Natural Aluminum Bakeware
Updated January, 2020: Read more about cookware and bakeware in the Ultimate Guide to Non-Toxic Cookware.
February 26, 2009, by Debra Lynn Dadd
Question from Renee
I own Nordic natural aluminum bakeware. Is it safe? I just replaced all my teflon coated bakeware and am now wondering if the aluminum is safe. If not, what is safe to use as bakeware? I've tried glass from anchor hocking and don't like the way it cooks things like brownies. Also, what is a cookie sheet alternative.
Debra's Answer
I called Nordic Ware to find out what "natural aluminum" means and they said it is just heavy duty aluminum without any finish on it.
I asked them about the dangers of aluminum exposure from aluminum cookware, and they pointed out, rightly so, that acidic foods react with the aluminum cookware to release aluminum, but ingredients in cookies, cakes, etc do not.
Personally, I use glass or stainless steel on those infrequent occasions when I bake brownies or cakes.
These are archives of Q&A asked by readers and answered by Debra Lynn Dadd (from 2005-2019) or Lisa Powers (from 2019-2020). Answers have been edited and updated as of December, 2020.