As you begin transitioning to a non-toxic, natural lifestyle you might find yourself wondering what kitchen products would make the journey easier! I’m a minimalist by nature and don’t like to have gadgets that don’t get used. So all of these non-toxic kitchen essentials get used almost daily in my kitchen!
I know the journey to non-toxic living can feel overwhelming at times, so I hope this doesn’t contribute to that overwhelm! Don’t feel like you need to go out and buy all new items. Instead, as you need to replace items – opt for the non-toxic alternative!
NON-TOXIC KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
CAST-IRON SKILLET
The first item to add to your list of non-toxic kitchen essentials is a cast-iron pan. Making the swap from non-stick, Teflon pans to cast-iron can significantly improve your health and I cannot recommend this swap more!
This is my favourite cast-iron skillet that we use multiple times every single day! Once you season your cast-iron and learn how to use it, it will be completely “non stick” without all the chemicals!
Non-stick or “Teflon” pans are made non-stick with a cocktail of chemicals that have been related to birth defects and cancer. The documentary “The Devil We Know” is eyeopening if you want to learn more!
Not to mention, cast-iron can last a lifetime if properly cared for and it makes food taste SO much better!
Along with your new cast-iron pan, you’ll definitely want a metal spatula. Plastic isn’t ideal on the incredibly hot iron surface, and silicone just doesn’t have the same scraping abilities. You’ll understand once you try it!
GLASS FOOD STORAGE
Plastic food storage have always grossed me out 😬 I always hated how the plastic containers would stain and retain food smell/taste 🤢 Now that I know about the dangers of plastic leaching into our food, ESPECIALLY if you’re microwaving them – I skip the plastic all together!
GLASS “TUPPERWARE”
I LOVE glass storage containers for food. Ours are from costco, but these are similar!
MASON JARS
Anyone aspiring to live a more non-toxic and natural life needs an abundance of mason jars in their life!
You can drink from these to increase your water intake, use them for storing leftovers (no plastic, yay!), or even learn how to ferment your own food!
There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t use at least one mason jar!
MASON JAR LIDS
I love these reusable plastic mason jar lids! Typically I avoid plastic in my non-toxic kitchen, but these lids are one of few exceptions.
If you’re wanting to store mason jars in the freezer, these are your best option! Plus the bright colours are fun and help to tell things apart!
REPLACE PLASTIC WRAP WITH BEESWAX WRAP
I’ve tried to ditch plastic as much as possible in my home! Beeswax wraps are a healthy and eco-friendly alternative.
DITCH INDUSTRIAL OILS
The process of creating oils like vegetable oils, canola oil, sunflower oil is pretty gross. Here’s a video that explains it! There’s a LOT of corruption behind the rise of these oils and the idea that these oils are “heart healthy” is very outdated!
You’re much better off using animal fats such as butter, lard, tallow or saturated fats like coconut or avocado oil.
I use coconut oil or organic butter in all my baking (coconut oil can be used as a butter substitute!). Avocado is my favourite cooking oil because it’s basically tasteless and has a high smoke point.
USE HIGH QUALITY SALT
Refined, table salt is bleached, completely void of all nutrients, and usually has anti-caking agents.
Instead I love to use unrefined, unprocessed salt like Redmond Real Salt. Redmond’s is full of essential trace minerals and tastes SO much better. Plus it’s mined in Utah!
BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE CLEAN 15 / DIRTY DOZEN
The “Clean 15” and “Dirty Dozen” are two lists that help consumers recognize which produce is sprayed with pesticides/herbicides the most often vs the least often.
The Dirty Dozen are fruits + vegetables that are most often sprayed with chemical pesticides at some point during their life cycle. These are items that you should prioritize purchasing organic.
The Clean 15 are fruits + vegetables that are not typically sprayed. If you’re on a budget, you can purchase these conventionally!
Of course, we all do the best we can when it comes to organic food. Some organic options may be out of our budget, or unavailable entirely. Don’t become stressed about this, just do the best you can!
Beginning to grow your own food is an excellent way to consume organic food! These are my favourite vegetables to grow as a beginner.
ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER
I’m an advocate for non-toxic cleaners in your entire home! But if that feels overwhelming, or you’re really attached to your stovetop cleaner, or shower spray – swapping your all-purpose cleaner is a great start.
Your counters, sink and kitchen table are high traffic areas where little fingers are touching, and food is being handled – so it’s a good place to start ditching toxins in your kitchen.
And don’t worry, it’s absolutely possible to clean EFFECTIVELY without bleach!
My favourite cleaner is Doterra’s On Guard cleaning concentrate! It’s easy to use, effective and smells great.
If you’re on a tight budget, vinegar is an effective cleaner!
I hope you found this helpful! I’d love to hear what your non-toxic kitchen essentials are!
