If you still store food in plastic containers... we promise we won't judge, but you must promise that you'll read ahead!
The FDA, who we rely upon to ensure public safety - has conducted hundreds of studies on the safety of BPA. What is BPA? It's the industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins. All this technical jargon may sound boring, but hey, you promised to read!
The studies state that BPA is only safe at extremely low levels. Therefore, to reduce your risk of food contamination, it's medically advisable to avoid using plastic storage containers.
Now that you're up to date as to why plastic containers are a no-go, here are 6 reasons why glass containers should be your top choice for storage.
1. Glass is better for the environment - When it comes to durability, longevity, and its ability to be recycled, glass outperforms plastic on environmental impact. Glass containers can outlast the lifespan of plastic containers in the kitchen if they are properly taken care of. Plastic is prone to melting or discoloration whereas glass remains a durable and long-lasting solution for food storage.
Additionally, glass is 100% recyclable, and so long as it is properly disposed of, it can be recycled at a designated facility.
2. Glass is inert - What does inert mean? Simply put, glass being inert means that it doesn’t react with other chemicals. Recyclable glass jars keep food and drink fresher for longer because, unlike other packaging materials, glass is inert and needs no chemical layer between it and the food in question. It also doesn't affect the taste of any food.
3. Glass provides a healthier alternative - When it comes to health benefits and safety in the kitchen, glass is a better material. Even BPA-free plastics are prone to releasing toxic chemicals if heated. This makes washing, microwaving, and heating plastic containers a threat to your health. Luckily, glass containers are heat-tolerant and can be microwaved, heated in the oven, or placed into the dishwasher. Since they are non-porous, glass materials do not absorb or release any toxic chemicals or microscopic particles when used. If you are looking for a food-safe storage solution, glass is the best choice.
4. Ease of storing leftovers and any other food items - Plastic containers can release chemicals when frozen just as they can when heated. For better food safety, opt for glass storage containers. The right glass containers are freezer and refrigerator safe, meaning they won’t release any harsh chemicals or break if frozen. Some glass storage containers are also leakproof, which offers a tight seal to prevent spills or food from going bad. This quality also makes glass a perfect choice for homeowners looking for long-term storage solutions such as canning or pickling.
5. The aesthetic choice - Glass containers and storage solutions are a sophisticated choice. Aesthetically speaking, storing items in glass jars and glass containerslook far more put together than storing food in plastic. You also avoid the risk of discoloration or strange smells that plastic containers often absorb.
6. Glass is easy to clean - Glass has a non-porous surface, which makes it easier to clean. Because it doesn’t have pores like plastic, food particles can’t get stuck in them and grow bacteria. Glass doesn’t deteriorate over time and can survive hundreds of cleanings in the dishwasher.
Glass storage containers are the wiser, better, and safer choice. Storing your food in a glass dish allows you to move food from the freezer to the oven, then to the dinner table and dishwasher without worrying about harmful contaminants.
So, it is safe to conclude that when it comes down to choosing between glass or plastic, it is always advisable to use glass containers for food. They are an aesthetic component of any pantry and are perfect for storing items in the fridge or freezer. The value of glass containers for being non-toxic and non-porous material is a major advantage as stains, discoloration, and toxic chemicals are not something we want to have in the kitchen. Glass is a fantastic material for food storage, and we say you choose it every time over plastic!
FAQs
Food, drinks, cosmetics, and other things packaged in plastic may contain traces of chemicals found in the packaging, and these chemicals can be toxic. The same isn't true of glass containers, since glass contains far fewer toxic substances that won't leach out of the glass anyway.
Why use glass containers instead of plastic? ›
Food, drinks, cosmetics, and other things packaged in plastic may contain traces of chemicals found in the packaging, and these chemicals can be toxic. The same isn't true of glass containers, since glass contains far fewer toxic substances that won't leach out of the glass anyway.
What are the benefits of glass storage containers? ›
Some of the benefits of glass packaging include:
- Glass is nonporous and impermeable. Because of this, it does not absorb flavors or smells. ...
- Has an almost zero rate of chemical interactions. ...
- Made from natural materials. ...
- FDA has designated it as fully safe. ...
- Glass is 100% recyclable. ...
- Can be recycled infinitely.
Glass is one of the oldest and most versatile food packaging materials. It can protect food from moisture, oxygen, light, and microorganisms, while also preserving its flavor, color, and texture. However, glass also has some drawbacks, such as its weight, fragility, and environmental impact.
Why is glass easier to clean than plastic? ›
Because of its solid and sturdy surface glass is a breeze to clean. You won't scrub away at glass until it deteriorates and leaches into your food!
Are glass storage containers better than plastic? ›
Glass food storage containers are popular for those who want a durable and sustainable option. They're also great for those who prioritize easy cleaning and don't want their containers to retain any odors or stains. However, they can be heavier and more fragile than plastic containers.
What are the advantages of glass? ›
Advantages of glass
- Completely recyclable material. Glass is recycled using the same manufacturing process that allows it to be handled over and over again without losing any of its properties and benefits.
- The healthiest packaging. ...
- It adapts to your needs. ...
- Quality and good taste. ...
- Sustainable. ...
- Withstands high temperatures.
Glass Food Containers Are Toxin Free
Glass containers are toxic-free and don't contain phthalates or BPA so nothing is leaching out of glass into your food.
Are glass containers more sustainable? ›
One of the main reasons glass is sustainable is because it is 100% endlessly recyclable. This means that recycled glass is always part of the recipe for new containers. And in this ongoing bottle-to-bottle system, it can take as little as a month for a bottle to be back on the shelves.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of glass vs plastic? ›
Although glass may take more energy to produce and ship, it is 100% recyclable meaning that each time glass is recycled, the resulting product has no loss of quality. Glass can also be reused as it can be washed and sterilized. Most plastic can be recycled, but it can degrade with each cycle.
Disadvantages of The Glass
It is brittle and rigid, and when subjected to stress, it breaks easily with insignificant strain. Broken pieces of Glass may cause grievous injury to the body. The Glass gets affected by hydrofluoric acid, and therefore etching is visible on the glass surface.
Is glass safe for storage? ›
Glass is a popular material for making food and beverage containers due to its non-porous, hygienic, and easy-to-clean qualities. While some clear glass bottles are safe to use for storing food and beverages, other types of glass may contain harmful chemicals that could leach into the food or beverage.
Is water in glass safer than plastic? ›
Many plastics, and some metal, vessels contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began warning about in 2010 due to its correlation with cancer. Glass is the safest water bottle type because it's chemical-free, made from natural materials, and dishwasher safe.
What are the negative effects of glass containers? ›
However, glass bottles have a higher environmental footprint than plastic and other bottled container materials including drinks cartons and aluminum cans. The mining of silica sand can cause significant environmental damage, ranging from land deterioration to the loss of biodiversity.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of containers? ›
Containers have revolutionized the way software is developed, deployed, and managed. They offer many benefits, such as portability, scalability, and resource efficiency. However, they also have drawbacks, such as complexity, security risks, and storage and networking challenges.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of glass water bottles? ›
Glass water bottles are non-toxic and don't leach chemicals, but they are fragile and can be difficult to transport.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of plastic containers? ›
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using plastic? The benefits of plastics: the production criteria are durable, low cost, water-resistant, lower energy and heavy chemicals and are lightweight. Disadvantages of using plastics are, they pollute our environment.
