My Top 11 Picks for the Safest Food Storage Containers
The safest food storage containers are designed to store food in a way that minimizes the risk of contamination, preserves the quality and freshness of the food, and does not transfer harmful chemicals or substances into the food.
The best non-toxic food storage containers:
Important Considerations
Switching to non-toxic food containers is crucial to avoid harmful chemicals like BPA, BPS, and phthalates commonly found in plastic containers, which can disrupt hormonal functions and may leach into food.
Safer options include:
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE): These plastics are chemically inert, BPA-free, and provide a moisture barrier. They are cost-effective, lightweight, and recyclable.
- Silicone: Durable and heat-resistant containers won't leach chemicals into food, making them a safer alternative to traditional plastic.
- Glass: Inert and impermeable, glass preserves food flavors and nutritional content. It's fully recyclable and eco-friendly.
- Stainless Steel: Non-reactive stainless steel maintains food taste and quality. It's durable, easy to clean, and recyclable.
- Beeswax Wraps: These natural wraps create a reusable seal without chemicals.
- Organic Cotton: Cotton storage options are safe and environmentally friendly.
When choosing safe food storage containers, consider these key factors:
- Seal Quality: Opt for containers with airtight seals to prevent food spoilage, minimizing waste and emissions.
- Size & Stackability: Select containers that fit your kitchen space and are easy to store, preventing clutter.
- Microwave/Dishwasher Compatibility: Ensure the product suits your lifestyle and appliances.
1. Klean Kanteen
Klean Kanteen offers an eco-friendly Klean Food Box collection of BPA-free stainless steel. These boxes come in three sizes: 7 oz, 20 oz, and 34 oz, and feature leak-resistant lids, adaptable corners for venting, and snap-and-lock tabs.
They are designed for longevity, easy to clean in the dishwasher, and backed by a satisfaction guarantee.
Klean Kanteen is a Certified B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified brand that measures and reduces its carbon footprint annually.
They also donate 1% of their earnings to environmental organizations and prioritize using certified 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel in their products.
Additionally, they offer replacement parts for their eco-friendly kitchen products, promoting repair over replacement.
2. Caraway
Caraway has ceramic-coated, non-toxic bakeware, food storage options, tea kettles, and other eco-friendly cookware products.
Their Food Storage Set comprises 14 pieces of glass coated with non-toxic ceramic. These containers feature Air Release Technology to keep food fresh and prevent odors.
Caraway's eco-friendly approach includes reduced CO2 emissions during manufacturing, no toxic materials like PFAS, PTFE, and PFOA, and packaging made from recycled cardboard with low-impact dyes. They also prioritize ethical manufacturing through BSCI and SMETA certifications.
3. S’well
S'well offers a range of stylish and eco-friendly stainless steel containers, including water bottles, mugs, tumblers, and food canisters. They have various design lines such as "STONE," "ELEMENTS," and "WOOD," with elegant names like Azurite, Onyx, and Teakwood.
The Food Canister Set is versatile and comes in three sizes, perfect for storing various foods. These containers are made of 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, feature leak-free silicone lids, and are dishwasher-safe.
They are BPA/BPS-free and reusable, contributing to environmental sustainability. Additionally, S'well partners with Water.Org, donating 1% of net sales to provide clean water access to needy families.
4. U Konserve
U Konserve is dedicated to sustainability and offers a wide range of eco-friendly containers and products designed for long-lasting use. Their leak-proof containers are ideal for packed lunches, picnics, and outdoor adventures, reducing the need for single-use items. These containers are versatile in home kitchens, aiding meal storage, organization, and bulk shopping with etched tare weights.
Their product range includes various container shapes, stainless steel, and silicone options. Notable products include the "BounceBox," a platinum silicone container suitable for microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, and freezers, and the Nesting Duo, featuring stackable sizes for efficient storage. U Konserve's Recycled Collection includes totes, bamboo cutlery, and ice packs.
For those looking for bundles and sets, U Konserve offers options like "On-the-Go Bundles" and "Kitchen Bundles."
Their products are non-toxic, free of BPA, phthalates, and lead, and they prioritize recyclable packaging. U Konserve is also a certified B Corp member of 1% for The Planet.
5. Eco Lunch Box
Eco Lunch Boxes offers the "Seal Cup Sixsome Set," a 6-piece collection of stainless steel containers with silicone lids totaling 116 oz in capacity.
These plastic-free, non-toxic containers are crafted from type 304 stainless steel and are free from harmful chemicals like BPA, BPS, and phthalates. They feature convenient tare weights for bulk shopping and are oven and dishwasher-safe.
Eco Lunch Boxes, a Certified B Corp founded in 2009, has sold over 900,000 plastic-free lunch boxes. Their products are built to last, promoting longevity and reuse, with replacement parts available. In 2019, they transitioned to carbon-neutral shipping and eco-friendly packaging practices.
6. Glasslock
Glasslock offers durable, microwave-safe glass storage containers, mixing bowls, and cookware that are BPA-free and recyclable, resembling non-toxic glass Tupperware sets.
Their products are scratch-proof, odor-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and suitable for freezer and microwave use.
What sets Glasslock apart is its exceptional sealing ability, ensuring no odors or contents escape preventing food smells from permeating other items in the fridge.
Although high quality, they can be somewhat heavy, which may be challenging for individuals with weaker hands or arms.
Among glass containers for meal prep, Glasslock excels in leakproof design. They come in various shapes and stack well in refrigerators.
While safe for ovens, microwaves, freezers, and dishwashers, the locking mechanism on the lids may exert pressure on the container's rim over time, potentially increasing the risk of chipping
7. Veggie Saver
Introducing Veggie Saver, a game-changer for keeping produce fresh:
- Outer Layer: Sturdy, keeps moisture in.
- Central Layer: Soaks up excess moisture.
- Inner Layer: Regulates moisture for optimal freshness.
Easy to use: machine wash, dampen, store in the fridge.
Eco-friendly: Replaces single-use plastic bags, reduces food waste, and is all-natural and compostable.
Ethical: SEDEX-certified for ethical trading practices, handmade by an all-female team in India.
8. Ambrosia Bag
Ambrosia Bags are food storage bags manufactured in the USA from 100% raw, unbleached flax linen. Their packaging is eco-friendly and compostable since it's made with algae-based inks.
So, what makes their bags so special? Like Veggie Savers, their bags are moisture-absorbing, air-permeable, and made with antifungal linen.
These materials help to create a customized microclimate that can either preserve moisture or reduce it, extending the shelf life of your produce.
When writing this article, Ambrosia bags have saved 1,370,000 lbs of produce from the landfill!
Ambrosia Bags is a 1% For The Planet member and has also partnered with Ecodrive to ensure their responsible and sustainable shipping process. They do this by planting trees to offset the emissions that would have come from shipping.
9. Life Without Plastic
Life Without Plastic offers high-quality stainless steel food storage containers:
Stainless Steel Airtight Watertight Food Storage Container: 16 cm (6 ¼ inches), perfect for salads, stews, soups, and sauces. Food-grade stainless steel with a silicone seal on the lid. Suitable for heating on the stove or in a toaster oven. Dishwasher-safe base, hand wash the lid. An optional lid is available for purchase separately. Made in India, eco-friendly and recyclable.
Rectangular Food Storage Container: Ideal for lunch takeouts and on-the-go. Same food-grade stainless steel and silicone seal. An optional divider is available. Dishwasher and oven-safe (remove silicone ring before heating). It is also crafted in India and is eco-friendly.
Life Without Plastic, founded in 2006, offers eco-friendly alternatives to plastic products. They prioritize safety, with no BPA, phthalates, PVC, or lead in their items. Green America is Certified for its environmentally responsible practices in sourcing and manufacturing.
10. etee Beeswax Wraps
You know how much I love beeswax wraps! They keep your food fresher longer, just like plastic wraps, but without the trash.
etee has some great ones since they are reusable, USDA and GOTS-certified organic, and biodegradable after use. These wraps are BPA-free and made from sustainable ingredients like cotton, beeswax, non-GMO soy wax, coniferous tree resins, clove and cinnamon essential oils, and jojoba oil.
They are perfect for covering bowls, wrapping sandwiches, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables, or even enveloping snacks for on-the-go. You can buy them in different sizes too, making them a versatile kitchen essential.
When warmed by the hands, they become malleable and can be shaped around food items or containers, then cool to hold their form, ensuring food stays fresh. Over time and with proper care and washing, beeswax wraps can last up to a year, making them a practical and environmentally-conscious choice for the kitchen.
11. Stasher
Stasher offers durable food-grade silicone bags suitable for various storage needs:
- Food Storage: Perfect for fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and marinated foods.
- Cooking: Safe for microwave, oven, boiling water, and sous-vide, ideal for cooking and reheating foods directly in the bag.
- Snacks on the Go: Great for packing nuts, trail mix, or cut-up veggies for trips or daily outings.
- Freezing: Freezer-safe for storing frozen fruits, vegetables, meats, soups, and broths without freezer burn.
- Travel and Toiletries: Safely store toiletries like lotions, creams, and liquid products when traveling, preventing spills.
- Organizing Small Items: Handy for keeping small toys, craft supplies, or tech accessories together.
- Marinating: Leakproof seal for mess-free marinating.
- Lunches: Conveniently pack sandwiches, wraps, and other lunch items.
Stasher bags are dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, free of lead, latex, BPA, BPS, and other phthalates. Their packaging is eco-friendly, and the bags can be recycled through TerraCycle. Stasher has saved billions of single-use plastic bags from entering the ocean and has donated over $1.3 million to ocean protection nonprofits.
A final word on the safest food storage containers
Reusing what you already have around the home - especially items that might have otherwise gone to waste - is a great sustainable solution!
For example, I sometimes reuse organic cotton and make a DIY fabric sandwich bag when I am zero waste camping to store/transport food. You can also reuse mason jars; these are especially handy when transporting/shopping for food in bulk.
So, what are the safest food storage containers to hold your sustainable snacks?
You want to look for durable containers that are BPA/BPS free, nontoxic, and made from eco-friendly materials. Reusing products you already have (like reusing old Tupperware) is also a great way to go because you are avoiding the emissions of creating something new.
Would you try any of the brands I mentioned today? Leave a comment down below; after all, sharing is caring! 🙂
