9 Best Food Storage Containers You'll Love
The best food storage containers to keep your meals fresh.
Whether you are bringing a packed lunch, storing dried goods, or saving leftovers from a delicious home cooked meal, there is no doubt that food storage containers are a kitchen necessity. They are a handy tool that can help to promote a healthier lifestyle and prevent food wastage. It doesn't matter if you are doing meal prep for the week, freezing extras, storing bulk foods, or saving last night's meal, use the best food storage containers to keep your foodstuffs fresh and on the go.
How to Choose the Best Food Storage Container
When it comes to food storage products, you are no longer limited to plastic containers from the 80s. Today you can find a variety of the best food storage containers in materials ranging from glass to acrylic. To ensure you select the best food containers, here are a few things to consider before you make your purchase.
Materials
Food storage containers can be made from a number of materials with their own pros and cons.
Glass: If you are looking for durability, the best food storage container material is glass. Whether in canister or tub form, glass is stain-proof, won't retain odors, and comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, glass can break when dropped.
Plastic: The most widely known and used food storage products are made of plastic. Whether acrylic - a strong, clear thermoplastic, or hard plastic, these are some of the best food storage containers to pack daily lunches with thanks to their light weight and sturdiness. There are also many plastic/acrylic containers that are used for bulk food storage or dispensing.
Ceramic: Though less common than the others, ceramic containers definitely have a visual appeal. These are the best food containers to take display on your countertops thanks to their aesthetic designs. They are more fragile than plastic containers and require a little extra care to prevent breakage.
Silicone: A newer material on the market, silicone containers offer some unique benefits. They are resistant to damage from extreme temperatures, provide multiple uses, and are lightweight and easy to clean. The best part about these food storage products is that they take up little-to-no space when stored.
Key Features
Food storage containers often come with a wealth of benefits. It is a good idea to take these features into consideration to help you choose the best food storage container.
Dishwasher-Safe: Almost all glass and most plastic food storage containers are dishwasher-safe, though it is always a good idea to check manufacturer labels. This makes them convenient to clean. Do be aware that many lids need to be hand-washed or placed on the top shelf of the dishwasher.
Microwave-Safe: The best food storage containers for reheating leftovers are those that are microwave-safe. There are even some options that come with air-vented lids which can stay on and prevent food splatter in the microwave.
Oven-Safe: If you are looking to prep food ahead of time or serve your meal in the same dish you cook in, an oven-safe storage container is for you. These are most commonly the glass containers without their lids. It is even possible to cook your meal, seal the container, and take it to a dinner party or a potluck. Be sure to read all manufacturers instructions before placing yours in the oven.
Freezer-Safe: Freezer-safe storage is another one of the best food containers for meal preparation. Once your meal has been prepared, simply freeze it to use at a later date. For an added benefit, you can choose a container that is both freezer- and microwave-safe to go from one to the other at your convenience.
If you are looking for the best food storage containers for microwaving, the Luminarc Pure Box Active 5-Container Set is a good choice. These five glass microwave-safe containers come with vented plastic lids, which allow steam to escape, preventing messy food splatter in the microwave. Each container can hold just over five cups of food, making them ideal for storing last night's meal, tomorrow's lunch, or a main course for that dinner party you'll be attending.
For those who love breakfast on the go, the Kilner Food on the Go 2-Container Food Storage Set is your best bet. These breakfast jars are the best food storage containers to make and store overnight oats, granola and yogurt, or cereal in. Their stainless steel lids also double as measuring cups so you can ensure the perfect portions every time. As an added bonus, these containers come with a stainless steel spoon, an airtight sealing disc, and a game-changing silicone spoon holder so you never have to lose your cutlery again. Their wide mouth design also makes cleanup a breeze.
Storing produce has never been easier with the Prep & Savour 2-Produce Storage Container Set. Each acrylic container lid comes with a vent system that works to maintain airflow to keep your fruits and vegetables fresher for longer. The removable inserts separate your individual items, while the bottom removable filter trays help to elevate your food away from moisture and prevent sogginess or fast spoilage. The bonus plug at the bottom lets you drain any water or even use the containers as a colander, making these some of the best food storage containers for fresh food preservation.
The Progressive International Preworks Prokeeper 6-Container Set is ideal for home bakers who are looking to keep their ingredients organized and within easy reach. These six plastic containers range in sizes through 16 oz., 45 oz., 80 oz, and 1280 oz. This set includes one 4 qt. flour keeper, a 2 qt. and 1.5 qt. sugar keeper, a 1.4 qt. powdered sugar keeper, and two 1.5 qt mini keepers for any additional ingredients you may have. Thanks to their measurement marks, included removable measuring level, and the flip-pour spout on the sugar containers, these are some of the best dry food storage containers for budding kitchen aficionados.
To neaten your cupboards and display your favorite bulk food items, mount the Prep & Savor McLoughney Wall-Mounted Cereal Dispenser onto your wall. These three BPA-free plastic containers can each hold up to 13 oz. of dry foods, which is dispensed through the bottom chute. One turn of the soft rubber wheel measures out 1 oz. per twist for ultimate portion control. The removable lids make it easy to fill these attractive food storage products, while the clear canisters allow you to display your favorite cereal, pasta, nuts and more. Make meals a breeze with these convenient storage containers.
The Rebrilliant Sidwell Reusable Silicone 5-Container Food Storage Set is a fantastic space-saving option. Whether you use them for storing leftovers in the fridge, bringing lunch to work, or even packing food for camping, their resealable and airtight seal prevents leakage, while the BPA-free material ensures food safety and freshness.
These are the best food storage containers for those in search of a lightweight and compact container.
Are you looking to up your food storage container game? You can't go wrong with the Prep & Savour Matamoras 3-Container Food Storage Set. These cute white ceramic containers that look amazing no matter where you store them. These are the best food storage containers to show off at gatherings or on your kitchen countertops. Their plastic lids allow for easy stacking to save space and the aesthetically pleasing design adds a farmhouse feel to your kitchen.
For a quirky storage option, consider the Rebrilliant Scheffer Pro-Line 3-Container Food Storage Set. These brightly colored BPA-free plastic containers are some of the best food storage containers to add a fun twist to reducing food waste. Rather than discarding your partially used onion or tomato, use one of these vibrant containers to keep your produce for longer. Their twist lock lids help to contain odors, while their compact size can help you save space and organize your fridge. You can also cut down on your single use plastic wraps and bags by storing your produce in one of these fun reusable pieces.
If you want the most bang for your buck, choose the Prep & Savour 12 Glass Jars with Airtight Wood Lids. These twelve 8 oz. containers offer a visually appealing way to store your candy, spices, dried goods, and more. They are the best food storage options to combine decor and storage. The heat-resistant glass clearly displays the inner contents while the stunning bamboo lids add rustic appeal. The lids come with silicone rings that ensure they won't scratch the glass jar when opened. These durable and eco-friendly containers are a must-have for your kitchen pantry.
Keep your food fresh and your fridge organized with the best food storage container.
