The Safest Non-Toxic Food Storage Containers

The Safest Food Storage Containers

When it comes to storing food safely, choosing the right containers is essential. The safest food storage containers are specifically designed to minimize contamination risks, preserve food quality, and ensure no harmful chemicals leach into your food. Below is a list of the best non-toxic food storage options that prioritize health and sustainability.

The Best Non-Toxic Food Storage Containers

Klean Kanteen
Caraway
S’well
u Konserve
Eco Lunch Box
Glass Lock
Veggie Saver
Ambrosia Bag
Life Without Plastic
etee
Stasher

Important Considerations

Switching to non-toxic food containers is crucial for avoiding harmful chemicals such as BPA, BPS, and phthalates commonly found in plastic containers, which can disrupt hormonal balance and may leach into food. Here are safer options to consider:

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): These plastics are chemically inert, BPA-free, and provide excellent moisture barriers. They are cost-effective, lightweight, and recyclable.
Silicone: Durable and heat-resistant, silicone containers do not leach chemicals into food, making them a safer alternative to traditional plastics.
Glass: Inert and impermeable, glass does not interact with food, preserving flavors and nutritional content. It’s fully recyclable and environmentally friendly.
Stainless Steel: Non-reactive stainless steel maintains the taste and quality of food. It’s durable, easy to clean, and recyclable.
Beeswax Wraps: These natural wraps create a reusable seal around food without chemicals.
Organic Cotton: Cotton storage options are safe, eco-friendly, and biodegradable.

When choosing safe food storage containers, keep the following key factors in mind:

Seal Quality: Opt for containers with airtight seals to prevent food spoilage, which helps minimize waste and emissions.
Size & Stackability: Choose containers that fit well in your kitchen and are easy to store to avoid clutter.
Microwave/Dishwasher Compatibility: Ensure the products align with your lifestyle and appliances for maximum convenience.

1. Klean Kanteen

Klean Kanteen offers an eco-friendly Klean Food Box collection crafted from BPA-free stainless steel. Available in three sizes—7 oz, 20 oz, and 34 oz—these boxes feature leak-resistant lids, adaptable corners for venting, and snap-and-lock tabs for secure closure. Designed for durability and ease of cleaning, they are dishwasher safe and come with a satisfaction guarantee. Klean Kanteen is a Certified B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified brand, actively reducing its carbon footprint each year. Additionally, they donate 1% of their earnings to environmental organizations and prioritize using certified 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel in their products. They even provide replacement parts to promote repair over replacement.

2. Caraway

Caraway specializes in ceramic-coated, non-toxic bakeware, food storage solutions, tea kettles, and other eco-friendly cookware. Their Food Storage Set features 14 pieces of glass coated with non-toxic ceramic, equipped with Air Release Technology to keep food fresh and odor-free. Caraway emphasizes eco-friendliness by reducing CO2 emissions during manufacturing, avoiding toxic materials such as PFAS, PTFE, and PFOA, and utilizing recycled cardboard for packaging with low-impact dyes. They also maintain ethical manufacturing practices through BSCI and SMETA certifications.

3. S’well

S’well presents a variety of stylish and eco-friendly stainless steel containers, including water bottles, mugs, tumblers, and food canisters. Their collection features various designs such as “STONE,” “ELEMENTS,” and “WOOD,” with sophisticated names like Azurite, Onyx, and Teakwood. The versatile Food Canister Set is available in three sizes, perfect for accommodating various foods. Made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, these containers have leak-free silicone lids and are dishwasher safe. They are BPA/BPS-free and reusable, significantly contributing to environmental sustainability. Additionally, S’well partners with Water.Org, donating 1% of net sales to help provide clean water access to families in need.

4. U Konserve

U Konserve is committed to sustainability and provides a wide range of eco-friendly containers designed for long-term use. Their leak-proof containers are great for packed lunches, picnics, and outdoor adventures, effectively reducing the reliance on single-use items. These containers also promote organization and bulk shopping with etched tare weights. Their product lineup includes various shapes and materials, such as stainless steel and silicone. Notable items include the “BounceBox,” a platinum silicone container safe for microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, and freezers, along with the Nesting Duo, which features stackable sizes for efficient storage. U Konserve’s Recycled Collection includes totes, bamboo cutlery, and ice packs. They offer bundles and sets like “On-the-Go Bundles” and “Kitchen Bundles,” with all products being non-toxic, free of BPA, phthalates, and lead, and packaged in recyclable materials. U Konserve is also a certified B Corp member of 1% for The Planet.

5. Eco Lunch Box

Eco Lunch Boxes features the “Seal Cup Sixsome Set,” a 6-piece collection of stainless steel containers with silicone lids, totaling 116 oz in capacity. These plastic-free and non-toxic containers are made from type 304 stainless steel and are free from harmful chemicals like BPA, BPS, and phthalates. They include convenient tare weights for bulk shopping and are oven and dishwasher safe. As a Certified B Corp founded in 2009, Eco Lunch Boxes has sold over 900,000 plastic-free lunch boxes. Their products are designed for longevity, encouraging reuse, with replacement parts available. In 2019, they transitioned to carbon-neutral shipping and eco-friendly packaging practices.

6. Glasslock

Glasslock provides durable, microwave-safe glass storage containers, mixing bowls, and cookware that are BPA-free and recyclable, resembling non-toxic glass Tupperware sets. Their products are scratch-proof, odor-resistant, dishwasher safe, and suitable for freezer and microwave use. What distinguishes Glasslock is its exceptional sealing capability, ensuring that odors and contents remain contained, preventing food smells from permeating other items in the fridge. While high-quality, they can be somewhat heavy, which may be a challenge for those with limited strength. Among glass containers for meal prep, Glasslock stands out for its leakproof design and various shapes, making them easy to stack in refrigerators. Although safe for ovens and microwaves, the locking mechanism may exert pressure on the rim over time, increasing the risk of chipping.

7. Veggie Saver

Introducing Veggie Saver, a revolutionary product designed to keep produce fresher for longer:

Outer Layer: Sturdy material that retains moisture.
Central Layer: Absorbs excess moisture to prevent spoilage.
Inner Layer: Regulates moisture for optimal freshness.

Easy to use, the Veggie Saver is machine washable, can be dampened, and is ideal for storing in the fridge. This eco-friendly alternative replaces single-use plastic bags, reduces food waste, and is made from all-natural, compostable materials. Ethically produced, Veggie Saver is SEDEX-certified and handmade by an all-female team in India.

8. Ambrosia Bag

Ambrosia Bags are crafted in the USA from 100% raw, unbleached flax linen, featuring eco-friendly and compostable packaging made with algae-based inks. These bags are moisture-absorbing, air-permeable, and antifungal, creating a customized microclimate that either preserves or reduces moisture, effectively extending the shelf life of your produce. As of now, Ambrosia Bags have saved over 1,370,000 lbs of produce from ending up in landfills! They are also a 1% For The Planet member and collaborate with Ecodrive to ensure responsible and sustainable shipping practices by planting trees to offset emissions.

9. Life Without Plastic

Life Without Plastic offers high-quality stainless steel food storage containers. Their Stainless Steel Airtight Watertight Food Storage Container, measuring 16 cm (6 ¼ inches), is perfect for salads, stews, soups, and sauces. Made from food-grade stainless steel with a silicone seal on the lid, it is suitable for heating on the stove or in a toaster oven, with a dishwasher-safe base (hand wash the lid). They also provide a rectangular food storage container ideal for on-the-go lunches, crafted from the same food-grade stainless steel and silicone seal, with an optional divider available. Founded in 2006, Life Without Plastic emphasizes eco-friendly alternatives to plastic products, ensuring no BPA, phthalates, PVC, or lead are present in their items. They are also Green America Certified for environmentally responsible sourcing and manufacturing.

10. etee Beeswax Wraps

etee’s beeswax wraps are a fantastic alternative to plastic wraps, keeping your food fresher for extended periods. Made from USDA and GOTS-certified organic materials, these wraps are reusable and biodegradable after use. They are free from BPA and are composed of sustainable ingredients, including cotton, beeswax, non-GMO soy wax, coniferous tree resins, and essential oils. Ideal for covering bowls or wrapping sandwiches, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables, these wraps can easily be molded around food items or containers when warmed by hand. With proper care, they can last up to a year, making them a practical and environmentally-conscious solution for food storage.

11. Stasher

Stasher provides versatile food-grade silicone bags suitable for an array of storage needs:

Food Storage: Perfect for fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and marinated foods.
Cooking: Safe for use in microwaves, ovens, boiling water, and sous-vide, ideal for cooking and reheating foods directly.
Snacks on the Go: Great for packing nuts, trail mix, or cut-up veggies for outings.
Freezing: Freezer-safe for storing frozen fruits, vegetables, meats, soups, and broths without freezer burn.
Travel and Toiletries: Store toiletries securely during travel, preventing spills.
Organizing Small Items: Convenient for keeping small toys, craft supplies, or tech accessories organized.
Marinating: Leakproof seal for mess-free marinating.
Lunches: Ideal for packing sandwiches, wraps, and other lunch items.

Stasher bags are dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe, free from lead, latex, BPA, BPS, and other phthalates. Their eco-friendly packaging can be recycled through TerraCycle, and Stasher has successfully prevented billions of single-use plastic bags from entering the ocean while donating over $1.3 million to ocean protection nonprofits.

A Final Word on the Safest Food Storage Containers

Reusing items you already have at home—especially those that might otherwise go to waste—is a fantastic sustainable solution! For instance, I occasionally repurpose organic cotton to create a DIY fabric sandwich bag for zero-waste camping to store and transport food. Mason jars are also incredibly handy for transporting or shopping for bulk food items.

So, what are the safest food storage containers to hold your sustainable snacks? Look for durable options that are BPA/BPS-free, non-toxic, and made from eco-friendly materials. Reusing products you already own, like old Tupperware, is a great way to avoid the emissions caused by creating new items.

Would you consider trying any of the brands mentioned today? Share your thoughts in the comments below—after all, sharing is caring!