10 Best Eco-Friendly Food Storage Containers in 2022 (Weck, Bklyn, and More)
But even if you exclude plastics from your search, there are still so many options when it comes to food storage containers. So in this guide, we’ll go over the different things you should look out for when picking an eco-friendly food storage container. We’ve also got a list of our 10 favorites for you to start your search, including our number one, Bklyn Bento.
Quick List - Top Eco-Friendly Food Storage Containers
WeeSprout
High-Quality Stainless Steel for Snack Storage
Razab HomeGoods
Extra Large Containers You Can Cook In
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Why You Can Trust Us
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
How to Choose Eco-Friendly Food Storage Containers
Pick a Material Based on Longevity, Use, and Recyclability
Bamboo and Plant Fiber Have a Low Environmental Impact but Wear Down More Quickly
However, they may wear down more quickly than other options. But many will still last you several years of fairly heavy use.
Stainless Steel is Lightweight but Not Microwaveable
However, stainless steel containers are not microwaveable, so if you’re looking for something that will go directly from fridge to hot meal, then this might not be the best option. And when picking a container, be sure to look for food-grade stainless steel, which is higher quality and unlikely to rust with normal use.
Glass and Ceramic Will Last Forever but Can Be Heavy
If you do end up breaking something, rest assured knowing that glass is easily recyclable, and while ceramic is not, it will break down into earth-friendly materials over time.
Choose a Lid Depending on the Type of Food You’re Storing
If you’re planning on storing or transporting soups or other liquids, make sure the lid is leak-proof. If you’re storing leftovers to heat up for later, it also helps if the lid has a small opening to allow steam to escape while microwaving so it doesn’t collapse.
Be sure to double-check that any plastic or silicone used is food-safe and to separate the gasket from the rest of your container when it’s time to recycle! If you want to recycle the lid or gasket, just note that silicone is not readily accepted by most recyclers, so you might have to do a little extra research to find one that will take it.
Determined Size and Shape by Space Considerations
Is it round or square? Square containers are best if you’re short on space. You can stick them on top of one another or pack them close together with no gaping holes in between. Round jars allow for even airflow within the container itself and are therefore best for thawing foods.
Look for Dishwasher-Safe Containers for Leftovers and Lunch Boxes
It can be all too easy to forget about a container of leftovers in the back of your fridge or accidentally leave your lunch box in your bag for a day or two. So it’s best to look for something that’s dishwasher safe to get the best clean possible. Just remember to check whether the lid can also go into the washer.
How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Food Storage Container – Buying Guide
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | BKLYN BENTO PEACE & LOVE FROM BROOKLYN, N.Y. | | 100% Stainless Steel Bento Box With More Storage | |
2 | Weck Weck Mold Jar Combo Pack | | Easy-to-Clean, Lower Profile Canning Jars | |
3 | WeeSprout Butifoc Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers | | High-Quality Stainless Steel for Snack Storage | |
4 | Razab HomeGoods Razab HomeGoods Extra Large Glass Food Storage Containers | | Extra Large Containers You Can Cook In | |
5 | Tavva Tavva Stainless Steel Lunch Container | | Easy-to-Use Silicone Lid is Great for Kids | |
6 | Sweetzer & Orange Sweetzer & Orange Glass Food Storage Containers | | Super Strong Glass With Lids That Pop | |
7 | 77L 77L Food Storage Jar | | Airtight Container for Liquids or Dry Goods | |
8 | Bayco Bayco 16-Piece Glass Food Storage Containers | | Dishwasher-, Microwave-, Freezer-, and Oven-safe | |
9 | Uno Casa 9. Uno Casa Ceramic Tortilla Warmer | | Ceramic Container for More Than Just Tortillas | |
10 | Verel | | Stylish Bamboo Lids and Completely Plastic-Free |
BKLYN BENTO PEACE & LOVE FROM BROOKLYN, N.Y.
100% Stainless Steel Bento Box With More Storage
This extra-large, 100% stainless steel box is made to hold a ton of food. It has three layers, with each one holding a different amount. The bottommost box can hold 22.96 ounces, the middle one 20 ounces, and the top one 7 ounces. It's also dishwasher safe and BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free.
Since the whole box is made without rubber or plastic, it's not leak-proof, so you can't store soups or liquids inside the container. Some reviewers also noted issues with the clasps holding the boxes together. They're quite flimsy.
On the other hand, reviewers love how sturdy the box is and how much room it has. But overall, they just love how they're reducing their plastic use effectively with this lunch box!
Easy-to-Clean, Lower Profile Canning Jars
Unlike other canning jars, these have a wide mouth with no inner ridges, which makes them not only super easy to clean but also super easy to scoop food out of.
A couple of reviewers mention that their containers arrived cracked, as the jars are made of glass. However, most reviewers like how easy the containers are to clean, due to the wide openings, and many use them for making sourdough starters. They're also very durable!
WeeSproutButifoc Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers
High-Quality Stainless Steel for Snack Storage
The silicone lids make these containers leak-proof, and the stainless steel body is odor-, rust-, and stain-resistant. You can also nest the containers inside one another to store them easily.
Some reviewers do mention that the lids are difficult to put on the containers, but say that the portion sizes are great for kids. Most reviewers seem to use them as snack containers when on-the-go.
Razab HomeGoodsRazab HomeGoods Extra Large Glass Food Storage Containers
Extra Large Containers You Can Cook In
However, the lids are made from plastic, and some reviewers have noted that the gasket tends to wear down rather quickly, so always be sure to remove it when using the dishwasher.
On the other hand, most reviewers love how roomy the containers are and how the lids fit well and seal perfectly.
Easy-to-Use Silicone Lid is Great for Kids
However, some reviewers note that the lid feels a little on the thin side, but if there’s a problem with yours, this container also comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you can get it sorted out easily.
Other reviewers say that the box is dependably leak-proof, easy to clean, and works great for a child's lunch box.
Sweetzer & OrangeSweetzer & Orange Glass Food Storage Containers
Super Strong Glass With Lids That Pop
Their bamboo lids are airtight and give a satisfying pop every time you open them. If you’re not happy with your jars, they also come with a 1-year warranty. Reviewers do note that the lids can be hard to remove due to the suction and that the glass is very thin. Be very careful when opening them.
They also come packaged in styrofoam, so beware that the shipping process itself is not super eco-friendly. Reviewers say customer service is fast to respond to any issues, however, and the jars work great for pasta and look good on any countertop.
Airtight Container for Liquids or Dry Goods
Its hefty bamboo lid is airtight, but not leak-proof, so do your best not to tip it over or store it on its side. If you’re not totally happy, this container also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Some reviewers do mention that the jar seems a lot smaller than it looks. However, most reviewers are in love with the design, and many use it to store coffee. The lid was a particular hit, as it did well to seal whatever is held inside the container.
Dishwasher-, Microwave-, Freezer-, and Oven-safe
However, do note that the lids are made from BPA-free plastic, so if you’re trying to cut down on your plastic use, these might not be right for you.
Reviewers like using them for meal prep and say they're easy to stack, convenient to use, and perfectly leak-proof.
Ceramic Container for More Than Just Tortillas
While the lid is not air- or water-tight, it is quite heavy and will keep your foods fresh for several days. For those planning on using it solely as a tortilla warmer, though, be warned–some reviewers note that tortillas don’t stay as warm as they’d like!
Reviewers say it's great for potlucks, and when transferring warm foods, like freshly baked bread, to the table.
Stylish Bamboo Lids and Completely Plastic-Free
This set of four glass containers are stylish and free from harmful chemicals. They're also freezer, microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe, without the bamboo lid. Each container can hold 36 ounces, and the lids can even be used as a cutting board!
These are leak-free and airtight, as the lids so contain silicone to seal the food contents in. You can also stack them on top of each other easily to save space.
Reviewers do warn, however, that the lids may mold, so you'll need to be careful when washing and taking care of them. On the other hand, reviewers love the aesthetics of the containers and how durable the they are.
Eco-Friendly Options for Your Bathroom
There are plenty of places in the house where you can incorporate eco-friendly options for detergents, brushes, and other items instead of single-use or plastic-filled goods. If you're thinking of going green and don't know where to start, then take a look at our other articles for more information on how to buy the best eco-friendly products!
Top 5 Eco-Friendly Food Storage Containers
No. 1: BKLYN BENTO PEACE & LOVE FROM BROOKLYN, N.Y.｜
No. 2: Weck｜Weck Mold Jar Combo Pack
No. 3: WeeSprout｜Butifoc Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers
No. 4: Razab HomeGoods｜Razab HomeGoods Extra Large Glass Food Storage Containers
No. 5: Tavva｜Tavva Stainless Steel Lunch Container
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.