Best 10 Glass Food Storage Containers

Don’t you love the feeling of a neatly stocked fridge? It's just so soothing to see everything stocked nicely and ready for mealtime. A quality glass storage container is all you need to achieve this feeling. Do you need the best glass food storage container for meal preparation and to preserve your leftover foods? Food storage containers can make a difference in your kitchen, simplifying your life in the best way possible. 

There are so many sizes and options for food storage that help you declutter your fridge, cabinets and pantry. Another popular and versatile choice can be glass storage jars. But, if you want a larger storage container, this type can work wonders for you. Finding the best glass container for food storage can be a hassle if you don't know the features to look out for. Fear not; with our buying guide, you’ll be able to make the perfect choice.

Why should you invest in glass storage containers?

The popularity of glass storage food containers has increased over the years from their durability, versatility, and stain-resistant features, making them the ideal option for everyone who wants an upgrade for their kitchen storage. Here are some of the most prominent reasons that we recommend you should invest in them.

1. They keep your kitchen and fridge organised.

How do you feel each time you see your kitchen cabinet or fridge littered with mismatching food storage containers that don't even fit together? Not everyone has a large kitchen or fridge with storage space, but a glass storage container can make all the difference. They do not only look good in any storage space, but their clear design makes it easy to find whatever stored food you are looking for without opening their lids or making a mess of your kitchen space.

2. They are environmentally friendly.

If you’re an eco-conscious user, then you probably already know that our environment requires us to make sustainable choices that will benefit us in the long run. Plastic waste isn't one of these choices because its production and disposal cause major damage to the environment. However, glass storage containers are 100% recyclable and reusable, making them a good investment because even if you accidentally drop them, you can still use them in other valuable ways.

3. They are non-harmful & safe. 

Although there are BPA-free plastic food storage containers, these are not ideal for storing hot food or any food item for a long time. This is because the chemicals used in its production are easily absorbed into foods, potentially causing health problems in the long run. Glass storages are BPA-free and a safer choice than plastic because they don't absorb like plastic and can be used in higher temperatures without warping or melting. Also, glass storage containers with lock lids and airtight or smart seals and silicone seals prevent bacteria from coming into contact with the food inside the container, which puts a block on food contamination.

4. They preserve your food for a longer time.

Glass storage canisters have food-grade quality, making them ideal for storing and preserving food for a long time. Thanks to its non-porous and safe surface, glass does not absorb germs, food odours, lingering flavours or anything that can pose a harmful risk to your health. Whether dry goods or foods with a liquid consistency, a glass storage container with locking lids and an airtight seal will keep the quality, taste, and nutrients unaltered for an extended period. However, note that various foods have a different shelf life and might degrade once they exceed this time. 

5. They add versatility to your kitchen.

Who wouldn't want to invest in a storage container that comes in a variety of sizes and can withstand temperature changes? What this means is that you can serve hot food directly into a glass storage container immediately after cooking, place it in a freezer, transfer it directly to your microwave for reheating, and eat it directly from it as well. Also, most glass storage containers can be used as bakeware because they are oven-safe, and the lighter ones are the perfect lunch boxes for your office take-out.

6. They are easier to clean up. 

Not everyone enjoys dish-washing as a chore, especially when cleaning plastic food storage containers and others that absorb oil and hold stains easily. With glass storage containers, you don't spend much time cleaning them because they are dishwasher-safe. In the absence of a dishwasher, a mild soap, warm water, and non-abrasive cleaning cloth will do the trick within a few minutes. Say goodbye to upkeep headings and enjoy easy cleaning in just a few minutes.

7. They make meal prepping effortless.

If you love to eat home-cooked meals but can't go through the stress of preparing them every day, then consider a glass storage container set. Once you finish with your meal preparation, you can dish out the normal portion you eat into the glass containers and store them in the freezer; take them out for reheating whenever you want to eat. Not only will it help you practise cleaner eating habits, but it will also save you some extra money in the long run.

8. They are long-lasting.

Glass storage containers are a safer way to store your food because they last for a long time unless you accidentally drop or damage them. Instead of spending money replacing blistered and stained plastic containers, get a glass kitchen storage container as this will save you money and last for longer. The highest quality borosilicate glass is built to withstand wear and tear for years of use, even if you bump it against a surface a bit harder than normal. 

What to look for when buying glass food storage containers

Do you want to find out more about which factors can influence the functionality of a glass food container? Are you getting overwhelmed with the variety of brands and designs available? Don’t worry; we are here to help you! So, here are some things you should consider before making your choice.

1. Glass Type

Firstly, you need to consider why you are buying it because not all glass storage containers can withstand temperature changes. Untreated glass is more fragile than the other glass types, so it’s best to use it for light snacks. On the other hand, tempered glass and high-quality borosilicate glass are the best options for food storage because they can withstand different temperatures. They offer more resistance to breaking and cracking, which makes them freezer-safe, oven-safe, and microwave-safe. 

2. Intended Use 

Meal preparation or storing leftovers aren't the only reasons that people invest in a glass storage container. For instance, if you intend to store your spices and other dry goods, or just need a lunch box that you can carry without hassle, then a lightweight glass container will do the job. Heavy-duty options are ideal for use as bakeware, freezing containers, serving bowls, and more. Before selecting one, review the available options and determine how you will be using your storage container.  Some manufacturers have packs with multiple compartments to make your life easier regarding food storage.

3. Dishwasher Safe 

Although you can wash glass storage containers in dishwashers, you want to ensure that its lids are as well. Using a dishwasher to clean your glass containers helps minimise your cleaning effort by eliminating the need to hand wash the containers. If your glass containers come with a plastic lid, you can use the top rack of the dishwasher to wash them. Generally, we advise you to hand wash the lids from time to time to lower the chances of warping or melting.

4. Storage Capacity

Glass storage containers come in different sizes, shapes, and designs, which means that you can get the right capacity for your storage needs. Glass containers for dry food storage come in tall and large sizes so that they fit neatly into your pantry. They are high quality alternatives to vacuum sealers. For baking, weekly meal preparation, or food serving, squared or round containers are perfect for the job. Additionally, if you only need a glass container for your homemade jam, coconut oil, smoothie, or any summer drink, a mason glass jar is your go-to. Capacities can range from small 150mL containers (best for dipping sauces) to large containers over 950mL (for full meals). 

5. Stackable Design

For someone with limited kitchen storage, it’s advisable that you buy glass storage containers that stack up or nest together for easy and organised storage. Options that you can stack on top of each other usually come in the same shape but different sizes, making it easy to organise the stored food in your pantry, kitchen cabinet, or fridge. And even when not in use, you can stash them away neatly.

6. Quantity

It is best to invest in a glass food storage container set because apart from the fact that they come in various sizes per set, they are also cheaper than when you buy an individual piece. Not to mention that they are also easy to store and organise because of their stackability, and you get to buy from a single brand. Also, most packs include a warranty that covers your replacements hassle-free. Nevertheless, you can buy individual pieces if you only need them as a lunch box.

7. Lid Type

Glass storage containers have different lid types, styles and materials. The ideal glass food container has airtight lids, which help to keep your food fresh for a long time. Locking lids with leak-proof designs are even more trustworthy because as long as their silicone seal or gasket is in place and they have a clip top, you won't have to worry about leakage or the quality of your stored food degrading any time soon.

The different lids you can get include bamboo lids, stainless steel lids, plastic lids, and even glass lids. Bamboo and plastic lids are best for airtight storage because they usually feature a rubber or silicone gasket that fits snugly into the glass container. Note that not all lids are microwave-safe. So, ensure you check the manufacturer's specifications before you buy your product.

8. Price

Your budget will determine the quality, robustness, and type of glass storage container you get. There are a variety of individual glass storage containers from £2 to £10, and with a price range from £10 to £30, you can get a set of glass meal prep containers or storage canisters with leak-proof features and airtight lids. 

For high-end options, a budget range from £50 to £100 will give you a set of top-quality glass food containers in different shapes and sizes.

Which is better for storing food: plastic or glass?

Plastic food containers always seem like an ideal option because they are low-cost and easy to carry around. However, they are not the best option health-wise. You spend so much time, money, and effort preparing a healthy meal for you and your family, but that can all go to waste without the proper storage containers. Even foods stored in BPA-free plastic containers may absorb harmful chemicals.

Glass storage containers have a non-porous surface which makes them free from all types of chemicals. They don't warp or dent easily, even when used in a microwave or an oven. Also, they are dishwasher-safe and ozone-friendly. Glass storage containers might be more premium than plastics but consider them a one-time investment.

Will glass containers keep your food fresh for long?

Bacteria are the major cause of food spoilage, and their mode of entry into these foods is through the air. A glass storage container can only preserve your food and keep it fresh if its lid is airtight. Anything less than that will affect the quality of your food after a while. So, consider your glass storage lid type if you want to keep your food fresh for longer periods. 

Glass containers contain no chemicals that can leak into the food stored in them. They also won't have any type of corrosion on the glass level, if acidic food is stored in it. Glass is not a porous material, so no flavours, stains or residues are left behind on it, which makes it the perfect storage container for maintaining your food in its initial state. 

Closure

The benefits you get from investing in glass storage containers outweigh any second thoughts you may have for the price you pay for them. Imagine a storage container that can prevent food contamination, make your kitchen cabinet and fridge look well-organised, preserve your food for longer, and decrease plastic waste from the environment. Isn't it worth it?

We love to see you make changes that will benefit your home and lifestyle, and that's why we are optimistic that our buying guide has helped you select the right one according to your preference. So, are you ready to make some changes in your kitchen by investing in the best glass food storage container?