The 10 Best Food Storage Containers of 2023

Commerce Photo Composite — BHG / Lecia Landis

Food storage options are a must-have in any well-equipped kitchen. Whether you are a fan of weekly meal prepping or enjoy the occasional plate of leftover takeout, high-quality food storage containers preserve the quality and freshness of food and keep food from spoiling. Plus, they’re a great way to organize your pantry.

“Secure food storage containers are ideal as they prevent cooked foods from leaking and protect food from harmful bacteria,” says Rosa Lu, product manager at Buydeem.

There are endless options available when it comes to food storage containers – glass, plastic, stainless steel, and even silicone storage bags. To find the best food storage containers, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind material, size, capacity, and usage. We also consulted Rosa Lu, product manager at Buydeem, for additional insight.

Here, the best food storage containers.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Snapware 10 Piece Rectangular Food Storage Set at Amazon

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Best Large:

Chef’s Path Extra Large Food Storage Containers at Amazon

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Best Pantry Containers:

Better Homes & Gardens Flip-Tite Canisters at Walmart

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Best for Cereal:

OXO Good Grips Airtight POP Medium Cereal Dispenser at Amazon

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Best for Lunches:

Ecolunchbox Three-in-One Classic at Amazon

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Best Reusable Storage Bag:

Stasher Reusable Silicone Bag at Amazon

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Best Collapsible:

Amazing Containers Collapsible Silicone Food Storage Containers at Amazon

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Best for Liquids:

Ball 24 Oz. Jar – Pack of 2 at Amazon

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Best for Produce:

OXO Produce Container at Amazon

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Amazon

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Why You Should Get It

These lock-lid containers are safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer. They’re also clear, so you’ll be able to see what you have stored in each container.

Keep in Mind

With each set you’ll only get one size container, so you’ll have to buy a few different ones for a variety.

Overall, the best food storage containers are this pick by Rubbermaid. The set includes four storage containers with matching lids that are safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer. Plus, the containers are stackable, so it’s easy to store them in your refrigerator or cabinets.

The storage containers are offered in a variety of sizes, so you’ll be able to choose which works best for your kitchen. Just keep in mind that there’s only one size per set, so may have to purchase a few different sets depending on your needs.

If you want to store sauces, soups, and stews, you’ll appreciate that the containers have locking lids that are designed to be leak-proof. And, since they’re clear, you’ll see what you have in each container with ease.

Price at time of publish: $36

Product Details:

Snapware Total Solution Rectangular Plastic 10-Piece Food Storage Set

Amazon

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Why You Should Get It

There are write and erase labels on the lid, so you can write what you prepared and when.

Keep in Mind

Several small ridges can make the lids challenging to clean.

Designed with meal prepping in mind, these are the best food storage containers if you need a large set on a budget. The 10–piece set includes containers with leak-proof locking lids perfect for keeping soups, casseroles, and other meals fresh for several days.

The set includes five rectangle containers that are made of BPA-free plastic that’s constructed to resist stains and not absorb odors. The food storage containers are also top-rack dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe, so you’ll be able to get tons of use out of them. The containers also feature write and erase labels on the lids, so you’ll be able to write what you prepared and when you did it.

Just keep in mind that while the lids are effective at preventing leaks, they do have several ridges that can trap food and make them difficult to clean. These lids can benefit from a quick rinse or wipe down to get into the seams before going in the dishwasher.

Price at time of publish: $13

Product Details:

Chefâs Path Extra Large Food Storage Containers

Amazon

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Why You Should Get It

The set of two containers comes with measuring cups as well as eight labels and a marker, so you can note what’s stored in each. The lids also have a four-sided lock seal for added security.

Keep in Mind

They’re on the taller side, so they may not fit in every cabinet.

To store a wide variety of kitchen staples like rice, pasta, and beans, the best food storage containers are this set by Chef’s Path. The set includes two tall food storage containers that’ll keep ingredients sealed airtight, helping to protect them from absorbing outside odors, hardening, or attracting bugs.

This set of two BPA-free plastic food storage canisters can hold up to 6.5 liters of your favorite grains, pasta, or rice, as well as cereals, chips, and other snacks. Tight lids with a four-side locking system ensure your ingredients will stay fresh and won’t spill.

Part of what makes these some of the best food storage containers is in addition to the containers, the set includes a few accessories as well. In addition to four measuring cups, you’ll also get eight labels and a chalkboard pen, so you can stay organized and remember what you put in each one.

Price at time of publish: $40

Product Details:

4.9

Better Homes & Gardens Flip-Tite Canisters

Walmart

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Why You Should Get It

The set includes a variety of sizes, so you can choose which is best depending on what you want to store.

Keep in Mind

They’re meant to be used for dry food storage only, so they may not be the best fit depending on what you want to use them for. They also aren’t microwave safe, unlike some other picks.

This set of four canisters is both well-constructed and aesthetically pleasing, making them some of the best food storage containers for storing all your favorite snacks and dry goods. The clear plastic containers will help you beautifully display the contents of your pantry while keeping things like pasta, dried beans, and candy fresh for a longer period of time.

This set comes with four containers: one 6.5-cup square container, one 10.1-cup container, one 16-cup container, and one 19.4-cup container. Thanks to the different sizes, you’ll have plenty of space to store all your pantry staples. Plus, a convenient flip lid with a food-grade safe seal makes measuring your ingredients a breeze.

The containers and lids are dishwasher safe but keep in you will want to hand wash the silicone seal. The containers, which aren’t microwave safe, are recommended for dry food storage only, so you’ll want to consider what exactly you have to store.

Price at time of publish: $30

Product Details:

OXO Good Grips Airtight POP Medium Cereal Dispenser

Amazon

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Why You Should Get It

The pop-open lids are convenient for one-hand pouring. The lid is also interchangeable between sizes, so you can use it if you have a few different containers.

Keep in Mind

Most pieces have to be hand washed, as opposed to fully dishwasher safe pieces.

If cereal has a permanent place on your breakfast table, this OXO dispenser is the best food storage container for your kitchen. Made of BPA-free plastic, this container stores up to 3.4 quarts of your favorite cereal or favorite snack.

Its airtight seal conveniently opens with a single press, while two silicone seals keep cereal, granola, and snacks fresh for longer than its original packaging would. Designed with pouring in mind, the contoured container is comfortable to hold even if the dispenser is full to capacity. It’s also shaped to fit conveniently on countertops and inside cabinets.

The lid is easy to remove and designed to be interchangeable with other OXO container sizes. Just keep in mind that most parts of this container are meant to be hand washed, unlike many other picks that are dishwasher safe.

Price at time of publish: $23

Product Details:

4.4

Ecolunchbox Three-in-One Classic Bento Box

Amazon

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Why You Should Get It

The double-decker design has space for various items.

Keep in Mind

It’s not leakproof, so you’ll have to be mindful of what you’re packing in the container.

The Ecolunchbox Three-in-One Stainless Steel Bento Box makes it easy to pack a variety of foods and keep them separate, so it’s one of the best food storage containers for bringing your lunch on the go. The compact container is double-decker style and is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean between uses.

The stainless steel container includes three different sections that make portion control easy: an upper container, lower container, and snack container. You can also pull out the snack container and use it separately, which is a great option for kids.

Keep in mind that the lunchbox isn’t leakproof, so you’ll want to try to stick to packing dry foods. The container is not microwave safe, so it’s not ideal for packing food that may need to be heated up before you eat it.

Price at time of publish: $44

Product Details:

4.5

Amazon

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Why You Should Get It

It helps to eliminate the need for single-use plastic waste. Plus, it’s safe for the dishwasher, microwave, freezer, stove, and oven.

Keep in Mind

Depending on the size, they may be more expensive than some other options.

These reusable silicone storage bags from Stasher are a great alternative to single-use plastic zipper storage bags, making them some of the best food storage containers worth considering. The bags are perfect for holding everything from sandwiches and snacks yet can also be used around the house for markers, art supplies, jewelry, and skincare.

The Stasher bags, which are available in tons of sizes and colors, feature a patented airtight seal to keep food fresh. They are made from durable, food-grade silicone that is safe for use in the freezer, microwave, dishwasher, boiling water, and oven up to 425 degrees as well, so you’ll be able to get tons of use out of them.

The bags are sold both individually and in bundles. Although they may be more expensive than some other options, keep in mind you’ll end up saving as you won’t have to purchase plastic bags or other food storage containers.

Price at time of publish: $13

Product Details:

Amazing Containers Collapsible Silicone Food Storage Containers

Amazon

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Why You Should Get It

The set includes four storage containers in different sizes, so you can store different amounts of food.

Keep in Mind

They’re not clear so you may consider purchasing labels to keep track of your leftovers.

If lack of kitchen space has kept you from investing in a set of food storage containers for meal prepping, look no further than this set of four collapsible rectangular containers from Amazing Containers. Portable and stackable, these containers are made from silicone and are some of the best food storage containers worth considering.

The set includes four containers of different sizes: 1.4 cups, 2.1 cups, 3.3 cups container, and 5.07 cups. They are freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe as well as easy to store—when they aren’t in use, they collapse to be a little over one inch thick.

This set is a vibrant mint green color, which will make it easy to spot in the fridge. The only drawback is that unlike some other picks, these containers aren’t clear so you may want to purchase labels to help see what’s in each one.

Price at time of publish: $23

Product Details:

Amazon

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Why You Should Get It

Decorative and versatile, these jars will look good in your fridge, pantry, or countertop.

Keep in Mind

Since they’re made of glass, they’re more fragile than other options.

These mason jars have infinite uses, making them some of the best food storage containers for your kitchen. Though they’re a great solution for storing liquids like broths, soups, dressings, and marinades, they can also be used as drinking glasses and vases as well.

This pack of two 24-ounce containers is made of durable glass that’s resistant to both heat and cold, so you’ll be able to pour warm soup into it without worry. They’re made with a straight shoulder as well, which means they are free from any curves around the neck of the jars. This makes it easier to withstand low temperatures and expanding liquids.

This set comes with screw-on airtight lids made of tin-plated steel with a BPA- free plastisol liner. The jars are dishwasher and microwave safe, though you may want to wash the lids by hand. Like all glass containers, you’ll want to handle these with care when transporting them to avoid breakage.

Price at time of publish: $12

Product Details:

OXO

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Why You Should Get It

Designed to reduce moisture to help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.

Keep in Mind

Requires replacement filters, sold separately.

Too often fresh produce can turn into a shriveled rotten mess before we’ve ever had a chance to use it. Using a storage solution like the OXO GreenSaver Produce Keeper will help you waste less food and save more money by keeping your produce fresh for longer.

Plastic bags or traditional food storage containers can limit airflow and enable moisture buildup, which can cause that beautiful produce to spoil more quickly. Part of what makes the GreenSaver Produce Keeper one of the best food storage containers is it solves this problem by using all-natural activated carbon filters to trap and absorb ethylene, a gas emitted by fruits and vegetables that accelerates the ripening process.

The five-quart container features a removable basket that facilitates airflow and stops moisture buildup by keeping produce away from the bottom and sides of the canister. A sliding vent on the lid helps you control the humidity level based on the specific produce being stored.

The container is BPA-free and dishwasher safe. It comes with one carbon filter that lasts up to 90 days, so keep in mind you’ll have to purchase filter refills separately.

Price at time of publish: $15

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The Bottom Line

Overall, the best food storage containers are the Rubbermaid 4-Piece Brilliance Food Storage Containers due to their durability and stain-resistant construction. This set also gets bonus points for its airtight locking lids that prevent spills. For a less expensive pick, the best food storage containers are the Snapware 10-Piece Food Container Set because they’re leak-proof and safe to use in the dishwasher, freezer, and microwave.

What to Know About Food Storage Containers Before Shopping

Material

Reusable food storage containers are most commonly found in one of four materials, each of which has its own pros and cons: glass, plastic, stainless steel, and silicone.

While plastic containers are often less expensive, they can also contain harmful chemicals that can seep into your food especially when microwaved. While shopping, check that a plastic option is BPA-free to ensure it’s safer to use. Glass containers, meanwhile, are safer, but can be heavy and less convenient to carry around. Glass is also more fragile than other materials and runs the risk of breaking easier.

Silicone containers can be a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic and easier to transport than glass containers but they are typically more expensive. Stainless steel containers can also be on the pricey side but are fairly durable. Just keep in mind that, unlike other materials, they aren’t going to be microwave-safe.

Container Shape

Food storage containers are typically round or square. Which you choose depends on your individual preferences, though it’s worth keeping in mind kitchen space and durability. While square containers can more easily fit into most cabinets and lunch bags, some prefer round storage containers as they are said to be more durable as they don't have edges or corners that can weaken or break over time.

Lid Type

Whether you go square or round with your food storage containers, you’ll want to look for an option with an airtight, locking lid whenever possible. This will ensure your food from picking up outside odors, as well as will prevent messy spills.

Usage Restrictions

If you plan on storing or reheating meals, make sure the food container you choose is microwave and freezer safe. You’ll also want to double check whether it’s dishwasher safe before purchasing, as it can be time-consuming to handwash pieces often.

Your Questions, Answered

Is it better to store food in glass or plastic?

When it comes to food storage, whether or not you go with glass or plastic depends on a few factors, like the durability of the container and what you want to use them for.

“We prefer glass containers as they can store a diverse range of foods, are easier to clean, and are more stable than plastic,” Lu says. “Glass containers can also be washed in the dishwasher as they can withstand higher temperatures. They don’t melt or warp like some plastic containers.”

If you do decide to go plastic, you’ll want to make sure they are BPA-Free by looking at the number stamped on the product. Containers that are labeled with a 1, 2, or 5 are considered BPA-Free.

What type of container is best for storage of dry goods?

When storing dry goods in the pantry, airtightness is crucial. This is especially true in climates with high humidity because if moisture breaches the container, the food inside will become stale and musty quickly.

Ease of use is another thing to consider. A container that’s opened regularly, say a flour container, needs to have a lid that’s easy to remove and replace.

“Clear storage containers are also ideal so you can easily identify stored foods,” Lu says. “Plus, you’ll want containers of varying sizes to hold different sized items, from cookies to spaghetti and rice.”

Are square or round containers better?

Both square and round containers can get the job done in terms of protecting your food and keeping it fresh. In terms of cleaning, a round option may be better as it has fewer nooks and crannies to clean. However, when it comes to storage, take note of your cabinet space and refrigerator. A round pick won’t fit into corners as well as a square option, which can make the most of your space.

Who We Are

This article was written by Adria Greenhauff, a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To find the best food storage containers she researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind material, size, capacity, and usage. She also consulted Rosa Lu, product manager for Buydeem.