What Can you Substitute for Tin Foil

[Outdoorsman0827]

Folks, I just read the Backcountry Cuisine article for issue #4 - Campfire Hashbrowns, and in the article, they tell you to cook the potatoes in tin foil.  I recently heard a news article on TV that said cooking with aluminum foil is very bad for your health.  When you cook food in it, small pieces of the metal foil are released (from the heat) into the food and thus, you end up eating the metal foil pieces.  I think the report said it could lead to neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and also have kidney problems.  So what would be a healthier solution to using aluminum/tin foil??
 

Jason-Michael, The Outdoorsman

[HappyHour]

Before completely cutting aluminum foil out of your cooking repertoire, I suggest you read this:

http://www.snopes.com/cooking-with-aluminum-foil-puts-you-at-risk-for-alzheimers/

This doesn't mean there is no risk, but the risk is likely to be pretty small. A lot smaller than eating fresh water fish (with its accumulated mercury and other toxins, for instance).

I wouldn't eat foil-wrapped food every day, but a few times a month is very unlikely to cause you any harm.

[jay]

As a substitute, maybe a camp cooking pan with a lid?  I generally don't carry foil myself but would suggest something in the way of a small, collapsible skillet with a lid.  That should keep food enclosed as well as foil, in my opinion.  Granted, I have not tried this myself, but it seems a possible alternative.

[Outdoorsman0827]

Interesting article, Happy Hour.  Thanks!

[HikerJen]

You could try lining the foil with parchment paper so that the food doesn't come into contact with the foil

[jensaito]

I have begun packing my cast iron dutch oven. Cast iron can go directly into the fire and makes for easy camping clean up. I have found it to be a great alternative to those foil dinner packets that we used to shove down in the coals. Avoid the temptation of lightweight aluminum packware and instead invest in stainless steel for these outings (though if you are backpacking, it could certainly be heavy for hauling.)

And as for the barbeque, seasoned cast iron is still an option. If you are looking to barbeque something without putting it directly on the grill, there are a variety of grill top bowls and baskets made from stainless steel or wire. Be sure to watch out for non-stick coatings.

[Dogwood]

In Europe it is advised the public not cook acidic  foods in Al foil or cookware. 

While several studies suggest there is not a high risk for neurological problems I think we should look at the cumulative toxic assault on our bodies as perhaps this is greater than ever in many circumstances.  I ask myself how much toxicity is enough from individual sources and cumulatively. That's up for each of us individually to decide.