Seven Non-Toxic Kitchen Items We Don’t Live Without, and Neither Should You

Deep in our hearts, we know that mindful living starts in the kitchen, and yet, at times it’s easy to forget that the kitchen tools we use daily can contain harmful chemicals. Still, with a little research, you can make sure your kitchen is non-toxic and safe for your family. Here are seven non-toxic kitchen items we don’t live without, and neither should you.

First up on our list is stainless-steel cookware. Not only does steel look impressive in any kitchen, but it also happens to be one of the safest materials for cooking food. Stainless steel is non-reactive with acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus, so you don’t have to worry about those metals leaching into your food. Plus, stainless steel is incredibly durable and will last you a long time.

The next item on our non-toxic must-have list is glass for food storage. Unlike plastic containers that can leach toxins into your food or plastic wrap that’s not recyclable, glass containers are non-porous, which means they won’t absorb odors or flavors from the foods stored in them. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, as they come in all shapes and sizes – perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.

We like to use non-toxic ceramic knives when preparing our meals. Ceramic knives stay sharper longer than regular metal knives, meaning fewer sharpening sessions or trips to the store for replacements. The non-toxic ceramic blades are also less likely to transfer bacteria from one ingredient to another – an essential factor when switching between cutting meats and produce.

Fourth on our list is non-toxic silicone bakeware, such as baking mats or cake pans – both essential items for baking enthusiasts. Silicone baking mats provide an even surface, which ensures even heat distribution when baking cakes or cookies; plus there’s no sticking because nothing sticks to silicone. Additionally, silicone bakeware doesn’t require greasing like metal pans do, saving you a step and helping reduce waste while it’s at it.

We recommend non-toxic bamboo utensils as a superior alternative to plastic ones, which release harmful chemicals both when in use and when in a landfill. Bamboo utensils are strong yet lightweight and they come in all sorts of fun shapes and colors. Not only are they better for the environment, since bamboo grows quickly and doesn’t require fertilizers – bamboo utensils will also last much longer than their plastic counterparts.

Sixth on our list of non-toxic kitchen essentials is cast-iron cookware – a tried-and-true kitchen workhorse if you need something that goes beyond simple sautéing of vegetables or proteins. Cast iron has been around since ancient times because of its superior heat-retention properties. It cooks whatever is in it evenly without requiring much effort from you, while still delivering delicious results every time. What’s more? Cast-iron cookware requires minimal care, as it develops a natural nonstick coating over time, making cleaning up a cinch.

Last but not least are wooden cutting boards – another oldie but goodie when it comes to non-toxic kitchen materials. Unlike plastic cutting boards that can be difficult to clean and breed bacteria easily, wooden boards have natural anti-bacterial properties due to their grain structure, which makes them the healthier choice overall. Wooden boards can be very visually pleasing, and are therefore an outstanding choice for display purposes, too.

With these suggestions tucked helpfully into your apron pocket, we are very confident that your meal-prep game will be taken up a notch while creating a healthier home environment. Now go forth and conquer those tasty recipes coming your way from your favorite recipe newsletter!