The best nontoxic food storage containers for 2025 will help you make the most of your meals. (Amazon)
A good set of storage containers is crucial for meal prep and making the food you buy last longer. But with increasing concern about microplastics and potentially harmful chemicals leaching into food, it makes sense if you're looking for nontoxic options. We tested nearly four dozen vessels for our story on the best food storage containers; here, we've narrowed down our picks to just seven items/sets that we consider the best nontoxic food storage containers for 2025.
You won't see plastic containers on this list because most contain chemical additives, such as plasticizers (like phthalates or adipates), stabilizers and antioxidants, says Li Li, an associate professor at the University of Nevada who specializes in exposure science. While these chemicals make plastics softer and more flexible — suitable for frequent use — there's a downside. "Phthalates are also a kind of endocrine disruptor because they can mess with our hormones and affect development and reproductive health," Li says.
And while you may already opt for plastic products labeled "BPA-free," thanks to the well-documented negative health effects associated with bisphenol A (BPA), Li adds that there are concerns about other members of the "bisphenol family" that may still be used in products with the BPA-free label. "We don't really know yet if those are any safer because scientists are still studying them, and for now, we don't have conclusive evidence."
Fortunately, there are plenty of other options for food storage: "Materials like stainless steel, glass and ceramics are inert, and inert materials by definition don't release or absorb chemicals," says Jane Muncke, managing director and chief scientific officer at the Food Packaging Forum, an independent, nonprofit organization focused on the health and environmental impacts of food contact materials.
Another great thing about these materials is that they tend to resist odors and stains, so even though things got pretty (tomato) saucy in our testing, you've got nothing to fear if you're hoping to use these containers for last night's lasagna. Many items on this list are also microwave-, oven- and freezer-safe, meaning you can go from prepping to serving to storing without skipping a beat.
A quick note before we dig in: When we talk about quantity, we include the lids, so if we say a set has 14 pieces, we mean seven containers and seven lids. Looking for more healthy home swaps? Check out our guides to the best nontoxic cookware, best nontoxic dishwasher detergent and best nontoxic laundry detergent.
Table of contents
Update, Aug. 29, 2025: We’ve confirmed current pricing and availability for all products. Our No. 1 pick for the best nontoxic food storage container remains unchanged.
Material: Glass bases with BPA-free plastic lids | Care: Bases are freezer-, dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe (lids are top-rack dishwasher-safe; not oven-safe) | Quantity: 18 pieces
Topping our list are Rubbermaid's Brilliance containers, which come in a variety of sizes, available with either a glass or BPA-free Tritan plastic base. We tested both and though the glass is unsurprisingly heavier than the plastic, both are incredibly durable.
The flip-style lids are easy to clean and, when locked, prove to be airtight. They also work across any of the containers in the Brilliance line, handy if you happen to lose or break one. Despite numerous trips through the dishwasher, they never warp, an issue we've noticed with some other brands.
That said, all our experts advise not to put plastic lids in the dishwasher or microwave (even if they're listed as safe for these purposes), as exposure to high heat is a known impetus for increasing the release of microplastics. "Because there are no enforceable standards for this claim, the phrase 'microwave safe' often just means that the storage container won't melt in the microwave. The same is true for 'dishwasher safe' claims," says Varun Subramaniam, associate scientist at the Environmental Working Group.
Based on our experience, the containers still look like new after storing colorful foods such as marinara sauce and hot wings. The glass bases have excellent clarity and nest inside one another for storage. When the containers are full, the flat lids make them easy to stack.
Another biggie: The bases are dishwasher-, freezer- and microwave-safe (the plastic lids are also listed this way, though, as we noted above, you may not want to expose them to heat). The bases are oven-safe up to 450 degrees. And did we mention this set gets nearly 10,000 five-star reviews? If you don't need this many containers, you can get two-, three- and four-packs, from $31.
Material: Glass bases with plastic lids | Care: Bases are freezer-, dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe (lids are top-rack dishwasher-safe; not oven-safe) | Quantity: 18 pieces
These durable, tempered glass containers from Pyrex can go from the freezer to the microwave or even a preheated oven, then right to the table, thanks to their streamlined design, making this one of the most versatile sets we tried.
They stack nicely in the fridge and come with airtight plastic lids in different colors for each size. These tight-sealing, colorful lids aid in identification and organization, lock in freshness and provide added grip when carrying.
While the lids from this set held up well to leaks in testing, we recommend one of Pyrex's lock-lid styles, which also performed well in our testing, when you need to transfer liquids beyond your dining room. Also, after using these for several years, we've noticed that the standard lids can warp and/or crack, especially if they're often tossed in the dishwasher.
This isn't entirely surprising. As Li explains, "Frequent use in the microwave or dishwasher, even with containers labeled as safe, can gradually degrade the plastic or even cause small cracks or peeling. Such damage has the potential to increase the risk of chemical leaching over time." To extend the life of the set (and to avoid additional microplastic shedding), we suggest handwashing the lids and replacing them when there are any signs of wear.
Material: 18/8 stainless steel base with silicone lid | Care: Freezer-, dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe (base only) | Quantity: Two pieces
Like glass, stainless steel is nonreactive to acids in foods like citrus or tomatoes (no staining!). Like plastic, they're typically more lightweight and less likely to break.
Even more, the Rise containers are sustainably made with 90% post-consumer recycled materials and, unlike many other stainless steel options, microwave-safe. They're also 100% leak-proof, thanks to a unique seal-and-snap function (which we confirmed by shaking the containers and flipping them upside down).
The rectangular container shown is ideal for a sandwich and a side — it even comes with a snap-in divider. The smaller container below it is the brand's 23-ounce version, which costs $25, and is ideal for individual servings such as a side salad.
One note on the silicone lids: While typically considered a safer choice than plastic, our experts still voiced a few concerns. "Silicones also contain additives, and they also are non-inert materials that leach additives and other chemicals into foods," says Muncke. She feels comfortable with their use with cold foods (or when simply popping a lid on a storage container), but that high-heat exposure (like in the microwave or dishwasher) could be problematic.
Subramaniam agrees, citing research from 2023 that suggests that silicone products are more prone to aging, degradation and "posing potential food safety hazards" when used in high-temperature, high-pressure or microwave environments. In other words, stick to handwashing these lids rather than putting them in the dishwasher.
Material: Stainless steel base with silicone lid | Care: Freezer- and top-rack dishwasher-safe | Quantity: One bowl with lid, plus tray and ramekin
This stainless steel bowl kit from S’well is spacious enough to hold a generous portion of greens and comes with a tray and ramekin for conveniently separating toppings and dressing. The lid stays securely locked, ensuring salads — including ones with heavy ingredients, like cold pasta salads — stay contained when shaken.
We're delighted to report the bowl kept lettuce fresh and wilt-free for 28 hours in our testing, making it a great option for meal preppers. It's also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
While the S'well bowl made our "best of" list for its function, not its good looks, we'd be remiss if we didn't point out the beautiful patterns and colors it comes in, with equally striking names like Mountain Sage and Azurite.
Just remember it's always best to hand wash the silicone lid to extend its life and avoid any potential chemical leaching.
Material: Glass bases with bamboo or stainless steel lids | Care: Freezer-, dishwasher- and microwave-safe (base only) | Quantity: 12 pieces
These pantry jars from JoyJolt are a sight to behold, pairing borosilicate glass cylinders with bamboo lids for a clean, natural look that leveled up our counter space and cabinets (there's also a stainless steel lid version for a sleeker aesthetic).
These canisters are just as practical as they are pretty, complete with an airtight silicone seal that preserved dry pastas and other pantry items in our testing for weeks on end.
Given the elegant look they impart, the jars also moonlight beautifully as bathroom storage, table decor or vases (kudos for versatility!). Of course, as with any glass item, they're not shatter-proof, so we recommend keeping them out of the reach of small children.
Material: Silicone bases with plastic lids | Care: Freezer-, dishwasher- and microwave-safe | Quantity: Two pieces
Collapsible food storage containers are a saving grace for those needing to conserve space — and these silicone wonders from Stojo are as compact and stylish as they come.
The sandwich box is big enough to fit a hearty sandwich or a small meal, while the 36-oz. container is ideal for large salads and bowls (I also own Stojo’s collapsible cups, which are great for hydrating on the go).
The verifiably leak-proof, microwave-safe containers condense to a height of only 1.3 inches, so they tuck nicely inside a bag when packing up after a beach or park outing. I also like to keep one of these in tow for occasional restaurant leftovers.
All through testing these collapsibles performed well, and they looked pretty doing it, in colors ranging from sunny yellows to muted blues in both opaque and transparent options.
Material: LFGB-grade silicone | Care: Freezer-, dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe (although we suggest using them for cold food only and hand-washing for safety) | Quantity: Three pieces
Last but certainly not least, is this set of reusable silicone bags from W&P, consisting of three flat bags made of LFGB-certified silicone (which is of higher quality, according to European standards). All are transparent, so you can easily keep track of whatever you're storing.
These bags are a splurge, but they often go on sale and have inspired us to take control of our fridge and consume more fruits and veggies. We can confirm from testing that when properly sealed, they do not leak.
W&P's reusable bags come in many of the same colors as the brand's glass bowls, which are another editor favorite and a top pick among professional organizers.
Just remember, while these are technically safe for use in the dishwasher, microwave and oven, our experts recommend only using silicone products for cold storage (like fruits, veggies and sandwiches) to reduce the potential for any chemical leakage.
In order to rank on our list, we took the following into account:
Lids: Plain and simple, a bad lid makes a bad storage container. Look for storage sets with matching airtight seals and locking lids to minimize spills. Some of the items on our list also feature screw-style caps for additional security when transporting liquids.
Materials:
Stainless steel food containers are increasingly popular for their heavy-duty yet lightweight frames. When insulated, they can maintain food temperatures for extended periods, but you may have to reheat food in another container (while some stainless steel containers stand up to high heat in an oven, most are not microwave-safe).
Silicone food storage containers are often most lightweight, complete with collapsible options that condense for compact storage and carrying. However, just as with certain plastics, some silicone materials can latch onto colorful sauces (proving they're not "inert" like stainless steel or glass) and lose form when exposed to high temperatures. All of our experts agree that silicone options are safer than plastic, but that due to the potential for chemical leakage at high temperatures, they're best used for cold storage applications and should always be hand-washed.
Glass food storage containers are typically stain-resistant and dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe. Glass is among the purest materials, free of chemical compounds that can otherwise seep into food. That said, glass containers can break with impact. They also err on the heavier side and are therefore less convenient to carry.
Ceramic food storage containers are also considered "inert" and don't have the risk of leaching chemicals into your food. While it didn't make the cut for our top picks due to its price, Caraway's ceramic-coated glass food storage set performed well. It was a hit with our reviewer as a portion-controlled bento box option.
Care and maintenance: Some of the food storage containers on our list are composed of several materials, such as stainless steel with a rubber lining or glass with a bamboo lid. While these material combos can have benefits, like added grip or flexibility, this can affect durability as well as freezer-, microwave-, oven- or dishwasher-safety — so you'll want to prioritize what's most important to you.
Dimensions: Shallow, rectangular containers tend to line up and stack easily — in the fridge and dishwasher — allowing you to optimize space, while deep, round containers are a shoo-in for pastas and salads. Nesting, collapsible and flat-lay storage items (like bags) can be saviors for preserving cabinet space.
Intended use: Of course, a significant factor in choosing the material and dimension of a food storage container will be how you plan to use it. Because silicone and stainless steel often weigh less, they tend to be popular for school and office lunches. Glass is great for microwaving, cooking and serving. Stainless steel is durable and, when insulated, temperature-preserving, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and traveling. Lock-lid/zip and screw-top food storage containers provide added security and are therefore recommended when dealing with liquids — especially on the go.
Versatility/price: A food storage container that allows you to toggle between uses will add more value in the long run. Each of the individual picks and collections on our list earned high scores in versatility, with all bases proving dishwasher-friendly (most heat-safe), in a variety of colors, styles and dimensions for finding the perfect fit. While we consider food storage containers a good investment, many of the brands represented here also offer bundles and special promotions for more savings.
So many food storage containers, so little space! Below, some other containers we'd recommend for different needs and tastes.
Ello 3.4-cup Glass Meal Prep Set, 10-piece ($48): Ello’s glass containers are a certified leak-proof, freezer-safe option for those looking to add a pop of color to their assortment, with the added protection of a silicone sleeve. Like the Pyrex glass set in our top picks, they're also microwave- and oven-safe without the lids. Unlike the Pyrex set, which features different shapes and sizes for prepping and serving different portions, the pieces are all the same size, making them more ideal for meal-prepping. You're also looking at fewer pieces (see this set for a more minimalistic silicone pattern).
Snapware Total Solution Glass Food Storage Container Set, 24-piece ($59): This set is comprehensive and versatile, with 12 stackable, microwave-, dishwasher-, freezer- and oven-safe containers of different shapes and sizes. Unlike the Pyrex set in our top picks, which features rubber lids that are not completely foolproof, these containers have lock-style lids that keep everything in — including liquids. The tradeoff is that they come at a higher price point than Pyrex for the same amount of pieces. You're also looking at more square (versus rounded) shapes.
Ecolunchbox Seal Cups (from $17): In our original writeup, we featured a Ecolunchbox Seal Cup set as a more budget-friendly, nesting alternative to Klean Kanteen's stainless steel canisters. While it appears the set is no longer available, you can still purchase the plastic-free and verified leak-proof seal cups individually at the brand's website.
Caraway Ceramic-Coated Glass Food Storage Set, 14-piece ($265): Caraway's set has become somewhat of a legend for its aesthetic. It includes five glossy glass containers enveloped in the brand's signature non-toxic, colorful ceramic coating, which makes them dishwasher-, microwave-, oven- and freezer- safe. It also features smaller container pods with lids, along with straps and a counter organizer. In our evaluation, the containers did everything Caraway says they do (they may just be the most stylish we've ever tested), but they're definitely a splurge. The brand released a new highly anticipated Mini Food Storage Set earlier this year that we're eager to test out next.
If there’s one thing we take seriously, it’s food. We put a lot of heart and soul into our best food storage container tests. Every food storage container or bag on this list was evaluated for durability and leak resistance, as well as each brand’s claims of microwave, freezer and dishwasher safety. Throughout the process, we engaged in extensive real-world food prep, storage, freezing, refrigerating, reheating and cleaning.
We dropped containers from counter and cabinet heights to ensure they didn’t bend or break and stretched storage bags to confirm they didn’t lose form. We filled containers with water, shaking them upside down to test their leak-proof seals. Based on our assessments, these winning containers also appear to be stain-resistant — at least resistant to stains from hot sauce and marinara.
The safest food storage container is purest in its materials and manufacturing. Glass, stainless steel and ceramic are the options all of our experts point to because they won't react with the chemicals found in food. Silicone may also be a good choice when used primarily for cold food applications, like for storing sandwiches, salads or fruits. That said, it's important to remember that thinner-quality glass is more apt to shatter and generally not heat-safe, so you'll want to be careful to avoid cuts.
Plastic containers have gotten a bad rap for containing bisphenol A, but as our experts point out, BPA isn't the only concern. The potential for microplastic shedding and for exposure to phthalates — known endocrine disruptors — and other monomers in the bisphenol family are also reasons to pause before adding more plastic to your kitchen. While our experts acknowledge the convenience of plastic products and the inability to avoid plastic exposure completely, if you're trying to choose between plastic or glass, glass containers are inherently the less toxic option due to their inert status that won't lead to chemical migration between the container and your food.
If you’re trying to gauge the best material for long-term food storage, each of the materials on this list should generally do the trick. Glass and stainless steel tend to hold up better against odors and stains, but when it comes to spoiled food, air and moisture are the main culprits. Opt for an air-sealed or at least lock-tight lid to keep food dry and limit oxygen — and be sure to toss food when it looks moldy, smells sour or passes its expiration date (this is where those handy labels come in).
There's no hard-and-fast rule, but you should replace containers as soon as they are damaged — and that includes if they become discolored. "Scratched, cloudy, or old plastic containers are more likely to leach chemicals," says Grace Derocha, a dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. And all of our experts agree that as soon as any container starts showing wear, it's time to replace it.
In general, glass containers last longer than plastic ones.
Grace Derocha, RD, CDCES, MBA and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Li Li, PhD, associate professor at the University of Nevada who specializes in exposure science
Jane Muncke, PhD, managing director and chief scientific officer at the Food Packaging Forum, an independent, non-profit organization focused on the health and environmental impacts of food contact materials and food packaging
Varun Subramaniam, MS, associate scientist at the Environmental Working Group
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
