The 6 Best Food Storage Containers Of 2024

Best overall

Nothing is worse than stubborn food stains and the smell of last night’s dinner stuck in your containers. And it seems that no matter how many times you scrub, nothing will lift the sauce stains and food smell. If that’s you, we recommend snagging this 20-piece tempered glass Pyrex food storage set. 

This set features three small round containers, two medium-sized, two square-shaped containers, and three rectangular containers. With this variety in size and shape, you can store your small sides, snacks, and main courses in the appropriate container. Plus, there’s no need to worry about spillage: these glass containers are leak-proof with their airtight, lockable tab lids.

Pieces: Three 1-cup covered rounds, two 4-cup covered rounds, three 2-cup covered squares, and two 4-cup covered squares

Best glass

Rated the best glass food storage container in our meal prep container guide, this 18-piece set includes nine square and rectangular glass containers that are built to withstand frigid freezer temperatures and extreme oven heat. There’s no greater glass set. 

The containers are on the heavier side, but the pro is that this makes them more durable than other glass options. And if you’re tight on storage, these containers are stackable. They’re also microwavable-safe and dishwasher-friendly, making cleaning a breeze.

Best plastic

If you’re on the hunt for a plastic food container set that doesn’t stain from saucy leftovers and is durable enough to last through countless dishwasher cycles, Rubbermaid’s 10-Piece Brilliance Leak-Proof Container Set is the best food storage option. 

This set features five clear containers ranging in capacity from 1.3 cups to 9.6 cups, all the essential sizes to store your side salads, soups, and meats. With an airtight latch design, your food will stay fresh and intact.

Pieces: Two 1.3-cup covered rectangles, two 3.2-cup covered rectangles, and one 9.6-cup covered rectangle

Best value

When you just need a knock-around, budget-friendly container set to hold your leftovers, we recommend the Snapware 10-piece plastic food storage set. The set includes five 3-cup rectangular plastic containers and latching lids. The lightweight and leak-resistant design makes it great for work lunches and picnics.

This Snapware set may be under $20, but it has the same qualities and capabilities as the other best food storage containers in this guide. So, there is no need to worry about shrinking or bent lids; these are dishwasher- and microwavable-safe.

Pieces: Five 3-cup covered rectangles

Best for dry goods

Whether you crave an aesthetically pleasing pantry or you’re on the lookout for the best food storage containers to hold your dry goods, the OXO Pop Containers are perfect for both. Our reporters love the minimal design and construction for dry ingredients, such as two included plastic scoops and wide airtight lids. 

Each container is sized for a specific quantity of ingredients, which makes it easy to store dry goods within arm’s reach. This set features two small canisters, one medium-sized, two large containers, and two plastic scoops. No more busted bags of sugar or cereal boxes when you can have these stackable containers in your pantry or displayed on your counter. 

Pieces: Two 0.4-quart covered squares, one 1-quart covered rectangles, and two 4.4-quart covered rectangles (plus two scoops and one terracotta brown sugar saver)

Best large

These four 5.9-quart containers are excellent for those who shop in bulk and need large enough food containers to store their groceries. In addition to four tall, airtight containers, this set includes four plastic measuring cups, 24 chalkboard labels, and a marker — perfect for pantry organization.

Vtopmart’s extra-large containers are also leakproof, so there is no need to worry about disastrous spillage. The containers are dishwasher-friendly, but the brand advises handwashing the lids.

Pieces: Four six-quart covered rectangles

Food storage container FAQs

What size food storage containers do I need?

The size of food storage containers you need varies depending on the type and quantity of food you’re storing. For leftovers, we recommend a 5 to 18-piece set like the Glasslock 18-piece Assorted Oven Safe Container Set. It includes a variety of container shapes and sizes, which is perfect for storing smaller portions and larger entrées. We like canisters such as the OXO Pop Containers for storing dry goods. These feature wider openings and airtight lids that make them excellent for ingredients like flour and sugar.  

Kenedee Fowler is a freelance commerce writer with three years of experience sharing her expertise to help readers source the best home products, fashion pieces, and beauty finds. She is also a former home editorial fellow on the Business Insider Reviews team. In her free time, you can find Kenedee trying local coffee shops, adding plants and decor to her home, and catching up with friends over brunch. 

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