|
|
| Aluminum is a popular choice of cookware material because it’s affordable, lightweight, and easy to clean. Chances are, you have at least one piece of aluminum cookware in your home right now. Below, registered dietitian Arissa Okroup digs into the science behind the safety of cooking with this material.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Now we’re cooking,
Ginger Wojcik
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |
 |
|
Written by Ginger Wojcik
November 4, 2026 • 2 min read |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| Q: |
Is it safe to cook with aluminum cookware? |
|
| A: |
Aluminum cookware is generally considered safe. Studies confirm that while small amounts of aluminum can leach from cookware into food, the amount is negligible and does not have confirmed health effects. The most common claim surrounding aluminum — that it’s linked to Alzheimer’s disease — has never been backed up by research.
That said, there are factors that may increase leaching, such as cooking acidic (tomatoes, vinegar, citrus) or salty foods for long durations of time. Using old and damaged pans, with scratches, dents, pits, etc., can also compromise the protective oxide layer and make the cookware more reactive, or more prone to leaching.
To reduce your risk of exposure, consider using anodized aluminum cookware. This means that it’s treated to provide a nonreactive, hard, protective coating. That layer reduces leaching and allows safer cooking of acidic and salty foods. Also consider washing by hand to preserve that protective layer, not storing leftovers in the cookware, and replacing any damaged pans.
|
|
|
|
| Arissa Okroup, Registered Dietitian
|
|
| Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| What we’re digesting |
| 🔥 7 ways to reduce inflammation if you have eczema. Did you know that stress, infections, and disrupted sleep can worsen it? |
| 👀 What causes crusty eyes in the morning? Eye gunk may not be a cause for concern. But it can also be a sign of infection. |
| 🧘 5 health benefits of fasting. Check out the science-backed claims of this age-old tradition. |
| 🍴 10 foods that may be good to eat during chemotherapy. Those that are mild in flavor, easy on your stomach, and nutrient-dense are some of the best options. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Until next time, |
 |
Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon! |
|
|
| |
 |
| This edition was powered by |
| cast iron.
️ |
|
|
|
|
