Last Updated on December 3, 2024

Non toxic food storage containers are a must-have for any kitchen — especially during the holidays or other big gatherings. Whenever a lot of food is prepared, safe and reliable storage is essential.  

Switching to non plastic food storage containers is easier than it seems, even with the large variety of inexpensive plastic options available in stores. Beyond reducing plastic waste, choosing food safe storage containers comes with health benefits. Plastic can leach harmful chemicals into your food, which is why I always choose non toxic food storage containers whenever possible!  

non plastic food storage containers

The week after any big holiday is the best. Plates are piled high, full of mashed potatoes, stuffing, or other holiday staples.

I’ve hosted Thanksgiving for the last four years now, and I LOVE it! I love waking up early to set the table, chopping veggies while watching the parade on TV, and then sitting down to a delicious meal.

You can get my entire Zero Waste Thanksgiving Meal Plan!

I find that holidays are pretty easy to keep zero waste if you focus on lots of fresh, local produce. The problems don’t start to arise until after the meal is over… how on earth are we going to store all of the leftovers? EEK!

Even more of a conundrum… how are we going to send home leftovers?

Whether you’re attending a holiday gathering or you’re the host, I’ve got some tips for you! These food storage containers are safe, convenient, and perfect for a zero waste lifestyle!

safest food storage containers

1. serve in your mixing bowls:

If you’re hosting, consider serving food in mixing bowls with lids. I have this set of four glass mixing bowls with lids*. These glass storage containers are an unexpected but practical choice that works seamlessly from start to finish in your food prep.

The mixing bowls are simple glass bowls, making them perfect for both serving and storing. They transition effortlessly from preparing food to serving it and then storing all your leftovers, making them some of the safest food storage containers you can use.

They’re also aesthetically pleasing and can double as serving dishes, unlike many other mixing bowls.

I try to place all of my leftovers in glass containers so I can easily see what’s inside. When leftovers are stored in containers where I can’t see the contents, I tend to forget about them, and the food often goes bad.

2. snapware:

It’s no surprise that I love my pyrex snapware containers!* I talk about them all the time, and I use this set daily.

Snapware is incredibly functional. They’re freezer and oven safe, offering a wide range of options. They’re also leakproof, making it easy to take lunch with me on the go or to get takeout without creating any waste.

3. you’ve been hoarding mason jars for a reason:

Mason jars* are definitely some of the handiest kitchen items. I use them for everything!

These containers are inexpensive, stackable, microwaveable, and leakproof. Plus, they’re easy to find secondhand and often come with food you might buy anyway, like salsa or pasta sauce.

RELATED: 13 Unexpected Uses for a Mason Jar

I store a lot of my leftovers in mason jars because they’re so easy to come by. Throughout the year, I save all the glass jars I get when grocery shopping to send leftovers home with people.

food safe storage containers

4. tiffins:

I LOVE my tiffins, but they’re not the best non plastic food storage containers for leftovers because you can’t see what’s inside. However, when holidays roll around, it’s time to break out the BIG tiffins.

When I see these tiffins, I know there are leftovers or takeout inside. Mine is a four tiered tiffin* perfect for parties, leftovers, takeout, or even a large lunch!

5. if it’s got a lid:

It really doesn’t get much easier than putting the lid on it.

If you’ve been cooking anything in a pot and have some leftovers, just plop that lid right on the pot and store it in the fridge. I’ve even stored leftovers in my crockpot and salad spinner.

If your containers have lids and are made out of food safe materials, they work as non toxic food storage containers for your leftovers.

eco friendly food storage containers

6. beeswax wraps:

You know when you load up a plate full of leftover goodies, but you just can’t finish? So, you cover it with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge to heat up later?

Nix the plastic wrap and use a beeswax wrap* instead! Beeswax wrap is far superior because you can rinse it and reuse it over and over again. It’s hands down one of my favorite plastic free food storage solutions.

Beeswax wraps are also great for wrapping up leftover bread or covering large pie dishes.

7. put a plate over it:

If you have a bowl, you can place a plate over it, and it acts just like a lid! Voila! It’s an instant and easy way to store small portions of leftovers.

8. silicone bags:

I have a drawer full of Stasher bags* that I especially love for the freezer since they lay flat, unlike mason jars.

These bags are great for storing leftovers like rolls or roasted veggies. While you could put mashed potatoes or gravy inside, I’d recommend saving that for a jar unless you’re planning to freeze it.

non toxic food storage containers faqs

what if i don’t have enough food safe storage containers for everyone?

If you’re afraid you won’t have enough, you can always call your friends and family and ask them to bring a Tupperware container or two to your house to load up on leftovers when the party is over. This is nice because then you don’t have to worry about getting your food containers back.

how can i always be prepared with non toxic food storage containers?

Always stash one or two leftover containers in your bag or in your car. Then it won’t matter if it’s takeout, leftovers at a friend’s, or a big party — you’ll always be prepared with your own eco friendly food storage containers!

can I use non plastic food storage containers for both hot and cold food?

Yes! Most non toxic food storage containers, especially those made from glass, stainless steel, or silicone, can handle both hot and cold foods. Just be sure to check the temperature limits specified by the manufacturer to ensure safe storage.

how do I know if a food storage container is truly non toxic?

Look for materials that are known to be safe for food storage, such as glass, stainless steel, or food grade silicone. Many food storage containers are labeled as BPA free, phthalate free, and made from safe materials to ensure they are safe for storing food.

What are some of your favorite ways to store leftovers? 

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