How to Choose the Best Glass Food Storage Container

As a food packaging material, glass offers many advantages;

  1. The glass is rated “GRAS” by the FDA, meaning it is “generally considered a safe” substance when used as a food and beverage packaging material.
  2. Glass containers are a safe and healthy choice for food storage because glass is a chemically inert material and therefore there is no risk of interaction with the food contained within. It can be used with virtually all types of foods, including acidic and alkaline foods.
  3. Food in a glass container retains its nutritional value and freshness for a longer period than in plastic containers. Glass helps maintain cold temperatures and provides a sealed barrier to moisture and oxygen, allowing the food inside to keep its freshness, aroma, and taste for longer.
  4. The contents are visible in clear glass containers so you can easily see what’s in your fridge.
  5. Clear glassware gives a clean, elegant appearance to food served or stored in it.
  6. Glass food containers are suitable for storage in the fridge/freezer and are microwave-safe.
  7. From a hygienic perspective, glass is easy to clean and sterilize. Glass also doesn’t keep odors or alter flavors like other materials do.
  8. Glass food containers are the preferred choice of environmentally conscious consumers because glass is reusable and infinitely recyclable.
glass food container isolated

What to Look for When You Shop for a Glass Food Container?

Here are a few tips to help you get the most bang for your buck:

  • Airtight Seal: The lid should provide an airtight seal to keep out moisture and pests and prevent bacterial contamination of the food. A sealed glass container also prevents waste from leaking or spilling.
  • Tempered Glass for Durability: Choose storage containers made of tempered glass, which is four to five times stronger and more durable than ordinary glass. You can transfer the food in it directly from the refrigerator to the microwave. When tempered glass shatters, it breaks down into small granular pieces that cause less injury than ordinary glass.
  • Stackability: If your storage space is limited, opt for square shapes that fit tightly together or choose from a wide selection of stackable glass containers that save lots of space.
  • Easy Find Lid System: This system makes finding the lids much easier. The lids snap together and onto the container bases. The Easy Find Lid System not only saves space in your cupboard but also ensures that you always find a lid that fits the container.
  • Dishwasher Safe: Your storage containers should be dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Suggested Brands:

To make the right choice, focus on the most reliable manufacturers that produce safe, durable, and environmentally friendly products.

1) Pyrex Smart Essentials 8-Piece Mixing Bowl Set

This bowl set is available in a variety of sizes to meet most everyday cooking and storage needs. You can use them for mixing, baking in the oven, or storing leftovers in the fridge. They are safe to use in the oven, freezer, and microwave (without lids). Glass gives them an elegant look, so they look great as serving bowls on your dining table.

The lids have different colors and large sizes, so it is always easy to find the right lid. The lids are BPA-free and ensure a good seal that won’t pop off or leak. The bowls have a nice rim on the top edges, making them easy to hold. They are heavy enough to remain stable while mixing, yet light enough to handle with ease. The set is very durable, but sudden temperature changes should be avoided to prevent breakage.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Nest well to save cupboard space
  • Come in multiple sizes
  • Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher-safe
  • Oven safe (without lids)
  • Colorful, matching lids
  • Transparent
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Quite heavy, especially larger bowls
  • Cannot withstand extreme temperature changes

2) Airtight Anti-Spill Proof Tempered Glasslock Storage Containers 24pc by GLASLOOK

This set is made in Korea. These all-natural glass vessels are made from tempered glass that can withstand mild to moderate temperature shocks. A durable silicone seal makes the containers leak-proof and keeps food fresh for several days. The snap closure makes it easy to close and remove the lids and prevents the contents from leaking.

The containers nest into one another so they can easily be stored in the kitchen cupboard when not in use. The lid and container are transparent so you can always see what’s inside without opening them. This means that food in your fridge is less likely to spoil. The glass looks great on the table which makes these containers ideal for serving food.

You can heat these containers in the microwave after removing the lid. These containers work well with convection ovens as long as you follow instructions to avoid thermal shock and handle hot glass appropriately. They’re also great for storing liquids and are handy for taking lunch to work.

Pros

  • Good assortment of sizes
  • Space-saving design
  • Durable glass
  • Tight, leakproof lids
  • Oven and microwave-safe

Cons

  • The lids take a little effort to snap on/off.
  • The lids do not go inside the microwave.
  • It is recommended to hand wash the lids as the heat from the dishwasher can dry out the rubber seal after repeated washing.

3) Pyrex Simply Store Meal Prep Glass Food Storage Containers (18-piece Set)

These containers are made from very thick and durable Pyrex glass. The set offers a nice selection of shapes and sizes. Glassware of the same size can be stacked well in it, and the plastic lids can also be stacked in the same size. However, some of the different shapes cannot be nested within each other. To save as much space as possible, you should stack the glass parts separately from the plastic parts

The Pyrex glassware is microwave-safe, freezer-safe, and oven-safe up to 450 degrees. The containers can be placed directly from the refrigerator into the microwave, but you must remove the lids before placing them in the microwave. These containers should not be used under a flame or other direct heat source, including a stove.

The lids are made of hard plastic with snap locks and fit multiple container sizes, reducing the time spent searching for the lid you want. They form an airtight seal and prevent everything from leaking, including soup. Your food is securely sealed and you don’t have to worry about it leaking or spilling when you put it in your lunch bag. They can be placed in the top rack of the dishwasher (both containers and tops). However, do not choose a very high drying temperature.

The bowls have a small lip on the outer edge so you can easily remove them from the microwave without burning your fingers on hot bowls.

Pros

  • Sturdy containers and lids
  • Convenient sizes
  • The tight seal preserves food freshness and prevents leakage
  • Clean see-through glass
  • The color coding makes it easy to find a lid
  • You can purchase replacement lids directly through Pyrex

Cons

  • Take a long to heat food
  • The lids are not microwave-safe
  • They aren’t shatter-proof (not made of tempered glass)
  • The lids are not leakproof
glass food container with food inside them

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