Top 7+ kitchen items that dietitians want you to avoid—and what to replace them with

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Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations, Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars, Use Instead: Glass, Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags, Use Instead: Reusable Bags, Avoid: Spiralizers, Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta, Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans, Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans, Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers, Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set, Avoid: Plastic Utensils, Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel, Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles, Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

Key Points

  • Dietitians want you to swap seven common kitchen items for non-toxic cookware, plastic-free storage and more.
  • Ditch traditional nonstick cookware for stainless steel and cast-iron, like our favorite Calphalon Stainless Steel Skillet and Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet.
  • The dietitians I spoke to also recommend upgrading to reusable water bottles, wooden utensils and more.

Dietitians go through years of education and training to ensure they can give you the best guidance for a healthy, balanced life. This can go beyond food ingredients—oftentimes, you’ll find that they have fantastic kitchen product recommendations as people who are cooking constantly and helping patients cook more, too. While there are always things to add, some folks have advice on what to avoid, especially in the kitchen space.

To find out what kitchen tips dietitians have, I polled five experts: Senior Editor Brierley Horton, M.S., RD; Senior Nutrition Editor Jessica Ball, M.S., RD; Jackie Newgent, RDN, plant-forward chef, nutrition expert, and author of The Plant-Based Diabetes Cookbook; Kezia Joy, RDN and medical advisor with Welzo; and Stephanie Kile, M.S., RDN at Equip Health. Read on for their advice—and what swaps to make in your own kitchen. 

Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations

  • Skip Plastic Containers: Bentgo Glass Container Set, $45
  • You Don’t Need Single-Use Plastic Bags: Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags, 2-Pack, $20 (was $22)
  • Avoid the Teflon Flu: Calphalon Stainless Steel Skillet, $50  
  • Stop Wasting Single-Use Water Bottles: Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw, $30

Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars

Use Instead: Glass

Both Horton and Newgent recommended swapping your plastic containers. “To help reduce potential exposure to microplastics and some potentially harmful chemicals, like BPA, that may migrate into stored food, I suggest limiting use of plastic storage containers,” Newgent says. “This is especially true for storing hot food or [storing food] for a lengthy time. Instead, I recommend food storage in glass containers—and I also love jars that you can easily label.”

Bentgo Glass Container Set

Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations, Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars, Use Instead: Glass, Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags, Use Instead: Reusable Bags, Avoid: Spiralizers, Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta, Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans, Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans, Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers, Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set, Avoid: Plastic Utensils, Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel, Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles, Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

These are my favorite glass containers for day-to-day kitchen needs. I absolutely love that the base and lids are both made from glass, since many glass containers come with plastic lids. The lids also have a silicone border to ensure they seal tight, and they keep whatever I pop in them, be it freshly cooked grains or restaurant leftovers, fresh for as long as I need. They’re also freezer-safe!

Ball Mason Wide Mouth Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 4

Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations, Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars, Use Instead: Glass, Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags, Use Instead: Reusable Bags, Avoid: Spiralizers, Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta, Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans, Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans, Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers, Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set, Avoid: Plastic Utensils, Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel, Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles, Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

As Newgent said, glass jars are another great option, especially for pantry storage. They’re easy to label, keep ingredients tightly sealed and can be reused over and over again. This set includes two each of 16- and 32-ounce wide-mouth jars to use for dressings, sauces, nuts, seeds and more. 

Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags

Use Instead: Reusable Bags

“I'm trying to minimize how many single-use plastic bags I use in the kitchen, because I don't think they store very well and it will help me cut down on how much waste I create,” says Ball. Ball uses these deli containers, though we also recommend reusable bags that act similarly to plastic versions for a seamless swap.

Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags, 2-Pack

Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations, Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars, Use Instead: Glass, Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags, Use Instead: Reusable Bags, Avoid: Spiralizers, Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta, Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans, Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans, Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers, Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set, Avoid: Plastic Utensils, Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel, Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles, Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

Horton likes to take it a (plastic-free) step further with one of our tried-and-tested favorites: the Stasher storage bags. These have an excellent seal, a durable, reusable silicone material and come in different sizes just like plastic ones. This set specifically includes a sandwich and a snack bag, making it the perfect starting point.

Avoid: Spiralizers

Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta

“Spiralizers are hopefully a passing trend at this point, but the overall message behind these tools was that grain-based pasta is unhealthy,” says Kile. “In reality, the carbohydrates in the grains are the number one fuel source the body uses to function. It’s just a bonus that it’s delicious.” So, instead of foregoing the pasta, enjoy it, and build balanced meals around it.

Rustichella d'Abruzzo Spaghetti, Pack of 3

Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations, Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars, Use Instead: Glass, Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags, Use Instead: Reusable Bags, Avoid: Spiralizers, Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta, Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans, Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans, Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers, Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set, Avoid: Plastic Utensils, Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel, Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles, Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

It helps to choose a high-quality, well-made option to get the best-tasting pasta dishes. I love how robust and well-made this brand’s spaghetti is. You can see the texture across the surface of pasta, which shows that it was made traditionally with bronze molds and was dried slowly, creating a white, scraggly surface. It’ll cling to any sauce you toss in it beautifully.

Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans

Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans

“I've almost eliminated nonstick pans from my house. The egg pan has been the hardest one to get rid of. For things other than eggs, I only use ceramic-coated, cast-iron, or enameled cast-iron,” says Horton.

Multiple dietitians I chatted with agreed with this. “Switching to long-lasting, durable cookware such as stainless steel, cast-iron or ceramic is an alternative solution in the long run. These products generally last longer than most other types of cookware and can provide better results with the right cooking methods. The selection of safe, properly maintained cookware will help ensure that your food is prepared safely and the quality of the food is maintained,” says Joy. 

Calphalon Stainless Steel Skillet

Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations, Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars, Use Instead: Glass, Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags, Use Instead: Reusable Bags, Avoid: Spiralizers, Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta, Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans, Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans, Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers, Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set, Avoid: Plastic Utensils, Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel, Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles, Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

This skillet is part of our favorite stainless steel cookware set from Calphalon. We love that it achieves excellent results at a fraction of the cost of other brands. The 10-inch size is great for proteins and vegetables and is oven-safe up to 450˚F for added versatility.

Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet with Hot Handle Holder

Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations, Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars, Use Instead: Glass, Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags, Use Instead: Reusable Bags, Avoid: Spiralizers, Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta, Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans, Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans, Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers, Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set, Avoid: Plastic Utensils, Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel, Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles, Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

“Due to potential exposure to PFAS, aka forever chemicals, from some nonstick skillet coatings, I discourage use of traditional 'old school' nonstick skillets, especially if they’re scratched up or overheated. My go-to alternative is cast-iron skillets, which are stick-resistant when they’re well-seasoned,” says Newgent. This Lodge pan is our favorite on the market for its high value. You can’t beat its price, performance or longevity.

Caraway Ceramic Nonstick Skillet

Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations, Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars, Use Instead: Glass, Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags, Use Instead: Reusable Bags, Avoid: Spiralizers, Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta, Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans, Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans, Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers, Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set, Avoid: Plastic Utensils, Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel, Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles, Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

If you’re searching for a nonstick pan for tricky ingredients like Horton is, you can’t go wrong with investing in Caraway. This brand’s nonstick pan has lasted in my collection the longest out of a sizeable collection of other brands. I use mine exclusively for eggs in the morning, and the nonstick coating remains so strong that using butter to scramble eggs is a choice, not a necessity.

Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers

Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set

“Meal prep containers are used to measure the volume of a given meal to be consumed,” says Kile. As such, “meals need to fit into a certain volume or structure, instead of allowing for flexibility, appetite and changing energy needs.” Because of this, she recommends opting for a more flexible option.

OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Container Set

Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations, Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars, Use Instead: Glass, Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags, Use Instead: Reusable Bags, Avoid: Spiralizers, Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta, Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans, Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans, Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers, Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set, Avoid: Plastic Utensils, Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel, Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles, Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

A set of great storage containers with versatile size options is ideal, so you can optimize to your needs for the day.  These glass OXO containers performed well in our tests, and the latching lids keep them leakproof for on-the-go meal prep. This particular set comes with six containers in sizes ranging from half a cup to 3.5 cups.

Avoid: Plastic Utensils

Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel

“When stirring soups, sauces or food in a very hot pan, some plastics may soften or wear off after using them for a period of time,” says Joy. “As a result, the shortening of the life expectancy of plastic utensils can occur. Silicone, wood, or stainless steel products are better options than plastic for most home cooking. They are commonly used by professionals due to their high temperature durability and long-lasting performance. Sturdy cooking utensils will make cooking much easier and safer for consumers.” 

GIR Silicone Kitchen Spatula

Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations, Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars, Use Instead: Glass, Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags, Use Instead: Reusable Bags, Avoid: Spiralizers, Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta, Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans, Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans, Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers, Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set, Avoid: Plastic Utensils, Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel, Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles, Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

This spatula has stood the test of time in my collection. Silicone, when cooked with frequently, can break down, but the durability and strength of GIR’s model is worth noting. Even after years of constant use for both sweet and savory recipes, it has held up impressively well. I also love that it’s dishwasher-safe, as sometimes, it needs a deeper clean.

OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Wooden Utensil Set

Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations, Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars, Use Instead: Glass, Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags, Use Instead: Reusable Bags, Avoid: Spiralizers, Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta, Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans, Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans, Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers, Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set, Avoid: Plastic Utensils, Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel, Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles, Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

This simple, well-rounded OXO wooden utensil set comes with all the basics you need. There’s a spoon, a slotted spoon and a turner. Reach for these for soups, stir-fry, sauces and more. At $20 for the bundle, each utensil comes out to just over $6.50 apiece.

Made In Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensil 5-Piece Set

Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations, Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars, Use Instead: Glass, Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags, Use Instead: Reusable Bags, Avoid: Spiralizers, Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta, Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans, Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans, Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers, Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set, Avoid: Plastic Utensils, Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel, Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles, Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

This set has a great mix of stainless steel utensils, including a whisk, tongs, a silicone-topped spatula, a fish spatula and a ladle. These are excellent for healthy, balanced meals, like pan-seared salmon, hearty soups, homemade dressings and big salads.

Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles

Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

“I've almost completely eliminated plastic water bottles from our house,” says Horton. “There's one my youngest still loves, but otherwise we are only using stainless steel ones from Owala, BrüMate and Stanley.”

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw

Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations, Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars, Use Instead: Glass, Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags, Use Instead: Reusable Bags, Avoid: Spiralizers, Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta, Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans, Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans, Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers, Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set, Avoid: Plastic Utensils, Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel, Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles, Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

Owala is a team favorite—almost all of the editors on our team have one, if not multiple! The lid is so easy to close, open and sip from, which is why a lot of people gravitate towards them. Plus, they come in so many fantastic colors.

BrüMate Era Tumbler with Handle and Straw

Best Overall Dietitian Kitchen Recommendations, Avoid: Plastic Containers or Glass Jars, Use Instead: Glass, Avoid: Single-Use Plastic Bags, Use Instead: Reusable Bags, Avoid: Spiralizers, Use Instead: Invest in High-Quality Pasta, Avoid: Traditional Nonstick Pans, Use Instead: Stainless Steel, Cast-Iron or Ceramic Pans, Avoid: Divided Meal Prep Containers, Use Instead: Multi-Sized Glass Container Set, Avoid: Plastic Utensils, Use Instead: Silicone, Wood or Stainless Steel, Avoid: Single-Use Water Bottles, Use Instead: Reusable Water Bottles

This is a great option for folks who want a tumbler-style option. It has a stainless steel base and straw, so it works for both piping hot and ice-cold beverages. Use this to carry smoothies, water, coffee, iced matchas or freshly brewed tea.

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