Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is used in cooking for many different purposes. It gets used in the oven to cover dishes so that they do not dry out, it's used to line baking sheets for non-stick purposes, and it's used on the grill for smaller and more delicate foods.
Normally, aluminum foil is a one-time use product which ends up in the landfill since most communities do not allow tin foil recycling.
There are tons of eco-friendly alternatives to aluminum foil and all of its many uses. Aluminum foil isn’t the most eco-friendly or healthiest product to use in your cooking, but it is convenient. You’d be surprised that there are many simple and easy alternatives to aluminum foil, some things you might already have in your home.
Best Overall Alternative to Aluminum Foil
Cast Iron cookware is the best overall eco-friendly alternative to aluminum foil. If you use your aluminum foil on the grill for small and delicate foods, cast iron is a great replacement. If you use foil in the oven to cover dishes, cast iron cookware with a lid is a great alternative. If you use aluminum foil to line your baking sheets when roasting, cast iron's are naturally non-stick when season so therefore foil is no longer needed.
Cast Iron is a sustainable substitute because it is a multipurpose, highly durable and long lasting product. With a cast iron, you get to reduce your waste by saving tons of aluminum foil from going to the landfill, saving less sturdy pots from needing to be replaced, and saving on not having to buy too many different kitchen gadgets to do everything that one cast iron can do.
Learn all About Cast Iron Cookware
Alternatives to Aluminum Foil for the Grill
Aluminum foil is used often on the grill, mostly for cooking vegetables. There are a ton of great alternatives to aluminum foil for grilling that are more eco-friendly and healthier for you.
A grilling basket is a great alternative to aluminum foil when it comes to grilling. You can add smaller items to these baskets like veggies. Fish and seafood are also items perfect for these types of grilling products that can replace the usual aluminum foil.
There are a ton of different kinds of baskets and options for the grill.
Cast iron cookware is great for so many reasons and one of them is that they can be used everywhere, on the stove, in the oven, and yes on the grill.
Cast irons can be used on the grill just like aluminum foil would be, to cook delicate foods like fish and seafood and smaller foods like veggies.
Keeping foods warm while grilling is also a job that cast iron can do. Placing it at the edge of the grill away from the flame will help keep foods warm without burning them.
Himalayan salt blocks are another great alternative to aluminum foil when it comes to grilling, as well as baking (more on that below).
Himalayan salt blocks are slabs of Himalayan salt that can retain high heat, making them perfect for cooking either on the stovetop, oven, or grill. These salt blocks are similar to cast irons in that they can be used for cooking in many settings, it retains heat well, and the seasoning effect makes for easy cleaning and somewhat non-stick surface.
Pretty much anything you want to cook can be done on a Himalayan salt block.
For grilling, meat does great because the nonstick element of the block gives a great sear. You can also cook things that you would normally put in aluminum foil like veggies and fish.
Crate and Barrel offers a Himalayan salt block as well as a holder, which is great for transporting and serving.
Alternatives to Aluminum Foil in the Oven
There are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives to aluminum foil in the oven, most of these options are also healthier for you as well since they do not leach into your food like aluminum foil does.
Oven Safe Dishes with Lids
Usually foil is used in the oven to cover the tops of baking dishes like casseroles and lasagna, so that moisture stays in and does not dry out your food.
The best way to get rid of aluminum foil for covering your baked casseroles and meals is to use dishes with oven safe lids. The lids keep in moisture just as aluminum foil would do. There are tons to choose from from cast iron, to ceramic, terra cotta, and more.
Terracotta Cookware
Terracotta is another amazing material for cooking. Not only is Terracotta cookware great for cooking in the oven to keep food moist, it's also great for cooking in almost any style, simmering, roasting, baking, and more.
Terracotta can also be served directly from the pot, making for less dishes, saving on cleaning time.
Check out Etsy for some amazing terracotta cook ware.
Learn more about cooking with terracotta.
Cookie Sheets
The simplest way to replace aluminum foil when trying to keep in moisture while baking is to add a cookie sheet on top of whatever you are cooking. The additional baking sheet can act as a lid to your casserole dish if you do not have one that goes with it.
Alternatives to Aluminum Foil for Lining
Aluminum foil is used a lot in lining pans when roasting, to ensure that there is no sticking. There are a many ways to replace aluminum foil with these more eco-friendly alternatives.
Cast Iron Cookware
The Cast Iron comes up again, well seasoned cast iron and stone cookware naturally help prevent sticking.
Learn more about seasoning cast irons here.
Oil it Up
Cooking directly onto your pans doesn't have to result in stuck on food.
The answer: oiling the pans generously. If you oil your pans generously, normally the food won’t stick.
If you are trying to avoid certain fats and oil, this option might not be the best for you.
Silicone Mats
Silicone mats are reusable mats that line your baking sheets.
Silicone mats are a great eco-friendly alternative to aluminum foil for lining your baking sheets because it completely eliminates the need for the foil all together and they are reusable and easy to clean.
Himalayan Salt Blocks
Like cast iron, Himalayan salt blocks can be used with multiple cooking options, from grilling, to the stove, to the oven.
Also like cast irons, there is as seasoning affect which makes them naturally non stick.
Be sure, to heat up your Himalayan salt block gradually, so that it doesn't crack in the oven.
If you are avoiding sodium in your diet, this might not be the best option for you.
If you still have aluminum foil in your home, don’t throw it out. Save it for emergencies or when you are in a pinch.
Transitioning to a more sustainable lifestyle always takes time, don't be too hard on yourself and take it step by step.
Learn more about aluminum foil and cooking.
