I ditched plastic storage after realizing what might be getting into my food.
If I could confidently store everything in plastic deli containers, I would. They’re affordable, versatile and plentiful. But that affordability may come at a cost; specifically, that of microplastics on our health, my friends.
I moved last year, and as part of my kitchen overhaul, I migrated all of my food storage to glass or ceramic containers. I hold a Master’s degree in Public Health Nutrition, which means I’m always looking for simple ways to make healthy eating—and food storage—the easier choice. Plastic might be an inert substance if manufactured properly, but there’s a tremendous amount of variability in how the different types of plastic we store our food in are made. That means microplastics, nanoplastics and chemicals can slough off into your oats or pistachios as they’re just sitting there. Why take the risk if you can make changes here and there? Join me in switching to glass, silicone, lead-free ceramic and stainless steel containers for all my storage needs. Read on for eight of my favorite non-toxic food storage picks, starting at $5 apiece.
Best Non-Toxic Food Storage Under $50
- ComSaf Airtight Glass Storage Containers with Lids, Set of 6, $35 (was $39) at amazon.com
- Crate & Barrel Working Jar with Lid, $5 at crateandbarrel.com
- Zulay Kitchen Glass Containers, Set of 5, $38 (was $50) at amazon.com
- Threshold Aralia 64-Ounce Ceramic Canister, $20 at target.com
- Bee’s Wrap Beeswax Wrap, $24 (was $25) at amazon.com
- Le Creuset Signature Oil Cruet, $50 at lecreuset.com
ComSaf Airtight Glass Storage Containers with Lids, Set of 6
$39 $35 at Amazon
I bought two sets of these immediately upon moving and am, frankly, in love. The containers are made from high-quality glass that feels really nice to handle, and the range of sizes works for all of my staples: nuts, pasta, popcorn kernels, chia seeds and the like. Because the jars are clear, I can easily see when another trip to the bulk bins is needed.
Zulay Kitchen Glass Containers, Set of 5
$50 $38 at Amazon
Meal prep is covered with this set of airtight glass containers. They’re made of borosilicate glass—the same sturdy stuff that science beakers are made of—so they’re resistant to rapid changes in temperature. That means I can meal prep, freeze, microwave and even take these on the go with abandon.
Bee’s Wrap Beeswax Wrap
$25 $24 at Amazon
Beeswax wrap has nearly replaced plastic wrap in my kitchen. I use the breathable material to store cheese and hunks of leftover bread, so they stay fresh without needlessly rubbing against plastic. Cut the roll to size for whatever you need to cover, and hand-wash and dry between uses until you’re ready to compost them.
Crate & Barrel Working Jar with Lid
$5 at Crate & Barrel
I bought about 10 of these lidded jar sets in the 14- and 21-ounce sizes and use them every day. Some of the jars are devoted to longer-term storage, like my sourdough starter, vinaigrettes and homemade hot fudge. Others get used daily for iced coffee, overnight oats and chia seed pudding. The glass is sturdy and the rolled lip is a pleasure to sip from.
DII Ceramic Canisters, Set of 3
$23 at Amazon
These pretty canisters come in a range of helpful sizes for items you want to keep handy but don’t require airtight storage, like sugar for your daily cup of coffee. And three lidded jars for under $25 feels like a steal.
Threshold Aralia 64-Ounce Ceramic Canister
$20 at Target
I’ve had a set of these Threshold canisters in a slightly different finish for years, and they bring me joy every time I see them on my counter. I keep oats or granola in my larger jar and loose-leaf tea in my smaller one for easy access by the stovetop. They’re equally as cute as they are airtight; I have never had any ingredients grow stale.
ComSaf 1.2-Gallon Glass Storage Containers, Set of 2
$44 at Amazon
Don’t let flour go bad by letting it sit in the paper sack you bought it in. The same brand that makes my mixed glass storage set also makes a pair of larger glass containers, which are the perfect size for flour and sugar—especially for fellow frequent bakers.
Le Creuset Signature Oil Cruet
$50 at Lecreuset.com
Olive oil has four enemies: heat, air, light and time. Eliminate almost all of them with this durable ceramic cruet from Le Creuset. I buy olive oil in larger quantities and decant it into a cruet, both to protect the oil from prolonged exposure to microplastics and keep it tasting fresher for longer.
Threshold Glass Honey Pot
$10 at Target
If you also buy your honey in bear-shaped squeeze bottles, consider transferring it into a glass or ceramic honey pot. Not only does it make helping yourself to honey feel like an occasion, but it also reduces its exposure to plastic as you use it up.
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