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For years, I, like many people, stored my leftovers and packed lunches in plastic containers. It was easy, and plastic containers were what was readily available. I didn’t even really question it. But at some point, I began hearing more and more about the drawbacks of plastic, both in terms of its environmental impact and potential health risks. That’s when I began my quest to find better non-toxic food storage containers: enter glass and stainless steel instead of plastic.
Here’s a closer look at my favorite non-toxic food storage containers, starting with a quick look at why it’s worth making the switch away from plastic.
Why Make the Switch From Plastic?
So, what’s the problem with plastic storage containers? For one, plastic containers tend to degrade over time. Have you ever seen a plastic container that’s been microwaved too many times? It warps, stains, and even holds onto food smells.
Plus, chemicals in the plastic can leach into food, especially if you heat up the container. One concerning chemical is Bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to a myriad of health concerns, from hormonal imbalances to potential risks for certain cancers.
Plastics may also contain phthalates, which can interfere with hormonal systems and have been associated with reproductive issues and developmental problems in children.
Plastic is also a huge problem from an environmental perspective. Many plastic containers end up in landfills or pollute our oceans. They can take centuries to break down, harming both wildlife and the environment.
Best Non-Toxic Glass Containers For Food Storage
Fortunately, there’s an alternative to plastic containers: ones made from stainless steel and glass. Steel and glass containers are durable, non-porous, don’t leach chemicals into your food, and keep food fresher for longer.
I’ve tried and researched a variety of brands over the past year in my endeavor to eliminate plastic from my kitchen. Here are my favorite non-toxic food storage containers made mostly or entirely from glass, followed by my top picks for stainless steel containers.
1. Glasslock
These glass containers are really effective when it comes to leak-proof sealing. The snap-lock lid mechanism ensures your soups or sauces won’t spill in your bag. They’re also oven and microwave safe, which is a major plus (excluding the lids, which are made of polypropylene).
This set comes with a variety of sizes for everything from snacks to leftovers. Glasslock’s non-toxic food storage containers are BPA-free, recyclable, and easy to clean.
2. Pyrex
A household name for a reason, Pyrex dishes are sturdy and come in various sizes. They’re microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe, making them a versatile choice for any kitchen.
I have used Pyrex’s versatile dishes for everything from leftover storage to storing my kids’ fuse beads to baking lasagnas. They’re fairly easy to clean, and they’re super handy for leftovers.
This particular set featured above has locking lids that are air tight and leak proof, so you can even store liquids in them without having to worry about spillage.
3. Bentgo
While Bentgo is more known for their bento-style lunch boxes, their glass containers are equally great. They’re versatile, durable, and some of them come with compartmentalized options.
The air-tight lids are also leakproof, so you can store soups, sauces, and leftovers of all types without worrying about it spilling all over your fridge. What makes these non-toxic containers stand out is their mostly glass lid, as opposed to the plastic lids of many other brands.
4. Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage Containers
This glass style of Rubbermaid containers is a considerable step up from their plastic counterparts. They have an easy-to-seal lid and stack neatly in the fridge. You can also microwave these containers, which come with lids that have build-in vents (just don’t latch then when microwaving).
Rubbermaid’s non-toxic food storage containers are free of BPA, top-rack dishwasher safe, and freezer safe.
5. OXO Good Grips Glass Storage Containers
These glass containers are made of durable borosilicate glass. They feature a silicone gasket that ensures an airtight seal. They are BPA free and oven/microwave/freezer/dishwasher safe.
The lids on these non-toxic food storage containers have four locking tabs so you get a nice tight seal that prevents leaks.
Best Non-Toxic Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers
Glass isn’t the only game in town when it comes to non-toxic food storage. Here are some of the best stainless steel storage solutions for lunches and leftovers.
6. Oggi
If it’s longer-term storage of pantry goods like pasta and flour you’re after, Oggi’s stainless steel containers are pretty hard to beat. These non-toxic stainless steel food canisters are simple yet functional. They come in a variety of sizes, and are ideal for storing everything from sugar to cookies, flour, tea, coffee, and spices.
These containers come with see-through lids that are sealed with a silicone gasket and locking clamp that keeps contents fresh and dry. They come in 26, 36, 47, and 62 ounce sizes, and they look great on a well organized pantry shelf.
7. Bentgo Stainless Steel Lunch Box
Bentgo shines yet again with its stainless steel Bento boxes. The multi-compartment design is perfect for portioning out meals or snacks and keeping them fresh in your fridge (or lunch box) until they’re ready to be eaten.
Although best known for their lunch storage containers, Bentgo also makes a variety of other stainless steel food storage containers, which you can check out on their website, including one you can actually put in the microwave through what I can only assume is some sort of dark magic.
8. Everusely
I’m a huge fan of these super cute, brightly-colored, non-toxic stainless steel food containers. They come with food-grade silicone lids that are spill-proof and ensure a snug fit. They’re also stackable, so they’re a great space-saving option.
These stainless steel food storage containers are perfect for packing kids’ snacks when you go out of the house.
9. WeeSprout
WeeSprout also offers a set of round containers that are perfect for packing snacks and lunches. These containers are lightweight, durable, and the nesting design means they store away easily when not in use.
They’re safe to put in the freezer and they can be cleaned on the top rack of your dishwasher. They’re also rust and stain-resistant. WeeSprout’s non-toxic food storage containers are super durable and will last for years.
Don’t Forget About the Magic of Mason Jars
If you’re exploring eco-friendly food storage options like those above, don’t overlook the timeless mason jar. We use mason jars in our house for drinking out of because A) they hold a good amount of water, B) they’re cute and fit in with my farmhouse kitchen theme, and C) they’re really hard to break when my kids drop them!
Here are some of the benefits of using mason jars for food storage:
- Durable and versatile: Mason jars are made of thick glass, making them sturdy and long-lasting. Plus, they can effortlessly go from the fridge to the microwave (just remember to remove the metal lid)!
- Transparent storage: The clear glass lets you see the contents, making food identification and inventory a breeze. You’re less likely to forget what you have stored if you can see it!
- No leaching chemicals: There’s no risk of BPA or other harmful substances contaminating your meals.
- Budget friendly and easy to find: Mason jars are relatively inexpensive (I think they run around $2 a jar) and can be found in various sizes at your local hardware or grocery store. Plus, if you’re into DIY or gifting, mason jars make for beautiful presentations, be it for granola, layered desserts, homemade candles, or bath salts.
- Great sealing action: Mason jars seal flavors in beautifully. Whether you’re storing a homemade sauce, a salad dressing, or freshly juiced fruits, you can rest assured that the taste will remain intact.
- Eco-friendly: Glass can last you for years, and you can recycle it if and when your mason jar reaches the end of its life.
Non-Toxic Food Storage Containers Beat Plastic Every Time
Making the switch from plastic to glass and stainless steel containers has been one of the easiest decisions I’ve made, as it benefits both my family’s health and the environment. Not only do my foods stay fresher for longer, but I also have peace of mind knowing that I’m reducing my carbon footprint and exposure to potential toxins.
If you’re on the fence about making the switch, consider this: investing in glass or stainless steel containers may initially seem more expensive than sticking with plastic, but in the long run, their durability and longevity mean you’ll be saving money and helping both your health and the planet’s. It’s a win-win-win!
While you’re at it, check out my favorite reusable snack and sandwich bags for sustainable lunchtimes, along with my top picks for reusable beeswax wraps.
