Best Budget Plastic Food Storage Containers with Lids
Food storage is a necessity these days for almost everyone. Who has the time to cook every single day anymore? And leftovers always taste delicious.
Plastic containers are the cheapest and most popular type of storage containers. The best budget plastic food storage containers BPA free aren’t hard to avail; you just need to look for the right ones.
Some people might want to avoid plastic containers as plastic can be transmitted to food. But this only happens when you use plastic in the microwave, even that doesn’t happen with every food storage containers. Plastic won’t cause any harm to you or your family’s health as long as you use it cautiously.
Read on to check out our list of plastic meal storage containers.
Contents
7 Best Budget Food Storage Containers with Lids (Non Toxic)
Whether you work from home, are a chef, or work all day long, you will love the products from our list. We have considered price, durability, and every other attribute you can think of to come up with this ultimate list of best kitchen storage containers. So, what’s the wait? Let’s get right into it!
1. Fullstar Food Storage Containers with Lids (20 Pack)
Why would you opt for only one container when you can get a great quality food storage set? This set from Fullstar Kitchens includes 20 containers of different sizes and shapes.
Store anything in these containers without worrying about a spill. There is a snap-lock system, which ensures that the fluid contents in your boxes do not spill.
The 4 hinges on each side ensure better locking. It makes your container watertight, airtight, and spill-proof.
These translucent boxes come in 10 different sizes. There are 2 rectangular boxes of 33.8 oz, 2 round boxes of 23.6 oz, 2 rectangular boxes of 18.5 oz, 3 rectangular boxes of 28.4 oz, 3 rectangular boxes of 11.8 oz, and 4 dressing cups of 1.2 oz. Â The 10.8 oz container, 10.1 oz container, and 8.1 oz container in two shapes are also included in the package. Polypropylene is used for manufacturing these containers.
They are completely BPA free and have FDA approval. The containers are refrigerator and microwave safe as well. But you need to microwave them under 5 minutes and 700-watt power. The container must be half full while microwaving.
- Good
- Heat and wear resistance
- Water and oil proof
- Multiple designs available
- Bad
- Material is fragile
- Discoloration
2. Freezer Containers by Prep Naturals
When it comes to reusable food storage containers, these products are some of the bests. There are 50 containers in each set, so you don’t have to worry about storage spaces, ever.
All the containers of this set are of the same size, 50 ounces. This is the best size for storing anything. You can store leftover food, fruits, nuts, and even carry lunch in one of the containers.
Furthermore, the containers are well built. They do not spill, leak, break, or melt in the microwave. Lids have no hinges but are snugly fitted to the boxes. You can store fluids like soup in them and even microwave fluids in the containers without worrying about toxin transmission.
The lowest temperature these containers can withstand is -14°F, and the highest temperature is 230°F. As long as your freezer temperature is above -14°F and the microwave temperature is below 230°F, you have nothing to worry about.
- Good
- Rectangular containers
- Reusable and long-lasting
- Many containers in one set
- Leakproof
- Microwave safe
- Bad
- Lids may crack
- May warp in the dishwasher
3. Rubbermaid 2108377 Brilliance Storage 14-Piece Clear Container
The classiest looking plastic food storage containers with lids. These boxes have a clear transparent body and a black plastic lid. The boxes are made of Tritan plastic and are completely free of BPA.
One thing you do not have to worry about while using these containers is odor. Many plastic containers tend to stain food or smell like food, but these containers are highly resistant to stain and odor.
7 boxes are included in this set. Each container has two hinges in the lid. This makes it easier to open and close the box.
Tritan plastic is highly durable and thick. Thus, these boxes are leak proof. There is one large container of 9.6 cup and 6 small containers of different volumes. All of them are refrigerator and dishwasher safe.
You can heat your food in the microwave in these containers. It is recommended to keep the lid on as they prevent the splattering of food.
- Good
- BPA free
- Dishwasher safe
- Refrigerator safe
- Splatter proof
- Odor and stain-resistant
- Bad
- Lids are not easy to clean
- Not very durable
4. Prep Naturals Meal Prep Containers (60 Pack)
Are you a busy person who rarely has time for cooking meals? Then meal prep container is just perfect for you. Cook meals at the weekend and stores them in any of the 60 containers.
All the containers in this set are of the same sizes. The containers are round and black. You can easily stack one over another in your refrigerator.
Moreover, the containers are watertight, which means you can store fluids like soup in them. Materials used for manufacturing these boxes are BPA, Phthalate, and PVC free. The set also has approval from the FDA.
If you are looking for something to stick to your diet plan, then these containers are perfect for you. Keep a small portion of food in each box and label them. You can also use them as a lunch box.
You can microwave food in these boxes under 230°F temperature. They are freezer safe as well.
- Good
- Phthalate-free
- FDA approved
- One set includes 60 boxes
- Versatile usage
- Easy to stack
- Bad
- Not completely leakproof
- Less durability
5. 40-Piece Airtight Food Storage Containers Set With Lids by FineDine
This set comes with 20 containers of different shapes. Whatever you need to store, it will fit in any of these containers.
There are one 125 oz and one 101 oz box. The other boxes vary in sizes; their volume is 2.3-67 oz.
Each box has 4 hinges in the lid. This ensures that your container is watertight. The boxes are completely leakproof and odor resistant. Store your stinky tofu in these containers without a worry!
A gasket made of silicone is included in each box to keep your food fresh as new. The air circulation system is included in each box. This is done to ensure that your food does not get soggy and stays fresh.
All the containers are made with BPA free, FDA approved materials. Polypropylene plastic is microwave and freezer safe. You can even wash the boxes in a dishwasher.
- Good
- Larger containers can store smaller ones
- Made of Polypropylene plastic
- Watertight
- Includes air circulation system
- The lids have silicone gaskets
- Bad
- Dishwasher shrinks lid
- The lids have silicone gaskets
6. 28 Pc [Set of 14] Airtight Food Storage Containers by Shazo
When it comes to the best food storage containers, this set is one of the most promising ones. There are 14 boxes and 14 lids made of BPA free plastic.
![28 Pc [Set of 14] Airtight Food Storage Containers by Shazo](http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07RVDLJFS&Format=_SL300_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=livingindoor1-20)
Unlike many other plastic food storage containers set on this list, the Shazo set has many different sizes. You can store everything in your kitchen in these 14 boxes.
There are 2 huge boxes of 4.3 liters for storing rice or flour. 2 large boxes along with 4 medium and 6 small containers are also included in the set.
Measuring spoons of 10 different sizes come with the set. So, not only are you investing in a fantastic collection of plastic food containers, you are saving money on measurement cups.
All the containers of this set are leakproof and, at the same time, dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe. You do not have to worry about food stains either; these boxes are completely resistant to stain and odor.
- Good
- Many different sized containers
- Leakproof
- 4 hinged lid
- Stain and odor resistant
- Free measuring spoons
- Bad
- Does not have good sealing
- May bubble up in the microwave
7. Plastic Containers with Lids (17 Pack) by Fullstar
The Fullstar plastic containers are the perfect gift for anyone. All the different sizes come with different colored lids, so it’s easy to identify them.
Each of the boxes has snap-lock system lids, which ensure that your container is airtight. These are one of the most beautiful storage containers for food alongside the snapware containers.
The boxes are great for storing beads or sewing appliances as well. There are 4 hinges in the lid, which makes the container watertight and spill-proof.
6 different sized boxes are included in the set. There are one 3.8 oz container and four 1.2 oz cups to store your dressing. The other sizes are 28.4 oz, 23.6 oz, 18.6 oz, and 11.6 oz.
Polypropylene plastic is used for manufacturing these containers. So, your boxes will be BPA free and microwave safe. You need to keep the microwave temperature below 230°F and power below 800 watts for these containers.
This particular set is excellent for everyday usage. It does not transfer toxins to food and keeps food fresh for a long time.
- Good
- Leakproof, watertight, and airtight
- FDA approved
- Features snap lock
- No BPA and phthalates
- Microwave and freezer safe
- Bad
- Hard to seal
- Lids are not durable
What to Look for Before Buying Plastic Food Storage Containers
All the 7 products listed above are beautiful. Well, as much as we wish, we cannot buy all of them. When it comes to purchasing the best storage containers for food, you should consider the features listed below –
Lid and Body Material
Plastic containers can be a great asset to your kitchen. But if the plastic is not free from toxic materials, then it can be a danger to your health.
Look for plastic boxes, which are BPA free and have approval from the FDA. Never purchase any container or medicine, which is not approved by the FDA.
Materials also determine how durable your container will be. Look for products made of Tritan plastic or Propylene. These are two of the food-safe plastics used in manufacturing storage containers.
Your container’s lid must be durable and must not warp in the dishwasher. Good quality material will ensure the longevity of your containers.
Water and Air Tight
When you are purchasing a container, look for ones where you can store everything. Your boxes should be able to store curry and soup. All the foods you store in your fridge aren’t dry. So, you need something watertight.
A watertight container will also help you carry fluids in your lunch bag. Most watertight boxes are spill-proof, so you don’t have to worry about any mess.
On the other hand, airtight boxes are needed for dry foods. As no air passes, the container doesn’t let moisture accumulate and keeps the food fresh.
Freezer, Dishwasher, and Microwave Safe
This is one of the essential features to look for in any food container. If you are storing your leftovers, you definitely need to put it in the fridge.
Although most food boxes are freezer safe, some can break in the cold. If the lid snaps, you can purchase snapware replacement lids from any online store. But nothing can be done when your container breaks.
Most of us don’t have the time to wash dishes. This is where the dishwasher comes in handy. If your food storing box is dishwasher safe, you will be saving money and time.
Lid Seal Type
Some of the containers mentioned above have hinges in lids to ensure better sealing. The others have a snug or fitted lids.
While the lids which rely on pressure for sealing are fine, but it may come off when the container is upside down. Hinges on 2 or all sides give a more secure seal.
In some cases, hinges might break or shrink in the dishwasher. Some of the containers have lids that warp at high or low temperatures.
We would recommend choosing a food storing box with hinges made of good quality material.
Durability
Durability is a significant consideration for buying any product. When it comes to plastic, it is relatively durable but can break in adverse situations. Plastic can also transfer toxins to your food.
We would recommend choosing a container that is made of food-grade yet sturdy plastic. Yes, it will take a few millimeters more on your shelf, but it will also last a long time.
What is BPA Free Plastic Container?
Now that we have talked about 7 of the best plastic food storage containers with lids and showed you all the things you have to be careful of before buying, it is time to talk about a very crucial topic regarding plastic, and it concerns the use of BPA.
The full form of BPA is bisphenol A. It is a type of industrial chemical. BPA is used to make certain types of plastic materials.
But according to most studies, BPA can be extremely harmful to our body. Firstly, it might get mixed with the food that is stored in it. Secondly, it can affect the brain and prostate glands of infants and children. So it goes without saying that, while buying any plastic material, we must avoid the ones that contain BPA.
But how will you know if a product contains BPA or not? That is why we are here. Keep reading below to find out the ways you can know if a product contains BPA or not.
- Most plastic materials that are new are marked as BPA-free. Look for the mark before you buy them.
- The opacity of a container is usually a good indicator of its BPA. If a container is completely opaque, it is safe to use.
- You should check the product for a recycling number. If the recycling number happens to be either 3 or 7, then it likely contains BPA. Moreover, if the product has no recycling number, then it also means that the product contains BPA. It is best not to use such products.
If any product is labeled “unbreakable,” they most likely contain BPA as well. So it is better to avoid using it.
The Best Way to Clean Plastic Food Storage Containers
Now that you have known about everything there is to know about plastic containers, it is time for the part that everyone dreads, the cleaning. Anyone who has used a plastic food container for long periods of time will tell you that it is incredibly difficult to get the stains and stink out of a plastic food container.
That is why we are here to guide you through this extremely difficult quest of getting your plastic containers clean.
The little stains of a container are not massive issues. You can easily scrub them off by hand, washing them with dish soap and water. But the problems are bigger stains that are much harder to scrub off, and that leaves a lasting smell. So we have given the steps to solve this issue down below.
Cleaning the Stain
First, we need to know how to actually make the heavy stain go away. For that, follow the steps below:-
- Make a paste with a little amount of baking soda and water inside the container
- Scrub the container properly with a toothbrush or a scrubber
- Clean the container with water
Removing the Odor
Now even though you have successfully gotten the stain off, it really serves you no good unless you can remove that terrible odor. Follow the steps below to make sure that awful smell is gone:-
- Pour some amount of baking soda into the container and mix it with a little water
- Close the lid and keep it that way for about 30 minutes
- Clean the baking soda off of your container with water, and the odor will be gone
Food Storage Containers FAQs
u003cstrongu003eAre plastic storage containers safe?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, plastic containers are safe as long as you use them carefully. Toxins are not easily transferred to food from plastic containers.
u003cstrongu003eAre oxo plastic containers safe?u003c/strongu003e
Yes. Oxo plastic containers are BPA and phthalate-free. Both of these materials are hazardous to health. As oxo plastic does not contain any of these materials, it is safe.
u003cstrongu003eAre Rubbermaid plastic containers BPA free?u003c/strongu003e
Yes. The Rubbermaid plastic containers are all made of BPA free plastic. Tritan plastic is used for manufacturing Rubbermaid Brilliance Storage containers. This plastic is BPA and PVC free.
u003cstrongu003eWhen should you throw away plastic containers?u003c/strongu003e
When your transparent plastic container becomes cloudy, you should throw it out. In other cases, when the container has scratches or cracks on its body, you should throw it away. A better option is recycling your plastic containers instead of throwing them away.u0026Acirc;u0026nbsp; Plastic takes around 1000 years to decompose. If you throw them in any recycling machine, it is better for the environment.
u003cstrongu003eDoes old Tupperware contain BPA?u003c/strongu003e
Tupperware manufactures BPA free products. But the containers manufactured before 2010 might have BPA in them. So, if you have an old Tupperware that you bought before 2010, you should not use it. It might contain BPA.
u003cstrongu003eDoes food last longer in glass or plastic?u003c/strongu003e
Most food lasts longer in a glass food storage container. The glass storage container is nonporous. So, they do not absorb the stain or smell of your food. Whereas plastic is porous, it can stain and absorb odor from food. This makes the food lose its freshness faster than it would in a glass container.
u003cstrongu003eWhich plastic containers are BPA free?u003c/strongu003e
Plastic containers made of Polypropylene (PP) are BPA free. Tritan is a reasonably new plastic; it is also BPA free. To identify whether your container is BPA free or not, look at the bottom of it. There will be a sign of three arrows chasing each other and a number in the middle. If the number is 2, 4, or 5, your container is BPA free.
u003cstrongu003eCan I freeze food in plastic containers?u003c/strongu003e
No. You can only put plastic containers in the freezer if they are freezer proof. Freezing the item inside your plastic container requires a really low temperature. This temperature can damage your container and also release toxins into food.
u003cstrongu003eCan you throw away plastic containers?u003c/strongu003e
Yes. But it is recommended to recycle plastic containers.
u003cstrongu003eAre plastic yogurt containers recyclable?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, depending on the container and plastic-type. If the container is made of Polypropylene, you can recycle it.
u003cstrongu003eWhat can I do with plastic food containers?u003c/strongu003e
Plastic food containers are used for storing food.u0026Acirc;u0026nbsp; You can also store beads or sewing materials in them.
Final Words
The best budget plastic food storage containers with lids are not hard to find. All you need to do is decide on a product of your liking and order it! Store your food quickly and in a more convenient way with non toxic plastic containers. The set will surely save you time.
