For a health-conscious family, it’s important to prioritize healthy food storage. As we strive to buy and cook organic and whole foods whenever possible, food storage containers can’t be ignored. Gone are the days of using Tupperware to store food.
While plastic seems like a convenient and cheap option, it’s not a safe option. Even BPA-free plastics contain BPS and other more harmful chemicals. And while plastic food storage containers are typically not single-use plastics, using plastic to store food is still problematic.
Our family has worked hard to transition to non-toxic, non-scratch cookware and other household products. Plastic food containers and plastic bags are common for food storage and the switch can be difficult. It took a few years, but we finally phased out all of our plastic food storage containers. We now use glass, metal, or silicone instead. It may have seemed hard at first, but it’s really important for our family’s health.
Why not use plastic food storage containers?
While plastic seems like the cheapest and easiest alternative, it’s probably the worst for storing food. It can leach harmful chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates into your food, drinks, and your body. BPA is a chemical that mimics estrogen, which can disrupt hormones and lead to weight gain.
Although banned in Europe, plastics also contain phthalates, which are particularly harmful to men and boys (including the unborn baby).
It not only harms our bodies but also the environment. 9% of plastic is recycledThe rest ends up in landfills, where it breaks down in the sun, releasing toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases. Worse yet, it ends up in the ocean, putting wildlife at risk.
In addition to being healthier and more environmentally friendly, another benefit of using non-plastic storage containers is that they are oven-safe, meaning you can put them directly in the oven or convection oven to reheat, minimizing the strain on your dishes in the long run. Some are even microwave-safe (although we don’t recommend using a microwave). Once you’re done eating, you can just pop any leftovers straight into the fridge or freezer.
Non-Toxic Food Storage Containers
When I first started transitioning to non-toxic food storage containers, there weren’t many options. But now, I’m happy to say that there are so many options for high-quality plastic-free food storage containers. There are countless options, including glass, stainless steel, and silicone. There’s something for every type of food storage need, from storing leftovers to dry foods to meals on the go.
Refrigerator and freezer food storage
Storing food in the fridge and freezer is essential to maintaining a real food kitchen. Whether you’re meal prepping, batch cooking, or making frozen meals, you need to keep your food safe. I now use these alternative food storage containers in my fridge and freezer instead of plastic bags and containers.
When storing liquids in the freezer, remember to leave room for the liquid to expand.
Glass
- Glass Mason Jar – Dishwasher-safe glass storage containers are my favorites because they’re inexpensive and versatile. Quart and half-gallon size jars are perfect for storing soups, sauces, broths, leftover casseroles, and side dishes.
- Pyrex glass container with lid– They have BPA free plastic lids, are pretty inexpensive, and were one of the first containers I bought when I switched. Perfect for storing leftovers.
- Glass Rock oven-safe food storage container– I have this set too and use it all the time to store almost everything. It’s BPA free so it’s super convenient.
- Glass Food Storage Container with Bamboo Lid – This food storage container set comes with bamboo lids instead of plastic, and they are leak-proof too.
- Elo Duraglass – The locking lids make them the perfect glass food storage containers. They are freezer safe and the outer silicone sleeve prevents the glass from slipping too much when frozen.
silicone
- Xtrema Silicone Food Storage Containers– We love these collapsible fridge storage containers because they take up little space in your cabinet when not in use and stack easily in your fridge. They’re also great containers for meal prep.
- Zip Top – These food-grade silicone containers come in fun colors and a variety of sizes and shapes to store just about anything, and they’re dishwasher safe.
stainless steel
- Latch-type stainless steel container – It won’t break, so it’s perfect for storing things your kids use frequently, like cut vegetables and fruits. It’s also perfect for storing in the freezer, because it won’t break and it holds a lot.
- Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers – This set is freezer safe, leak-proof, airtight, BPA-free and stackable to save space when not in use.
Food wrap
Another place we use plastic food storage containers and may not realize it is plastic wrap, wax paper, storage bags, and aluminum foil, which I also threw out when I made the switch.
- Beeswax Food Wrap – I love that they can be molded to fit the shape of any bowl or dish you want to use them in. If you have the time, you can also make your own reusable food wraps.
- Natural Parchment Paper – Natural parchment paper is perfect for wrapping meat, fish, etc. before storing.
- Silicone Lid – I also recently discovered these silicone suction cup lids that turn bowls I already own into storage for my fridge.
- Food Hugger – Perfect for when you need to store lemons, limes, or avocado halves in the refrigerator. The airtight seal keeps food from drying out or going stale.
- Stasher Silicone Bag – They come in a variety of colors and sizes to store things in instead of Ziploc bags.
Storage on the go
When I travel, I use different containers than I do at home. Glass is hard to use when I’m on the go for safety (no glass at the pool!) and is heavier than non-plastic food storage containers. These are the containers I use to take food with me when I’m on the go.
- Zip Top – At first it was hard to replace the plastic bags for snacks and sandwiches, but now I love these silicone bags.
- Silicone collapsible storage container – When I want to pack light, I like to use BPA-free collapsible containers. When I’m done eating, I just disassemble the containers and they take up very little space. When I travel, I sometimes throw them in my suitcase and prepare my own meals when I get there.
- Resealable Sandwich & Snack Bags – Perfect for dry snacks on the go.
- Stainless steel thermos – It’s very convenient for carrying liquids when you’re on the go. It’s leak-proof and can be used to keep room temperature, cold or hot foods fresh. I like that this container has no inner rim on the lid so food doesn’t accumulate and make a mess.
- U Konserve Seasoning Storage – This container is perfect for storing hummus or homemade sauces when you’re on the go. It comes with a silicone tight-fitting lid.
- Lunchbot Lunch Box – These lunch containers are perfect for lunch (or dinner) on the go.
Pantry Storage
Another place you’ll need non-plastic food storage containers is the pantry: dry foods like grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and flour all need a non-toxic storage location.
- Mason jar with airtight lid – I like glass food storage containers with locking lids for bulk purchases.
- Zip Top – Larger food storage bags are great for storing dry goods as they stand upright even when full.
- Glass jar with lid – If you need to store a lot of stuff, we recommend the larger size.
- Stainless Steel Canister Set – It’s great because it’s unbreakable! It has an airtight lid so I store my coffee beans in it.
- Glass Spice Jars – If you buy dried herbs and spices in bulk, these glass containers are the perfect place to store them. We love the bamboo lids and customizable labels.
Find out more about how to reduce plastic in your home here.
How can I store food without using plastic? What are your favorite plastic-free food storage methods?
