Trying to decide between glass, stainless steel, silicone or plastic food containers? Here's how the most common reusable food storage materials compare, so you can choose safer, longer-lasting options for your home, lunch box and meal prep.
Quick answer
For non-toxic food storage, glass is the safest all-round reusable food container. It is non-reactive, easy to clean, does not absorb stains or odours, and is ideal for leftovers, meal prep, freezer meals and reheating.
Stainless steel is the best choice for lunches, kids, picnics, camping and travel because it is strong, lightweight and won’t shatter.
For most households, the best reusable food storage system is simple: glass containers at home and stainless steel containers for lunches and days out.
Choose your safest food container in 30 seconds
| If your priority is... | Choose |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Safest all-round food storage | Glass |
| 🍱 Meal prep and leftovers | Glass |
| ♨️ Reheating food | Glass |
| 🥪 School and work lunches | Stainless steel |
| 👧 Kids' lunch boxes | Stainless steel |
| 🏕️ Camping, picnics and travel | Stainless steel |
| ❄️ Freezer meals | Glass |
| 🫙 Pantry storage | Glass jars |
| 🥖 Sandwiches and snacks | Beeswax wraps or reusable pouches |
💡 Our recommendation: Choose glass containers for home food storage, leftovers and reheating, and stainless steel containers for lunches, picnics and travel. This gives you a practical, long-lasting system without relying on plastic food containers for everyday use.
What makes a reusable food container safe?
The material your food container is made from can affect both its durability and how it interacts with your food. Glass and stainless steel are widely considered two of the safest materials for food storage because they are stable, non-reactive and don't rely on the same types of plastics and associated additives used in plastic food containers.
Research has shown that some substances used in certain plastics can migrate into food under certain conditions, such as when containers are heated, scratched or used repeatedly over time. If these substances transfer into food, they may also be consumed when the food is eaten. The amount that migrates depends on the type of plastic, the temperature, the condition of the container and the type of food being stored.
💡 Did you know?
Heat, scratches and fatty or acidic foods can increase the migration of some substances from certain plastics into food. Scientists are continuing to study the long-term health effects of repeated exposure to plastic-associated chemicals and microplastics. Choosing glass for reheating and long-term food storage is one simple way to reduce unnecessary plastic food contact.
Non-reactive means the material doesn't chemically interact with your food or drink, even when storing acidic foods such as tomato sauce, citrus or vinegar-based dressings.
These materials are an excellent choice because they:
✔ Are non-reactive, so they don't interact with food or drinks.
✔ Don't rely on the same types of plastics and associated additives.
✔ Are durable and long-lasting.
✔ Are easy to clean thoroughly.
✔ Don't absorb food odours, flavours or stains.
✔ Help reduce everyday contact between plastic and your food.
Reusable plastic containers that meet food safety standards can be used safely when cared for properly. However, choosing glass for reheating and long-term storage, and stainless steel for lunches and food on the go, is a simple way to reduce plastic food contact in everyday life.
Compare reusable food container materials
| Material | Safety rating | Best for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass | ★★★★★ | Meal prep, leftovers, reheating, freezer meals, pantry storage | Heavier and breakable, but excellent for home storage |
| Stainless steel | ★★★★★ | Lunches, kids, travel, picnics, camping | Not microwave safe |
| Food-grade silicone | ★★★★☆ | Occasional flexible storage, freezer bags, snack bags | May retain odours; glass is usually better for everyday leftovers and reheating |
| Beeswax wraps | ★★★★★ | Sandwiches, cheese, herbs, bowl covers | Not for liquids, raw meat or hot foods |
| Reusable food pouches | ★★★★★ | Kids' snacks, yoghurt, smoothies, lunch box extras | Best for cool or room-temperature foods; check care instructions |
| Plastic | Varies | Occasional lightweight use | Avoid heating and replace when scratched, cloudy or damaged |
Best reusable food storage materials
1. Glass food containers: safest all-round choice
🏆 Best overall: Glass is the best all-round reusable food container for home storage, leftovers, meal prep and reheating.
Glass is non-reactive, easy to clean and does not absorb food odours or stains. That's why we recommend Glasslock and Neoflam glass containers for everyday meal prep, leftovers, freezer meals and reheating.
Best for
✔ Meal prep
✔ Leftovers
✔ Reheating food
✔ Soup and saucy meals
✔ Tomato-based meals
✔ Freezer meals
✔ Pantry ingredients
Why glass stands out
✔ Non-reactive
✔ Does not absorb food odours
✔ Does not stain easily
✔ Easy to clean
✔ BPA free
✔ Suitable for acidic foods
✔ Fridge, freezer and microwave safe where designed for this
✔ Long-lasting
Glass is heavier than stainless steel and can break if dropped, so it is usually best for home food storage, meal prep and reheating rather than school bags or travel.
For more help choosing the right size and style, read our guide to how to choose the best glass food storage containers.
2. Stainless steel food containers: safest for lunches and travel
🍱 Best for lunches: Stainless steel is strong, lightweight and ideal for school lunches, work lunches, picnics and travel.
Stainless steel food containers are strong, lightweight and easy to carry, making them our preferred choice for school lunches, work lunches, picnics and food on the go.
Best for
✔ School lunches
✔ Work lunches
✔ Kids' lunch boxes
✔ Picnics
✔ Camping
✔ Travel
✔ Fruit, crackers, sandwiches and snacks
Why stainless steel stands out
✔ Extremely durable
✔ Lightweight
✔ Plastic-free food contact
✔ Won't shatter
✔ Long-lasting
✔ Easy to rinse and reuse
Stainless steel is not microwave safe, so it is best for foods eaten cold or at room temperature, or meals that can be transferred to another dish before heating.
Shop stainless steel food storage
For lunch packing ideas, read How to pack a plastic-free lunch box.
What about silicone, beeswax wraps and ceramic?
Glass and stainless steel are our preferred choices for everyday reusable food storage, but other materials can still be useful in specific situations.
Food-grade silicone
Food-grade silicone can be useful for flexible freezer bags, snack bags and collapsible storage. However, it may retain odours over time, especially with oily or strongly flavoured foods. For everyday leftovers, tomato-based meals and reheating, glass is usually the stronger all-round option.
Beeswax wraps
Beeswax wraps are not a direct replacement for food containers, but they are helpful for wrapping sandwiches, covering bowls, storing cheese, wrapping herbs and covering half-cut fruit and vegetables. They are not suitable for liquids, raw meat or hot foods.
Reusable food pouches
Reusable food pouches can be handy for kids' snacks, yoghurt, smoothies and lunch box extras when you want to avoid single-use squeeze pouches.
Ceramic
Ceramic can be useful for serving and fridge storage at home. Choose food-safe glazes and always check the care instructions for microwave, oven and freezer suitability.
Glass vs stainless steel vs plastic food containers
Which food container material is best?
Glass, stainless steel and plastic all have their place, but each material is better suited to different uses. Here's how they compare.
| Feature | Glass | Stainless steel | Plastic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall safety | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Varies |
| Food contact | Non-reactive | Non-reactive | Varies by plastic type and condition |
| Microwave use | Suitable if microwave safe | Not microwave safe | Varies; avoid heating where possible |
| Freezer use | Yes, if freezer safe | Generally suitable | Most are suitable; check instructions |
| Odour retention | Does not absorb odours easily | Does not absorb odours easily | May retain food odours over time |
| Staining | Highly resistant | Very resistant | Can stain, especially with tomato or curry |
| Durability | Long-lasting but breakable | Extremely durable and won't shatter | Lightweight but can scratch, warp or wear over time |
| Weight | Heavier | Lightweight | Lightweight |
| Best for | Leftovers, meal prep, reheating, pantry storage, freezer meals | School lunches, work lunches, picnics, travel, camping | Occasional lightweight storage |
| Things to consider | Heavier to carry | Cannot be used in the microwave | Replace if scratched, cloudy or damaged |
Our recommendation: Glass is the best all-round choice for home food storage and reheating, while stainless steel is ideal for lunches and food on the go. Plastic containers can still be useful in some situations but are best kept away from high heat and replaced once they become worn.
Are BPA-free plastic containers safe?
BPA-free plastic does not necessarily mean plastic-free. It simply means the product has been made without bisphenol A, a chemical that has raised health concerns in some plastic products.
Different plastics may contain different additives, and plastic containers can become scratched, stained or worn over time. For this reason, glass and stainless steel are safest because they avoid plastic food contact altogether.
If you're buying a new lunch box and prefer plastic, choose one specifically designed for food use, avoid heating it where possible, and replace it once it becomes scratched or damaged.
For a deeper look at lunch box safety, read Are plastic lunch boxes safe for kids? and The safest plastic lunch boxes for school: BPA-free, PVC-free picks we trust.
How to reduce plastic exposure when storing food
✔ Avoid microwaving plastic containers where possible.
✔ Replace scratched, cloudy or damaged plastic containers.
✔ Allow very hot food to cool slightly before storing.
✔ Choose glass for tomato-based, oily or strongly coloured foods.
✔ Pack lunches in stainless steel containers.
✔ Store pantry ingredients in glass jars.
✔ Use beeswax wraps for sandwiches and bowl covers.
✔ Reuse containers for as long as they are in good condition.
Ready to switch to safer food storage?
Whether you're meal prepping, packing lunches or organising your pantry, start with the two materials we recommend most: glass for home food storage and stainless steel for life on the go.
For home
Choose glass for leftovers, meal prep, reheating, freezer meals and pantry storage.
For on the go
Choose stainless steel for school lunches, work lunches, picnics, camping and travel.
Build your collection slowly, starting with the pieces you will use every day.
Frequently asked questions
Are glass food containers non-toxic?
Glass is widely considered one of the safest and most non-toxic materials for food storage because it is non-reactive, doesn't rely on plastic additives and won't absorb stains or odours.
What is the safest reusable food container?
Glass is generally considered the safest all-round reusable food container because it is non-reactive, easy to clean and does not absorb stains or odours. Stainless steel is also a very safe option, especially for lunches, snacks and travel.
Is glass safer than plastic for food storage?
Glass is often preferred because it avoids plastic food contact, does not stain easily, does not hold odours and can be used for many types of food. It is especially useful for reheating leftovers and storing acidic foods.
Are stainless steel food containers safe?
Yes, stainless steel food containers are a safe and durable option for lunch boxes, snacks, fruit, sandwiches and travel. They are not suitable for microwaving.
Is silicone better than plastic?
Food-grade silicone can be useful for flexible storage, freezer bags and snack bags. However, for everyday leftovers, tomato-based meals and reheating, glass is usually the better all-round option.
Is BPA-free plastic completely safe?
BPA-free means the product is made without bisphenol A, but it does not mean the product is plastic-free. Glass and stainless steel are often preferred because they avoid plastic food contact altogether.
Can you freeze food in glass?
Yes, many glass food containers are freezer safe. Always check the product instructions, leave room for food to expand and avoid sudden temperature changes.
Which food containers last the longest?
Glass and stainless steel containers are among the longest-lasting options when cared for properly. Stainless steel is especially durable for travel and lunch boxes, while glass is excellent for home food storage.
Is stainless steel better than glass?
Stainless steel is better for lunches, kids, picnics and travel because it is lightweight and will not shatter. Glass is better for reheating, leftovers, meal prep and foods where you want to see what is inside.
What should I replace old plastic containers with?
Replace old plastic containers with glass containers for home storage and reheating, and stainless steel containers for lunches, snacks and travel.
Can stainless steel containers go in the freezer?
Yes, stainless steel containers can generally be used in the freezer, but they are not microwave safe. Always check the product care instructions.
Are glass containers worth it?
Yes, glass containers are worth it for many households because they last for years, are easy to clean, resist stains and odours, and can be used for meal prep, leftovers, pantry storage and freezer meals.
Related reading
How to store food without plastic — practical ideas for storing fruit, vegetables, bread, herbs and pantry staples without single-use plastic.
How to pack a plastic-free lunch box — tips for choosing lunch boxes, drink bottles and reusable lunch accessories.
How to choose the best glass food storage containers — a detailed guide to selecting the right glass container for meal prep, freezing and everyday storage.
How to freeze food without plastic — reduce freezer waste with reusable alternatives.
Are plastic lunch boxes safe for kids? — what to know about plastic lunch boxes, food contact and safer choices for children.
Plastic-free swaps checklist — simple reusable swaps for reducing single-use plastic at home.
