So, you’ve got your Paleo diet tuned in, you exercise Primally and sleep soundly; but what do you cook with?
Non stick Teflon frying pans are everywhere. If you don’t cook with them, you’re definitely in the enlightened minority. It’s easy to see why this cookware is so popular. It’s so cheap to buy, depending on where you buy your cookware, it may even be the only option. Non stick cookware is also very easy to cook on – with no thought about temperatures; you’re likely to get it right. It’s also very easy to clean.
So, what’s wrong with non-stick cookware?
The coating of many brands of non-stick cookware contains Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) which has been shown to have carcinogenic properties. Over time & usage the coating from these non-stick pans is often damaged, at which stage it should not be used, to avoid consumption of toxins. Once in the bloodstream there is no biological mechanism for removal of PFOA’s.
What should I cook with instead?!
There are several good alternatives to non-stick. Cast iron, copper, stainless steel or enamelled cookware are the most popular Paleo options. They are more expensive, but a good cast iron pan will last a lifetime. You can also look for second hand pots and pans, which are likely to be very cost effective; even a rusty old iron pan can be cleaned, seasoned and given a new lease of life!
Cooking on iron
When you first get your iron pan you’ll need to season it. This can be done by coating the pan in a fat, such as lard before putting it in a low temperature oven for a few minutes, allowing the iron to take up the oil. It should then be cooled and excess oil rinsed out. Soap should never be used on cast iron cookware.
Cooking on cast-iron is different to non-stick cooking, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you should be able to cook without food sticking to the pan. It’s important to heat the pan before adding food (even the fat you’re cooking with) to avoid it sticking. Food should generally be room temperature, not cold when adding to the pan, by leaving it out of the refrigerator for a few minutes before cooking. The temperature shouldn’t be too high, or to low. The final tip is to make sure you don’t shy away from using lots of fat, making this method of cooking very Paleo!
Other Kitchen Tools and Materials to Watch Out For
While non-stick pans are a major concern for those following a natural, health-conscious lifestyle like Paleo, they aren’t the only kitchen culprit. Many other common tools and surfaces in your kitchen could be exposing you to chemicals, toxins or contaminants without you even realising.
Plastic Utensils and Containers
Just as Teflon poses health risks, so do many types of plastic used in the kitchen. Cheap spatulas, mixing bowls, and storage containers often contain BPA (Bisphenol A), phthalates, or other endocrine-disrupting compounds. These substances can leach into your food, particularly when heated. Even so-called “microwave-safe” plastics are not necessarily safe under high temperatures.
Opt instead for wooden utensils, stainless steel mixing bowls, and glass containers for storage and reheating. These materials are inert, do not leach harmful substances, and are better for the environment too.
Aluminium Cookware
Uncoated aluminium pots and pans are lightweight and inexpensive, but aluminium is a reactive metal. Cooking acidic foods (like tomato-based sauces) in aluminium can cause the metal to leach into your meals. While the link between aluminium exposure and health conditions like Alzheimer’s remains under debate, most Paleo followers prefer to avoid unnecessary exposure altogether.
If you like the feel of aluminium cookware, make sure it’s anodised, which provides a non-reactive coating, or opt for safer alternatives like enamelled cast iron or stainless steel.
How to Build a Safe Paleo Kitchen
When living a Paleo lifestyle, the food you prepare is only part of the equation. The way you prepare it matters too. Here are a few simple swaps you can make to align your kitchen with your health goals:
1. Replace Non-Stick with Cast Iron or Stainless Steel
As covered earlier, cast iron and stainless steel are far superior to non-stick options. They’re free from harmful coatings, extremely durable, and can be used on a variety of heat sources. Once properly seasoned, cast iron becomes naturally non-stick.
2. Ditch the Microwave
Microwaves are incredibly convenient, but many Paleo followers prefer to reheat meals using the stovetop or oven instead. This not only avoids uneven heating and plastic leaching but also keeps you closer to traditional cooking methods. A little planning ahead makes this transition surprisingly easy.
3. Opt for Glass and Ceramic Bakeware
Instead of using aluminium trays or non-stick muffin tins, choose glass or ceramic bakeware for oven use. These materials don’t emit fumes, don't scratch or peel, and are often easier to clean than you’d expect.
4. Use Wooden or Bamboo Cutting Boards
Plastic cutting boards, though common, can harbour bacteria in scratches and knife grooves. Wooden and bamboo cutting boards are naturally antimicrobial, long-lasting and align better with the natural, whole-foods approach of Paleo cooking. Just be sure to wash and dry them thoroughly between uses.
Natural Cleaning Tips for Cookware
If you're investing in quality cookware, it's important to care for it properly using safe, chemical-free cleaning methods. Here’s how to keep your pans and pots in great condition:
- Cast iron: Scrub gently with hot water and coarse salt. Dry thoroughly and re-oil after use to maintain the seasoning layer.
- Stainless steel: Use baking soda and vinegar to remove tough stains and maintain shine without toxic cleaners.
- Glass and ceramic: Avoid harsh scouring pads. Soak in warm water with bicarb soda to loosen baked-on food.
Safer Cooking = Better Flavour
Many people transitioning from non-stick to more traditional cookware are surprised at how much better their food tastes. Iron and steel pans can sear meat beautifully, creating depth and richness that’s difficult to achieve with a synthetic-coated pan. These cooking surfaces distribute heat more evenly and help food brown properly — which, let’s face it, is one of the best parts of Paleo cooking.
Invest in Quality and Save Long Term
One of the myths about traditional cookware is that it’s unaffordable. But consider this: a cheap non-stick pan may last only a year or two before it warps, scratches or flakes. A well-maintained cast iron skillet, on the other hand, can be passed down through generations. Stainless steel pans are also virtually indestructible and often come with lifetime warranties.
Buying second-hand or at op-shops can be a brilliant way to get quality cookware at a fraction of the cost. Just be sure to inspect for cracks or warping, particularly with enamelled items, and always clean thoroughly before first use.
Keep It Paleo From Source to Stove
Your commitment to Paleo doesn’t stop with shopping at farmers markets and choosing grass-fed meat. The tools you use to prepare your meals should be part of the same philosophy — avoiding industrial chemicals, prioritising durability, and embracing traditional practices.
If you’re cooking Paleo meals every day, you’ll notice a big difference when you switch to quality cookware and safer kitchen materials. Your food will taste better, you’ll cook with greater confidence, and you’ll feel better knowing your meals are as clean as your ingredients.
What About Slow Cookers, Air Fryers and Pressure Cookers?
While these gadgets aren’t exactly “ancestral,” they can still have a place in a modern Paleo kitchen. Look for slow cookers and pressure cookers with stainless steel or ceramic inner pots rather than non-stick or Teflon-coated ones. Many Instant Pot models now offer stainless steel options that are both durable and safe for Paleo cooking.
Air fryers are growing in popularity, especially for creating crispy textures without the need for deep frying. Some brands now offer ceramic-coated baskets as a safer alternative to traditional non-stick coatings — just check the specs before purchasing.
Final Thoughts
Building a safe, natural kitchen isn’t about perfection — it’s about awareness. By switching out a few common tools and embracing traditional cookware, you can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful substances and align your kitchen practices with your Paleo lifestyle. Whether you're frying eggs, searing a steak or simmering bone broth, doing it with clean, toxin-free tools is one more step towards a healthier, more intentional way of living.
What do you cook with? I’d love to hear your cookware tips and hints in the comments below.
