If you’ve paid any attention to marketing in the health and food industries in the last few weeks — you may have noticed a major push for protein. As many start the year off with new health habits and goals, experts say what you cook on and with in your home is just as important as what you put in your body.
Kitchenware, even beyond just pots and pans, directly touches heat and the food we put into our bodies, which means invisible toxins could be wreaking havoc on our health. In 2026, many are ditching old, toxic cookware for newer, PFAS-free cookware they can feel good about. I chatted with Jordan Nathan, Founder and CEO of Caraway, to dive into why non-toxic kitchenware matters so much and what shoppers should know when replacing their old cookware. Here’s what he shared.
Overlooked toxins in the kitchen
“When people think about toxins in the kitchen, they usually focus on pots and pans, but that is only part of the picture, says Nathan. “Cooking utensils, food storage containers, cutting boards, and even cleaning routines can all play a role. Heating food in plastic, using worn-down non-stick surfaces, or relying on strong chemical sprays can introduce unwanted substances into meals without people realizing it. Even the water used for cooking and cleaning, along with the soaps used for handwashing and wiping down counters, can be overlooked sources that quietly impact what ends up on our plates,” he shares.
Over the last few years, things have changed dramatically in the realm of “non-toxic” cookware. According to Nathan, a few years ago, the term “non-toxic” mainly meant PFAS-free. Now, consumers are asking deeper questions. “They want to understand what materials are used, how products are made, and what is intentionally left out. This shift is also reflected at the policy level, with states beginning to take action—Minnesota became the first state to ban PFAS in cookware in January 2025, with Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont expected to follow by 2028.” he shares. “Going forward, shoppers should expect clearer material disclosures, increased third-party testing, and cookware designed with both human and environmental health in mind.”
Why it matters
For many people, a non-toxic kitchen provides peace of mind. Since I’ve slowly started tossing old kitchenware and replacing items with non-toxic ones, I find I’m even more excited about preparing meals at home. “Knowing kitchen tools are safe allows people to focus on cooking and gathering rather than worrying about hidden risks. That sense of confidence supports mental and emotional well being as well,” says Nathan.
Replacing old cookware & bakeware
When it comes time to replace your old cookware and bakeware, Nathan encourages shoppers to start by looking for kitchenware without “forever chemicals”. “PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a top concern, along with lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals that can still appear in older or poorly regulated cookware. In fact, CDC testing has found PFAS in the blood of 97 percent of Americans surveyed, underscoring how widespread exposure has become. Over time, especially with repeated heating, these materials can break down and make their way into food,” he shares.
Coatings on your kitchenware are especially important, as they sit directly between food and the pan and are exposed to high temperatures on a regular basis. Not all coatings are created equal. “Ceramic coatings offer a clean non-stick surface, while many traditional non-stick coatings are made with materials like PTFE, a type of forever chemical. These chemicals can release into food or the air when overheated past certain temperatures, or when scratched from repeated misuse. Durability, heat tolerance, and clear information about materials are all important factors when evaluating cookware safety,” Nathan says.
As you shop for new kitchenware, Nathan urges consumers to look beyond marketing language. Some tips to consider:
- Seek out brand that take safety seriously clearly explain what materials they use and what they avoid.
- Look for third party testing, certifications, and educational resources (which are all strong indicators of genuine transparency)
Sustainability and future
“Non toxic cookware is closely tied to sustainability because it is often designed to last longer and avoids harmful chemicals that can impact ecosystems during both production and disposal. In fact, an estimated 80 percent of PFOA in the environment is linked to PTFE coated products and their manufacturing processes. Choosing cleaner materials not only supports household health, but also helps reduce long term environmental harm.
Deciding to make the switch to healthier cookware can be overwhelming at first, but Nathan recommends starting with the kitchen items you use most often. “Replacing frequently used pans with thoughtfully designed non toxic options can meaningfully reduce daily exposure and is a simple first step toward a healthier, more intentional kitchen,” he shares.
