Sorry Britney Spears, but not all things in life need to be toxic - at least not in the kitchen.

We put a huge amount of thought into our cooking, from sourcing the right ingredients to setting the menu for the week. However, many of us don't think twice when it comes to the cookware that we use, which is equally important to vet before putting the apron on.

Non-toxic cookware is made from the materials that have been put through their paces to ensure that they don’t transfer harmful substances into our food when heated. This safeguards the health of those consuming the food by avoiding chemical contamination.

High-quality, non-toxic cookware won’t contain materials like PFAS, Teflon, lead and other harmful chemicals that may result in toxic fumes. These substances are typically found in low-quality pots and pans and may cause serious health issues.

When shopping, it’s advised that you look for pans containing safe, non-reactive materials. These include stainless steel, cast iron and premium ceramics. Keep a weary eye out for non-stick cookware which is often made from Teflon, which is considered the main culprit of toxic cookware. Teflon is said to release toxic fumes via off-gassing when heated to a high temperature.

You also want to avoid PFAS - a widely used, long-lasting synthetic chemical which is often found in non-stick cookware and is known to resist water, oil and dirt. The pesky coating is also found in items such as raincoats, food packaging and cosmetics and takes centuries to break down. According to GreenPan, the presence of PFAS in your body can increase your chances of developing health issues such as: “an impaired immune system, hormone imbalance, increased cholesterol, increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and lower birth weight in newborn babies.” No, thank you.