For health-conscious families, it is important to prioritize healthy food storage. As we strive to buy and prepare whole, organic foods whenever possible, we cannot afford to overlook food storage containers. Gone are the days of using Tupperware to store food.
Plastic may seem like a convenient and cheap option, but it is not a safe choice. Even BPA-free plastics contain BPS and other chemicals that can be worse. And while plastic food storage containers are generally not single-use plastics, using plastic for food storage is still problematic.
Our family has worked hard to transition to non-toxic, non-scratch cookware and other household items. Plastic food containers and plastic bags are common for food storage and can be a difficult transition. It took a few years, but we have finally phased out all plastic food storage containers. We now use glass, metal, or silicone instead. It may seem overwhelming at first, but it is really important to our family’s health.
Why not use plastic food storage containers?
Plastic may seem like the cheapest and easiest alternative, but it’s probably the worst thing for storing food. Harmful chemicals like BPA (or Bisphenol A) and phthalates can leach into our food, drinks, and bodies. BPA is an estrogen-mimicking chemical that disrupts hormones and can lead to weight gain.
Phthalates are also found in plastics, but are banned in Europe. They are particularly harmful to men and boys (including in the womb).
Not only is it harmful to our bodies, it is also harmful to the environment. 9% of plastic is recycled? The rest ends up in landfills, where they break down in the sun, releasing toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases. Worse, plastics end up in the ocean, endangering wildlife.
In addition to being healthier and better for the environment, another advantage of using non-plastic storage containers is that they are oven safe. That means you can heat them directly in the oven or convection oven, minimizing dishwashing in the long run. Some are even microwave safe (though we do not recommend using a microwave). And when you are done eating, you can store leftovers right in the fridge or freezer.
Non-toxic food storage containers
When I first started my journey to non-toxic food storage, there weren’t many options. But the good news is that there are now many options for high-quality, plastic-free food storage. From glass to stainless steel to silicone, there are so many options! From leftovers to dry goods to on-the-go meals, there’s something for every type of food storage need.
Refrigerator and Freezer Food Storage
Storing food in your fridge and freezer is essential to maintaining a real food kitchen. Whether you’re preparing meals, batch cooking, or freezing meals, you need a place to keep your food safe. I now use these alternative food storage containers in my fridge and freezer instead of plastic bags and containers.
When storing liquids in the freezer, remember to leave room for the liquid to expand.
glass
- glass mason jar – These dishwasher safe glass storage containers are my favorite because they are inexpensive and versatile. The quart and half gallon sizes are great for storing soups, sauces, broths, and even leftover casseroles and side dishes.
- Pyrex glass container with lid– These have BPA free plastic lids, but they are pretty inexpensive and were some of the first containers I bought when I made the switch. These are great for storing leftovers.
- Glasslock Oven Safe Food Storage– I have this set too and use it all the time to store just about everything. I love that it’s BPA free.
- Glass food storage container with bamboo lid – This food storage container set features bamboo lids instead of plastic ones. They’re also leak-proof!
- Elo Duraglass – Great glass food storage containers because the lid stays in place. It’s safe to put in the freezer and the silicone sleeve on the outside keeps the glass from slipping too much when frozen.
silicon
- Xtrema Silicone Food Storage Box– I love these collapsible refrigerator storage containers because they don’t take up a lot of cabinet space when not in use and are easy to stack in the refrigerator. These also make great meal prep containers.
- zipper top – These food-grade silicone containers come in fun colors and a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can store just about anything. And they’re dishwasher safe!
Stainless steel
- Stainless steel container latching – Great for storing vegetables or fruits that kids need to take out often. They won’t break! They’re also great for freezer storage because they can hold a lot without breaking.
- Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers – This set is freezer safe, leak proof, airtight, BPA free, and stackable to save space when not in use.
Food packaging
Another place we use plastic food storage containers but don’t think about is plastic wrap, wax paper, storage bags, and aluminum foil. I also threw these out when I made the switch.
- Beeswax food wrap – I love this because you can shape it into any shape you want for your bowl or plate. If you have time, you can even make your own reusable food wrap.
- Natural parchment – Natural parchment is great for wrapping meat, fish, etc. before storing.
- silicone lid – I recently discovered silicone suction lids that turn dishes I already own into fridge storage space.
- Food Huggers – Great for storing lemons, limes, and even avocado halves in the fridge. These create a tight seal, preventing food from drying out or going stale.
- Stasher Silicone Bag – This product comes in a variety of colors and sizes, making it a great alternative to Ziploc bags for storing your items!
Removable storage
When we leave home for a trip, we use different options than we do at home. Glass is hard to take out for safety reasons (you can’t take glass to the pool!). It’s also heavier than other non-plastic food storage containers. This is the container we use to take our food with us when we leave.
- zipper top – At first, I had a hard time replacing plastic bags for snacks or sandwiches, but now I love these silicone bags.
- Silicone Collapsible Storage Container – When I need to pack light, I like to use BPA-free collapsible containers. When I’m done eating, I just take them apart and they take up very little space. I even throw them in my bag when I travel and cook my own meals when I get there.
- Zipper Sandwich and Snack Bags – Great for a dry snack on the go.
- Stainless steel thermos flask – Great option for carrying liquids on the go! It is leak-proof and can be used with room temperature, cold or warm foods to keep them fresh. I like this product because it doesn’t have an inner lip to collect food in the lid and get dirty.
- U Konserve Seasoning Storage – I love this for holding hummus or homemade sauces on the go. I love that it has a tight-fitting silicone lid.
- Lunchbot Bento Box – This lunch box container is great for eating lunch (or dinner!) on the go.
Pantry storage
Another place where you need non-plastic food storage containers is in your pantry. All dry foods, including grains, nuts, seeds, beans, flours, etc., need non-toxic storage.
- Mason jar with airtight lid – I like these glass food storage containers with locking lids for storing items I buy in bulk.
- zipper top – Larger food storage bags are ideal for storing dry foods because they stand upright when full.
- glass jar with lid – If you have a lot of items to store, it will come in a larger size.
- Stainless steel canister set – They’re great because they don’t break! I store my coffee beans in one of these, which has an airtight lid.
- glass spice bottles – If you buy dried herbs and spices in bulk, these glass containers are a great way to store them. I love the bamboo lids and customizable labels.
You can find more information on how to reduce plastic use at home here.
How do you store food without plastic? What is your favorite way to store food without plastic?
