Best Food Storage Containers of 2024 & 2025: Safe and Sustainable Storage

Food storage containers are not only used to store your leftovers, but they are also great for organizing your pantry. When choosing the best food storage container, you may want something durable and versatile. These simple containers are also used for packing a healthy lunch or even knocking out meal prep for the week. While they help in creating a clutter-free kitchen, your choice of containers can determine how well they will serve the purpose.

Plastic Food Containers to Avoid

Any plastic that is known for leaching chemicals should not be used for storing food. Such plastics contain toxins and are not suitable for food storage. They may also be difficult to disinfect, allow evaporation or may collapse over time.

Looking at the number in the triangle in the labelling tells you the plastic that a container is made of. The plastics that you should avoid in storing food include:

Bisphenol A (BPA) (#7):  This chemical can cause health issues like hormone disruption. Although phased out in most food storage container production, it is important to check labels to be sure.

Phthalates: These chemicals are known to leach into food when exposed to higher temperatures. They also cause reproductive issues and other health concerns.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) (#3): PVC plastics are generally unsafe for storing food because they contain harmful chemicals like phthalates and lead.

Best Plastic for Food Storage

The best plastic for food storage is the one that is safe to use without any harmful impacts. Food containers made of the following plastics are generally safe to use:

PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate) (#1): PET plastic includes those used in storing beverages, pickles, peanut butter, or salad dressing.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) (#2): Considered safe for food storage, HDPE is used in some juice containers, milk bottles, and laundry products. It is labeled as number 2 on a triangle code. Depending on where they are used, these plastics can be translucent or colored.  

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) (#4): LDPE plastics are used for dry-cleaning bags, frozen food bags, and squeezable bottles for honey and mustard. In addition to being highly flexible, they can also withstand freezing.

Polypropylene (PP) (#5): PP is a versatile plastic often used for storing hot and cold food. They are tough, microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and resistant to stains and odors.

Best Food Storage Containers of 2024

The choice of food containers m needs to be something practical and versatile. If it is easy to clean and aesthetically pleasing, thart’s a plus. Here are some of the top brands to choose from:

Rubbermaid Brilliance

The see-through plastic food container is good or on the go. It comes with a tight seal with leads, which snaps when closed or can be unsnapped to provide ventilation. The light and sturdy containers come in an assortment of sets and sizes, adding versatility to your collection.

Zoku Neat Stack

These are arguably one of the most affordable plastic storage containers on the market. You can use them to store food in your cabinet while saving space. The set of five also includes cups for measuring meals and a freezer pack that you can snap under or sit atop the large lid to keep the lunch cold while traveling.

Snapware Total Solution

These are great options when you are on a budget because their prices are relatively lower, under $15. The locking-lid containers can be stacked in the refrigerator to keep it more organized. They are also great for freeing food for a longer period as they are less prone to staining.

Ziploc Storage Containers

Another budget-friendly pick is the Ziploc collection. These are versatile and reliable and can be nested inside each other. The lids are uniquely designed to include a little groove, which snaps into place to keep your food safe. You will find them useful when transporting lunch and liquids such as soup.

OXO Good Grips

With OXO Good Grips, you get a set of eight plastic food storage containers. The ability to close them with one hand by pressing down to form a taught seal or open them makes them a brilliant choice for people with a busy schedule. They also come with accessories such as a half-cup scoop for measuring dry goods.

Making the Choice of Plastic Food Storage Containers

Food storage containers are a great addition to your home as they help with storing food and being more organized. While some plastics are harmful to your health, checking the label to find out the plastic used to make the container is important. To completely reduce the consumption of microplastic in your home, you may consider shifting to glass containers.