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Hint: Some of their choices may surprise you.
Nontoxic Food Storage Containers To Shop Now
- 3,000+ Bought This Month: Rubbermaid 44-Piece EasyStore Container Set, $39.99 (orig. $50.99)
- No. 1 New Release: Bentgo Stainless Steel Snack Box, $19.99
- Best-Seller With 4,200+ Five-Star Ratings: Ziploc 6-Piece Twist n Loc Food Storage Container Set, $16.49
In the internet sphere, I think we’ve all become a bit hypervigilant about the products we use and consume, along with their potential (harmful) side effects. Lately, there’s been quite a lot of buzz surrounding microplastics—specifically, the transference of these virtually undetectable particles from the plastic food storage containers that so many of us use regularly for meal prepping, storing leftovers, etc. into our food.
Amidst the chatter, I even started ridding my kitchen of plastic and opted for different, “nontoxic” solutions, but even with all of the information out there, I think it’s best to consult the experts to really understand what we should and shouldn’t have in our kitchens.
“From a toxicological perspective, toxicity depends on both the substance and the level of exposure,” Dr. Leslie Patton, board-certified toxicologist and toxicology specialist at the Plastics Research Council, explains, adding, “A material is not considered toxic simply because a chemical is present; the key question is whether that chemical can migrate into food at levels that could pose a health risk.”
The Best Nontoxic Food Storage Containers At Amazon
- Best Family-Friendly Set: Rubbermaid 44-Piece EasyStore Container Set, $39.99 (orig. $50.99)
- A Meal Prep Must-Have: Pyrex Freshlock 10-Pack Airtight Glass Food Storage Container Set, $52.84
- For Soups, Sauces, Jams, And More: Ziploc 6-Piece Twist n Loc Food Storage Container Set, $16.49
- Glass Tupperware? Yes, Please!: Tupperware Voila Glass Round Food Storage Container, $26.99 (orig. $29.99)
- Perfect For Daytime Trips, Beach Days, And Picnics: Bentgo Stainless Steel Snack Box, $19.99
- The Essential You’ll Use Every Day: Everusely 5-Pack Stainless Steel Containers, $28.49 (orig. $29.99)
Among the chemicals that have been used and are frequently discussed in regards to food storage containers include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues, phthalates, and more,” says Heather Whitehead, Ph.D., research scientist in the Center for Analytics and Exposure Science at UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights.
With this in mind, Patton and Whitehead shared some personal food storage container recommendations, as well as helpful advice for making thoughtful choices as you shop.
Related: How Often Should You Replace Your Food Storage Containers?
Rubbermaid 44-Piece EasyStore Container Set
Contrary to what you may have heard, not all plastic food storage containers are bad or toxic, which is why Patton recommends this comprehensive Rubbermaid set as a suitable option for a number of uses.
“These food storage containers are made from food-contact materials designed for repeated everyday use and are a practical option for storing leftovers, meal-prepped foods, snacks, and pantry items,” she says.
The dishwasher- and microwave-safe containers are BPA free, and not only “keep food protected and organized,” but also, when used as directed, “can help extend food freshness, reduce food waste, and provide a reliable and safe solution for everyday food storage,” Patton concludes.
Ziploc 6-Piece Twist n Loc Food Storage Container Set
Another food container set that has Patton’s seal of approval is this one from Ziploc, which includes six 4-cup plastic containers crafted without BPA and phthalates. The containers are microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe, which “encourages repeated use and makes them easy to incorporate into daily routines,” says Patton.
Beyond their food-safe material, Patton appreciates the twist-lock construction that prevents leaks and spills, and their versatile design that’s great for “storing a wide range of foods, from soups and sauces to fruits, vegetables, and leftovers.”
Pyrex Freshlock 10-Pack Airtight Glass Food Storage Container Set
For those who prefer options with different materials, Whitehead says “old-school” containers like those made from glass and stainless steel are “excellent choices for food storage and food contact materials compared to plastic, silicone, and other modern food container types,” as they’re not “treated with chemicals like PFAS (among other chemical classes).”
This 20-piece container set from Pyrex comes with 1- and 4-cup square and round containers, as well as 2-cup rectangular containers made from glass. Each container comes with a leakproof, airtight, and BPA-free plastic lid that is safe for use in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer, so each one is easy to use and clean.
Tupperware Voila Glass Round Food Storage Container
Tupperware has long been loved for its iconic plastic food storage containers, and while most of their current products are made with polypropylene and without BPAs, their latest Voila glassware collection is worth highlighting given Whitehead’s insights.
This all-in-one food storage container is made from durable glass that’s safe for use in temperatures from -13 degrees Fahrenheit to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can safely store it in the fridge or freezer, use it in the microwave or oven, and pop it in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
It’s designed with an engraved fill line on the side, so you know exactly how much to fill it, and it comes with an easy-press lid with a built-in steam valve that not only prevents messes in the microwave and helps food heat evenly, but also instantly locks in freshness.
Bentgo Stainless Steel Snack Box
“In my home, the key behavioral changes I’ve made are making swaps to other material types over time, reducing the number of products I have, and transferring materials from their original packaging/containers to glass and/or stainless steel when I’m going to be storing them long-term and have potential concern for their starting materials,” Whitehead says.
Plastic snack boxes have grown in popularity in recent years, but if you’re looking for an option that mostly omits plastic, this one from Bentgo is a great choice. The base tray is made from 18/8 stainless steel and is designed with 0.7-cup and 1.3-cup divided compartments, while the lid is made from PFAS- and BPA-free ABS plastic and has a silicone seal to prevent leaks and keep food fresh.
Everusely 5-Pack Stainless Steel Containers
Whether you’re storing homemade sauces and dips, freshly cut fruits and veggies for a daytime snack, cold salads, or leftovers, this five-pack of containers is bound to be a great addition to your kitchen. The containers are all made from stainless steel and come in 3-, 6-, 13-, 21-, and 32-ounce sizes to accommodate a variety of storage needs.
Speaking of storage, the containers come with leakproof silicone lids that allow you to easily stack them in the fridge or freezer and take them on the go.
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