The Best Food Storage Containers

Rubbermaid Easy Find Vented Lids Food Storage Containers

Nesting instincts

The Rubbermaid Easy Find Vented Lids are a nesting collection of containers that make reheating food clean and easy.

Best Overall

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When it comes to food storage containers, the ideal collection should be durable, easy to store, and safe to reuse — meaning you should be able to pop them in the microwave and reheat your leftovers without hassle. Thankfully, few models meet those criteria like these Rubbermaid Easy Find Vented Lids. Not only do they stack tightly together to help save you space in cabinets and drawers, but they also feature ergonomic, built-in vents that allow you to keep their lids on in the microwave, minimizing any splattering or messes. All materials are also microwave-safe and BPA-free, so you don’t have to worry about health or safety.

Pros:

• Rubberized seals
• Lids connect to bases
• Great for meal prep

Cons:

• Not all container sizes are vented
• Most containers in the collection are small

Fullstar Food Storage Containers with Lids

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication

For a simple, reliable set of food storage containers with lids, this one by Fullstar is a solid choice.

Runner Up

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If you’re looking for a basic collection of containers for all your food storage needs — whether leftovers, lunches, or anything else — this one by Fullstar is worth considering. The 24-piece set includes 12 plastic containers and lids, each with a rubberized seal and four-hinge locking system that creates an airtight and watertight closure. Beyond that, they’re easy to clean, easy to use, are microwave and freezer-safe, and they come in five different, ergonomic sizes, from a 35-ounce rectangular container to a 25 ounce round container.

Pros:

• Come in a variety of set sizes
• Durable BPA-free plastic materials
• Other colors available

Cons

• Could benefit from larger sizes
• Not as easy to stack and nest as conventional containers

Vtopmart Airtight Food Storage Containers

There's more in store

Keep moisture away from your dry snacks and good with the airtight Vtopmart Food Storage Containers.

Best For Dry Goods

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Anyone who’s ever tried cereal from a week-old box knows how quickly dry foods can go stale, losing the freshness and crunchiness that made them so delicious in the first place. That’s why, instead of keeping your pasta, snacks, and even dog foods in their store-bought bags and packaging, you should invest in a set of these Vtopmart Airtight Food Storage Containers. They’re specifically designed for storing dry goods, boasting large capacities and locking lids that seal out air and moisture. That also makes them perfect for storing other kitchen essentials, such as flours, sugars and grains. 

Pros:

• Come with reusable labels 
• 2 large containers and 4 medium ones
• Easy to open and close

Cons:

• Take up a lot of space
• Lids can be difficult to clean

FineDine Glass Food Storage Containers

A superior glass set

These FineDine Glass Food Storage Containers are a chemical-free and more durable alternative to plastic sets.

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For those willing to spend a few extra bucks, a glass set of food storage containers can offer a host of advantages over a plastic one. Not only is glass more durable and easier to clean, but it also incorporates less chemicals than conventional plastics. That’s certainly true of these FineDine Glass Food Storage Containers, which are crafted of borosilicate, transparent glass that won’t absorb any tastes, smells, or colors from food, and are easy to stick in the dishwasher or clean by hand in the sink. What’s more, glass is able to withstand rapid temperature changes better than plastic, so you can move these straight from the fridge or freezer to the oven without worrying about damage.

Pros:

• Hinged lids create airtight seals
• Glossy surfaces help preserve flavor
• Gaskets are removable for cleaning

Cons:

• A little expensive
• Heavier than plastic

DuraHome Food Storage Containers

A more durable takeout container

These DuraHome Food Storage Containers prove that takeout-style boxes aren't the worst, provided they're durable.

Best On A Budget

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You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a durable, easy-to-use way to keep your food fresh, as these DuraHome Food Storage Containers demonstrate. A sturdier version of the classic takeout container, they’re plenty capable of storing all kinds of leftovers, soups, chopped vegetables and fruits, or any other kind of loose object you can think of putting in them, thanks to thick plastic walls and lids. The lids are interchangeable, so you don’t have to go searching for the right size, and the containers nest extremely tightly, helping you save space in the kitchen. They’re also much more affordable than fancier containers, though they may not look as good.

Pros:

• BPA-free materials
• Large collection of 44 containers
• Freezer and microwave safe

Cons:

• May stain with certain foods
• Lids can be difficult to remove

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need food storage containers?

Food storage containers allow you to do just what the name suggests — keep food fresh for later consumption. So unless you plan on eating all of the food you buy and cook immediately, or don’t mind leaving everything in its store-bought packaging, they’re an all-but-indispensable addition to your kitchen. Food storage containers are also especially useful for anyone who likes to take their lunch to work or prepare their meals ahead of time, since they give you a way to keep your food as fresh as possible before you eat it.

What should I look for in a food storage container? 

Food storage containers come in all shapes and designs, and which is right for you depends on your own preferences and budget. In general, you should make sure that the containers you’re buying are BPA and toxin-free, for obvious health reasons. Beyond that, you should consider the pros and cons of glass-versus-plastic containers — the former are generally more durable and easier to deal with, though also more expensive, while the latter are more affordable but may not last as long. It’s also important to ensure your containers feature lids capable of creating air and watertight seals, since you want to keep your food as fresh as possible as well as prevent any leaks or messes when carrying your lunch back and forth to work.