6 Best Food Storage Containers for Every Type of Food

There is a popular saying, ‘every pot has its lid’ and in a similar vein we believe there is a perfect food storage container for your lunch, leftovers or bulk freezing requirements. 

Depending on how much you need to store and if you need to keep products dry or fresh for longer, ready to warm or for freezing, there is an ideal container for every type of food. 

Containers are versatile and available in all shapes, sizes, and colours, and at different price points.  An important feature is an airtight and leak proof lid.  A pantry or fridge organised with containers looks neat and results in less food waste since all food is easily visible. It is important to find a durable set that fits your needs and cooking style, so look at our list and see which are best for you!

List of best food storage containers

• Best glass – Pyrex Simply Store 18 Piece Meal Prep Storage Containers Set
• Best plastic – Rubbermaid Brilliance Storage 14-Piece
• Best for pantry – Airtight Food Storage Containers For Kitchen Organisation 14 PC
• Best for spices – AOZITA 24 Pcs Glass Spice Jars/Bottles 
• Best for liquids – OXO good grips Chef’s squeeze bottle set
• Best reusable bag – Stasher Platinum Silicone Food Grade Reusable Storage Bag

Things to consider before buying 

Material

Glass and plastic are the most common containers for storing food. Glass is heavier than plastic and often completely transparent, but both materials are usually easy to clean and dishwasher safe. They often resist high heat and glass can be used in the oven as well as for freezing food. Silicone is another popular material but not transparent for easy identification of contents. 

Shapes and sizes

We prefer a uniform shape for easy stacking, preferably rectangular, but some people prefer a variety of different shaped containers. Bottles are also available for storing liquids, soups, or syrups. Sizes chosen depend on foods stored and if you prepare a lot of meals in advance. 

Lids

It is often a challenge to find the correct lid that fits, and this probably because of the way empty containers are stored at home. The most important thing is to have lids that seal well. Some have clasps and others just close with light pressure. We don’t like those lids with clasps because they are often in the way when storing and we find them not as durable as regular press-down lids. 

Safety

Some containers are safe to use in cold or warm spaces and others are not.

Microwave safe containers are often smaller to fit into the appliance. They are perfect for leftovers but always check the brand as some flexible plastic containers might become soft after a microwave session.

Oven safe containers are usually made of glass but be aware that not all glass is oven safe. Always check with the manufacturer before buying and even after that be aware of thermal shocks. Never expose a container suddenly from one extreme temperature to another.

Freezer safe containers are essential if you want to store food in the freezer. Although most containers are safe, some plastics can crack when exposed to cold temperatures 

Dishwasher safety is another factor to take into consideration. We don’t mind hand washing kitchen tools and storage containers but if you are busy or have a large family where everyone takes a container for lunch, you will probably want durable containers that are dishwasher safe. 

Overview of best food storage containers

Best glass – Pyrex Simply Store 18 Piece Meal Prep Storage Containers Set

You can’t go wrong when choosing this 18 piece food storage set. The round and rectangular glass containers are all different sizes and come with colourful airtight lids. Pyrex glass is perfect to store food in the fridge or freezer, and stands up to the microwave, oven and dishwasher use. 

Related: Creative ways to use food with short shelflife

Best plastic – Rubbermaid Brilliance Storage 14-Piece

Although made of plastic, these food containers are clear like glass so you can always see what’s inside but are light and easy to carry. As with glass, they are made from stain and odour resistant material with built in vents under the latches that allow splatter resistant microwave reheating with the lid on. These containers are perfectly leak proof, airtight, and they stack perfectly saving space. 

Related: Healthy life hacks for smart eating

Best for pantry – Airtight Food Storage Containers For Kitchen Organisation 14 PC

Stackable food containers are the answer to space-saving and efficient organising. From large containers (2.5quart /2.8L) to small ones (0.7quart /0.8L) and everything in between, the wide variety of shapes and sizes should be enough to hold all your dry foods. The 4-hinge locking system snap lids on these food storage containers form an airtight, watertight seal which keeps food fresh for longer. These premium Tupperware canisters are microwave and dishwasher safe, plus they are delivered with chalkboard markers and chalkboard labels to keep everything organised. 

Related: 10 ways to reduce your grocery bill

Best for spices – AOZITA 24 Pcs Glass Spice Jars/Bottles 

This set of 24 square glass spice jars have shaker lids and metal caps. These jars are delivered with 2 kinds of waterproof labels, and a collapsible silicone funnel for easy filling of the spices. There is not much more to say about this set. A good choice if you use spices often!

Related: Best magnetic spice racks

Best for liquids – OXO good grips Chef’s squeeze bottle set

Oil, vinegar, dressings, or syrups, this set of two squeezy bottles is convenient. One medium size bottle and one large size bottle have one thick tip and one thin tip both interchangeable with an attached cap to be able to shake the ingredients if needed. The convenient measurement markings show cups, ounce and ml. The BPA free bottles come apart for easy cleaning and are dishwasher safe.

Related: Advantages of vaccuum sealing food

Best reusable bags – Stasher Platinum Silicone Food Grade Reusable Storage Bag

We admit that these reusable bags are pricey, but they are a perfect environmentally friendly option. They contain no BPA, no PVC, and no latex, are fully functional, self-sealing, and therefore a great alternative to single-use plastic bags. The platinum food-grade silicone is safe for use in the freezer, microwave, dishwasher, boiling water, and oven up to 425°F (215°C).