Lots of folks are interested in storing their food (and baby food, and kid food) in things that are not plastic, such as silicone and glass. While plastic might be convenient, it isn’t the best choice for the environment or your body, so many people are switching to glass at home and silicone bags on the go (or for home as well). Not to mention that glass containers have certain advantages over plastic ones that make them infinitely more practical and appealing. For starters, most glass containers can go from fridge to freezer to oven to microwave. They’re also dishwasher-safe for quick and easy cleanup. And, because their surface is non-porous, glass containers won’t absorb odors the way plastic ones do.
There are plenty of options available when it comes to finding the best glass containers and reusable bags for your needs. Whether you’re looking for meal prep or leftovers containers or want something that’s safe for your baby, there’s a food storage container designed for every need. To get the right food storage container, consider: Custom Lotion Bottle
The size you need (containers range from small dip holders to large casserole-sized dishes)
Lid design (not all lids offer a leakproof seal and not all lids are plastic-free or microwave safe)
What’s included in a set (you might only need one or two containers, or you might want a whole set)
How you intend to use them (many glass containers aren’t just for storage — you can also pop them in the oven to cook or reheat food)
Here are some other things to keep in mind when comparing glass food storage containers.
Glass storage containers not only provide a fantastic sustainable alternative to their plastic counterparts, they are easy to clean, won't retain odors or germs, and you can easily spot what you’re looking for since they are see-through. Glass containers can also be safely washed at high temperatures in your dishwasher.
Replacing your plastic food containers with glass, silicone, or other materials also helps the environment. That’s because glass can be reused for years, and is almost completely recyclable — unlike plastic options. Plastic has a highly inefficient recycling process that is no friend to Mother Earth.
Another benefit to replacing your plastic food storage containers with more eco-friendly materials is that it also cuts down on costs. Yes, the initial investment in glass containers and reusable storage bags is costlier than plastic options, but it’s more or less a one-time investment — as long as you take care of your stash. And, there are still budget-friendly options available.
You can also enjoy more versatility with glass food containers than you do with plastic. Tempered glass and borosilicate glass is durable enough to go from freezer to oven to table. You can also pop them in the dishwasher for convenient cleanup when the meal is over — unlike a lot of plastic options. Reusable storage bags can be washed in the dishwasher as well — or tossed in with your laundry for quick cleans between uses. (Yep, laundry!)
Additionally, there’s some evidence to suggest that when heated, plastic releases chemicals that leach into food and can be harmful to humans. So while it might be safe for simply storing food in, you probably shouldn’t be reheating those leftovers in your microwave in a plastic container. Glass and silicone don’t have this issue.
When shopping for glass food storage containers, there are several features you should look for, including:
Can you pop it in the microwave? What about the freezer?
Can you toss it in the dishwasher?
Is it free of BPA, lead, and phthalates?
Do the lids offer a secure, leak-proof seal? Do they lock in place? Are they also microwave safe?
What type of glass is it? Tempered or boroscolite is best, though untreated glass is suitable for dry goods.
Do they stack for convenient storage?
Do I like the style of a particular container or set?
When shopping for reusable food and snack bags, there are several features you should look for, including:
Can you pop it in the microwave? What about the freezer?
Can you toss it in the dishwasher or washing machine?
Is it free of BPA, lead, and phthalates?
Does it offer a leak-proof seal? Can any children who might be in the home open and close them unassisted?
What size will suit my needs? There are bags sized for snack-sized portions, while others hold sandwiches or more.
Do they stack for convenient storage?
Do they stand open so I can easily fill them? (If you need this feature.)
Do I like the style of a particular bag or set?
There are three types of glass food storage containers available: untreated glass, tempered glass, and borosilicate glass.
Untreated glass is the cheapest glass to produce, and is often used to make jars, bottles, and cups. Unless your glass container specifically says it’s tempered or strengthened, it’s likely untreated glass. This shouldn’t be a deal breaker, though. You can still use untreated glass to store food in the fridge or at room temperature — just don’t freeze or heat it.
Tempered glass has been treated to withstand a wider range of temperatures, which is why it’s able to go in the freezer and oven. It’s also less likely to shatter.
Borosilicate glass contains boric oxide, which makes it even more resistant to thermal shock than tempered glass. Because of this, it’s also more expensive than tempered and untreated glass.
Yes! Glass storage containers can go in the oven. While high-quality borosilicate glass is the gold standard in heating and cooling stability and can withstand extreme changes in temperature, tempered glass is also usually oven safe (just don’t go from freezer to oven directly). Generally speaking, glass food storage containers can withstand oven temperatures up to 425 degrees, but be sure to check the specifications for your specific container.
Yes! Glass storage containers can go in the freezer. While high-quality borosilicate glass is the gold standard in heating and cooling stability and can withstand extreme changes in temperature, tempered glass is also freezer safe. (Just don’t go from freezer to oven directly).
Yes! Glass food storage containers can safely be used in the microwave. Keep in mind that if your containers have plastic lids, they might not be microwave safe. Always be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations to be certain.
If you’re looking to ditch the plastic and upgrade to a more eco-friendly option, these glass containers and reusable storage bags are more than up to the task. And if you’re looking to ditch plastic elsewhere in your life, we’ve rounded up the best reusable water bottles, reusable straws, and reusable coffee cups to help you live more eco-friendly. Here are our picks for the best food storage containers and reusable storage bags for plastic-free food storage.
If you want to build your glass container stash with a complementing set, this 18-piece ensemble from Glasslock is a great choice. It comes complete with containers (with snap-lock lids) in the following shapes and sizes: one 6.3-cup rectangle, two 3.5-cup rectangles, one 1.6-cup rectangle, one 3.3-cup square, one 1.5-cup square, one 3.1-cup round, one 1.6-cup round, and one 0.7-cup round. Not only are they dishwasher safe, but they’re also safe to pop in the oven as well! The snap-lock lids with a seal means no leaks are happening with these babies, while the airtight seal helps keep food fresher, longer.
This glass storage container set boasts many of the same features as our top pick, but at a slightly more affordable price point for those counting their pennies. They can be used in the microwave and oven for cooking versatility. For longer storage, they’re also freezer safe. Cleanup is a cinch since they are also dishwasher safe. The snap-lock lids with silicone seal help to prevent leaks, and are BPA-free. With the lids off you can conveniently nest them together for easy storage. Included in this set are one 6.3-cup rectangle, two 3.5-cup rectangles, one 1.6-cup rectangle, one 3.3-cup square, one 1.5-cup square, one 3.1-cup round, one 1.6-cup round, and one 0.7-cup round container.
Wanting to make homemade baby food but don’t want to store it in plastic containers? These glass blocks from OXO offer the perfect pint-sized storage solution. They are ideal for portioning out baby’s purees, and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for added convenience. They can even go straight from the freezer to the microwave without the risk of shattering! Thanks to the locking lids, you can rest easy knowing food is safely stored with an airtight and leak proof seal. Measurement markings on the side of the blocks make it easy to see how much your little one is eating, while the stackable tray makes it easy to store this set.
Who doesn’t love a good meal prep? Batch cooking is an excellent way to eat healthier, cut down on your grocery bill, and save time in the kitchen, after all. A vacuum sealer is great for long-term storage, but these containers from Pyrex also make it easy to portion and store meals and snacks for multiple days. The set come complete with one 6-cup rectangle, two 3-cup rectangle, one 7-cup round, two 4-cup round, two 2-cup round, and one 1-cup round container with lids. Use them to store food in either the fridge or freezer – as they can handle the cold temperatures. You can also use them in the oven for added versatility when meal prepping.
Let’s face it, you’re bound to lose a storage container lid or two at some point — it happens to the best of us. But, you don’t have to throw away your containers the next time that happens. Simply pick up a set of replacement lids from Food Huggers. They’re designed to fit most round containers, and come in a set of three (XS, S, and M sized) for vessels of various sizes. The top of the lid itself is glass, while the outer edge is made from flexible silicone, which stretches to fit bowls and containers of different sizes, and provides a nice seal to help keep foods fresh. They’re also available in a choice of four colors to suit your kitchen aesthetic.
Food storage jars are great for storing soups and meal-prepping Pinterest-perfect salads in a jar. This set of four gallon-sized jars comes complete with airtight lids to keep your beverages and foodstuffs fresh. While the manufacturer doesn’t specifically say that they are microwave safe, they can be safely heated up to 350 degrees. The top opening is 4.33 inches wide, so you can easily fit in a variety of foods with ease. These jars are made from break-resistant hardened glass that is lead-free, for added peace of mind. They’re also a great size for making ferments like sauerkraut, pickles, and kombucha, or storing dry foods like sugar or pasta.
Endlessly reusable and radically functional, these reusable sandwich bags are perfect for storing your lunch, makeup, or toiletries at the gym or while traveling. They’re available in more than 20 different colors to add a touch of whimsy to any lunch box. The bag measures 7.5 x 7.5 x 1 inches, and is just the right size for storing a sandwich made with standard loaf bread. It’s hard to believe, but these bags can go in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher, and can even be used for cooking sous vide! Unlike Ziploc bags, there’s no plastic here — each reusable bag is made from 100% flexible silicone, and features a pinch lock seal.
While these snack bags from Bumkins are great for holding treats, they can also be used for holding cosmetics, pacifiers, cash, and other odds and sods. Bags are made from a waterproof fabric that’s durable without compromising on comfort. The zippered top makes it easy for kids of all ages to open and close on their own, although it does mean these bags aren’t completely leak proof. Bags are free from BPA, vinyl, phthalates, and lead for added peace of mind. Cleaning is a breeze — simply turn the bags inside out and wipe clean. You can also pop them on the top rack of the dishwasher, or toss in the laundry — just make sure to air dry.
Lotion Bottle 20Ml If you’re looking to avoid plastic altogether, but still want a food-safe storage solution, reusable beeswax food wraps are a great option. This set comes complete with three wraps in small, medium, and large sizes, and is made from certified organic cotton. Choose from four different cute prints to suit your personality, all made in the USA with responsibly sourced beeswax, certified organic plant oils, and tree resin. Simply use the warmth of your hands to soften the wrap and create a seal around pans, bowls, and food. Cleaning couldn’t be any easier — just rinse in cool water using a mild dish soap, then air dry. With proper care, one beeswax wrap can last for up to a year with regular use. When they reach the end of their life, you can either compost them or use them as a fire starter.