You know what they say: Behind every organized kitchen is a set of food storage containers. Whether it’s dry goods like beans and pasta, leftovers or meal prep, these containers are the backbone of a kitchen.
But considering how many times we’ve loved and lost a Tupperware lid, we know all too well that the quality of a food storage container can make or break the organization of your refrigerator and pantry. You’ve probably thrown away many cheap, flimsy, stain-prone containers after they failed you one too many times over the years. Or maybe you’ve opened your cupboard to a flood of reused plastic takeout containers. Our advice: get rid of all those containers and start fresh with a will last for years.
Despite what some people claim, no food storage container can keep your leftovers fresh any longer. In fact, Nicole Papantoniou, director of the Culinary Innovation and Kitchen Appliance Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, said there is no set amount of time that food can be stored in storage containers. “It varies depending on the food and the container. Not all fresh foods deteriorate at the same time. So I would defer to the FDA’s guidelines for how long different products can be stored,” she said.
However, there are many other attributes that can relieve your stress by totally transforming your food storage experience. You can’t go wrong with Rubbermaid or Pyrex. Some even say Ball Mason jars are better than Tupperware because they are more durable and economical. But whatever your preference, we’ve rounded up the 12 best kitchen containers for storing food, liquids, flour and everything in between.
You don’t have to be a full-blown Monica Gellar to have an organized kitchen. We’ve got more recommendations to keep your kitchen running like a well-oiled machine, from the best kitchen cabinet organizers and spice organizers to the most popular organizing products on Amazon.
How we chose these products
To find the best food storage container, we turned to our friends at the Good Housekeeping Institute, who identified the best containers from top brands and put them to the test. Their team of experts - which includes all kinds of people: engineers! Their expert team of engineers, data analysts and dieticians rigorously tested everyday products (and then more and more tests) in their New York City labs to determine which ones you can trust.
From storing notorious stain sources like tomato sauce to freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe, these kitchen technology experts put a collection of containers (over 80, in fact!) through rigorous testing to analyze their usability, reliability, durability, cleanability, and anti-leak and anti-stain qualities. After reviewing their findings and discussing their testing in depth with Papantoniou, we determined that these are the best food storage containers you can buy in 2022.
1. Snapware Food Preparation and Storage Container Set
We’re firm believers in the adage “you get what you pay for,” but don’t rush to judgment on this budget-friendly set just yet. Not only is it very durable and affordable, but it also holds up to a week’s worth of food in its 3-cup rectangular containers.
Besides being airtight and leak-proof, the matching BPA-free lids have four locking tabs and can be washed in the top rack of your dishwasher, placed in the freezer, and reheated in the microwave with last night’s meatloaf. You can even keep your sticky-fingered co-workers away or keep track of expiration dates by using the built-in Write + Erase labels on the lids.
However, Good Housekeeping Institute testers noted that Snapware’s meal prep and food storage containers “held up well during our microwave test, but we noticed some staining after heating pasta sauce, which is common with plastic containers... Keep in mind that the locking lids are still plastic, so when microwaving, use plastic wrap as a barrier to prevent staining.”
Papantoniou appreciated that these containers “work well and come in a large package,” so you can maximize space and savings. And like the Rubbermaid Brilliance food storage containers, the Snapware meal prep and food storage container set also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, so you know you’re really getting your money’s worth.
Buy: Snapware Food Preparation and Storage Container Set
2. Nest Lock Plastic Food Storage Container Set
Just because you don’t have enough room in your pantry to store stacks and stacks of storage containers doesn’t mean you should go without. What’s unique about the Nest Lock set from Joseph Joseph is its space-saving design, which allows each container to nest together while the locking lids snap together to maximize space.
“I really like this set for leftovers because it comes in all different sizes, so you can always have what you’re looking for. The lids fit together and do the trick,” Papantoniou said, while noting, “They stained in our tomato sauce tests, so I would recommend avoiding storing foods high in lycopene.”
Color-coded and easy to find, Nest Lock food storage containers come with matching airtight lids. Besides being BPA-free, we can store them in the freezer, reheated in the microwave and placed in the top rack of the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
Buy: Nest Lock Plastic Food Storage Container Set
3. TrueSeal Glass Food Storage Containers
Between being dropped on the floor, bagged and boxed for lunch, and put through the dishwasher, food storage containers take a beating. (While they are more stain and odor resistant than plastic, you may not think glass containers are practical enough to withstand the chaos of your kitchen, but don’t underestimate the power of Anchor Hocking’s TrueSeal food storage containers.
“I really like these containers: the lids seal well and are easy to remove without worrying about them breaking over the years, and I like that they’re made of good quality glass,” Papantoniou said, adding, “It’s a good thing for people who prefer round containers, because they come in so many sizes. It’s also unique that parts of the top of the lids are transparent, which allows you to see the inside from all angles.”
Whether preparing and storing food, cooking or reheating, these tempered glass containers are sturdy enough to be dishwasher, microwave, freezer and even oven safe. Even the BPA-free lids on TrueSeal food storage containers are specially designed to prevent spills and leaks and can be safely cleaned in the top rack of your dishwasher.
Buy: TrueSeal Glass Food Storage Containers
4. Twist and Seal Dry Storage Set
Keep your crispy crackers, crunchy cereals and cupboards and counters clean and coordinated with the Twist and Seal Dry Storage Set from Zyliss. Perfect for bulk storage, they designed these containers with the first locking technology and extra-strong silicone seals to keep moisture away from your precious pasta and other dry goods.
“From testing in a high-humidity kitchen, I found these containers to be very effective at keeping moisture out,” Papantoniou revealed. “The seal is really durable and they stack very well. The plastic is a little more fragile than other food storage containers, but I still recommend them - I really use them.”
And these BPA-free containers aren’t just great for storage: The Twist and Seal set also helps keep your kitchen spotless by preventing spills before they happen. The unique twist lids can take a little getting used to, but once you do, the rounded edges of these containers make filling and pouring an absolutely painless experience.
Buy: Twist and Seal Dry Storage Set
5. Stasher Stand-Up Reusable Silicone Storage Bag
If your goal is to go green, consider this bag a sign from the universe to finally get rid of those plastic bags you’ve been carefully rinsing and reusing. Durable, leak-proof and dishwasher safe, the versatile Stasher Stand-Up Storage Bag can simplify your life, streamline your storage processes and limit your consumption of single-use plastic.
“I love these bags,” exclaimed Ms. Papantoniou. “I especially love them because they are thick silicone, but still flexible. They’re very easy to fill, they come in all sizes and they’re dishwasher safe, so they clean up easily. They’re great for salads and anything small and loose.”
The 1.7-liter capacity of the Stasher Stand-Up Storage Bag is enough to hold a variety of food and non-food items, from snacks and sandwiches to art supplies and even small toiletries like nail polish. Plus, its silicone material is versatile and durable enough to handle anything you throw at it. So you can use it to freeze a serving of spaghetti sauce or homemade soup, cook vegetables sous vide, and reheat leftovers from the night before in the microwave. These little gems are even oven safe up to 425º F!
Plus, the Stasher Stand-Up Storage Bag is as easy to clean as it is to store - just pop it in the dishwasher. These bags can be a little bulky to store when not in use, but we recommend storing them flat if you want to maximize space in your kitchen drawers.
Buy: Stasher Stand-Up Reusable Silicone Storage Bag
6. Zoku Nested Food Storage Containers
Preparing meals and storing leftovers are great ways to save money, but without the right set of food storage containers, all that hard work may be in vain. Lightweight and stackable, Zoku’s nesting food storage containers feature a quick-lock lid for a perfect seal, so you can take your food with you without worrying about unexpected spills. But that’s not all! This set also comes with colored bands to help you quickly find the size you need, so you’ll never be late for work again after trying to mix up the containers and lids.
“These are the best for meal prep because they have different sized containers that close well - one even has a freezable ice pack that locks into the lid,” Papantoniou shared. “Plus, they snap together and are just plain cute.”
The included freezer pack is a neat detail that blew us away (no more room temperature chicken salad sandwiches!), and we also appreciated that Zoku’s nesting food storage containers are made of durable, BPA-free plastic and silicone. They may not withstand the heavy stains of a butter chicken or Instant Pot Bolognese sauce, but we can safely place them in the freezer, microwave, and top rack of the dishwasher for exceptional convenience and versatility.
Buy: Zoku Nested Food Storage Containers
7. POP Good Grips Baking Essentials Container Set
Story Time: A friend once returned from a long relaxing holiday to find that they had raided her cupboards. Not by humans, borrowers or clever toys, but by pantry moths. After witnessing the havoc these little demons wreaked on her dry ingredients, she tossed her old, dilapidated containers and traded them in for a set of POP OXO Good Grips Baking Essentials containers, which have been dutifully protecting her cereal, flour, spices, and chocolate (yes, they’ve even had the chocolate) for several years.
“What we liked about them is that they’re really clear and they’re made of good quality plastic, so they’re not glaring-you can see right through them,” Papantoniou said. “The lids are thin and are now dishwasher safe, which is a pleasant change. They are modular and stackable, which is great for storage, and they come with standard sizes for common baking ingredients like flour, sugar and brown sugar. But I wouldn’t recommend them for on-the-go use, as they don’t have a tight-fitting lid.”
The way this durable, BPA-free set works is foolproof: Fill them up, attach the lid, and press the button on top-which can also double as a handle for an airtight seal. (Just be sure to follow OXO’s advice and not carry these containers by their lids.) And the space-saving design of POP Good Grips containers isn’t limited to their stackability. This set also comes with accessories like measuring spoons that attach to the underside of the lids and a brown sugar save that helps you keep your brown sugar from getting rock hard.
Buy: POP Good Grips Baking Essentials Container Set
8. Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jar
Everyone knows the heartache of opening your lunch bag to find the contents of your meal splattered inside like a Jackson Pollock painting. But you’ll never have to relive that nightmare again with the Hydro Flask insulated jar. Unlike some water bottles or thermoses, you can simply slip this durable container into your bag and go with its leak-proof screw-on lid. With its compact 28-ounce capacity, it fits easily into most hands, bags and cup holders.
For Papantoniou, the beauty of Hydro Flask’s insulated food jars is obvious: “They come in a variety of sizes, and I love this one has smooth, rounded corners. They’re obviously great for hot foods and for keeping things cold - I actually take them to the beach - and they do a great job. They’re pretty leak-proof and very stylish.”
Not only does the stainless steel construction and double-wall vacuum insulation of the Hydro Flask Insulated Jar keep your food or beverages hot for hours, but it’s also very easy to clean - just place it on the top rack of your dishwasher. It should be noted, however, that some detergents and high temperatures can cause discoloration of the exterior coating.
Buy: Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jar
9. Fresh & Save vacuum sealer starter kit
Tired of your groceries going bad before you’ve even used them? It’s no secret that we love ZWILLING in our kitchen knife guide, but their Fresh & Save vacuum sealer starter kit offers the best of both worlds with the ability to store and vacuum seal your food to save you time and money with all the produce you won’t have to throw away.
Calling the Fresh & Save vacuum sealer set “a high-quality glass container set,” Papantoniou explains, “Once you create a vacuum seal, these containers really seal well. The same sizes stack on top of each other, and I especially like to use the vacuum containers for raw meats and foods that spoil more quickly, like cooked meat and leafy greens. Leafy greens need some air circulation, but if they are super dry, a vacuum pack can keep them that way, as any exposure to moisture can cause them to rot.”
While it may be more expensive than more basic food storage options, the Fresh & Save vacuum sealing kit has everything you need to get started, including a BPA-free borosilicate glass container and plastic lid, a vacuum sealer, and silicone and plastic vacuum seal bags. Featuring an easy zipper closure that creates a perfect seal, the reusable and resealable bags are perfect for taking your favorite products anywhere, to work, school or on the go. Not to mention they’re dishwasher and freezer safe (and even microwave safe without the vacuum seal).
Buy: Fresh & Save vacuum sealer starter kit
What should you look for when shopping for food storage containers?
Search on Amazon for the phrase “food storage containers” and you’ll get over 10,000 hits. With all the different styles, sizes, and materials at your fingertips, choosing the right set for you can be so daunting that it might tempt you to fish your old delivery containers out of the trash.
Don’t give up hope, though! We’re here to help you understand how to choose a kitchen container. All you have to do is figure out what details and features you think are most worth investing in, and get some expert advice, of course.
Papantoniou gave some pointers on what people should look for when shopping: “The first thing is the material, whether it’s glass, plastic or sometimes even silicone. Another important factor is the lid and how secure it is. Some have latches, but they are a little more cumbersome to store. Shape and size are also factors to consider: do you want to take it with you? Are you looking for small sizes to carry snacks? I also look for containers that can stack. That’s important to me, and I like they are transparent and you can see inside.” In terms of transparency, there’s often a debate about whether it’s better to store food in glass or plastic. Each of these materials has its advantages, but what matters is your lifestyle and your budget.
In this great discussion, Papantoniou outlined the pros and cons of each material, “It really depends on what you are looking for in a food storage container. Glass is more versatile because you can heat it in the microwave or oven without worrying about it warping or anything. Glass also is more stain resistant than plastic and doesn’t keep odors like some plastics. Plastic is lighter, which makes it a better portable option.”
One of the frequently cited drawbacks of using glass containers is their fragility. You’ve probably heard horror stories about glass shattering after being put in the freezer, but that’s not the case with all models.
“Glass storage containers that show they are freezer safe are probably usable in the freezer. However, leave room for liquids to expand as they solidify, as this is usually what causes glass containers to break in the freezer,” Papantoniou advised. She also stressed that you should always use the manufacturer’s instructions as a guide: “If a manufacturer’s instructions say it’s safe to use in a freezer, they’ve probably tested it and confirmed that it can be used. But if you’re concerned or unsure, you should definitely leave room for it to expand.”
Another factor to consider is shape: You may think the aesthetics of round or square containers are better than the other, but there’s more to this decision than just appearance. Square containers are said to take up to 25% less space and are easier to stack, making them a great option if your storage options are limited. If you are concerned about food waste, we consider round containers the best option. But if none of these issues is high on your list, the choice is yours.
“I wouldn’t say one shape is better,” Papantoniou shared, adding, “I like to use round shapes for liquids because they make it easier to dig into. They fit more easily into lunch boxes or flat-bottomed bags.”
Some people also prefer to use Mason jars as the classic Ball wide-mouth glass canning jars, not only for the aesthetics but also because they can store almost anything - from dry goods like rice to an easy strawberry jam or homemade salsa - and keep food fresh as long as you would in any other container.
“Mason jars are great because they’re versatile,” Papantoniou notes. However, she adds, “I don’t know if we can store them in the freezer, and when I reuse jars from the supermarket, like a sauce jar, those are the ones that crack in the freezer. So that’s something to be aware of. But it depends on the jar.”
