I can’t be the only one with a years-old pile of mismatched, scratched up food storage containers, including a few lingering take-out containers and random lidless bottoms. Despite the mess, I use my food storage containers frequently, from housing leftovers in the fridge to packing lunch for the office and traveling with my baby’s snacks. If that sounds like you, it might be time to clean up that long-overlooked cabinet, especially if you want to minimize plastic in your kitchen.
My personal favorite containers don’t hold on to flavors or odors, are easy to clean, and offer an airtight seal — but your list of important features might be different depending on your food storage priorities. Most importantly, however, I think everyone needs non-toxic containers. But what exactly do I mean by that?
What Is Non-Toxic Food Storage?
At Organic Authority, we define non-toxic food storage as containers made without plastic and coatings that could leach microplastics, phthalates, BPA, or BPS into your food. Many plastic products are made with plasticizers like phthalates and bisphenols, which are chemical additives that make plastics more flexible and durable. Unfortunately, they’re also known endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can do lasting damage to our endocrine, reproductive, and even neurological systems1. In other words, you don’t really want them anywhere near your food.
I’ve tested containers from dozens of brands over the years, and these are the best food storage containers made with clean materials.
TL;DR: The Best Food Storage Containers for Every Kitchen
Why Your Food Storage Choices Matter More Than You Think
Beyond extending the lifespan of your leftovers and reducing your food waste, your food containers also impact your health and the environment. When your food is stored in soft plastic, even if it’s labeled BPA-free, other ingredients from the plastic such as PFAS and phthalates can leach into your food2. And while BPA-free labels indicate the product does not contain Bisphenol-A, you could still be exposed to similarly damaging alternatives like Bisphenol-S and Bisphenol-F.
You’re also not safe from micro- and nanoplastics, which can transfer from your containers into the food you’re consuming3. Certain conditions, such as fatty or oily foods, heat, and friction, can increase leaching and microplastic shedding. Over time, continued exposure to these materials has serious health implications, including a heightened risk for cancer and chronic illnesses4.
Materials like glass, silicone, and stainless steel help reduce unnecessary exposure to microplastics and toxic plasticizers. Plus, they’ll hold up a lot better than your warped and mismatched takeout containers with missing lids. Damaged plastic containers inevitably start to let in air and moisture and stop keeping your food fresh. And if your food storage containers can’t keep food fresh, what’s the point? The best food storage containers do the job well (without plastic!), minimize waste, and help you stay organized.
Before You Choose: What Actually Makes Food Storage Worth It
Your food containers should keep food fresh, be easy to clean, and hold up to daily use without staining, warping, or losing their seal. While a cheaper plastic option might work just fine for a while, the soft plastic will begin to wear down over time. Once the container loses its shape, it’s difficult to get a proper seal, which means it’s not doing a great job of preserving your food.
To find the best food storage solution, I focused on these factors: Materials, seal quality, versatility, ease of cleaning, and value for money. For this guide, I only tested food containers made from plastic alternatives like silicone, stainless steel, and glass.
1. S’well Food Canister Set
This stainless steel container set from S’well is a simple solution for everyday storage, whether you’re keeping leftovers in the fridge or packing lunch. They’re some of the best food storage containers if you’re looking for a small, affordable, and versatile set. They’re made from lightweight, 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, which is extremely durable and makes them great for travel. The containers nest together and take up minimal storage space, which I love (if you’ve ever played pantry Tetris, you know that storing containers can be a real pain when not in use). They’re freezer-safe, and both the tops and bottoms can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
These containers have flexible silicone lids that cling tightly and prevent most leaks, although they’re not as sturdy or airtight as locking lids. I love stainless steel because it’s lightweight, non-toxic, highly durable, and odor- and stain-resistant, but it does come with a couple of drawbacks. These containers aren’t microwave-safe, which can make them a bit less convenient depending on what you plan on using them for. They’re also not clear, so you can’t see what’s inside without lifting the lid — this means they typically work better for office lunches than they do for long-term pantry storage. Everyone’s definition of the best food storage is different, but these are a great option if you’re looking for a set that won’t break the bank and works just as well on camping trips as it does for storing leftovers.
Specs:
- Set includes three containers with lids:
- 10 oz: 4’’ D x 4’’ W x 2.4’’ H
- 16 oz: 4.7’’ D x 4.7’’ W x 2.6’’ H
- 24 oz: 5.2’’ D x 5.2’’ W x 3’’ H
- Refrigerator-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe
Price: $50
Criteria Evaluation
- Material Quality & Safety: 5/5 – Food-grade stainless steel with no coatings or plastic contact
- Airtight Seal & Freshness Preservation: 4/5 – Leakproof lids perform well, though not designed for long-term airtight storage like vacuum systems
- Versatility & Functionality: 3.5/5 – Great for snacks, leftovers, travel, and pantry use, but not microwave- or oven-safe
- Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance: 5/5 – Dishwasher-safe and resistant to stains and odors
- Value for Money: 4.5/5 – Strong durability and portability for the price
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Lightweight and great for travel | Not microwave- or oven-safe | ||
| Durable stainless steel won’t stain or retain smells | Can’t see container contents without lifting the lid | ||
| Dishwasher-safe | |||
| Space-saving nested design | |||
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Users like that the S’well canister set is highly portable and has a clean, nesting design. Many reviewers say that these food containers are their go-to for snacks, lunches, or meals on the go. People also love that the containers nest together for neat, clutter-free storage.
2. Bentgo Signature Glass Food Storage Set
This is a compact, stylish set of practical glass food containers designed for everyday use. Bentgo offers a few iterations of this set, including an 18-piece option and a smaller 8-piece set. The containers and lids are made of thick, durable tempered glass. They’re connected with leakproof silicone seals that do their job well — when closed, these containers don’t leak, which makes them great for storing and transporting liquids like soups.
The glass is heat-resistant, so the containers can be used in the oven, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer, making them some of the best food storage containers when it comes to convenience and ease of use. Speaking of the microwave, the lids have a smart feature that helps you reheat leftovers without making a splattery mess. Simply open the steam valve on the lid before popping the entire container in the microwave. Finally, the containers nest together for storage, but the mix of shapes and sizes does mean you’ll need a few separate stacks.
Specs:
- 10-piece set includes:
- Small Round (5.2’’ W x 5.2’’ D x 2.3’’ H) with lid (x2)
- Medium Rectangle (6.9’’ W x 5.1’’ D x 2.3’’ H) with lid
- Large Round (6.9’’ W x 6.9’’ D x 2.8’’ H) with lid
- Extra-Large Rectangle (8.9’’ W x 6.7’’ D x 2.6’’ H) with lid
Price: $49.99
Criteria Evaluation
- Material Quality & Safety: 5/5 – Premium borosilicate glass and silicone, made without plastic
- Airtight Seal & Freshness Preservation: 5/5 – Leakproof lids with strong silicone seals lock in freshness
- Versatility & Functionality: 5/5 – Works in the microwave, oven, freezer, and fridge
- Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance: 5/5 – Dishwasher safe with stain-resistant glass surfaces
- Value for Money: 4.5/5 – Smaller set, but offers incredible performance and made with high-quality materials
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Leakproof and airtight for reliable storage | Glass is heavier and more delicate than other materials | ||
| Microwave-, freezer- and oven-safe | Only some of the pieces nest together for storage | ||
| Built-in steam valve for mess-free microwaving | |||
| Durable, non-toxic glass construction | |||
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Reviewers praise these Bentgo containers for their practicality and durable design. Users like that the clear, sturdy glass allows them to see what’s inside without opening the lid. People also appreciate the leakproof lids and steam valve — they might just be the best food storage option if you’re looking for something that travels well and easily pops into the microwave once it’s time for lunch.
3. Caraway Glass Airtight Container Set
We’re continuing this list with one of our favorite non-toxic cookware brands, Caraway Home. Caraway’s glass airtight container set is a stylish solution to pantry organization that keeps your food fresh without increasing your risk of ingesting PFAS or microplastics. The set includes a great range of containers of different sizes, each with an accompanying lid. You also get helpful accessories, like a flat organizer and a handy scoop and measuring cup for storing pantry essentials like flour and baking powder. I love that these containers stack into a neat rectangle, and that the thick glass gives you a clear view of whatever’s inside.
The lids are airtight, thanks to a rubber seal and precision-engineered locking mechanism, but they’re super easy to remove with the press of a button. The square, high-walled shape of these containers, especially the large and medium sizes, makes them better suited to holding decanted pantry items than leftovers, but they can be kept in the fridge as well. The high-resistance borosilicate glass also means they’re durable enough to go in the dishwasher for easy cleanup or in the freezer for food storage. They even work in the microwave or in the oven up to 450°F (but don’t forget to remove the lids first)! The lids should be hand-washed to preserve the integrity of the airtight seal.
Read our Editor-in-Chief Laura Klein’s review of the Caraway Food Storage set for a ceramic-coated alternative that’s great for meal prepping.
Specs:
- 13-piece set includes:
- Small 1-qt Glass Airtight Container (6’’ L x 6’’ W x 3’’ H) with lid (x2)
- Medium 2.5-qt Glass Airtight Container (6’’ L x 6’’ W x 6’’ H) with lid (x2)
- Large 4-qt Glass Airtight Container (6’’ L x 6’’ W x 9’’ H) with lid
- Stainless steel scoop
- Stainless steel ¼ measuring cup
- Storage organizer
- Dishwasher-safe (without lids), oven-safe (up to 450°F without lids), freezer-safe
Price: $375 $295 at time of publish
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Criteria Evaluation
- Material Quality & Safety: 5/5 – Durable, pure glass bottoms with BPA-free lids
- Airtight Seal & Freshness Preservation: 5/5 – The True Airtight Seals keep food fresh and odors contained
- Versatility & Functionality: 4/5 – Safe for dishwasher (without lids), refrigerator, freezer, microwave (without lids) and oven (without lids up to 450°F), but make sure to cool hot food before storing
- Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance: 4/5 – Containers are dishwasher-safe, lids must be disassembled and hand-washed
- Value for Money: 4/5 – Premium price, but backed by high quality and long-term durability
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Pure borosilicate glass bottoms | Premium price compared to basic food containers | ||
| Full system with three sizes, organizing tray, and a scoop and measuring cup | Lids require hand-washing | ||
| Works in the refrigerator, freezer, microwave, dishwasher, and oven | |||
| Modular design looks great in a pantry | |||
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Caraway customers love that this set of food containers instantly improves their pantry organization and aesthetic. Many users appreciate that the airtight seal keeps food noticeably fresher for longer. Others point to the benefits of storing ingredients and snacks in clear glass rather than the original packaging — their pantries and countertops look great, and everything is easier to find. They’re a great contender for the best food storage for shoppers ready to invest in a longer-lasting container solution.
Exclusive Organic Authority discount! Shop now and save 10% when you use our code: organicauthority10
4. Stasher Value 15-Pack
If you’re looking for an alternative to structured glass food containers, Stasher bags are a great solution that requires much less storage space. These stretchy silicone bags and bowls come in a range of sizes to hold everything from your work lunch to kids’ snacks, or even those extra heads of lettuce in the fridge. The silicone is thick and durable, and the pieces are freezer-, dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe. I love using these bags to steam veggies and reheat leftovers because they contain splatters better than open-topped containers.
The bags are lightweight and flexible, which makes them easier to store than solid containers (and helps maximize fridge and pantry space!). The silicone needs to be air-dried after you remove it from the dishwasher, but I haven’t found that the bags hold on to odors or food stains, and I’ve been using Stasher products for years.
HOT TIP: You can easily label these Stasher bags by using chalk or a dry-erase marker directly on the silicone.
Specs:
- Value 15-pack bundle includes:
- Pocket bags (x2)
- Sandwich bags (x2)
- Snack bag
- Half gallon
- Stand-up mega
- Stand-up mid
- Stand-up mini
- 4-cup bowl
- 6-cup bowl
- Drying rack
- Swedish dishcloth (x3)
Price: $232.99 $163.09 at time of publish
Criteria Evaluation
- Material Quality & Safety: 5/5 – BPA-free silicone means no BPA, BPS, lead, latex, or phthalates
- Airtight Seal & Freshness Preservation: 5/5 – Strong pinch seal is airtight and leakproof
- Versatility & Functionality: 5/5 – Works in the fridge, freezer, oven (up to 425°F), and microwave
- Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance: 4/5 – Dishwasher-safe, but seals require occasional extra cleaning, and bags must be air-dried
- Value for Money: 5/5 – Large bundle can replace hundreds of disposable bags over time
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Replaces disposable plastic bags | Silicone takes longer to dry than glass | ||
| Extremely versatile across cooking and storage | Flexible shape may not stack as neatly as rigid containers | ||
| Space-saving flexible design | |||
| Includes wide variety of shapes and sizes | |||
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Stasher users love that these bags help them eliminate single-use plastic bags without changing how they store food. If you’re used to packing snacks for your kids’ in Ziploc bags, this is a natural swap. Users appreciate the flexibility and that the bags help save space in the fridge, freezer, and pantry compared to bulky food containers. Reviewers also mention the benefits of being able to use the bags in the freezer, microwave, and oven — something that many of even the best food storage containers can’t do.
5. Williams Sonoma Hold Everything Glass Food Storage Containers with Glass Lids
This 14-piece set of glass storage containers from Williams Sonoma is a great one-and-done solution for most home kitchens. The assortment of round and rectangular containers in multiple sizes covers everything from single-serving snacks to full meals. The containers and lids are made from durable tempered glass that doesn’t stain, and odors don’t cling to it. They come with silicone gaskets that create an airtight seal, and all pieces are dishwasher-safe. The lids cannot be used in the oven, but the containers are microwave- and oven-safe up to a whopping 570°F, making these great for reheating leftovers.
During testing, the airtight seal kept food fresh and prevented leaks. However, it’s worth noting that they’re best used with care — one of my containers chipped on the edge while unboxing them. The set stacks well when storing, but be careful when nesting to avoid cracks. They may not be the best food storage option if you’re looking for something low-maintenance that can be thrown into your bag for on-the-go meals.
Specs:
- 14-piece set includes:
- Small 10.4 oz round container (5’’ D x 2.5’’ H) with lid
- Large 28.4 oz round container (6.75’’ D x 2.75’’ H) with lid (x2)
- Small 18.6 oz rectangle container (6.75’’ W x 5’’ L x 2.5’’ H) with lid
- Medium 28.7 oz rectangle container (7.75’’ W x 6’’ L x 2.75’’ H) with lid (x2)
- Large 42 oz rectangle container (8.75’’ W x 6.5’’ L x 2.75’’ H) with lid
Price: $99.95
Criteria Evaluation
- Material Quality & Safety: 5/5 – Tempered glass with no plastic food contact
- Airtight Seal & Freshness Preservation: 5/5 – Silicone gasket lids provide strong airtight seal
- Versatility & Functionality: 4/5 – Works for storage, reheating, and freezing (although lids are not microwave- or oven-safe), but glass may chip and crack if not handled with care
- Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance: 4.5/5 – Dishwasher-safe and resistant to stains and odors
- Value for Money: 5/5 – Large, versatile set at a mid-range price
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Wide range of sizes and shapes | Lids cannot be used in the oven or microwave | ||
| Airtight seals keep food fresh | Heavier than plastic containers and prone to chipping | ||
| Glass resists staining and odor retention | Bulkier to store | ||
| Dishwasher-safe | |||
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
This set of food containers is often recommended for its reliability, and users appreciate having multiple sizes and shapes in a single set. The airtight seals are a favorite feature, and many reviewers mention that their food stays fresh longer than expected in these containers. Users also appreciate the clear lids to easily see the container’s contents, though others note that these are heavier and more fragile than stainless steel and silicone options.
6. YETI Rambler® Insulated Bowl Set
You might know about YETI’s viral insulated mugs and bottles, but have you heard about their food storage? The brand has put the same durable craftsmanship they’re known for into their portable insulated bowls. The best part about these stainless steel containers is that they’re designed for temperature control. The double-wall insulation keeps hot food hot and cold food cold for hours, making this set the best food storage choice for picnics, barbecues, and travel (although you should avoid storing soupy foods, as the lids aren’t leakproof).
The bowls nest together for convenient storage, and the clear lids are shatterproof and allow you to see what’s inside. If you’re looking for long-term storage, note that these bowls are not designed for the freezer, which can interfere with the vacuum insulation. They’re also not microwave-safe, but they do clean up easily in the dishwasher.
Specs:
- 3-bowl set includes:
- 1-qt bowl (30 oz, 4 cups) with lid
- 2-qt bowl (64 oz, 8 cups) with lid
- 4.5-qt bowl (139 oz, 18 cups) with lid
Price: $150
Criteria Evaluation
- Material Quality & Safety: 5/5 – Heavy-duty stainless steel with no coatings
- Airtight Seal & Freshness Preservation: 3/5 – Lid protects contents, but not fully airtight or leakproof
- Versatility & Functionality: 3/5 – Best for transport and serving, not for reheating or freezing
- Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance: 5/5 – Dishwasher-safe and made with durable, low-maintenance materials
- Value for Money: 4/5 – Premium materials, but not as versatile as other options
| Pros | Cons | ||
| Extremely durable materials | Not microwave- or oven-safe | ||
| Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps food hot or cold for extended periods | Lids aren’t leakproof | ||
| Great for camping or outdoor use | |||
| Stackable and easy to store | |||
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Users love how durable this Yeti bowl set is, and the insulation is a great solution for maintaining food temperatures outdoors and during travel. Many reviewers also love that they can prep, transport, and serve food from these bowls without dirtying more dishes. While some agree that these aren’t the best food storage choice for reheating food, they’re often recommended for outdoor use and road trips.
A Quick Comparison of the Best Food Storage Containers in This Guide
| Food Storage Set | Best For | Material | Sizes Included | Dishwasher-Safe | Key Feature | Price | |
| Caraway Glass Airtight Container Set | All-in-one system for pantry organization | Borosilicate glass | Multiple (13-piece set) | Yes | Air Release Technology + organizers | $265.00 | |
| S’well Food Canister Set | Lightweight on-the-go storage | Stainless steel | 3 sizes (10oz–24oz) | Yes | Lightweight + nested design | $50.00 | |
| Bentgo Glass Set | Compact meal prep | Borosilicate glass | Small + large containers | Yes | Leakproof lids + steam valve | $49.99 | |
| Stasher Value 15-Pack | Reusable bag alternative | Silicone | Multiple bags + bowls | Yes | Replaces single-use plastic bags | $163.09 | |
| Williams Sonoma Glass Set | Full kitchen setup | Tempered glass | 7 containers (various sizes) | Yes | Airtight seals + variety of shapes | $99.95 | |
| YETI Rambler Bowl Set | Durability, temperature control, and outdoor use | Stainless steel | 3 bowls (1 qt, 2 qt, 4.5 qt) | Yes | Double-wall insulation | $150.00 | |
What’s the Difference Between Airtight and Leakproof?
The terms airtight and leakproof are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually distinct features. Airtight containers, as you might guess, are designed to keep air out. This helps keep food fresh, as oxygen exposure allows food to spoil or stale more rapidly. Leakproof containers, on the other hand, are built to keep liquids in, so you can store soups, sauces, or dressings without worrying about spills.
An airtight container is great for pantry items like nuts that can go rancid or leftovers you want to keep fresh in the fridge. A leakproof container is better for transporting meals or storing liquids. The best food containers offer both features, giving you longer-lasting freshness and spill-free convenience in one system.
Choosing the Right Container Sizes for Your Kitchen
If your food containers are too small, you’ll end up trying to stuff leftovers into multiple containers after dinner. Too big, and they’ll dominate your fridge, freezer, and cabinet space. Ideally, the best food storage containers for you will come in a set with a mix of smaller and larger pieces to fit various needs.
Small containers are great for snacks and sauces, medium ones handle everyday leftovers and meal prep, and large containers are great for batch cooking or family meals. Sets with multiple sizes usually offer better value and make your kitchen more flexible.
How Do I Organize My Food Storage Containers?
As a city apartment dweller, I know the pain of finding a good organization system for food containers and their lids. You want a system that looks neat and keeps your containers easy to identify and access. That means no leaning towers of lids or mismatched stacks that could topple (and potentially break) at any moment.
Choosing a set of storage containers that nest or stack together can help. Or you can invest in a separate organizational solution, such as dividers or risers that help you put everything in the right place. Some sets even come with organizers, although this is usually only a feature for pricier sets. I personally find that storing containers in a drawer is better than a cabinet, as I can see everything from above, and I don’t end up with tall towers of lids or bottoms.
Making Smarter Storage Choices
Aside from keeping your leftovers fresh, the food containers you choose should help you effectively reduce food waste and your exposure to microplastics and toxic plasticizers. The best food storage solutions balance food safety, durability, and everyday convenience.
By choosing materials other than plastic, such as glass, stainless steel, and silicone, you’re making a smart investment in your health and the environment. Each of the non-toxic food storage container sets in this guide are made with durable, thoughtful materials that will help your food last longer and reduce your household’s dependence on plastics.
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10302985/
- https://www.npr.org/2024/09/19/nx-s1-5116541/chemicals-from-food-packaging-leach-into-food-affecting-peoples-health
- https://foodprint.org/blog/how-to-avoid-eating-microplastics-and-chemicals-in-plastic
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0024320524005277
