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If you’re in the process of replacing old or unsafe bakeware, you may be wondering where you can find the best non-toxic baking sheets. Well, not to worry — we’ve got you covered like the glaze on a holiday sugar cookie! There are a lot of great non-toxic bakeware options out there (including non-toxic baking sheets) that you can find in stores and online today.
Before hopping into our list of the best non-toxic bakeware, let’s take a quick look at what toxic ingredients to avoid in your baking sheets and pans.
What’s the Problem With Conventional Bakeware?
At first glance, it may seem strange to think of baking sheets as toxic or unhealthy. But if we dig a little deeper into the history of bakeware, we find the troubling truth: for decades, non-stick bakeware has been coated with products containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, aka Teflon), which can be toxic.
Here are the main problems:
- PFAS contamination: PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used in various industrial applications like couches, stain resistant rugs, camping tents, sleeping bags, and pots and pans. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health issues, including hormonal disruption, liver damage, kidney disease, immune system suppression, ADHD, and even cancer. PFAS in cookware are dangerous because they can leach into food when exposed to high heat or acidic conditions.
- PTFE exposure: PTFE is the nonstick coating commonly found in cookware, though many companies are now phasing it out because people have become aware of its danger. When PTFE-coated bakeware is heated to high temperatures, it can release toxic fumes containing PFOA and other harmful substances. Inhaling these fumes can cause flu-like symptoms known as polymer fume fever and, in rare cases, even lead to a condition called the “Teflon flu.”
- Potential migration of toxins: Over time, the nonstick coating on bakeware can degrade or wear off, especially if it gets scratched or damaged. This can result in the release of harmful chemicals into food during cooking or baking. These toxins can then be ingested, potentially causing adverse health effects.
- Environmental impact: PFAS and PTFE are persistent chemicals that don’t break down easily in the environment or in our bodies. When conventional bakeware with nonstick coatings is discarded, it can contribute to the accumulation of these toxic substances in landfills and bodies of water, posing serious long-term environmental risks.
To mitigate these concerns, we can opt for non-toxic baking sheets that are free from PFAS, PTFE, and other harmful substances.
What Materials Should Non-Toxic Baking Sheets be Made From?
Non-toxic baking sheets and other baking dishes can be made from a variety of materials that are safe for food preparation. Here are some commonly used non-toxic bakeware materials:
- Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a durable, non-reactive material that won’t leach harmful chemicals into food. It’s resistant to rust and corrosion, making it a popular choice for baking sheets, cake pans, and muffin tins.
- Glass: Glass bakeware, such as Pyrex or borosilicate glass, is inert and won’t release any toxins when heated. It is a fantastic option for baking dishes, casserole dishes, and pie plates. Glass also allows for even heat distribution and easy monitoring of the baking process.
- Ceramic or stoneware: Bakeware made from ceramic or stoneware materials, like porcelain or earthenware, is generally safe and non-toxic. These materials are natural, so they should not contain harmful coatings or chemicals. They are usually used for baking dishes, pie plates, and other oven-safe items.
- Cast iron: Cast iron bakeware is known for its fantastic heat retention and for cooking food evenly. It’s a durable material that doesn’t release any harmful substances when heated. Cast iron can be used for baking pans, griddles, and even certain types of bakeware like cornbread molds and popover pans.
9 Best Non-Toxic Baking Sheets and Bakeware Brands
The best non-toxic bakeware is free of PFAS, PTFE, and other toxins. Note that if you go with a non-toxic baking sheet that does not have a non-stick coating, you can always use a food-grade silicone baking sheet to minimize sticking of your pastries to the pan and keep your food safe.
Here are our top picks for the best non-toxic baking sheets and bakeware.
1. USA Pan
USA Pan is a family-owned and operated company that has been making high-quality non-toxic baking sheets and other baking products in the United States for over 50 years. Their products are made with aluminized steel and feature a non-toxic silicone coating that is free of PTFE, PFOA, and BPA.
It’s easy to slide hot chocolate chip cookies right off their cookie sheets, which, as far as I’m concerned, is all I really want out of a piece of bakeware!
2. Nordic Ware Non-toxic Baking Sheets
Nordic Ware is another American company that has been producing non-toxic baking sheets and other bakeware in the U.S. for decades. Many of their high quality products are made with cast aluminum.
Note that they also make a non-stick version of some of their bakeware, which does featured PTFE (aka Teflon) that we do not recommend, as Teflon has been linked to a variety of health concerns.
Nordic Ware’s cast aluminum bakeware is designed to last a lifetime and is free of PTFE, PFOA, and BPA. I have the aluminum Nordic Ware brownie pan, which turns out delicious, evenly cooked brownies every time.
I also love their 100% aluminum (read: no coating) baker’s half sheet for everything from roasting vegetables to baking cookies.
3. 360 Bakeware
360 Bakeware is known for providing products that are both safe and high quality. They make some of the best non-toxic baking sheets and other bakeware that are crafted with surgical grade stainless steel with an aluminum core for optimal heat conduction.
By bonding these layers together, 360 Bakeware makes sure your food never comes into contact with potentially harmful elements like soft metals or non-stick coatings.
A notable advantage of 360 Bakeware’s stainless steel cookware pans is their ability to prevent sticking without adding a coating to their bakeware. This is achieved through a dry sanding process applied to all of their products, resulting in a non-porous surface without chemical coatings. Their bakeware is free from PFAS, PFOS, PFOA, and PTFE.
4. Baker’s Secret
Baker’s Secret is another brand that makes non-toxic cookie sheets and bakeware in the USA. Their bakeware products are made with steel and feature a non-stick silicone coating that is free of PTFE, PFOA, and BPA, so you can whip up cakes and casseroles with confidence.
With even heat distribution and a non-stick surface, Baker’s Secret bakeware is another great choice for home bakers.
5. Sur La Table Platinum Pro Bakeware
Sur La Table’s Platinum Professional Bakeware line is made in the USA and is crafted with heavy-duty aluminized steel for even heat distribution.
Their non-stick coating is free of PTFE and PFOA, making it a safe option for baking. This line includes a range of non-toxic baking sheets, cake pans, muffin tins, and more. Their half sheet is especially good for baking cookies and pizzas.
Sur La Table also makes a Ceramic Bakeware line produced in Portugal that features a non-toxic ceramic glaze that’s free of lead and cadmium. This bakeware is oven safe up to 500°F and can be used in the microwave and dishwasher.
6. Lodge Cast Iron Bakeware
Lodge is known for its high quality cast iron bakeware, including cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, baking pans, and non-toxic baking sheets. Cast iron from Lodge is pre-seasoned and does not require any non-stick coatings, making it a safe choice for baking.
7. Pyrex Glass Bakeware
Pyrex is a well-known brand that has been producing glass bakeware in the USA for over 100 years. I feel like I’ve had a Pyrex in my cabinets since my first apartment, it’s such a staple of the American kitchen.
Their glass bakeware is non-toxic and free of lead and cadmium. Pyrex glass is also oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe. I personally love it for making banana breads and lasagnas (in different sized dishes, of course).
8. Emile Henry
Emile Henry specializes in gorgeous ceramic bakeware made from high-quality clay and natural glazes. Their products are free from lead, cadmium, and other toxins.
They offer a variety of baking dishes, pie plates, and pizza stones. I want all of their beautiful bakeware!
9. Xtrema
Xtrema specializes in high quality ceramic bakeware made from pure ceramic with no coatings. Their products are free from heavy metals, lead, cadmium, and toxic materials like PFOA and PTFE.
Xtrema bakeware is known for its versatility, heat resistance, and non-reactive properties. Best of all, they won’t leach any toxins into your food.
Choose Non-Toxic Baking Sheets and Bakeware for Delicious, Healthier Baking
So there you have it, bakers! Our favorite non-toxic bakeware brands will let you bake without having to worry about toxins leaching into your chocolate chip cookies, fruit crumbles, or dinner rolls.
If you’re also on the look-out for non-toxic cookware for your stovetop, check out our guide to the best non-toxic pots and pans!
