless Steel: Easy to clean and brilliant at high temperatures, stainless steel is an ideal choice if you are looking for non-toxic bakeware. Not only does it not leach any dangerous chemicals, it also doesn’t rust or degrade, so you really will be purchasing something that will last a lifetime – and the lifetime of your children too!
Ceramic: Ceramic is another great non-toxic bakeware choice. Ceramic is completely inert– so it won’t leach any toxins. The one thing that you need to be aware of, is the coating that’s on the ceramic, as it’s this that can contain lead or cadmium. However, there are many great alternatives out there. Ceramic is also easy to clean and is the perfect material to make casseroles in.
Cast Iron: Cast Iron is another great non-toxic bakeware option. It does need seasoning to protect it, however you can also get enameled cast iron, which doesn’t need seasoned and is easier to care for. Again, checking that the enamel coating is lead and cadmium free is a must.
Stoneware: High quality stoneware is typically a safe material. It can be a great choice when it comes to distributing heat evenly. Be sure to follow care instructions carefully to ensure your stoneware lasts for years to come.
Glass: Glass is a durable, practical, and safe material to look for in your bakeware. It’s also usually a more affordable option.
Hopefully, you’ll now know a little more about non-toxic bakeware, and why it’s such a great thing to invest in. Having bakeware that lasts for years really does make a difference. Plus, it’s better for the environment, as there’s no waste!
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