12 Non-Toxic Food Storage Containers

Let’s not sugarcoat it. There’s something particularly eye-soothing about opening your refrigerator to see a line-up of aesthetic, non-toxic food storage containers chock full of fresh produce, and glass jars brimming with mouthwatering leftovers.

You know exactly what I’m talking about. Those plastic food storage alternatives like borosilicate glass or stainless steel containers equipped with multi-color silicone lids.  

Yes, the sight of a beautifully curated, strategically arranged kitchen truly gets us going. But still, as much as we are hooked on aesthetics, we need our plastic-free food storage options to be absolutely safe. Natural materials are the best way to ensure that no harmful chemicals will ever come in contact with your food ever again.  

So without further ado, let’s get down to the needy greedy of the chemical-laden plastic options to better understand why non-toxic food storage containers will always reign supreme. 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, GenTwenty may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this resource.

Why is plastic food storage dangerous?

Plastic storage containers have been “the norm” for quite a while. However, it’s been proven that certain chemicals in plastic can leach out of the plastic and into the food and beverages we eat and drink.

In fact, some of these harmful chemicals have been linked to numerous health issues including metabolic disorders and reduced fertility.

Much like chemical off-gassing, this leaching can occur even faster when plastic is exposed to heat. This means that every time we microwave our leftovers in plastic food containers, we accept the risk of getting an even higher dose of potentially harmful chemicals.

Luckily, that’s not the case with non-toxic food storage containers.

What materials are not acceptable for food storage?

For starters, many chemicals used in plastic are fat soluble. This means when storing fatty or oily foods in plastic containers, chemicals are more likely to leach into fatty food. So, because of this, bisphenols should be avoided! 

Trash bags are also not acceptable for food storage. Polystyrene –a synthetic polymer made from monomers of aromatic hydrocarbon styrene – is also a big no-no. 

The Health Risks of BPA, Plastic, and Phthalates

The most common offender is Bisphenol A (BPA)— a chemical compound primarily used in the manufacturing of various plastics. Aside from affecting children’s behavior, BPA can be linked to increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.  

Phthalates are well-known chemical substances, used as plasticizers added to PVC plastics for softening purposes.

Several studies have pointed out that phthalates can potentially disrupt the endocrine system and the functioning of multiple organs. This can lead to an array of negative long-term impacts including pregnancy, child growth and development, and reproductive systems in both young children and adolescents.

Plastics, in general, are known for contributing to infertility, obesity, diabetes, prostate or breast cancer. And that’s exactly why opting for non-toxic food storage containers is so important!

Why is “BPA-Free” dangerous as well?

So what about bpa-free plastic storage containers?  Researchers found that BPA-free plastics were still leaching out of material and causing abnormalities in lab mice.

Using ‘BPA-free’ plastic products could be as harmful to human health — including a developing brain — as those products that contain the controversial chemical, suggest scientists.Thanks, but no thanks!

What is the safest food storage container? Pros and Cons of the Non-Toxic Options

Glass

Glass containers are a great way to ensure that your food won’t come in contact with any harmful chemicals when in storage.

It is non-porous, which means that glass doesn’t absorb and can be easily cleaned at higher temperatures by hand or in the dishwasher.

On top of that, glass food storage is created to withstand high heat without breaking so you can safely put them in the microwave time and time again. 

Infinitely recyclable, reusable, and refillable, this sustainable option requires much less water, energy, and natural resources during the production process. Because of this, it is one of the most sustainable options.

The only downside to glass containers? They are relatively heavy, breakable, and more pricey than their plastic counterparts. 

Stainless steel

Aside from being 100% recyclable, stainless steel food containers are extremely durable, which means that we won’t have to replace them as often as plastic ones.

This material doesn’t absorb bacteria nor does it leach chemicals as it is both non-staining and non-porous. 

Moreover, stainless steel is very resistant to heat, so there is no need to let your food cool off before transferring it to the container.

Nonetheless, this type of food storage solution is a bit more pricey than those made of other standard materials and may require frequent cleaning due to fingerprints and smudges being more noticeable. 

Stainless steel also not for use in the microwave.

Silicone (sometimes)

Made without petroleum-based chemicals, BPA, BPS, or fillers, food-grade silicone is a great storage solution.

We can easily put it in the microwave, freezer, oven, and dishwasher without having to worry about leaching chemicals. On top of that is highly resistant to damage, doesn’t harden, crack, peel, crumble, or dry out, and is very lightweight and aesthetic.

However, silicone is known for having poor tear strength. Plus, depending on the quality of the silicone, it may or may not contain chemical fillers.

So in order to avoid the migration of chemicals into food, it would be best to opt for food-grade silicone and non-toxic food storage containers only!

Last but not least, it is a bit hard to recycle given that it needs a very special recycling process.

Ceramic

Ceramic food storage containers are a way better choice than plastic —especially for dry goods.

Of course, this material does not leach chemicals into the foods and can actively prevent light from reaching inside the container.

Ceramic is one of the most durable materials with a lifespan of over 10 years with proper care which makes it a fantastic sustainable alternative to plastic.

To top it all off, non-toxic food storage containers made of ceramic can be recycled as well. The biggest downside is arguably the price compared to most plastic-free alternatives.

Furthermore, ceramic food containers can be a bit heavy and fragile. They are also best for dry good storage as most don’t have airtight lights.

---

12 Non Toxic Food Storage Containers

All of that said, let’s dive into the best ways to avoid toxic chemicals when storing your food.

Caraway Food Storage Set – Top Pick/Best Overall Value

Caraway just launched a brand new Food Storage Set and we couldn’t be more ecstatic about it!

Known as one of the safest cookware/bakeware brands on the eco-market, they always manage to rack up thousands of glowing reviews and this 14-piece bundle certainly is not an exception.

The best-looking non-toxic ceramic-coated glass containers come with tight sealed glass lids designed to keep containers sealed extra tight.

And have a look at the adorable mini dots & dash inserts which are ideal for sauces and smaller foods – compartmentalization is the key, right?

So basically, you can give your leftovers another life by freezing, reheating, or microwaving them in display-worthy containers that are healthy and absolutely safe.

Quick note: container lids and inserts not microwave safe. They are also not suitable for liquids like soup.

Of course, it’s free from BPA, Teflon, PFOA, other PFOA, lead, cadmium, and other harmful chemicals. As for the colors, there are 6 gorgeous options available ranging from white to mist and navy. 

Check our Caraway Bakeware Review and Caraway Cookware Review too.

Everusely 

Everusely is on a mission to eliminate single use plastic and create high-quality, non-toxic homewares.

Time to add some bright rainbow colors to your kitchen! Adorned with fun and colorful silicone lids, this set of non-toxic food storage containers is crafted from premium 304 stainless steel.

You can use the 5 different sizes as launch boxes, picnic essentials, or, of course, storage boxes for your fresh food and leftovers.

Leak-proof, oven, and dishwasher-safe, you won’t have to scrub pasta sauce off your plastic boxes ever again! This stackable set‎ can be cleaned in seconds and be reused for years to come.

And because there is no risk of breakage, you can always use it to pack your kids’ lunch for school and activities.

GENICOOK – Tempered Glass Containers With Glass Lids

Ideal for meal prep, cooking, serving, and storing, GENICOOK’s Borosilicate tempered glass food storage containers come with food-grade silicone wrap-around glass lids for extra protection.

The 4-piece set is oven safe and can also be used to microwave your delicious meals.

In terms of performance, the lids are easy to use, and they seal the containers securely, so there are no leaks or drips.

When you are done, simply remove the flexible food-grade silicone inner lid seal and throw it in the washing machine. 

Home and Harvest – 4 Piece Stainless Set

Home and Harvest’s non-toxic food storage containers are a great option for storing just about anything as long as it’s not hot food.

What’s best about these stainless steel containers is that they have non-plastic lids. Instead, they are equipped with super durable silicone lids that are BPA Free!

Of course, the set is said to be spill-proof, as well as rust and corrosion-proof.

Available in 4 practical sizes, these stackable, easily reusable & reliable snack and meal prep containers can help you store salads, fruits, veggies, and meals! Also, they are freezer and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Anchor Hocking

Anchor Hocking has been around since 1905 and still produces glass bakeware in the USA to this day!

If you are looking for the ultimate set of glass storage containers, this 18 piece bundle will help you keep everything from full-meals to leftovers sealed and secure.

Both the storage containers and easy-seal lids are microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe.

On top of that, hundreds of at-home chests point out that they’ve managed to save time by going straight from prep/cooking to storage/heating all while avoiding avoid leaks and spills.

Seriously, what more can we ask from our non-toxic food storage containers?

HJN – Ceramic Food Storage For Dry Goods

As we mentioned previously, ceramic is an ideal material for non-toxic food storage containers for dry goods.

HJN’s 3-piece set, in particular, comes with different size jars equipped with airtight bamboo lids.

The larger size is fantastic for keeping cereal, pet food, and all types of cookies safe, while the smallest option is for storing nuts, herbs, coffee, and tea.

But aside from locking out air to preserve and protect freshness and flavor, these containers are also very easy to clean by hand. 

Stasher Bag Set

Stasher’s non-toxic food storage containers are made of Food Grade Platinum Silicone – aka the world’s first fully functional, self-sealing, reusable alternative to single-use plastic.

This 7-piece bag set features an innovative air-tight Pinch-Loc seal to keep your food’s nutrients, flavors, and juices locked in.

Just burp your Stasher bag to remove excess air and pinch the seal closed and voila!

Plus, the set is freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe. Just pick your favorite color from the 12+ options and kiss all the unwanted plastic goodbye –yes, they are that good.

Fine Dine – 24 Piece Set

This 12-piece plastic-free food storage is made of Borosilicate Glass which is oven safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and freezer safe.

The slew of different shapes makes it extremely easy to store everything from leftovers to dry goods and are entirely safe to transfer from freezer to oven in instants.

Store your pre-prepped in the freezer, deposit them straight into the microwave (the lids are not microwave, oven or dishwasher safe) when or even use them as lunch boxes.

They come with locking lids that create an airtight seal to maintain the food’s freshness. On top of that, the gasket is easily removable for thorough cleaning. Freeze, reheat, serve, clean – it’s that simple!

YUNCANG – Best Glass Set For Dry Food

YUNCANG’s non-toxic food storage containers are lauded as the best glass jars for storing all types of dry foods safely.

From candy, cookies, and rice, to sugar, flour, pasta ,nuts, and spice, this 5-piece set will never force you to feel like you have to use chemical-laden plastic containers ever again.

The airtight bamboo lid seals shut to keep your goods fresh for longer and protect them against air moisture all while being extremely sustainable. And when your jars are finally empty, you can easily toss them in the dishwasher.

VANCASSO – Attractive 3 Piece Ceramic Set

Another set of extremely aesthetically-pleasing, non-toxic food storage containers that belong in every kitchen!

These 3 VANCASSO ceramic food storage jars feature bamboo lids equipped with silicone rings for extra safety and protection.

Simply rotate and press the lids to prevent air moisture from messing with your delicious cereal, nuts, beans, and pasta – just make sure to clean them by hand after every use to maintain your jars in tip-to-shape.

Beeswax Wrap

A great alternative to aluminum foil and plastic wrap, beeswax has so many functions.

Here’s your chance to swap the questionable plastic wraps you already have with 9 practical, reusable beeswax wraps.

Made from organic cotton, organic jojoba oil, ethically harvest beeswax, and tree resin, these LFGB, and GOTS-certified storage solutions are easy to wash, reusable, and compostable.

Plus, they come in many different sizes to ensure that all your sandwiches, cheese, fruits, and leftovers are neatly wrapped up to maintain the flavor of your food wherever you are.

Just think of the design and colors these wraps will add to your fridge. The flower and bird pattern is downright adorable! Quick note: make sure to keep beeswax wraps away from heat and don’t put them in the dryer. 

BKLYN BENTO – Best Bento

The award winning eco-friendly bento lunch boxes are made of 100% Stainless Steel and come with 3 separate compartments.

Some foods were simply not meant to mingle and thus, these non-toxic food storage containers are here to keep them conveniently separated and save much fridge space in the process.

The boxes are ideal for prepping meals and storing food but also double as great lunch boxes for school or the office, Helping you live a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

They are also free of BPA, PVC, BPS, and phthalates.

Last but not least, all containers are easily cleaned with soap, but you can also throw them in the dishwasher at any time. 

In Summary: Best Non-Toxic Food Storage Containers

Now is the quintessential time to swap your plastic containers with safe or/and natural materials like ceramic, glass, silicone, and stainless steel to keep your leftovers tasty and fresh! It’s no secret that plastic boxes leach chemicals into our food causing a slew of health issues.

Plastic is far from the best option and moving away from plastic storage containers will serve you well.

From potentially disrupting the endocrine system to impacting child growth and development, the list goes on and on. So why not switch to sustainable and zero-waste alternatives to keep yourself and love loved ones safe all while keeping your kitchen perfectly organized?

About the Author

---