When it comes to baking and cooking, unbleached parchment paper is a popular choice for its non-stick properties and ability to withstand high temperatures. However, concerns about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in traditional parchment paper have led many home cooks to seek alternatives for unbleached parchment paper. Letโs explore these alternatives together. Is parchment paper a healthy option?ย
In this article, weโll discuss the issues surrounding PFAS in parchment paper, examine silicone baking mats as a popular substitute, and highlight other non-toxic options that wonโt compromise your health.ย
Keep reading to learn more.
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This article is co-authored by Kathlyn Carneyย and Catherine Power.ย
- Published On:
- Updated On: October 6, 2024
Table of Contents
What Is Parchment Paper?
Parchment paper, also known as baking or bakery paper, is a heat-resistant, non-stick paper used in cooking and baking. Itโs made from cellulose, a vegetable fiber, and is treated with an acid and coated with silicone to enhance its non-stick properties and heat resistance. Most brands are oven-safe up to 420-425ยฐF, making it a good option for lining baking sheets, cake pans, and casserole dishes. It can also be used in the microwave and for tasks like separating food in the freezer.ย
Parchment paper is sold in rolls or pre-cut sheets and comes in different sizes and shapes, including circles for steamers and air fryers. Itโs great for keeping food from sticking to your cookware, which makes cleanup a breeze. However, itโs important to avoid using it under a broiler or at very high temperatures, as it can become brittle and darken.[1, 2, 3]ย
Bleached Versus Unbleached
The key difference between bleached and unbleached parchment paper is their treatment process and color. Bleached parchment is white because it undergoes chemical treatment using chlorine to remove its natural color, while unbleached parchment remains brown and is untreated. Some concerns exist around bleached parchment, as it may potentially leach harmful chemicals, like chlorine and dioxin when heated. Although unbleached parchment is marketed as chlorine-free, it is still coated with silicone for its non-stick properties. Many people prefer unbleached parchment due to concerns about chemical residues from the bleaching process. [4, 5]ย
Weโll dive into the best, better, and worst options shortly – keep reading to learn more.
How Is Parchment Paper Different Than Wax Paper?
The main difference between parchment paper and wax paper lies in their coatings and heat resistance. Parchment paper is coated with silicone, making it heat-resistant and a good option for baking, roasting, and cooking at high temperatures (up to 420โ425ยฐF). It’s also non-stick and microwave-safe, commonly used for lining baking sheets, wrapping food for cooking, or baking pie crusts.
Wax paper, on the other hand, is coated with paraffin wax, which is not heat-resistant and will melt or burn in the oven. It is best suited for tasks that donโt involve heat, such as wrapping foods, separating baked goods, or rolling out dough.ย
Wax paper is good for cold preparations and food storage and should never be used in the oven. Both types of paper are non-stick, but wax paper usually costs less. [6, 7, 8]ย
Is Unbleached Parchment Paper Safer & Better? Yes, But With Caveats
Unbleached parchment paper is a popular alternative to both bleached parchment paper and aluminum foil when cooking, since it reduces exposure to potentially harmful substances. When aluminum is heated, it can leach into food, especially in high-heat or acidic conditions (like if cooking with tomato).ย
This leaching has raised concerns about its neurotoxic effects, particularly in relation to brain health. To swap out aluminum foil, many people use unbleached parchment paper to line aluminum baking sheets or to avoid direct contact between food and aluminum foil.ย
However, while unbleached parchment is a safer option to aluminum foil, itโs not without its own limitations, as it is still coated with silicone, which raises some concerns for those seeking completely natural alternatives. While unbleached parchment is a better choice, itโs not a perfect solution. Why You Should Use Unbleached Parchment Paper – Pamela Salzman
Is the Silicone Coating Safe? 4 Things to Consider
1 - Potential for Endocrine Disruption
Unbleached parchment paper, though often marketed as a safer, chlorine-free alternative to bleached parchment, may still pose health concerns due to its silicone coating. Silicone, made up of siloxane, is a synthetic polymer that can migrate into food during cooking, particularly at high temperatures. It has rubber-like properties.ย
While so many people use silicone for its โthermal stability,โ some studies suggest that at elevated temperatures it can break down and release harmful substances into food. Not ideal! The European Union classifies siloxanes as endocrine disruptors, linked to health issues such as reproductive problems, uterine tumors, and potential carcinogenic effects. [9]ย
2 - Liver Damage + PFAS
Additionally, silicone has been associated with liver damage and even unbleached parchment paper may contain PFAS (Read more here: Per/Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) โ What Are Forever Chemicals & How Do We Avoid Them?).
There are some PFA-free brands, but all parchment contains silicone. Although the risk is lower when using unbleached parchment paper at room or refrigerated temperatures, the potential for residue still exists. Because of these concerns, some of you may avoid unbleached parchment altogether. [10]ย
3 - Environmental Concerns
Unbleached parchment paper, often coated with silicone, isnโt environmentally friendly due to the nature of silicone itself. According to Tree Hugger, silicone contains silica, which comes from sand, and also includes synthetic additives from fossil fuels.ย
Because it contains synthetic and chemical additives, silicone has low recyclability. When parchment paper is disposed of it is typically converted into industrial lubricant oil rather than being reused in an eco-friendly way. [11]
4 - The Better Options
Unbleached, PFA-free parchment paper is a better choice for cooking and baking because it’s designed to withstand high temperatures (usually up to 420โ425ยฐF) without releasing harmful chemicals. However, while safer than options containing PFAs or bleach, it still has limitations, such as a temperature threshold, concerns with silicone coatings, and not being compostable.ย
When choosing unbleached parchment paper, choose certified compostable brands and brands that are FDA (Food & Drug Administration) or LFGB-certified (similar to the EUโs FDA).ย
For those looking to be even more environmentally and health-conscious, there are better alternatives, such as using non-toxic bakeware like glass or ceramic and greasing it with natural oils, like avocado oil, coconut oil, beef tallow, or ghee. This eliminates the need for parchment paper, reduces waste, and avoids any exposure to synthetic materials or coatings.
Alternatives To Parchment Paper: Best, Better, Worst
We know navigating alternatives to parchment paper can be a bit overwhelming (especially since so many people think itโs 100% non-toxic!), so weโre here to break it down into Best, Better, and Worst without any judgment. Letโs start with the worst option first to help you make the best choice for your baking needsโฆ
Worst: Aluminum Foil, Non-Stick Pans, and/or Bleached Parchment Paper
1 - Aluminum Foil
- Cooking with aluminum foil may not be the best choice due to concerns about aluminum leaching into food, especially when heated at high temperatures or combined with acidic ingredients. Studies show that certain factors, like cooking temperature, acidic ingredients (such as tomatoes or lemon juice), and the type of food (e.g., red meats), can significantly increase aluminum contamination in the food, sometimes by up to 380%.
- Long-term exposure to high levels of aluminum has been linked to health concerns, including potential effects on the central nervous system, memory impairment, and even a possible connection to Alzheimer’s disease. There are also concerns about aluminum affecting bone health by interfering with calcium absorption, which may contribute to conditions like osteoporosis. [12, 13, 14]ย
- Although some research connects aluminum exposure to health risks, such as memory loss and central nervous system disorders, the evidence is mixed, and not all studies definitively prove these risks. Still, health organizations, like the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend limiting daily aluminum intake.ย
- If you choose to use aluminum foil, it’s important to avoid using it with highly acidic foods and keep the cooking temperature as low as possible to minimize aluminum leaching.
2 - Non-Stick Pans
- Nonstick pans are primarily coated with a chemical called PTFE (commonly known as Teflon), which provides their non-stick properties. Previously, Teflon was made using a chemical called PFOA, which was linked to health risks and was phased out by 2015. Today, while nonstick cookware no longer contains PFOA, it still contains other PFAS chemicals, raising questions about their safety.ย
- Cooking at temperatures above 500ยฐF can cause the nonstick coating to break down, releasing toxic particles (ie. microplastics) and gasses that may pose health risks, including potential links to cancer. The Environmental Science and Pollution Research International review stated these chemicals could be toxic to people and more research needs to be done to determine long-term effects. And according to research in โthe Science of the Total Environment, โthousands to millions of microplastics may be released during cooking with PTFE-coated cookware.โ [15, 16, 17]ย
- If you want to use nonstick cookware, itโs important to avoid cooking at high temperatures, not leave pans unattended on hot burners, and avoid using metal utensils or abrasive cleaners that can damage the coating. Additionally, damaged or flaking nonstick surfaces may release microplastics and should be thrown out.ย
- Nonstick pans produced before 2015 may still contain PFOA, a chemical associated with cancer and other health problems. For modern pans, following manufacturer guidelines and maintaining them carefully can help reduce potential risks.
- Here are some tips when using nonstick cookware: [18]ย
- “Donโt let the pan temperatures get hotter than 450 F.
- Donโt use metal utensils on nonstick cookware.
- Wash nonstick cookware by hand using nonabrasive cleaners and gentle sponges (do not use steel wool).
- Donโt stack nonstick cookware on top of each other.
- Keep pet birds out of the kitchen as they are particularly sensitive to the chemicals released by nonstick cookware.โ
3 - Bleached Parchment Paper
- As we mentioned before, bleached parchment paper is made white through a chemical process that uses chlorine. The main concern with bleached parchment is that, when heated, it can release harmful chemicals like chlorine and dioxins.ย
- Dioxins are persistent environmental pollutants known to be highly toxic and occur when paper is bleached. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), they can cause serious health issues, including reproductive and developmental problems, damage to the immune system, hormone interference, and cancer. [19]
- The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shared that potential effects from exposure to chlorine include respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematological and neurological issues. While many of these effects come from high exposures of chlorine as a liquid, it is unclear what daily exposure to this chemical through cooking could cause in the body. [20]ย
- Given these risks, unbleached parchment paper is a much better alternative, as it doesnโt go through the chlorine bleaching process, reducing the chance of exposure to harmful toxins.
Better: Unbleached Parchment Paper or Food grade Silicone Baking Mats
1 - Unbleached Parchment Paper
- Like we explained earlier in the article, unbleached parchment paper is definitely a better option than using bleached parchment paper, aluminum foil, or nonstick pans. However, there are a few concerns regarding the silicone coating including PFAs, endocrine disruption, and environmental concerns. If you are going to use unbleached parchment paper for cooking, here are the three brands that did not have PFAs according to Mamavation [21]ย
- If You Care Parchment Baking Paperย
- Here are If You Careโs certifications: If You Care Certifications
- GIFBERA Unbleached Parchment Baking Paperย
- Katbite Parchment Baking Paper
2 - Food-grade Silicone Baking Mats
- Food-grade silicone baking mats are made from a higher quality silicone that has been certified by the FDA and is free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates. According to Chemical Safety Facts, they are made from a synthetic polymer called polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).ย
- It is best to only use these for cold or warm recipes (not hot).
- These mats are designed to provide a durable surface for baking, roasting, cooling, freezing, and other cooking tasks. They are typically used as an alternative to disposable options like parchment paper or aluminum foil, offering a more eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.
- The same concerns about the silicone in unbleached parchment paper could be shared with food-grade silicone baking mats. They should not be used in an oven over 425 degrees to prevent the release of harmful chemicals.ย
Best: High-Quality High-Heat Cooking Oils/Fats + Non-Toxic Bakeware
The best way to cook is using nontoxic bakeware and high-quality oils at the correct smoke point. While it may take a bit longer to clean a pan, you will mitigate the chance of toxins leaching into your food.
1 - Best Cookware
Itโs best to diversify the types of cookware you use, as to not overwhelm your body with any specific leached metals. Opt & alternate between the following:
- High-quality stainless steel
- Borosilicate glass โ best for acidic foods (like tomato sauce)
- Cast iron
- Carbon Steel
ย
You can learn more about the best cookware brands here: Ceramic vs Stainless Steel Cookware โ Non-Toxic Guideย
2 - Best Oils for Cooking
Check out some of our favorite oils and bakeware below that you can start using in your kitchen today!ย
There are plenty of healthier cooking oils available, such as:
- Extra virgin, cold-pressed avocado oil โ up to 500ยฐF (best oil for high-heat cooking)
- Extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil โ up to 350ยฐF (use in cold dishes or very low heat only)
- Virgin (unrefined), cold-pressed coconut oil (in moderation, higher in saturated fats) โ up to 350ยฐF
- Grass-fed, pasture-raised butter โ up to 350ยฐF
- Sesame oil (in moderation) โ up to 410ยฐF
- Organic almond oil โ up to 495ยฐF
- Flaxseed oil (flax oil) โ up to 225ยฐF (use in cold dishes)
- Hempseed oil โ up to 165ยฐF (use in cold dishes)
- Walnut oil โ up to 320ยฐF (use in cold dishes)
- Grass-fed tallow and lard
- Grass-fed ghee (clarified butter, in moderation) โ up to 500ยฐF (best for high-heat cooking)
- A note on ghee: the quality of ghee really matters, especially since so any toxins are lipophilic and can bioaccumulate in animal fatty tissues. Use only in moderation.
You can learn more about the best cooking oils here: Seed Oils & Inflammatory Oils To Avoid While Cooking
Want More Healthy Baking Tips & Tools?
Check out our many articles so you can have a non-toxic kitchen!
- Ceramic vs Stainless Steel Cookware โ Non-Toxic Guide
- Seed Oils & Inflammatory Oils To Avoid While Cookingย
- The Ultimate Guide To The Best Non-Toxic Dinnerware
- The Ultimate Guide To Non-Toxic Toasters & Toaster Ovens
- Safest Non-Toxic Air Fryers Free Of Teflonย
- Is There Mold In Your Coffee Maker? The Best Non-Toxic Coffee Maker (BPA-Free)
- The Best Non-Toxic Tea Kettle That You Need In Your Kitchen ASAPย
Need some extra support on your home detox journey? Book a consult, download the Beginnerโs Guide, and take our course.
Do you cook with unbleached parchment paper?
Let me know your thoughts and key takeaways in the comments below!
xoxo,
Want to read more? Check out our other articlesย here!ย
Other references on unbleached parchment paper from:ย Mamavation, Chemical Safety Facts, The Healthy Home Economist, The Spruce Eats, Foodess, Baking Bites, Pamela Salzman, Martha Stewart, Jing Sourcing, Healthy and Natural World, Science Alert, NIH, FAO, EFSA, Americas Test Kitchen, NCI, Healing Gourmet, EWG, Recipe Maker, EPA
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Frequently Asked Questions โ Unbleached Parchment Paper Alternatives
Click on the below FAQs to learn more about: parchment baking paper, totally chlorine free, baking paper, baking parchment substitute, and home baking sheets.
The best alternative to parchment paper is using a high-quality high-heat oil, like avocado oil, on non-toxic cookware.
Yes, unbleached parchment paper can be a โbetterโ option when compared to bleached parchment paper or aluminum foil, but there are better options available.ย
Yes, you can usually used aluminum foil instead of parchment paper when cooking/baking, but it may stick to your food and itโs not as healthy of an option.
Parchment paper is typically made from cellulose fibers, often coated with silicone for non-stick properties. While there are conflicting studies on the safety of silicone, it has been linked to endocrine disruption and other harmful health effects when ingested.ย
