Is Cooking With Aluminum Foil Safe?

This go-to product for easy cleanup makes cooking a breeze, but how does it impact our health?

Aluminum foil is a kitchen staple. But you may have heard that high-heat oven cooking might transfer chemicals present in foil into your food. Is this true, and should you be worried about what impact that presents on your health?

What Is Aluminum?

Aluminum is a naturally occurring element found all around us in our air, water as well as manufactured products such as antiperspirants, cosmetics, and medications. Most often we consume aluminum in our food, with the most amounts coming from cooking utensils or products such as aluminum foil. According to the USDA website, foil in the United States is comprised of "98.5% aluminum with the balance primarily from iron and silicon to give strength and puncture resistance". Aluminum foil is also freezer safe and recyclable depending on local regulations.

What Risks Might There Be?

During the 1960's and 1970's, there was a myth that cooking from aluminum pans or drinking out of aluminum cans caused Alzheimer's disease but no link has been discovered. While there aren't any definitive links to diseases caused by higher amounts of aluminum in your diet according to the National Institute of Health, high temperatures or cooking with salt, vinegar or highly acidic ingredients are likely to cause aluminum transfer into your food. The amount is generally considered safe and not harmful since the majority of the aluminum will pass through the digestive tract and ultimately end up in the toilet.

Is There a Temperature That's Too High for Cooking With Foil?

Aluminum foil is safe to use up to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) in the oven and for direct heat grilling. Keep in mind that lining your oven with aluminum is not recommended as it could damage the oven's heating elements. If you're worried about drips or spills, place your dish or item on a sheet pan covered in aluminum foil to avoid mess. High-heat cooking can also be done safely on parchment paper, up to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). For safe grilling, use aluminum foil packets or containers as directed.

Bottom line: the amount of aluminum that enters food from high-heat cooking is considered safe to eat. If you're trying to avoid excess added chemicals in your diet for any reason, try using lower heat or parchment paper instead.