The short answer is yes, silicone is safe. According to the FDA, food-grade silicone cookware and utensils do not cause harmful chemical contamination of food. If you are nervous about using silicone when cooking or baking, focus on using silicone kitchen tools and avoid cookware. Whether you're making a continental breakfast or preparing a delicious dessert, there are plenty of safe silicone molds available to help you. Read on to find out if silicone is safe for cooking and how to properly care for and clean silicone baking mats and molds.

What is silicone?

Silicone is a synthetic polymer that contains bonded silicone, oxygen, and other elements such as carbon and hydrogen. Silicone is often made into a flexible, rubber-like plastic that has many properties that can be used in any commercial kitchen. Silicones are known for their low toxicity and high heat resistance and have a variety of uses.

Benefits of Silicone

Provides options for interesting shapes

Easy to clean

Durable and long lasting

Flexible material

Withstands high temperatures

Resistant to staining

Space saving

Available in a wide range of colors

Better non-stick qualities than several alternatives

Is silicone food safe?

Food-grade silicone is safe for baking and cooking. The ingredients in silicone are inert, which means that any materials used to make silicone will not leach into the food cooked in it.

When purchasing a silicone baking sheet, buy a high quality product and make sure there are no fillers in the silicone. Fillers are a concern because when a silicone baking sheet or cookware is heated, it gives off an odor that can transfer into the food. Only buy silicone products that are labeled as 100% silicone on the packaging.

Is silicone safer than plastic?

Yes, silicone is safer than plastic. Many people prefer silicone to plastic because silicone is more durable and environmentally friendly than plastic. Silicone is also more heat resistant and does not contain BPA like some plastics.

Is silicone microwaveable?

Silicone molds can be used in microwaves, refrigerators and ovens. in 1979, the FDA deemed silicone safe for cooking and everyday use. Despite common consumer concerns, temperature changes will not cause food-grade silicone to leach into food products.

How to Clean Silicone

Cleaning a silicone baking dish is easier than you might think! If you want to throw your products in for self-cleaning, check your products to make sure they are dishwasher safe. If you prefer to wash your hands, follow these steps for clean silicone!

1. Place degreasing soap on a cloth (avoid abrasive cleaning tools) and run water until it gets hot.
2. Once the water is very hot, wipe the silicone mat, mold or pan with the soapy cloth.
3. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Air dry.
5. If cleaning a silicone baking mat, lay the mat flat to dry.

If some food pieces are still stuck to the silicone, return it to the 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes, then soak it in hot water to loosen the food. Repeat for clean silicone.

Silicone is still relatively new to the culinary scene and there's a lot to learn. As long as you use a high-quality silicone baking sheet that doesn't contain fillers, your food will be safe.