Plastic Or Glass: Which Food Storage Container Is Best? (2024)

FAQs

Plastic Or Glass: Which Food Storage Container Is Best? ›

FOR YOUR HEALTH: GLASS

Glass containers have some definite advantages over plastic: They're nonporous and nontoxic, and therefore can't leach harmful chemicals into your food. They're 100 percent recyclable, and more environmentally friendly. They last longer.

When it comes down to it, ceramic is always a great option due to its durability, sustainability, versatility, and non-toxic properties. With proper care and maintenance, your food containers can last a lifetime.

If you're trying to reduce the use of plastic in your life, opt for glass food storage containers instead. Glass food storage containers can keep food fresh just as well as plastic, and are known to stain less and keep smells at bay.

The type of meal prep container you use is a matter of preference. Some people may like how lightweight plastic is while others may prefer glass that feels more durable. Plastic tends to stain but glass can break. Both can usually be microwaved but glass is often more heat-resistant.

Glass doesn't leach chemicals

This can happen especially when you transfer hot substances into a plastic container, or when you microwave food in 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.

Heat Resistance: Versatile and Safe

Glass containers were made for this. They can handle a wide range of temperatures, making them perfect for baking, microwaving, and freezing your food. Unlike plastic containers, glass won't warp, melt, or release harmful chemicals when exposed to heat.

Glass food storage containers are a safer option. “I know it's heavy, it can break and all the rest of that, but we think that the advantages to using glass containers for storing food and reheating food outweigh the risks,” Rogers said.

Glass, stainless steel, silicone, and ceramic containers are the safest for food storage. They have the most heat resistance and do not leak toxins into your food. Glass is microwave-safe, toxin-free, and dishwasher-safe. Stainless steel is also toxin-free, dishwasher-safe, and oven-safe.

Food products must be stored in food-grade containers at all times. Trash bags and empty chemical containers are not acceptable for food storage.

Are glass or plastic containers better? ›

When it comes to durability, longevity, and its ability to be recycled, glass is the winner! Glass containers for food and beverages are 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without loss in quality or purity, whereas most plastic will end up in a landfill.

Glass is a safe alternative to plastic because it doesn't contain BPA. However, some glass containers may be coated with BPA-containing resins to make them more durable. If you're concerned about BPA, look for glass containers labeled “BPA-free.”

Some types of glass, such as tempered glass or pyrex, are designed to withstand high temperatures and can be used for both hot and cold foods. However, some types of glass, such as regular soda-lime glass, can become very hot and may even shatter if exposed to high temperatures.

In general, the safest choices for food use are numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding plastic containers with codes 3, 6 and 7. Plastic number 3 contains vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 6 has polystyrene and 7 can contain various plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA).

Plastic is just not a good choice, with its warping and potentially leaching chemicals into your food. Glass is the best, safest option. It handles high heat like a pro, ensuring that your meal is cooked without any nasty extras being added in the process. Beyond the health benefits, glass offers a variety of perks.

If just considering from the health perspective, then glass is much better. Using plastic containers may lead to certain chemicals leaching out into the food especially if stored over long periods of time.

However, for food safety, it's best to opt for well-established, food-grade materials like glass and stainless steel to ensure the integrity of the stored food and avoid any potential health risks.

Storing salad in glass (rather than plastic) is better for you and the planet. Why? Because glass is infinitely recyclable, non-porous, and easy to clean.