Color-coated cookware and bakeware can easily be viewed home décor or a personality choice. But, these colored products serve another, arguably more important purpose in the kitchen — they are easily identified when preparing meals for those with food allergies or intolerances, making mealtime so much easier.
A study done by the Food Allergy Research and Education foundation found that more than 32 million people are affected by a food allergy or intolerance. The foundation said that equates to 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children.
“The increased focus on health has also seen a growth in awareness of dietary restrictions and consumers who are looking to avoid certain foods for healthier lifestyles. One of the main concerns of people with dietary restrictions and allergies is cross contamination,” says David Nicklin, Gibson’s svp/marketing and licensing.
Bakeware company USA Pan noticed this trend taking hold several years ago and launched its Allergy ID set of baking pans in 2018. John Bundy, director of USA Pan, says that the line has become a solution to those who have to deal with food allergies on a daily basis.
“We use a lavender color and it’s an immediate red flag to those cooking at home that only certain things should go on that pan. It helps to ensure no cross-contamination and makes it easy for everyone in the household who uses the kitchen to easily identify the pan because of its color,” he says.
Additionally, though colored differently than other cookware or bakeware in your array, its properties remain the same. In fact, many companies work to ensure these goods not only have the same properties for usage, like even his distribution and non-stick surfaces for easy clean-up, but can also go in the dishwasher for an extra layer of sanitation.
“We always look for ways to make cooking and baking more efficient for the consumer, but between the non-stick coating and the color, we feel as if the Allergy ID pans really help with ease of use in the kitchen,” he says.
Ravin Gandhi, CEO of GMM Non-Stick Coatings, explains that he has continued to see more manufacturers bring up this angle when working with the coatings company to develop new products.
“Using colors as a way to ensure no food contamination as it relates to allergies is a very smart and novel use of coating colors and is evidence of the ways that our clients use coatings to solve consumer problems, especially those that are health and safety focused,” he says.
Bundy says he feels that the momentum behind this movement will continue forward in the next few years, especially as people continue to cook and bake at home.
“When it comes to cooking and baking, people are going to be continuing to look for a solution like this. It’s very practical and we think it will continue to make sense in the kitchen,” he says.
