Is Silicone Safe for Baking?

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Home » Is Silicone Safe for Baking?

I’ve mentioned before that I use silicone molds to make homemade gummy vitamins, lotion bars, and other household staples. However, the mention of silicone molds tends to spark the question, “Is silicone bakeware safe?” Unfortunately, this is one of those questions that I usually answer by saying: “It depends.” Here’s a more in-depth explanation.  

What is Silicone? 

First, it’s crucial to understand three often-confused terms: silicon, silica, and silicone. These substances are related but distinct. Here’s a brief overview of each:

  • Silicon – A natural element (symbol Si and atomic number 14). An element cannot break down into smaller particles without splitting atoms. Silicon is the second most abundant element in the earth after oxygen. It’s used in many industries, including electronics (hence, “Silicon Valley”), solar energy, and construction.
  • Silica – A compound made of silicon and oxygen (SiO2). It exists in various forms, including quartz, sand, and glass. Silica is a major component of the Earth’s crust and occurs throughout nature. It shows up in glass manufacturing, ceramics, and abrasives. The human body also has a high amount of silica. Some research even suggests it may have health benefits. That’s why I’ll consume it in diatomaceous earth.
  • Silicone – A synthetic polymer created by adding carbon and/or oxygen to silicon. It can exist as a solid, liquid, or gel. It’s frequently used in the medical field. You’ll find it in medical devices like pacemakers, joint replacements, and implants. It’s generally considered safe for these uses and is now used to make cooking utensils and bakeware. 

So, in this article, we’re talking about silicone, the synthetic polymer. It’s “FDA approved as a food-safe substance” since 1979 and has long been considered inert. People have widely used silicone in the kitchen for about 40 years, starting with silicone spatulas. You’ll find that not all silicone bakeware online is certified FDA-approved, though. More on that later.

Benefits of Silicone Cookware

There’s a good reason people like silicone products like baking pans for the kitchen. Here are a few of them:

Reusable 

Silicone is a durable material that can withstand repeated use. It’s also resistant to cracking, fading, and peeling. People often use silicone baking mats as an eco-friendly alternative to aluminum foil as a baking sheet liner. The same goes for cupcake liners. If you buy silicone ones, you’re good to go for years to come! 

Non-Stick 

Silicone bakeware also tends to be more non-stick than traditional bakeware. That’s especially important for muffin cups and cake pans. Its natural non-stick properties mean it needs little to no greasing or oiling before use. This can reduce the need for added fats in baking, saving on ingredients and costs.

 It also simply reduces the frustration of having baked goods stick to the sides of the pans. You’re more likely to end with a beautiful result when using a silicone cake pan.

Easy-to-Clean 

Silicone bake mats and other silicone baking products are usually easy to clean. The flexibility of silicone bakeware and molds makes it easy to get things out of them and makes cleanup easier. Silicone bakeware is typically dishwasher safe and easy to hand wash with soap and water. Its smooth surface resists staining and doesn’t retain odors. So, it generally stays looking like new for years. 

Multi-Use

Silicone is advertised as refrigerator-safe, freezer-safe, and oven-safe, as long as you use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. So, it has many different uses. However, most manufacturers will recommend not putting silicone bakeware directly on an oven rack. That’s because it can become a bit unstable or “floppy” when heated. Setting it on top of a metal baking tray can help keep it stable.

But Is It Safe? 

People often point out silicone isn’t aluminum, it’s petroleum-free, and doesn’t have BPA or PFAS. But that’s not all there is to consider. Silicone product manufacturing often uses certain agents and additives in the process. The question is whether these agents and additives remain in the final product you take to the checkout. 

There hasn’t been much research on the safety of silicone bakeware or silicone molds until more recently. That may be due to the increase in popularity and variety of available products. 

A 2022 study looked into these additives to see what might leach from silicone cupcake molds into food. They found BHT, a known carcinogen, plus two more probable carcinogens, naphthalene and biphenyl. They also found dodecyl acrylate, which irritates the eyes, skin, and lungs.

This study also mentioned the difference between low-quality silicone molds and higher-quality “platinum” silicone. These molds tend to be more expensive but are certified to be high quality and pure. High-quality silicone products undergo an additional heat treatment to eliminate chemical residues.

This difference was measurable. The low-quality silicone exceeded the standards for off-gassing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The researchers determined these should not be used in contact with food at higher temperatures. The high-quality silicone cupcake molds met the standards and were approved for high-heat use.

Testing on Silicone

Silicone manufacturers typically conduct safety tests internally or through third-party laboratories. These tests ensure the silicone products comply with safety standards and regulations. Safety testing on silicone bakeware usually looks at factors like:

  • Material Composition: Testing to ensure the silicone used in bakeware is food-grade and free from harmful chemicals or additives.
  • Heat Resistance: Testing to see if it can withstand high temperatures without melting, deforming, or emitting harmful fumes.
  • Non-Toxicity: Assessing whether the silicone leaches any harmful substances into food when exposed to heat or other conditions.
  • Durability: Testing the bakeware’s resistance to tearing, cracking, and degradation over time.
  • Non-Stick Properties: Checking the bakeware’s non-stick coating and ensuring it doesn’t have any harmful substances.
  • Stain and Odor Resistance: Testing to ensure it’s resistant to staining and doesn’t retain food odors.

However, silicone’s safety at high temperatures still hasn’t been adequately tested, which is why baking with silicone remains controversial. Officially, silicone pans are rated for temperatures below freezing and up to around 450 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, depending on the specific grade of silicone used. So, until recently, studies showed high-quality silicone is safe for cooking and baking. 

Potential Dangers of Silicone Bakeware

So far, there haven’t been conclusive studies on the safety of silicone. Many have assumed it’s safe since the FDA gave it a GRAS rating in the late 1970s. However, more recent studies indicate there may be toxicity concerns depending on the grade and use. Some potential dangers include:

Leaching of Additives 

Lower-quality silicone bakeware may have fillers that could leach into food when heated.  These additives may include plasticizers or pigments, which could pose health risks if consumed. The studies aren’t clear on whether that’s the case.

According to a 2016 analysis:

“[T]he production of silicone rubber is very complex; various processing agents are used in its manufacture, such as antioxidants, fillers, vulcanizing agents and vulcanizing accelerators. Diverse residual additives, impurities in raw materials, and newly-formed chemical substances could remain in the final product and migrate into infant saliva and foodstuff to potentially cause harm.”

At this point, studies are unsure how often this is the case. Buying higher-quality silicone is likely worth the extra cost.

Degradation at High Temperatures 

While silicone is heat-resistant, it may not be suitable for all types of cooking. Direct exposure to open flames or extreme heat from broilers may cause silicone bakeware to degrade, melt, or emit odors. Those are the VOCs mentioned earlier that often emit from lower-quality silicone molds. 

A 2005 Danish paper reviewed animal studies by the Siloxane Research Program. They concluded inhaling certain siloxanes could impair fertility and contribute to uterine tumors. The kidneys, liver, and lungs may also be affected.

A 2005 Swiss study determined silicone baking products are only stable up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s concerning since most recipes call for baking at 350 Fahrenheit and above.

A 2009 German study found that there may be greater leaching when silicone bakeware is used for high-fat food. Muffins over 30% fat had higher migration of chemicals than lower-fat muffins. Meatloaf had a greater leaching than muffins, according to a 2010 follow-up study.

In 2022, nine European consumer groups published a report on the latest test results of silicone bakeware. They focused on using silicone bakeware at higher temperatures for higher-fat foods. 

After testing 44 silicone molds, they found that 23% of them released contaminants into foods or released increasing amounts from repeat uses. Two of them had toxicity levels above legal regulations. Most of them (82%) had chemicals of concern, like endocrine disruptors.

This recent report definitely gives reason for concern — especially when using silicone bakeware for keto baking

Potential for Contamination

Silicone bakeware, like any kitchen tool, can harbor bacteria or mold if not cleaned and maintained properly. Scratches or damage to silicone bakeware could provide a breeding ground for bacteria to grow. This could lead to food contamination or even foodborne illnesses.

Potential for Mislabeling 

In some cases, businesses may mislabel or falsely advertise silicone bakeware. Packaging may say it’s food-grade or heat-resistant when it doesn’t meet safety standards. So, use caution when purchasing silicone bakeware. Look for reputable brands that comply with regulatory guidelines.

These dangers aren’t completely proven for all silicone brands and products. They’re also more typical at high-temperature use, but it’s a good idea to be cautious about how and when to use silicone.

How to Choose Safer Silicone

First of all, you probably don’t need to worry about oven mitts and ice cube trays. In those cases, there’s no direct contact with food at high temperatures. If you use silicone molds or bakeware, make sure it’s high quality. You want to ensure as much as possible that it doesn’t contain fillers or dangerous additives. Here’s a checklist of what to look for:

Food Grade Silicone  (or Platinum- or Medical-Grade)

Choose silicone cookware labeled “food-grade” or “FDA-approved.” Ideally, it should also say “100% silicone.” Food-grade silicone undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets safety standards for food use. In theory, it shouldn’t have harmful chemicals or additives. 

“Platinum-grade” uses only the precious metal platinum in processing, so it’s very pure and the highest grade. Platinum is what’s used in hospitals, so “medical-grade” is also good, but you may not find it on cookware. This type is used in medical devices like menstrual cups

Check for Certifications

Look for cookware certified by reputable organizations or regulatory agencies. In the United States, that’s the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In Europe, it’s the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These organizations regulate food contact substances, including silicone used in bakeware. They set safety standards and ensure manufacturers are compliant. Food-grade silicone certification indicates it meets safety and quality standards.

Inspect for Quality

Examine the quality of the silicone cookware, including its texture, flexibility, and thickness. High-quality silicone cookware should feel sturdy and durable, with a smooth surface and no visible signs of damage or wear. Avoid silicone cookware that feels flimsy or has a strong chemical smell. These signs may indicate lower-quality materials or manufacturing processes.

Look for Heat Resistance 

Make sure the silicone cookware is heat-resistant and okay to use in ovens and freezers. Look for information on the cookware’s temperature range and avoid exposing it to open flames or putting it under broilers. Extreme heat can cause the silicone to degrade or melt.

Read Reviews and Ratings 

Research the silicone cookware brand you’re interested in. Read reviews from other customers to learn about their experiences with the product. Look for their comments on safety, durability, and performance to help inform your decision.

Choose Reputable Brands (Avoid Cheap Imitations)

Stick to well-known and reputable brands with a track record of making high-quality silicone cookware. Established brands are more likely to prioritize safety and quality control. That said, avoid cheap imitations. This cookware may be made from inferior materials or lack safety certifications.

What I Do (And Where Silicone Could Still Work)

I still consider silicone much better than plastic, which I avoid at all costs. However, when it comes to cookware and bakeware, I skip the silicone and stick to cookware I know is safe when heated. That’s where brands like Caraway and Xtrema come in. 

I often use Caraway’s bakeware for desserts or muffins. They have a full set of cookie sheets, cake pans, and muffin pans that are toxin-free and easy to clean. Xtrema is another brand of bakeware I use. Their products are high-quality ceramic and are also toxin-free and user-friendly. 

If you want to try Xtrema bakeware or cookware, you can use this link and the coupon code WELLNESS to save 15%.

I save my silicone molds for cool-temperature uses like:

These are the silicone molds I have, which you can easily find on Amazon:

The lower quality ones should only be used for cool-temperature and non-food purposes like lotion bars and soaps.

Can Silicone Go in the Oven? The Bottom Line

Based on that 2022 report, I’ll continue to use most of my silicone molds at low temperatures and in the refrigerator or freezer. For higher temperature use, I’d stick to high-quality FDA-approved medical-grade or platinum silicone. I’d also avoid using it over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. There are better options for kitchen tools, muffin pans, and cookie sheets. 

I prefer to stick with my Caraway or Xtrema for baking and use wood, glass, and stainless steel for the stovetop. They’ve been in kitchens for generations and can work well with a little extra oil or elbow grease! 

What’s your take on silicone cookware or baking molds? Do you use it? If so, how? Share with us below!

Sources

References:

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2024). PubChem Element Summary for AtomicNumber 14, Silicon.
  2. Martin K. R. (2007). The chemistry of silica and its potential health benefits. The journal of nutrition, health & aging, 11(2), 94–97.
  3. Feng, D., Yang, H., Qi, D. and Li, Z. (2016). Extraction, confirmation, and screening of non-target compounds in silicone rubber teats by purge-and-trap and SPME combined with GC-MS. ScienceDirect, 56, 91-98.
  4. EarthTalk. (2010, May 5). Silicone Tally: How Hazardous Is the New Post-Teflon Rubberized Cookware. Scientific American.
  5. Asensio, E., Uranga, J., & Nerín, C. (2022). Analysis of potential migration compounds from silicone molds for food contact by SPME-GC-MS. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 165, 113130.
  6. Thomas K. (2016). Comment on: “Analysis of Silicones Released from Household Items and Baby Articles by Direct Analysis in Real Time-Mass Spectrometry” by Jürgen H. Gross. J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 26, 511-521 (2015). Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 27(8), 1429–1432.
  7. Meuwly, R., et al. (2005). Heat stability and migration from silicone baking moulds. Mitt Lebensm Hyg., 96. 281-297.
  8. Lassen, C., et al (2005). Environmental Project No. 1031 – Siloxanes – Consumption, Toxicity and Alternatives. Danish Ministry of the Environment.
  9. Helling, R., et al.  (2009). Determination of the overall migration from silicone baking moulds into simulants and food using 1H-NMR techniques. Food additives & contaminants. Part A, Chemistry, analysis, control, exposure & risk assessment, 26(3), 395–407.
  10. Helling, R., et al. (2010). Migration behaviour of silicone moulds in contact with different foodstuffs. Food additives & contaminants. Part A, Chemistry, analysis, control, exposure & risk assessment, 27(3), 396–405.

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Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

116 responses to “Is Silicone Safe for Baking?”

  1. Melanie Avatar
    Melanie

    So what kind of bakeware (e.g. cupcake pans) do you recommend? I feel like nothing is safe:/

  2. Leslie Burnett Avatar
    Leslie Burnett

    It really depends on the product. I wouldn’t use a silicone product that was made in China. I’d be concerned about the fillers and leeching. I’m a rep for the company that created Silpat 50yrs ago in France. The chemist used a combination of silicone and woven glass. That’s it, just two ingredients and no fillers. It meets every food certification around the world including being BPA free, Kosher, NSF. It’s used in over 100 countries in professional and home kitchens so even if you don’t trust the FDA, you can trust the other countries that have approved it. They have since created many other shapes and sizes using the same two ingredients.

    1. FeNiX Avatar

      I’m not so sure about that, as I’m now of the mindset of “is anything truly safe anymore??” after reading another Wellness Mama article just before this, about non-stick cookware, and seeing a few comments mentioning that even many glass items can contain and leech lead. And while I don’t, at this point, know how true it is… I also don’t know how UNtrue it is either.

      Needless to say, I’m now feeling a bit dismayed after having switched almost everything in my kitchen to either glass or stainless steel… not only (but mostly) for health reasons, but also because I prefer as much as possible to be dishwasher-safe.

      So after reading a plethora of comments about the newly-found dangers & risks of so many supposedly-safe alternatives to Teflon or PTOE surfaces or BPA plastics, I no longer know *what* to think or use anymore (especially considering my limited budget) :/

      (Perhaps I should resort to using more ancestral, primitive, cave-man methods, and serve my food on rocks, using sharpened sticks & twigs as utensils… and as for cooking, I dunno… slabs of rock over open fire?? I suppose I joke only to go with the philosophy of “better laugh than cry”…*sighh*)

  3. Serena Richmond. Avatar
    Serena Richmond.

    hi Id like to know if silicone bake wear for making cakes in the oven is safe to use or is aluminum better . Thanks . I hope you can answer this question, as Id like to buy these items for my self to use .

  4. Emily Avatar

    I have been using a silicone sheet for making fries for the past year. Do you think this is unsafe? Do you know anything about silicone releasing formaldehyde above certain temperatures?

  5. Priya Avatar

    Hi,

    I wanted to check that you said you feel comfortable using silicon on low temperatures but what do you personally use for baking cupcakes? I couldnt find anything here. I would like to know what is your personal choice. I have read that aluminium muffin pans are also not safe.

  6. Greta Bo Coburn Avatar
    Greta Bo Coburn

    Hello!
    Thank you so much for your blog! I refer to it often!
    Can you tell me if you use any kitchen utensils besides bamboo? I am replacing all of mine right now and I worry about wood absorbing bacteria when cooking meat. Do you have any insight for me?
    Thank you,
    Bo

  7. Holly Avatar

    Hi Katie, I am an avid follower of yours so when I decided to make coconut milk popsicles at home for my family I logged on and checked here first. I have a recipe in my head but I want to make sure the popsicle molds and wood sticks are safe and chemical free. You don’t seem to have much on here about that. I see from the above article that you do not even have silicone popsicle molds in your repertoire. Can you recommend a good brand of both? I found stainless steel ones but they are pricey. Do you currently use certain ones? Also the wood sticks are mostly made in China and not very reliable to be chemical free. Any recommendations there would be great too! I just received your E-book and can’t wait to dig into it! Thanks in advance..Cheers!

  8. sian Avatar

    I’d love to hear more about your choices for baking. Have you covered this elsewhere previously?

  9. Caramel Avatar

    Hello, exactly the post i was looking for. what would you recommend in place of plastic wrap or foil for baking? Would a silicone mat be a good option. Thank you

  10. Esteri Avatar

    Do you think the muffin silicon shapes would be a more economical way to make “popsicles” rather than buying the popsicle molds and better than buying BPA free plastic popsicle molds. Maybe you know of silicon popsicle molds you would recommend?

    1. FeNiX Avatar

      I’ve seen stainless steel popsicle molds and I feel that whenever a known safer alternative exists, it’d be best to go for that… (the bonus is you’d still achieve the typical, classic popsicle shape).

      As for ease of release, I’d imagine a quick run under warm or lukewarm running water should do the trick quite nicely, just as with ice cube trays, or even with other frozen items in silicone molds which might be a bit resistant to release.

      And while the stainless steel variety may be more pricey and/or difficult to find (the internet is your best friend in these instances), myself personally, I’d prefer to go with the ‘known good’ rather than the ‘maybe, perhaps somewhat-iffy-but-inconclusive bad’.

      I’m not saying I don’t use silicone at all… in fact, quite the contrary. I used to be very leery at first (for very specific reasons) however after my original concern mysteriously “went away”, I’ve since gotten complacent over the years and have been loving the ease of use.

      But now this article has gotten me thinking again that I should probably go back to being more critical and reduce to more moderate usage –and only when absolutely necessary– just to err on the side of caution until more conclusive findings are known. And for that matter, I think *anything* synthetic would be best regarded in the same manner.

  11. Joe Avatar

    CAUTION: TEST YOUR OVEN.
    Oven temperatures do not hold rock steady at the temperature we set. The temperature will cycle above and below the set point, hopefully averaging out to where we set it.

    I picked up a few silicone baking sheets to line the large aluminum baking pans I use to cook frozen chicken breasts. The carton instructions for the chicken breasts call for an oven temperature of 400 Deg F. The silicone mats I bought caution not to exceed a temperature of 230 Deg C / 446 Deg F.

    I decided to test the accuracy of my oven thermostat before using these silicone sheets.

    To test, I used a digital oven thermometer. When set to maintain 400 Deg F, the internal temperature of my oven ran as high as 483 Deg F before switching off to cycle down again.

    Clearly my oven temperature cycles hotter than what many would assume from the oven setting. It goes well above the safe limit of these silicone baking sheets. I’m sure my oven cannot be the only one like this.

    Katie, I suggest your readers run similar tests on their ovens before using silicone baking products at higher temperatures.

    1. Tracy Jo Avatar

      I agree, I purchased a high end GE Profile double oven, the first time I used it, I set the oven to 375 degrees, I placed my Pyrex dinner in the oven, ten minutes later the entire dish exploded.
      I tested the oven temp the next morning, again, set to 375 degrees, the oven went to 500 degrees! More than what the Pyrex was rated!
      I am still waiting on my new oven.
      GE is replacing it.

  12. Kristin Avatar
    Kristin

    Any suggestions for a good silicone bread loaf liner? I like making my breads and have a hard time getting them to lift smoothly from the loaf pan.

    1. FeNiX Avatar

      I have some baking recipes which call for greasing the pan (I usually use butter) and then following with a fine dusting of a powder ingredient. And by fine, I’m referring to the texture/consistency of the powder, not the amount of powder used (as I usually “apply” a decent layer, neither scanty nor super generous, in terms of amount).

      As for achieving a fine, non-clumpy dusting, I do so by applying it through a small metal sieve — or perhaps a flour sifter could also work, but I’m not certain it’d result in a fine enough powdering since I’ve never owned a proper flour sifter to be familiar with the results; I’ve always sifted using the metal sieve method.

      The powder ingredient itself varies depending on the recipe. In some cases it’s cocoa powder, in others it’s icing sugar, as the two most common powder ingredients from my own baking experiences which immediately come to mind, but I’m sure there are others as well.

      This is done both for flavour and for ease when removing the baked good from the pan… (though admittedly, the part about it being for flavour could be conjecture on my part). And of course I run a thin knife or metal spatula around the edge of the pan before attempting to release and lift the baked good out, but I do find that the additional step of powdering seems to help quite a bit (although corners still seem a bit more difficult, but perhaps I’m just not diligent enough in those areas and need to be a bit more generous with both the butter and powder in the corners).

      So perhaps a similar approach could be helpful for you? And while cocoa powder or icing sugar may not be suitable for your bread recipes, as sweet or chocolatey flavours may not lend appropriately to the bread flavours, perhaps there’s something more compatible, or even neutral, in taste? I’m not sure if this is a good suggestion or not, but the first idea which comes to mind is arrowroot powder… perhaps worth a try??

  13. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    Shoot. I was looking for an alternative to parchment paper. I want to make healthy, seed & cheese-based gluten-free crackers but the recipes all say to use parchment paper. I figured I could swap it out for the silicone baking mats but now I’m concerned about whether they are non-toxic or not. The two recipes I found bake at 200-325 degrees – is that considered high heat?? Can anyone recommend another non-stick option for sticky-type recipes?

  14. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    I am blown away! I have been thinking silicone is safe for use with cooking for the longest time! I don’t do much baking and don’t use silicone in that way. I don’t actually have a lot of silicone. The one thing I do have and use EVERYDAY is a silicone spatula. I cook on the stove at least two meals a day. I cook in/on cast iron and stainless steel only and I use my silicone spatula. I will have to get rid of it and use a stainless steel spatula I guess. That is the only other alternative, right? I cook a lot of eggs, turkey burgers, vegetables… I do use bamboo spoons when making stir fry though. Just feeling a little discouraged right now and venting…

    I love your site, Wellness Mama! Thank you for bringing so many good things to light.

  15. Rachel Avatar

    I have used silicone a few times for baking, and every time the food has come out with a slightly weird taste (and a slightly weird smell). So I’m pretty positive that the stuff is leaching nastiness. Which means I stick with using it at room temp or below. For kneading bread or kids playing with clay it’s pretty great. 🙂

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