The 7 Essential Non-Toxic Kitchen Swaps: The Ultimate Guide

Since adopting a more sustainable lifestyle, one place we’ve really focused on cutting out unnecessary waste and toxic chemicals is a place we spend a TON of time—the kitchen.

Many basic kitchen products contain chemicals like BPA, phthalates, PFAS, and other compounds that can leach into our food and potentially affect our health over time.

In this guide, we’re showing you the best non-toxic alternatives for every aspect of your kitchen—from cookware and food storage to cleaning products and appliances.

We’ve researched the safest materials, vetted sustainable brands, and found practical options that perform just as well as (or better than) their conventional counterparts.

Here we go!

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Why Make Non-Toxic Kitchen Swaps?

When we cook with non-stick pans that contain PFAS, store leftovers in plastic containers with BPA, or clean with products full of harsh chemicals, we’re potentially exposing ourselves to substances linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and other issues we don’t want.

This is especially true for those of us with little ones!

Beyond the health concerns, making these swaps also does a great deal of good for the environment.

These products last longer, create less waste, and have a smaller carbon footprint overall.

For example, replacing single-use plastic bags with silicone alternatives prevents hundreds of plastic bags from entering landfills each year (and saves a bunch of money over time).

Taking a Gradual Approach

First things first, take it easy on yourself. Making all these changes at once can feel overwhelming both logistically and financially.

Remember that this is a journey, not a race.

Simply replace items as they wear out, starting with the products you use most frequently or those in direct contact with your food.

As you replace these items, also consider how your new tools can help you reduce food waste and save money in the long run.

Even implementing just one or two swaps can make a big difference in reducing your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

Over time, you’ll create a much healthier kitchen environment that is also easier on your pocket book!

But I digress, let’s get into it!

1. Cookware & Bakeware

First place to start will be your cookware as this can hide some of the nastiest chemicals in your kitchen, known as PFAS.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are manufactured chemicals linked to hormone disruption, immune system damage, and various cancers. These “forever chemicals” are not only a threat to health but also remain in the environment for generations.

Today’s non-stick pans typically come in two varieties: PTFE-based (Teflon) or ceramic-coated.

While Teflon has the best non-stick performance, it has historically contained PFAS, and efforts to replace this has come with chemicals found to also be toxic.

Ceramic coatings are a true non toxic PFAS-free alternative but generally lose their non-stick properties more quickly.

This is why cast iron is king. It creates a natural non-stick surface when seasoned, adds beneficial iron to food, and lasts for generations.

Unlike chemical coatings, cast iron’s cooking surface actually improves with use through oil polymerization. Just be sure to coat with your favorite oil after every wash.

The other types of non toxic cookware include:

• Ceramic-coated
• Carbon steel
• Stainless steel

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Non-Stick Pan Alternatives

Other Great Options:

• Caraway Ceramic-Coated 10.5″ Fry Pan
• Amazon Carbon Steel Pan
• Amazon Stainless Steel Pan

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Bakeware Alternatives

When it comes to bakeware, non-stick coatings are still an issue.

Muffin tins, baking sheets, and cake pans often contain PTFE coatings (or their toxic substitutes) that can release harmful compounds when heated.

Fortunately, there are much safer alternatives such as:

• Glass (like Pyrex)
• Ceramic and stoneware
• Cast iron
• Carbon Steel
• Stainless steel
• Silicone (high-quality, food-grade)
• Parchment paper (unbleached)

Other Options:

• Healthier Homes Bakeware Line
• Amazon Carbon Steel Cookie Sheet Bakeware Set
• Amazon Ceramic Baking Dish Set
• Amazon Silicone Muffin Pan

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2. Kitchenware & Disposables

After cookware, the next step is the tools you use to prepare, serve, and store your food.

Plastic kitchenware items can release microplastics and chemicals like BPA, BPS, and phthalates—especially when they come in contact with hot foods or liquids.

These chemicals have been linked to hormone disruption and other health issues

Also, plastic utensils wear down over time, especially when exposed to high heat, acidic foods, or harsh cleaning.

This also means you’ll be replacing these items more frequently, creating additional waste.

We’ll also touch on trash bags and paper towels in this section, which I think we all can guess how much waste this creates.

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Cooking Utensils

Why make the swap: Plastic cooking utensils can melt or warp when exposed to high heat, releasingnmicroplastics and chemicals into your food.

Better alternatives:

• Bamboo – Naturally antimicrobial, heat-resistant, won’t scratch your cookware
• Wood – Durable, naturally food-safe, and long lasting
• Silicone – Heat-resistant up to 600°F, flexible for multiple uses, non-reactive
• Stainless Steel – Virtually indestructible, dishwasher-safe, perfect for high-heat cooking

Other alternatives:

• Healthier Homes Line of Dinnerware
• Great Jones Silicone Utensil Set
• Amazon Stainless Steel Cooking Utensil Set
• Amazon Wood Cooking Utensil Set

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Cutting Boards

Why make the swap: Plastic cutting boards harbor bacteria in knife cuts and can release microplastics into food.

Better alternatives:

• Bamboo – Naturally antimicrobial, sustainable, gentle on knives
• Maple or Walnut – Self-healing properties, won’t dull knives, extremely durable
• Composite Materials – Dishwasher safe options made from natural fibers

Other great options:

• Healthier Homes Line of Cutting Boards
• John Boos Cutting Boards

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Mixing Bowls

Why make the swap: Plastic bowls can leach chemicals, especially when used with hot ingredients, acidic foods, or in the microwave.

Better alternatives:

• Glass – Nonreactive, microwave safe, can see contents easily
• Stainless Steel – Lightweight, durable, won’t break if dropped
• Ceramic – Looks great and retains temperature well
• Bamboo– Eco friendly, durable, and stylish!

Other great options:

• Amazon Glass Mixing Bowl Set
• Amazon Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set

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Trash Management

Why make the swap: Conventional plastic trash bags never fully decompose and contribute to plastic pollution.

However, it’s important to know that many “biodegradable” or “compostable” bags come with their own issues—they often require specific industrial composting conditions to break down properly and may not decompose in landfills as advertised.

To put it simply, “biodegradable” trash bags are not a good alternative.

The best option is actually recycled plastic bags when considering the full lifecycle impact.

Better alternatives:

• Compostable Trash Bags – Can break down in proper composting conditions, but be aware they require industrial composting facilities and won’t decompose in typical landfills
• Recycled Plastic Bags – Often the more environmentally responsible choice as they give existing plastic a second life and typically have a lower carbon footprint than producing new materials
• Paper Bags – For dry waste, fully biodegradable but with higher manufacturing impacts
• Compost Bins – Reduce overall waste by composting food scraps, decreasing the amount of trash generated

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Paper Towel Alternatives

Why make the swap: Paper towels create significant waste and often contain bleach and other chemicals.

We realized simply buying a large set of cotton cloths, using those, and then washing them really wasn’t as big of a hassle as we thought.

It’s a great replacement for paper towels!

Better alternatives:

• “Unpaper” Towels – Reusable cloth alternatives that work just like paper. We learned that using and washing a stack of cotton cloths is simpler than we thought—and they’re a great substitute for paper towels!
• Swedish Dishcloths – Super-absorbent, biodegradable cloths that replace dozens of paper towels
• Bamboo Towels – Washable, reusable sheets that last for months

Other great options:

• Amazon Swedish Dishcloths
• Amazon Sack Towels

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3. Food Storage

Most basic food storage contains chemicals that can leach into your food, especially when heated or in contact with acidic ingredients.

Plastic containers can have, phthalates, and other endocrine disruptors linked to hormonal issues and other health concerns. Also, heating plastic accelerates the release of microplastics

Beyond the health risks, plastic storage doesnt last that long and eventually contributes to non-biodegradable waste.

Here are safer alternatives that are much better for your family and the planet:

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Glass Containers

Why make the swap: Glass is our go-to in the kitchen. It’s non-reactive, doesn’t leach chemicals, and handles both hot and cold temperatures without degrading. It’s perfect for meal prep, leftovers, and pantry storage.

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Stainless Steel Containers 

Why make the swap: Stainless steel doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals, is virtually indestructible and won’t break like glass or degrade like plastic. The small ones are the best for packing dressings and sauces for lunch!

Other Great Options:

• Amazon Stainless Steel Cups

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Beeswax Wraps

Why make the swap: Plastic wraps and aluminum foil create constant waste and can transfer chemicals to food.

Other great options:

• Amazon Beeswax Wraps

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Mason Jars

Why make the swap: Versatile, airtight glass jars that create a great seal to keep food fresh.

🏆 Our Top Pick: Amazon Mason Jar Set

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Silicone Reusable Bags

Why make the swap: Eliminate single-use plastic bags and save money

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Repurposed Glass Jars

Why make the swap: Free storage containers that give packaging a second life.

Best practices:

• Save jars from pasta sauce, jam, pickles, and other food products
• Remove labels with a mixture of baking soda and oil

This option has give us plenty of free jars for many various uses!

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4. Cleaning Products

Conventional cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that can are irritate respiratory systems, harm skin, and contribute to indoor air pollution.

Even worse, manufacturers aren’t required to list all ingredients on their labels, making it hard to know exactly what you’re bringing into your home.

Kitchen cleaning essentials worth swapping:

• Basic yellow plastic dish sponges → coconut fiber scrubbers or Swedish dishcloths
• Conventional dish soap → concentrated tablets or dish soap bars
• Chemical-heavy dishwasher detergent → tablet or powder options without phosphates
• Single-use plastic bottles → Refillable glass spray bottles with concentrated cleaners

Other great options:

• Force of Nature – Uses electrolyzed water technology to transform salt, water, and vinegar into a powerful multi-purpose cleaner and disinfectant
• Zero Waste Store – Carries a wide variety of non toxic cleaning products
• Branch Basics – Offers a line of human-safe, plant- and mineral-based cleaning products built around a single concentrated formula that replaces multiple cleaners with refillable bottles.

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5. Water Filtration

Depending on where you live, tap water can contain contaminants that you’d rather not drink—from heavy metals like lead and mercury to agricultural runoff, pharmaceuticals, and chlorine byproducts.

While municipal water treatment removes many harmful substances, water can pickup contaminants like lead after they leave these treatment centers.

Investing in a quality water filter is will not only ensure your water is safe, but will save you on all those plastic water bottles!

Water Filter Options:

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*Whatever brand you choose, look for NSF certifications (especially Standards 53 and 58) to make sure you’re getting what you pay for.

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6. Appliances

Many kitchen appliances contain plastic parts or toxic non stick parts that come into direct contact with your food, especially when heated.

These plastics release microplastics into your food over time.

Fortunately, you can find safer alternatives that use more inert materials like glass, stainless steel, and ceramic.

Look for options with minimal plastic food contact, especially for components that heat up or touch hot foods. Here are some of the best swaps to consider:

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Blenders

The issue: Most blenders use plastic containers that can leach chemicals when blending hot ingredients or after years of tiny scratches from blending.

Better alternatives: Look for blenders with glass containers or stainless steel bases and blades.

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Coffee Makers

The issue: Most coffee makers contain plastic components that come in contact with hot water, leaching microplastics and potential chemicals into your morning brew.

Plastic water reservoirs, brew baskets, and even internal tubing can all do the same.

Better alternatives: Look for coffee makers with glass, stainless steel, or ceramic components that touch water and coffee. Pour overs are the way to go

Other Great Options:

• Chemex Pour Over Glass Coffee Maker

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Air Fryers & Toaster Ovens

The issue: Many air fryers use PFAS coated baskets and plastic components that can degrade with heat.

Better alternatives: Look for stainless steel interiors and minimal plastic parts.

Other Great Options:

• Cuisine Art Stainless Steel Air Fryer

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Pressure Cooker

The issue: Some electric pressure cookers use non-stick coated inner pots.

Better alternatives: Models with stainless steel inner pots and minimal plastic.

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Electric Kettles & Teapot

The issue: Plastic kettles or those with plastic components contacting water.

Better alternatives: Glass or stainless steel models with minimal plastic contact.

Other Great Options:

• GreenLife Qwik & EZ Glass Kettle

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Wrapping It All Up

Remember, a healthier kitchen won’t happen all at once!

Even using a few of these swaps can help reduce waste and unnecessary chemicals in your kitchen. Start with items that come into direct contact with food and expand as your budget allows.

Thanks for reading!