Non-Toxic Kitchen Swaps
All of my favorite non-toxic cookware, bakeware and storage swaps! ✨
Several years ago, after being diagnosed with multiple chronic illnesses, I began to swap out everything in my life to non-toxic and cleaner options. I realized that so many of the kitchen items I was using were made of plastic, teflon, aluminum and other toxic materials. These chemicals have been linked to various health problems, including hormone disruption, developmental issues and even cancer!
The good news is, there are tons of great options out there. I recommend making one swap at a time in order to reduce overwhelm. There are also a variety of price ranges and products that are less toxic than others, so I’ll break down everything I have learned below! I am going to share my honest thoughts and the pros and cons of everything I have tried.
Personally, if I were starting from scratch, I would swap whatever you are using the most frequently first. I would also focus on making the most cost effective swaps that can make the biggest impact. For example, swap from plastic to glass storage containers, purchase 1 non-toxic pan if you cook a lot, make sure you have glass bakeware and worry about the rest later. That is where I started!
NON-TOXIC KITCHEN STARTER PACK: COOKWARE
-Staub Cast Iron Dutch Oven: I have always wanted one of these cocottes to make cozy chilis, stew and soup! Last year, I finally got one. This is definitely an expensive staple piece and a swap to make further down the line, but it is so gorgeous! I went with Staub because it is cast iron inside and a less toxic option!
-360 Cookware Stainless Steel Pot: In my opinion, there is no reason to be using anything but the stainless steel pots to make sauces, pastas, etc. (I do sometimes use the pretty Caraway ones for my videos). Stainless steel is the least toxic option and when you are making pasta or sauce, they are super easy to cook with! LESSWITHLAUR gets you 25% off!
-Xtrema Pans: Xtrema pans are made from 100% ceramic and they are also a very non-toxic option. I will say that Xtrema pans are stainless steel have a slight learning curve when it comes to cooking on them. I think each person needs to weigh if being strictly non-toxic is most important or convenience is most important. I personally have a bunch of different pans and I rotate them depending on what I am cooking. They are currently having a sale and LOVE20 gets you a discount. At all other times, LESSWITHLAUR gets you a discount!
-Our Place Always Pan: The Our Place pans are SO cute! They look great on top of your stove. They are also easy to cook on and easy to clean. They have a ceramic coating though, so when that scratches it is no longer safe to cook on them and I personally would toss them after that. I personally try to be really careful not to scratch them and wash them gently! I have had mine for about a year now.
-360 Stainless Steel Frying Pan: Stainless steel pans definitely have a learning curve when it comes to learning to cook on them, but once you get the hang of it they’re great. Personally, I think stainless steel pans are the best option because they also last the longest. They definitely can be more difficult to clean than other pans though. LESSWITHLAUR gets you a discount!
-Caraway Stainless Steel Pans: This option is stainless steel and also pretty in my opinion! They are also having a sale for President’s Day weekend!
-Lodge Cast Iron Pan: Cast iron is also a great and super non-toxic option! Things to be mindful of with this pan are your iron levels and that they can be more difficult to clean. This option is definitely the most cost effective though!
-360 Stainless Steel Baking Sheet: Many baking sheets are made of aluminum. I would opt for ones that are stainless steel instead. These are great! I purchased one this year and I have been loving it. LESSWITHLAUR gets you a discount!
-Our Place Griddle: I also love the Our Place griddle. It is great for making pancakes and roasting vegetables. It is very pretty also. Again, I would also be careful with the ceramic coating.
NON-TOXIC KITCHEN STARTER PACK: BAKEWARE
-Caraway Cake Pans: I recently tried these Caraway round pans and I love them so much! They are perfect for baking cakes and they work really well. When it comes to ceramic cookware/bakeware, I think the bakeware definitely lasts a lot longer because it is typically used less frequently.
-Glass Bakeware: I also love using glass bakeware like Pyrex whenever I can. They make several different sized pans from rectangular to square to loaf pans. Glass is always a great non-toxic option. It is also one of the most cost effective options!
-Xtrema Muffin Pan: I have been loving this Xtrema muffin pan for making muffins and cupcakes. It is definitely heavier and you have to be careful with it, but it’s a super non-toxic option! They are currently having a President's Day sale, but at all other times LESSWITHLAUR gets you a discount!
-Caraway Muffin Pan: This muffin pan is so cute! It is ceramic-coated and works well!
-GreenPan Bakeware: This is also another ceramic-coated option!
-360 Cookware Pie Pan: If you have swapped a lot of your other cookware and are looking to swap over everything, you can get to the nitty gritty of pie pans and bakeware that isn’t used as often! This is a great stainless steel and non-toxic option! LESSWITHLAUR gets you a discount!
-360 Cookware Loaf Pan: This loaf pan is stainless steel and super sturdy. It is non-toxic. A glass option is more fragile, but usually a cheaper option, so it just depends on preference! I have and love both options! LESSWITHLAUR gets you a discount.
-Caraway Loaf Pan: This pan is great for loaves and bread! It’s also super pretty.
NON-TOXIC KITCHEN STARTER PACK: FOOD STORAGE
-Mini Glass Jars: These mini glass jars are perfect for storing dressing, sauces and also for mini desserts.
-Beeswax: These beeswax food wraps are a great non-toxic alternative to plastic bags. They are also reusable.
-W+P Jars: These W+P jars are so cute! They are definitely on the pricer side but so cute and aesthetic. Use my code LAUR15 for a discount!
-Ice Cube Trays: Most ice cube trays are made of plastic. Swap to these silicone ones from W+P for a less toxic option! Use my code LAUR15 for a discount!
-Weck Jars: Glass jars are an amazing non-toxic option for storing everything from chia pudding, to salads to soup and everything in between. I love that these have a glass top as well!
-Ello Containers: These Ello containers are so cute and perfect for meal prep! One of the easiest swaps you can make is switching from plastic to glass. Cute containers also makes meal prepping more fun!
-PlanetBox Lunch Boxes: These are a great stainless steel option for lunch. Whether you have kids or you bring your lunch to work, most lunch boxes are made of plastic. This is a great option that is non-toxic and also lasts for a long time!
-Pyrex Glass Set: This is a great starter set if you are looking to make a simple and cost effective swap. The tops are plastic, which I don’t love but if you are looking for somewhere to start they are better than plastic. Small steps!!
-Zwilling Meal Prep: These containers are glass and I love the vacuum seal technology.
-Caraway Containers: These containers are so cute! They are a great option for lunch and they are also microwave and oven safe.
-Stasher Bags: These are also a great swap for plastic bags. I used them for everything from meal prep to storing fruit to storing dog treats. They come in several different sizes too!
I’m building out an entire section of my Substack for cleaner swaps, so send me an email or comment below and let me know what else you need swaps for! ☺️