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Say goodbye to stale snacks and cluttered countertops. jute wine bottle bags
Food storage containers are a lifeline for anyone looking to keep food fresh (which is everyone, right?). While some are best for preserving leftover wet foods, others are designed to protect dry items from going stale, exploding across the floor when dropped, and being eaten by pesky pests.
To find the best dry food storage containers for cereals, dried pasta, baking ingredients, and snacks, we tested 21 different sets in our lab, including plastic and glass options. The ones that ended up on our list are durable, airtight, spill-resistant, and easy to clean. Ahead are the only dry food storage containers that deserve a spot in your pantry. Plus, expert insight from professional organizers Ashley Coleman and Alejandra Costello.
The airtight lid is highly effective and easy to use.
They aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing option.
This super popular Rubbermaid food storage set passed our tests with flying colors. Not only did the pieces have no stains or smell after washing (which wasn’t the case with most of the plastic food storage containers we tested), but they also didn't leak, thanks to the rubber gaskets on the lids. Two snap-on latches add extra protection from spills.
We were also pleased with the size variety available in this set. The taller options are great for storing spaghetti, cereal, or dry beans, while the shorter containers are ideal for dry snacks. The set is microwave-safe, including the lids, which have holes in the gaskets to allow airflow. It is shatterproof, stackable, and both freezer- and dishwasher-safe.
Included Sizes: (1) 3.2, (1) 7.8, (1) 12, and (1) 16 cups | Material: BPA-free plastic | Lid Type: Latch | Safe For: Freezer, microwave, dishwasher
Not only does it come with 14 containers, but it also comes with labels, a marker, and a scoop set.
The pieces retained a slight odor after being run through the dishwasher.
Those who don’t want to fork over a lot of money on a big food storage set will appreciate this inexpensive option. The collection includes 14 pieces both big and small: two extra-tall kitchen containers, four large tall pantry containers, four medium food containers, and four small containers. These can be used for wet and dry foods.
The Chef's Path Airtight Food Storage Container Set is stackable and safe to use in the microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher. As an added bonus, it even comes with its own chalkboard labels, chalkboard marker, and measuring spoon set.
Although the price is certainly attractive for what you get, there are some things to keep in mind. While the containers did decently in our pre-wash test (they came out with no stains and had just a faint onion smell), they dripped a little during our spill test. We also had to force the tops back onto the containers after running them through the dishwasher, and one of the side clasps opened when we dropped the canister.
With all that in mind, the secure, four-sided locking system prevented the pieces from majorly leaking. In all, we think this set is great for dry goods stored in drawers or on shelves and not wet items you want to transport.
Included Sizes: (4) 3.3, (4) 5.9, (4) 8.4, and (2) 11.8 cups | Material: BPA-free plastic | Lid Type: Snap | Safe For: Refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave
You can store large amounts of flour, rice, beans, sugar, pasta, etc.
All four containers are the same size.
If you need storage containers to store your favorite foods in bulk, this set from Vtopmart is a solid option. Each of the four containers in this set measure the same size (7.5 by 7.5 by 9 inches), with the ability to hold close to 22 cups of food (or 5.5 cups each). This is a great choice for families who cook a lot and need a large amount of staple ingredients and foods on hand, such as flour, sugar, pasta, oats, or rice.
Although this set is intended for dry goods, our testing revealed that it can handle liquids quite well too. The airtight lids yielded no leaks, nor did any liquid creep into the seal. However, when we dropped these food storage containers, they did leak a little bit since one side came open. Still, not bad for dry food containers.
We appreciate that this set comes with labels, markers for the labels, and a scoop set, the latter of which isn’t a common accessory with food storage containers. Keep in mind that while containers are dishwasher safe, the brand recommends you clean the lids by hand.
Size: (4) 5.5 cups | Material: BPA-free plastic | Lid Type: Side lock | Safe For: Dishwasher (containers only)
The single large container takes up less space in the pantry than multiple canisters would.
It’s expensive for a single container.
Cereal lovers know how important it is to keep cereal in bulk around the house. Instead of having multiple boxes take up space in your cabinets or pantry, pour it all into the PrepWorks Large Cereal Keeper and keep it fresher for longer.
This cereal keeper can store 4.5 quarts (or 18 cups) of cereal. We particularly liked the lid, which contains two openings: one large one to add cereal and a small one to easily pour directly into a bowl. The container also has measurement markings, so you know the exact amount you have left.
In addition to cereal, you can also store other dry foods including oats, beans, and pasta such as macaroni—anything you want to pour using the ergonomic grip. It's dishwasher safe, and after we washed it during our testing, it showed no stains or streaks and sealed quite nicely.
Size: (1) 18 cups | Material: BPA-free plastic | Lid type: Silicone seal | Safe For: Dishwasher
The airtight lids keep food fresh and safe from pantry pests.
The lids do pop off when the containers are dropped.
Oxo has a reputation for making useful and clever kitchen gadgets, and this container set is no different. It was designed with bakers in mind and is made to store a variety of essentials like flour, sugar, and baking soda kept fresh with airtight lids. Instead of having to use force to pull these off, you can easily pop them open with the button on top.
The convenience doesn't stop there. When raised, the button also acts as a handle for the lid, and underneath the lid is a storage area that keeps the included half-cup scoopers and brown sugar saver in place.
The containers did leak in testing though, and when put through the fall test, the lid popped off, causing all of the contents to spill out and make a big mess. Despite these drawbacks, we still found these to be a quality set of containers and would recommend people buy them. Just don’t store any liquids in them.
Included Sizes: (2) 0.4, (1) 1.1, and (2) 4.4 qts. | Material: BPA-free plastic | Lid: Button | Safe For: Dishwasher
They’re sleek and stylish enough to display on your kitchen countertop.
All the pieces are narrow, so it’s not a good set if you want larger canisters.
If you’re trying to reduce your use of plastic, opt for glass food storage containers instead. Glass food storage containers can keep food fresh just as well as plastic can and are known to stain less and keep smells at bay. The Le’raze Kitchen Canisters lived up to the hype—after our pre-wash test, the canister smelled fresh as a daisy with no staining.
This set is made of borosilicate glass, which is highly resistant to thermal shock. Despite this, and the fact that the canisters barely leaked during our tests, we would not recommend using them for storing or reheating wet leftovers. You should only use it to store dry goods, including dried pasta, lentils, rice, and even coffee (thanks to the airtight seal).
And unlike other food storage containers, which tend to be lacking in the style department, these canisters are pretty enough to double as kitchen countertop decor.
Included Sizes: (1) 2, (1) 2.8, (1) 3.7, (1) 5, and (1) 6.75 cups | Material: Borosilicate glass, silicone, bamboo | Lid Type: Cork closure | Safe For: Dishwasher. microwave, freezer, oven
We love the Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Container Set because it doesn't leak, hold onto smells, or stain. It also comes with a nice variety of sizes safe to use in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. If you’re looking for the best value, The Chef's Path Airtight Food Storage Container Set includes 14 containers in four different sizes and comes with labels, a marker, and a scoop set.
We tested 21 different food storage containers and sets, including 15 made of plastic and six made of glass. We assessed their quality based on several factors, including performance, ease of cleaning, overall design, and capacity.
We did three tests to measure the above categories. First, we filled each container with a cup of tomato sauce and chopped yellow onion. We let that sit in the refrigerator for three nights, emptied the contents, ran it through the dishwasher, and then noted if any stains developed or if there were any lingering smells.
We then tested the containers that claimed to have a tight seal or claimed they were spill-resistant to see if any leakage occurred. We filled the containers up with water mixed with food coloring, wrapped them in a towel, and shook vigorously to see if any of the dyed liquid appeared on the towel.
For the plastic containers, we tested their durability by filling them with liquid and dropping them on the floor to see if they broke or if the lid popped off. We took all these insights and used them to come up with the best food storage containers.
Most food storage containers are either made of glass or plastic. “Plastic is lighter weight and ideal for frequent use, such as dry goods in the pantry,” Costello says. “Likewise, plastic is the safer choice when children are present and handling containers.” They also often have more tight-fitting lids than glass containers and are less likely to break on impact. However, plastic containers are more likely to stain and scratch, and they aren’t as good as glass at hiding odor. If you’re using plastic, Costello says to make sure it’s BPA-free.
Glass is durable, less likely to stain from stored food, and keeps smells at bay. Costello says its durability makes it better suited for microwaving and freezing than plastic containers because it's less likely to crack. For pantries with critter challenges, Costello recommends opting for glass or metal containers. The downside is that if they’re not made with a strong type of glass, these containers may break easily on impact. Some glass containers also don’t have as tight-fitting lids as plastic, making them more susceptible to leakage.
Food storage containers come in all kinds of sizes, each suitable for different purposes and quantities. Consider what you want to store and how much of it, and then think about how much space you have to fit containers in your pantry, cabinet, or elsewhere.
If you need to store a small amount of snacks or have anything readily available that you use often, canisters are an excellent storage option. Since many canisters come in stylish designs, they can double as counter decor.
Large bins are good for storing large amounts of dry cereal, pasta, and flour. The partially open boxes or bags that typically contain these kinds of foods leave them susceptible to pests and air that will inevitably make them go stale, so it's particularly useful to transfer those out of their original packaging and into an airtight space.
Most of the options on our list come as part of a set, barring the Prepworks Cereal Container. These can include containers of the same exact size, like the Vtopmart Large Food Storage Containers, or a variety of sizes, like the rest of our picks. What you need depends entirely on what you plan to store.
If you have curious cats, curious kids, or butterfingers, you're going to want a durable food container set. Accidents happen! That's why we dropped each item in testing. Our winners didn't break, but some of their lids did pop off, making them not quite so suitable for wet foods. (Good thing this is a roundup about dry food storage.)
Durability also extends to whether a food storage container can survive certain elements: specifically the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher. If you plan to use yours in any of the aforementioned places, check to see that it's compatible before buying or you may end up with a cracked or melted container and ruined food. It may go without saying, but glass typically fares better in the oven and microwave.
Though glass may be ideal for those who are more eco-conscious, Coleman says that plastic containers are more likely to have airtight lids, which can be beneficial if you’re looking for maximum preservation.
She also says to consider where you're planning to keep the containers: “If you’re storing them in a pantry or a really low shelf and the family has little kids, you don't want glass to be potentially broken."
On the flip side, Costello says that even though plastic is ideal for storing dry goods, glass is a more durable option for heating and freezing. “For leftovers in the fridge that will be reheated in the container, opt for glass containers (which are naturally BPA-free) to avoid heating potentially harmful chemicals,” she says. “Even if your plastic container is BPA-free, plastic still has other chemicals that can leach out.”
Storing food in storage containers will definitely make it stay fresh longer, particularly if the container has an airtight lid. Some things you definitely want to consider taking out of their original packaging to increase shelf life, Coleman says, are chips and crackers.
Airtight containers do tend to cost more, so if budget is a concern, consider saving the airtight containers for longer-lasting foods and using non-airtight ones for foods with quicker turnarounds. If you're going to eat the entirety of an item super fast, though, it may not need to be put in a separate container at all.
“For example, for the avid cereal eater, it doesn't make sense to transfer a box of cereal to a food storage container with a hard-to-open lid if it's only going to last a couple of days,” she says. “On the other hand, for the occasional baker, it makes sense to invest in a quality airtight container for storing a 5-pound bag of flour that will be slowly used over the course of a year.”
In terms of expiration dates, Coleman recommends denoting them on the storage container. She says she often advises clients to either write the expiration date on the bottom with a dry-erase marker or use a label maker to print the date in small font.
This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Real Simple, and updated by Taylor Rock, a senior editor for Real Simple.
red wine bag To compile this list, we tested 21 food storage containers in our lab and evaluated each on design, capacity, ease of cleaning, and performance. We also tapped two professional organizers: Ashley Coleman, professional organizer and founder of Done Neatly, and Alejandra Costello, an organization expert and certified life coach.