Did you know that plastic food containers can release tiny, invisible chemicals into your favorite leftovers? It’s a thought that might make you pause before reaching for that familiar plastic tub. We all want to keep our food fresh and safe, but navigating the world of food storage without plastic feels overwhelming. Should you choose glass, stainless steel, or something else entirely? It’s tough to know what works best for your busy life and what truly keeps harmful chemicals away from your meals.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down the best non-plastic food storage options available today. You will learn about durable, safe, and easy-to-use alternatives that fit every need, from packing lunchboxes to organizing your fridge. Stop worrying about plastic leaching and start storing food the smart way.
Ready to ditch the plastic and embrace healthier storage solutions? Let’s explore the best non-plastic food storage choices that will transform how you keep food fresh.
Top Non Plastic Food Storage Recommendations
- VERSATILE GLASS FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH LIDS: Prep, stash, stack, store, and more with this glass meal prep container set! BPA-free and going from freezer to oven without breaking, these glass containers handle it all. With a variety of shapes and sizes, say hello to healthier meal prep.
- 12 SIZES FOR EVERY NEED: Our airtight food storage containers with lids set includes 4 rectangle containers 35oz (8x6in), 21oz (6.75x5in), 12oz (two 4.2x5.5in). 4 square containers 27oz (6in), 17.5oz (5.2in), 11oz (two 4.3in). 4 round containers 32oz (6.75in). 21oz (5.9in), 13.5oz (two 5.2in). Height ranges from 1.75-2.3 inches.
- TEMPERATURE SAFE FOOD CONTAINERS: Made from borosilicate glass (aka, space shuttle glass), these containers are durable and robust. Fridge, freezer, dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe containers, they're the ultimate multi-taskers for busy lives. *Lids are handwash only.
- AIRTIGHT FRESHNESS: These airtight containers feature a removable silicone seal and secure hinge clips, so you can use them as a food container without odors or air getting in or out! They're also leakproof glass lunch containers, so fill them as soup containers in your lunch bag without fear!
- UNBOX KITCHEN BLISS: JoyJolt's glass tupperware with lids arrives securely packaged in a gift box, ready to transform any kitchen. Like all JoyJolt Glassware, it's backed by a limited 1-year warranty, so you can prep lunch, organize, store leftover, and enjoy with confidence. Shop today!
- Silicone Food Storage Containers with Lids: These nesting reusable silicone food storage containers with lids are hard shell, airtight and leakproof. These silicone containers are great for meal prep, storing lunch, leftovers, snacks, fruits, etc
- Set of 12 Nesting Silicone Containers: Package include 12 silicone containers and 12 lids of variety size. Each 6pack set include five different size to meet your variety storage needs. Safe for use in microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, and freezers
- Size: This set include 2 count 33.8oz (6.3 x 5 x 3.5 inch), 2 count 20oz (5.5 x 4.3 x 2.7 inch), 2 count 10oz (4.5 x 3.5 x 2.2 inch), 2 count 6.7oz (3.7 x 2.9 x 1.8 inch), 4 count 1.3oz (2.2 x 1.5 x 1.4 inch count silicone food storage containers
- Food Grade Silicone Storage Containers: Crafted from BPA-free, food-grade silicone, these food containers are perfect for any kitchen. Each come with a snug-fitting lid, ensuring freshness and spill-free storage
- Wide Application: These silicone food storage containers with lids are perfect for keeping cooked meals, vegetables, nuts. Ideal for soup freezer & meal prep. They can as for camping food storage, snacks containers, lunch box containers for women and men
- 100% Leak-proof: Guaranteed no-spill seal and secure latches
- Crystal-clear Tritan Built: Stain-resistant and odor-resistant material for a clear view of contents
- Lightweight & Sturdy: Easy to carry, yet durable for everyday use
- Built-in Vents: Convenient microwave heating without removing the lid
- Space-saving: Stackable design for organized fridge or pantry
- 【Set of 8 Glass Storage Containers】Rectangle (35.1OZ)+(21.6OZ)+(12.5OZ)+(5OZ); Square (27.1OZ)+(17.6OZ)+(10.8OZ)+(6.8OZ); large and small containers are versatile for different use: meal prep food, leftover, sauce, lunch to go, RV, picnic, camping.
- 【Glass Containers Safe for Oven/ Microwave/ Freezer/ Dishwasher】Vtopmart Meal Prep Container is able to withstand -4℉ to 752℉ (-20℃ – 400℃), the glass containers is made of high-quality borosilicate glass to hold up very well from refrigerator direct to microwave.
- 【100% Leak Proof Airtight Lid】Glass food containers is designed with removable silicone seals and 4-hinge snap locks to ensure zero leaking or spilling, which also prevent smell go out and keep food fresh.
- 【BPA Free and Food Grade Material】The glass food containers is 100% BPA Free, crystal-clear glass making it easy to see what's inside. Stains-resistant material for easy cleaning and keep glass containers looks like new.
- 【Stackable Storage to Save Space】The durable food storage containers stack into each other for easier storing when you don’t use them, which fit neatly in kitchen cabinets.
- 【4 Different Sizes Wooden Lids Containers:】They are rectangle: (35.1oz) & (22oz), square: (27oz) & (17.6oz), which meet your family needs, the two large glass containers are useful for meal prep, on the go food, lunch for work, leftover; and the small size is perfect for a picnic, fruits storage, dry food storage.
- 【Glass Containers Safe for Oven/ Microwave/ Freezer/ Dishwasher】Made of borosilicate glass, the food containers can be used in Oven/ Microwave/ Dishwasher WITHOUT LIDS, which is able to withstand -4℉ to 752℉ (-20℃ – 400℃), and they are also used in fridge with lids in 3-5days, which help you keep leftover and next day lunch, enjoy a health life.
- 【BPA Free and Food Grade Material】The glass food containers is 100% BPA Free, crystal-clear glass making it easy to see what's inside. Stains-resistant material for easy cleaning and keep glass containers looks like new.
- 【Bamboo Lids with Silicon Seals】It's more than a lids, the stylish bamboo lids can be used as a cutting board for cheese, vagetables, fruits and more. The silicone seals is better for keeping food fresh. Please keep the bamboo lids dry after washing with water, and NOT recommend for any fluid food or soup or overfilling the food in containers.
- 【Stackable Storage to Save Space】The durable food storage containers can be stacked into each other for easier storing when you don’t use them, which fit neatly in kitchen cabinets.
- ✅ 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 & 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 – No plastic should ever touch your food. These meal prep containers are made from 100% borosilicate glass—including the lids for total purity. BPA-free, plastic-free, and toxin-free, ensuring safe, clean storage for every meal.
- ✅ 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝘇𝗲𝘀, 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 – Whether you're packing snacks or prepping full meals, this set of 12 oz, 21 oz, 35 oz, and 50 oz food storage containers has the perfect size for every need.
- ✅ 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 – With airtight glass lids, these glass storage containers with lids keep air out and lock in flavors, ensuring your food stays fresh and delicious longer.
- ✅ 𝗡𝗼 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀, 𝗡𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀, 𝗡𝗼 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 – These food storage containers with lids are designed with a tight, leakproof seal, so you can pack soups, sauces, and meals without mess—ideal for lunch, travel, and meal prep!
- ✅ 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁, 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘇𝗲 & 𝗥𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 – These food storage containers with lids are built for freezer, microwave & oven use, so you can go from storing to serving—no extra dishes, no hassle.
![Bayco Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids, [24 Piece] Meal Prep, Airtight Bento Boxes, Leak Proof (12 lids & 12 Containers) - Blue](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41hyYrTi0NL._SL160_.jpg)
- [12 PACK GLASS CONTAINERS] BAYCO glass containers include 3 types and 12 sizes: Rectangle container: 2x370ml(1.6 cups),1x630ml(2.7 cups),1x1040ml(4.5 cups), Square container: 2x310ml(1.4 cups),1x530ml(2.3 cups),1x800ml(3.4 cups), Round container: 2x390ml(1.7 cups),1x640ml(2.7 cups),1x970ml(4.1 cups) (Please allow 0.1-0.3 inch in differs due to manual measurements, your understand will be much appreciated) Perfect for several events:gym,leftovers,picnic,portion control,work lunches,travel etc In order to package environmental protection, we put the smallest container inside the largest container, pleace check.
- [OVEN,MICROWAVE(Not the lids),DISHWASHER SAFE /FREEZER SAFE] These containers are oven safe below 752℉, you can use them for freezer storage,microwave(not the lids)and dishwasher, easy to use and easy to clean. It's safe to wash the lids in the dishwasher, but high temperatures over a long period of time can deform the silicone sealing strip at the edge of the lid, please wash the lids by hand as much as possible
- [BPA FREE] Bayco Glass Storage Containers are BPA Free, which will maintain the freshness and keep your food odorless. It's made out of borosilicate glass for easy heating and durability, and in order to prevent the rubber seal sticking to the glass containers, please must wash the lids and glass containers before put them away
- [LEAK PROOF MEETS YOUR NEEDS] These glass containers will be a good helper for serving your daily food storage needs,not only are these good for dry foods but also great for holding liquids such as juice,soup and more.The snap locking system forms an airtight and watertight seal,never food spilling over again.you can use them over and over again. Please handle with care and do not stack containers without separating by plastic layer or something else to avoid friction and breakage
- [QUALITY CUSTOMER CARE] BAYCO offer a full day after-sales service. If you are not satisfied with your products or receive cracked products,please contact our store, we will provide the best solution to refund or resend within 24 hours
- VARIETY PACK: Discover convenience with this organizer that is sized to fit your kitchen drawer! 11"L x 10"W x 3.1"H
- CERTIFIED COMPOSTABLE: BPI Industrial and TUV Home and TUV Industrial certified, ensuring their suitability for organic recycling and composting programs that require BPI labeling
- MADE FROM PLANTS: A high-performance alternative to traditional plastic, styrofoam, or paper. Crafted using natural, renewable fibers that break down in months. No added PFAS additives
- DURABLE AND STRONG: Refrigerator and freezer safe, tough enough to be used again and again until you're ready to compost them
- INCLUDES: 230 Count includes 80 Snack Sized Bags, 80 Sandwich Sized Bags, 50 Quart Sized Bags and 20 Gallon Sized Bags. Gluten-free, BPA-free, nut-free, and fully compostable
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Non-Plastic Food Storage
Tired of plastic containers taking over your kitchen? Switching to non-plastic food storage is a great step for your health and the planet. This guide helps you pick the best options for keeping your food fresh and your kitchen clutter-free.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for non-plastic storage, look closely at these important features:
- Airtight Seals: Good seals keep air out. This keeps food fresh longer and stops leaks. Check if the lids have silicone gaskets or strong locking mechanisms.
- Durability: You want containers that last. Look for sturdy construction that resists chips or cracks, especially if you plan to use them often or take them on the go.
- Stackability: Smart storage saves space. Containers that stack neatly on top of each other make organizing your pantry or fridge much easier.
- Visibility: Can you see what is inside without opening the container? Clear materials (like glass) help you quickly find what you need.
Important Materials Beyond Plastic
The material defines how you use and care for your storage. Here are the top non-plastic choices:
Glass Containers
Glass is a favorite for many people. It does not stain or hold onto food smells. Glass is safe for high heat, meaning you can move it from the fridge straight to the oven or microwave (just remove the lid first!).
Stainless Steel
This material is incredibly tough. Stainless steel is perfect for lunch boxes or storing dry goods like pasta or rice. It resists breaking if dropped. Make sure the steel is food-grade (usually 18/8 or 304).
Ceramic and Stoneware
These look beautiful and work well for serving food directly at the table. They keep food cool, but they are heavier and can break if handled roughly.
Bamboo or Wood Lids
Often paired with glass containers, these lids look natural. Remember that wood or bamboo lids usually need hand washing and should not go in the dishwasher. They often have a silicone ring to make them airtight.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all non-plastic storage is made equal. Quality really matters.
What Makes Storage Better?
- Thick Walls: Thicker glass or steel containers resist breaking better.
- Easy-Clean Design: Corners and seams that are rounded are easier to clean thoroughly.
- Ventilation Options: For storing produce, lids with small vents help air circulate, which keeps vegetables crispier.
What Lowers the Quality?
- Thin Glass: Very thin glass can shatter easily when exposed to temperature changes (thermal shock).
- Poor Seals: If the seal is flimsy or loose, the container is not truly airtight, and food will spoil faster.
- Unfinished Wood Lids: Lids without proper sealing can absorb moisture, leading to mold or warping over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your containers daily. This impacts your best purchase.
For Meal Prepping and Reheating
If you heat up leftovers often, glass is your best friend. It handles high heat safely. Look for sets that offer rectangular shapes, as these fit better in lunch bags.
For Pantry Organization
For dry goods (flour, sugar, cereal), choose large, square containers. Square shapes use shelf space more efficiently than round ones. Stainless steel or sturdy glass works well here.
For Kids’ Lunches
Stainless steel is the clear winner for kids. It withstands drops and tumbles better than glass. Ensure the locking mechanism is easy for small hands to open but secure enough to prevent spills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Non-Plastic Food Storage
Q: Are non-plastic containers safe for the freezer?
A: Yes, most glass and stainless steel containers are freezer-safe. For glass, always leave a little extra space for the food to expand as it freezes so the container does not crack.
Q: Can I put these containers in the dishwasher?
A: Glass containers and stainless steel bodies usually go right into the dishwasher. However, lids made of wood or bamboo almost always require hand washing.
Q: Which material resists stains the best?
A: High-quality glass resists stains completely. Stainless steel also resists stains very well, unlike some plastics which can turn orange from tomato sauce.
Q: Do non-plastic containers weigh more than plastic ones?
A: Generally, yes. Glass and thick stainless steel are heavier than thin plastic. This weight is often a sign of better durability, though.
Q: How do I keep my glass containers from breaking in the oven?
A: Never put a cold glass container directly into a hot oven. Let the container warm up slightly first, or only use it in an oven that is already preheated to the correct temperature.
Q: Are bamboo lids truly airtight?
A: They can be, but only if they include a silicone or rubber ring seal attached to the inside of the lid. Check the product description for this seal.
Q: Should I buy round or square containers for my fridge?
A: Square or rectangular containers use vertical space much better. They leave less wasted space in your refrigerator shelves.
Q: How do I clean smells out of stainless steel containers?
A: Wash the container with baking soda and warm water. For stubborn smells, fill the container with water and a splash of white vinegar, let it sit overnight, and then rinse well.
Q: Is stainless steel expensive?
A: Stainless steel sets often cost more upfront than basic plastic. However, because they last so much longer, they often save you money over time.
Q: What should I look for when buying storage for pet food?
A: For large amounts of dry pet food, look for large, airtight stainless steel bins. They keep pests out and keep the food fresh for longer.