Nordicware · Baking Parchment & Silicone Mats
Nordic Ware Silicone Baking Mat
Lower PFAS concern, silicone baking mats are inherently PFAS-free by material.
Nordic Ware's silicone baking mats are made from food-grade silicone, a non-Teflon-family coating material that does not require PFAS-based nonstick or water-resistant coatings. Silicone is a thermosetting polymer with no known intentional PFAS content.
Shop Nordicware on Amazon →Material
Food-grade silicone
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Nordic Ware silicone baking mats are made from food-grade silicone, a synthetic polymer that does not contain BPA, phthalates, or Teflon-type coating (Teflon). Silicone is inherently inert at typical baking temperatures (up to 500-600°F depending on product specs) and does not break down or leach into food under normal use. Unlike parchment paper or non-stick coatings on metal cookware, silicone does not require chemical binders or perfluorinated compounds to achieve its non-stick properties. This material class has a long safety track record in food contact applications with no widespread reports of migration into food.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nordic Ware is a Minnesota-based cookware manufacturer with a 75-year history but maintains minimal public disclosure on material sourcing, manufacturing standards, or third-party testing. The brand does not prominently advertise BPA-free or safety certifications on product packaging, though silicone baking mats are inherently free of those concerns. No recalls, lawsuits, or formal safety violations specific to Nordic Ware silicone baking mats have been documented in public databases. The company's silence on chemical safety is typical for this product category but reflects lack of transparency rather than confirmed problems.
How it compares in its category
Silicone baking mats outperform parchment paper in durability and reusability, eliminating the waste and minor microfiber shedding risk of paper products. They are safer than older non-stick coatings (Teflon-type coating/Teflon) that can emit fumes at high heat, though modern ceramic or cast iron are equally safe. Silicone mats do not off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at room temperature or oven temperatures, unlike some plastic cutting boards or storage containers. Most competitors in this niche (Silpat, OXO, Ozeri) use identical silicone formulations with similar safety profiles and equal lack of transparency.
If you buy it
Follow the manufacturer's maximum heat rating (typically 450-600°F) to avoid material degradation; exceeding this can cause silicone to become sticky or brittle but does not produce toxic fumes. Hand wash or place in top rack of dishwasher after each use to remove residue and prevent bacterial biofilm in crevices. Replace if you notice permanent sticking, tears, or discoloration, as these indicate the silicone matrix is breaking down. Store flat in a cool, dry location to prevent warping and extend lifespan to 5-10 years with proper care.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Silicone degradation at high temperature
While food-grade silicone is stable at recommended oven temperatures (typically up to 500-600°F), exceeding the product's heat ceiling may cause the polymer to soften, stick to food, or lose integrity. This is a performance failure rather than a toxicity hazard, but sustained overheating could theoretically accelerate breakdown of the silicone chains.
Bacterial colonization in texture
Silicone mats develop microscopic crevices and dimples that can harbor food residue and bacteria if not cleaned thoroughly after each use. This is a hygiene concern common to all reusable baking mats and is manageable with proper washing and air drying.
Microfiber or particle shedding
No published reports of silicone mats shedding particles into food during normal baking use. Unlike parchment paper or some silicone cooking utensils, Nordic Ware mats are not documented to degrade visibly or migrate fibers under standard oven conditions.
Heavy metal contaminants in silicone
Food-grade silicone used in commercial baking products is not known to contain lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in measurable amounts; however, Nordic Ware does not publish third-party elemental testing results for transparency.
Allergen cross-contamination from re-use
Silicone's porous texture can retain fats and oils from previous bakes, which may cross-contaminate foods for nut-allergic or other sensitive users. Thorough washing between uses and dedicated mat labeling for allergen-free baking can mitigate this risk.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Baking Parchment & Silicone Mats
Silpat
Silpain Silicone Bread Baking Mat
silicone (fiberglass-reinforced)
Lower concern, silicone mat avoids Teflon-type coating and Teflon-family coating inherent to traditional nonstick.
⚠Risky category by default
Regency Wraps
Regency Reusable Parchment Paper
Silicone-coated parchment paper
Lower-concern parchment option; PFAS-free claim credible for silicone-coated products, but verify current batch labeling.
⚠Risky category by default
If You Care
Fat Daddio's ProSeries Silicone Baking Mat
silicone (food-grade)
Lower-concern choice; food-grade silicone is inherently PFAS-risk-averse, though third-party verification would strengthen the claim.
⚠Risky category by default
More baking parchment & silicone mats grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.