Food storage containers are essential for keeping your food fresh, organized, and easy to access. They can also help you save money, time, and space by allowing you to store, cook, and serve your food in the same container.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best ones for your needs? In this article, we will review some of the best food storage containers of 2024, based on expert opinions, customer reviews, and the latest trends. We will also give you some tips on how to use and care for your containers, and what to look for when shopping for them.
The Benefits of Food Storage Containers
Food storage containers have many benefits, such as:
- Preserving food quality and freshness: Food storage containers can prevent your food from spoiling, drying out, or absorbing odors by creating a tight seal that blocks air, moisture, and bacteria. They can also help retain the flavor, texture, and nutrients of your food by protecting it from heat, light, and oxidation.
- Reducing food waste and saving money: Food storage containers can help you reduce food waste and save money by allowing you to store your leftovers, meal prep, pantry staples, or snacks for later use. You can also avoid buying unnecessary or duplicate food items by seeing what you already have in your containers.
- Saving time and space: Food storage containers can help you save time and space by enabling you to store, cook, and serve your food in the same container. You can also stack them neatly in your fridge, freezer, or cupboard, or nest them inside each other when not in use. This way, you can free up more room for other things and make your kitchen look more organized and tidy.
- Making your life easier and healthier: Food storage containers can make your life easier and healthier by allowing you to plan your meals, portion your food, and control your intake. You can also take your food on the go, whether it’s for work, school, or travel, without worrying about leaks, spills, or messes. Plus, you can choose containers that are made from safe and eco-friendly materials, such as glass, metal, or silicone, that won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food.
The Best Food Storage Containers of 2024
To help you find the best food storage containers of 2024, we have selected some of the top-rated and most popular products in different categories, such as overall, meal prep, glass, bulk, and pantry. We have also compared their features, pros, and cons, and provided links to where you can buy them online. Here are our picks:
| Category | Product | Features | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers | – Made from clear, BPA-free plastic
– Lids have a tight seal and snap closed – Lightweight, sturdy, and transparent – Stackable and leakproof – Microwave, freezer, oven, and dishwasher-safe |
– Easy to use and clean
– Perfect for taking on the go – Variety of sizes and shapes |
– Lids are cumbersome to store
– Plastic may stain or warp over time |
$47 for an 18-piece set |
| Best for Meal Prep | C Crest 5 Pack Glass Meal-Prep Containers | – Made from borosilicate glass
– Lids have four snaps and a silicone ring – Durable, oven-safe, and microwave-safe – Odor-resistant and stain-resistant – Dishwasher-safe |
– Leakproof and secure
– Ideal for storing salads, sandwiches, soups, etc. – Easy to clean |
– Lids are not oven-safe or microwave-safe
– Glass is heavy and fragile |
$25 for a five-pack |
| Best Glass Containers | FineDine 24-Piece Superior Glass Food Storage Containers Set | – Made from high-quality glass
– Lids have airtight seals and vents – Thick, strong, and shatter-resistant – Oven-safe, microwave-safe, and freezer-safe – Dishwasher-safe |
– Heat-resistant and easy to clean
– Perfect for storing leftovers, baking dishes, or serving platters – Variety of sizes and shapes |
– Lids are not oven-safe
– Glass is heavy and fragile |
$40 for a 24-piece set |
| Best for Bulk Food Storage | Cambro Containers with Lids | – Made from polypropylene plastic
– Lids have snap-on closures and tabs – Durable, lightweight, and translucent – Have molded-in handles and measurement markings – Dishwasher-safe |
– Easy to carry and lift
– Ideal for storing bulk food items – Easy to clean |
– Lids are not leakproof
– Plastic may stain or warp over time |
$30 for a two-pack |
| Best for the Pantry | OXO Good Grips 5-Piece POP Container Set | – Made from clear, BPA-free plastic
– Lids have a push-button mechanism that creates an airtight seal – Sturdy and transparent – Have rounded corners for easy pouring and scooping – Dishwasher-safe |
– Simple and secure
– Keep dry foods fresh and visible – Stackable and modular |
– Expensive
– Plastic may stain or warp over time |
$68 for a five-piece set |
| Best for Freezing | Ziploc Twist ‘n Loc Containers | – Made from polyethylene plastic
– Lids have a twist-on design that creates a leakproof seal – Lightweight and flexible – Have a wide rim and finger grips for easy handling – Microwave and dishwasher-safe |
– Prevent spills and freezer burn
– Ideal for storing soups, sauces, or ice cream – Affordable and reusable |
– Not oven-safe
– Plastic may stain or warp over time |
$9 for a six-pack |
| Best for Lunches | Bentgo Fresh Leak-Proof Lunch Box | – Made from BPA-free plastic
– Has a removable tray with four compartments and a lid – Has a secure strap and a cutlery slot – Microwave and dishwasher-safe |
– Keeps food separated and fresh – Ideal for packing salads, sandwiches, fruits, etc.
– Portable and convenient |
– Not oven-safe or freezer-safe – Plastic may stain or warp over time |
$30 for one |
| Best for Snacks | Sistema To Go Collection Mini Bites Food Storage Containers | – Made from BPA-free plastic
– Lids have easy-locking clips and a flexible seal – Small and colorful – Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher-safe |
– Perfect for storing nuts, dips, candies, etc.
– Fit in lunchboxes or bags – Fun and functional |
– Not leakproof – Plastic may stain or warp over time | $6 for a three-pack |
| Best Reusable Bags | Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags | – Made from food-grade silicone
– Have a pinch-lock seal that creates an airtight closure – Flexible and durable – Oven-safe, microwave-safe, freezer-safe, and dishwasher-safe |
– Eco-friendly and reusable
– Great for storing liquids, solids, or snacks – Easy to clean and store |
– Expensive
– May absorb odors or colors |
$50 for a four-pack |
How to Use and Care for Your Food Storage Containers
To get the most out of your food storage containers, you should follow some simple tips on how to use and care for them. Here are some of them:
- Before using your containers, wash them with warm water and soap, and dry them thoroughly.
- Label your containers with the date and contents of the food, and use them within the recommended storage time. You can use a permanent marker, a sticker, or a chalkboard pen for labeling.
- Store your containers in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid stacking them too high or too low, as they might fall or get crushed.
- When microwaving your food, loosen the lid or vent it slightly to allow steam to escape. Do not overheat your food, as it might damage the container or the lid. Use oven mitts or a towel to handle hot containers, as they might burn your hands.
- When freezing your food, leave some space in the container to allow for expansion. Do not fill it more than three-quarters full. Thaw your food in the refrigerator or the microwave before reheating or eating it.
- When cleaning your containers, use warm water and soap, and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as they might scratch the surface or the lid. Rinse and dry them well before storing them.
- If your containers or lids get stained, soak them in a solution of vinegar and water, or baking soda and water, for a few hours. Then wash them as usual. You can also use lemon juice or bleach to remove stains, but be careful not to damage the material.
- If your containers or lids get warped, cracked, or chipped, discard them and replace them with new ones. Do not use them for food storage, as they might leak, spill, or harbor bacteria.
What to Look for When Shopping for Food Storage Containers
When shopping for food storage containers, you should consider some factors that will affect your choice. Here are some of them:
- Material: Food storage containers can be made from different materials, such as glass, plastic, metal, or silicone. Each material has its pros and cons, depending on your preferences and needs. For example, glass containers are durable, oven-safe, and odor-resistant, but they are heavy, fragile, and expensive. Plastic containers are lightweight, cheap, and leakproof, but they are not oven-safe, and they might stain or warp. Metal containers are strong, rust-resistant, and eco-friendly, but they are not microwave-safe, and they might dent or scratch. Silicone containers are flexible, heat-resistant, and easy to clean, but they are not very sturdy, and they might absorb odors or colors.
- Size and shape: Food storage containers come in various sizes and shapes, from small cups to large trays. You should choose the ones that suit your needs and preferences, depending on the type and amount of food you want to store. For example, if you want to store leftovers, you might need medium-sized containers that fit in your fridge or freezer. If you want to store dry foods, you might need large containers that hold a lot of food. If you want to store liquids, you might need round containers that prevent spills. If you want to store snacks, you might need small containers that fit in your lunchbox or bag.
- Lid type: Food storage containers have different types of lids, such as snap-on, screw-on, push-button, or flip-top. You should choose the ones that are easy to use and secure, depending on your needs and preferences. For example, if you want to prevent leaks and spills, you might need lids that have a tight seal and a locking mechanism. If you want to access your food quickly and easily, you might need lids that have a simple closure and a vent. If you want to store your food for a long time, you might need lids that have a good seal and a date indicator.
- Features: Food storage containers can have different features, such as vents, dividers, handles, or labels. You should choose the ones that offer the features that you need and like, depending on your needs and preferences. For example, if you want to microwave your food, you might need containers that have vents that allow steam to escape. If you want to store different types of food in one container, you might need containers that have dividers that separate them. If you want to carry or lift your containers easily, you might need containers that have handles that are comfortable and ergonomic. If you want to label your containers with the date and contents of the food, you might need containers that have labels that are easy to write on and erase.
Conclusion
Food storage containers are a must-have for any kitchen, as they help you keep your food fresh, organized, and accessible. They also help you save money, time, and space, as you can store, cook, and serve your food in the same container. However, not all food storage containers are created equal, and you should choose the ones that suit your needs and preferences best.
We hope this article has helped you find the best food storage containers of 2024, based on expert opinions, customer reviews, and the latest trends. We have reviewed some of the best food storage containers in different categories, such as overall, meal prep, glass, bulk, and pantry. We have also given you some tips on how to use and care for your containers, and what to look for when shopping for them.
Remember, the best food storage containers are the ones that make your life easier and your food better. So, go ahead and get yourself some of the best food storage containers of 2024, and enjoy your food like never before. Bon appétit!
Check out more articles!
