A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Oct. 01, 2024
Whether your leftovers simply need somewhere to live or your produce could use a pick-me-up, the best food storage containers help you preserve food and combat food waste
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Back in the ’50s and ’60s, the only food storage containers available to us came via Tupperware parties at our neighbor’s house. Nowadays, there are a lot more options for storing food. Many use new technology to keep things fresh for longer and minimize food waste (so you don’t always have to toss food after the expiration date passes) and feature thoughtful designs that help you maximize fridge organization and pantry organization. Sometimes more isn’t always more, though, and it can be overwhelming to figure out what refrigerator organizers, canisters and other food keepers will be most effective. Which is why we’ve made your life easier by rounding up the 10 best food storage containers.
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The best food storage containers do more than just contain, like this translucent glass set from Rubbermaid. You can use the containers in the fridge or freezer (where they’ll help prevent freezer burn) and modularly stack them. Our favorite part is the BPA-free plastic lids: Not only are they airtight, leakproof and stain- and odor-resistant, but they’re also created with built-in steam vents under the latches, so you can microwave with them on. The lids are also designed to fit across other containers in the Rubbermaid Brilliance line. Then there are the glass bases, which are oven-safe for up to 450 degrees.
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If green living is your objective, you’ve probably heard of Stasher, a reusable bag company known for its planet-friendly stance (it even donates 1% of its annual sales to environmental organizations). But did you know it recently came out with an amazing line of silicone reusable bowls? What makes them some of the best food storage containers out there is their versatility. While you can use these for any leftovers or snacks, they’re especially great for liquids, which benefit from their leak-free seal, upright design and built-in spout. From an organizational perspective, Stasher bags are great because they don’t have lids (less to lose) and store inside one another.
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Who says food storage containers can’t be as attractive as they are functional? Caraway’s Food Storage Set will level up your kitchen organization game with glass containers and storage organizers to keep them tidy. The ceramic-coated glass is nontoxic and nonstick, and though they may look like the sort of handwash-only goods you’d find at a high-end shop, they’re completely safe to pop in the dishwasher—and microwave and freezer too. Bonus: You can use them as a bento box, packing your lunch in the smaller containers and toting them in a larger one (straps to secure the container included!).
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These airtight food storage containers put all others to shame. Truly designed with dry ingredients in mind (there are measurement marks on every container), this set of six includes a removable level for flour, a flip-pour spout for sugar, a terracotta disk to keep brown sugar fresh, a dusting spoon and level for powdered sugar and a dusting screen and level for the two mini keepers. As for the airtight seal, one Floridian reviewer says the containers were proven “hurricane storm surge-proof.” So they should do just fine storing flour and other essentials in your pantry.
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If you’re over the idea of dedicating an entire drawer or even cabinet to your food storage containers, it’s time to give these collapsible ones a try. Even when they’re compacted to a third of their original size (a feature that alone makes them one of the best food storage containers), the airtight lids can still easily snap on, putting an end to your missing-lid crisis. The silicone is nontoxic, BPA-free and food grade, as well as odorless, tasteless, nonstick and temperature resistant. Use them to organize your freezer or fridge, then toss them into the microwave and dishwasher as needed.
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No one actually likes plastic wrap, least of all Mother Earth. These reusable wraps—made from certified organic cotton, responsibly sourced beeswax, certified organic plant oils and tree resin—are way more sustainable and work the exact same way. With proper care, you can use them for a year in your fridge, pantry and more. When it’s time to say goodbye, toss them in your compost bin. Bonus: As a B Corp and certified Green America company, Bee’s Wrap supports ocean conservancy and environmental stewardship.
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How long can leftovers last in the fridge? It depends. Food stays good in the fridge for different lengths of time, but vacuum-sealing can help keep food fresh for up to five times longer than other methods. This starter set is the perfect way to dip your toes in, complete with a rechargeable vacuum sealer machine, four reusable zip-closure bags and one glass container (perfect for making food like chicken last in the fridge). Use the bags and container for organizing the freezer or fridge, and even for microwaving. One cool extra is the Zwilling app, which you can use to track your storage and prevent food waste.
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Your kitchen organization will never be the same after you begin incorporating this Copco turntable. Ideal for both the pantry and the fridge, it not only keeps items contained but also ensures they’re reachable and in sight. A couple super thoughtful details: The nonskid base and raised rim ensure everything stays where it’s supposed to, while the 16 color combinations are just plain fun.
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Utopia Home’s large food storage containers come in two sizes and are incredibly versatile. You can use them for organizing chest freezers, fridges, kitchen cabinets and pantries. Instead of stressing over a system that’s too niche, you can update it as needed without having to add or take away too many bins. The transparent design makes it easy to see what’s where, while the built-in handles help you actually get it all without taking up any extra space.
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Are you rebuying lettuce every week because it keeps wilting too fast? Even the best refrigerator brands can’t solve your problem, but this BPA-free, dishwasher-safe set of four storage containers can. Each Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver comes with a built-in, no-refills-needed filter that regulates oxygen and carbon dioxide to maximize the lifespan of your produce. They also have an elevated base that keeps produce away from moisture and helps with airflow. Modular details include lids that fit multiple bases and bases that can nest together. Fruit and vegetable storage has never been so easy.
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When it comes to storing fresh herbs, the all-around favorite is this herb keeper from OXO. There are a lot of good reasons it’s considered one of the best food storage containers: The hinged basket helps air circulate and makes it easy to access your herbs (it even has a handle), and filling the bottom with water keeps them hydrated and creates humidity in partnership with the closed lid. Some herbs that usually last for days can stay fresh for weeks with this—no experimenting with fridge temperature necessary.
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Storing liquids is tricky because they’re more likely to leak in containers made for solids, which is why we were so thrilled to discover the soup storage solution with thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon. Featured on Shark Tank, the food grade silicone trays let you freeze foods in perfect two-cup portions, which is super helpful for meal-prepping and managing leftovers of soups, stews and sauces. A clear tight-fitting lid keeps food fresh and safe from freezer burn. Also available in 1-cup trays and 2-tablespoon trays.
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