8 Best Food Storage Containers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
We rounded up all our favorite storage containers for keeping food fresh in the fridge or pantry.
Tested by Lambeth Hochwald
If you've ever opened up a cabinet or drawer and watched as every single piece of plastic came tumbling out, you know how frustrating it can be to have a food-storage-container collection consisting of missing lids, stained containers or odd-shaped items that don't match. Whether you're trying to incorporate more produce into your diet and are looking for ways to keep your fruit fresh or just want to ensure your pantry staples reach their maximum shelf life, the proper storage is necessary (and available). That's why we decided to do some container research for you. Here, your shopping list of eight food storage containers to consider buying for everything from meal prep and storing leftovers to bulk food storage.
This article has been reviewed since its original publish date for accuracy, pricing and availability. We stand by our list of topfood storage container picks.
Our Top Storage Container Picks
Also in This Article
- Variety of shapes and sizes
- Four locking tabs for freshness and easy open/close
- Stackable
- Heavy
These are our top pick for standard, everyday storage containers. Not only are these storage containers airtight and leakproof, but they’re glass so they’ll never get stained from, say, tomato sauce. Best of all, the set of eight containers and eight lids are nice enough to tote with you to your next picnic or potluck and can double as prep bowls when you’re cooking. Oh, and did we mention they are dishwasher-safe?
- Number of containers in set 20
- Material Glass container, plastic lid
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
- Microwave-safe Yes
- Freezer-safe Yes
- Nest and stack for optimal space
- Great for traveling
- Variety of colors
- No shape variety
These containers come with super colorful lids and are ideal for small kitchens since they nest inside each other. Not only are these microwave, dishwasher, fridge and freezer safe and are perfectly packable for condiments, salad dressings and trail mix to go!
- Number of containers in set 16
- Material Plastic
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
- Microwave-safe Yes
- Freezer-safe Yes
- Built-in filter doesn't require refills
- Nest for optimal space
- One lid fits multiple bases
- Not as versatile for food other than produce
- Fridge needs headspace to fit tall container
With this set of medium and large storage containers that are equipped with FreshVent technology to regulate airflow plus a built in filter, you can pop a head of lettuce in one, a bunch of grapes in the other for maximum crispiness that lasts. Plus, they are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning!
- Number of containers in set 4
- Material Plastic
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
- Microwave-safe Yes
- Freezer-safe Yes
- Stackable
- Measurements on side
- Fit a lot of content
- Lids don't have attached locks
- Shelves need headspace to fit large containers
This set comes with one four-quart and one six-quart containers (each with a compatible lid) that, thanks to their square shape, fits nicely on your fridge shelf. Bonus: These are freezer and dishwasher safe and spill-proof should you want to send a food delivery to a friend or neighbor.
- Number of containers in set 2
- Material Polypropylene
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
- Microwave-safe No
- Freezer-safe Yes
- Convenient fill line
- Variety of sizes
- Button on lid easily engages airtight seal and doubles as a handle
- On the more expensive side for five containers
- Lid won't shut properly if contents go beyond the fill line
Next time you’re scrambling to find baking supplies — or find that your brown sugar has lost its texture because you haven’t sealed it tight — you’ll wish your pantry was equipped with these stylish and stackable containers that are top rack dishwasher-safe and are ideal for cereal, nuts, coffee, rice and any other pantry staple that needs to stay airtight.
- Number of containers in set 5
- Material Plastic
- Dishwasher-safe Yes (top rack only)
- Microwave-safe Yes
- Freezer-safe Yes
- Reusable
- Can be squished to nothing for optimal space
- Very versatile — can be used for more than just food
- Not stackable
Stasher bags are so versatile, we think they should be a staple in every kitchen. Whether you're storing leftovers, marinating meats, freezing fruits for smoothies or sous vide cooking, these containers, which come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, can do it all. And, since they're dishwasher-safe, they are a breeze to clean.
- Number of bags in set 4
- Material Silicone
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
- Microwave-safe Yes
- Freezer-safe Yes
.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.616.85.suffix/1734023029849.webp)
- Variety of shapes and sizes
- Easy-to-grip handles
- Stylish look to place right on the table
- Heavy
- Fragile
When shopping for freezer containers, take into account how you utilize your freezer space. Whether you love meal prep or need the ability to cook directly from the freezer, this OXO set has a long list of benefits. This set has containers in a variety of shapes and sizes, making meal prepping in the freezer easy. Since this set is made from borosilicate glass, it can withstand a range of temperatures, meaning they can go from freezer to oven without worry. Safe-grip handles are also a plus, offering an easy journey between the oven, table and freezer.
- Number of containers in set 14
- Material Borosilicate glass
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
- Microwave-safe Yes
- Freezer-safe Yes
- Lightweight
- Variety of colors
- Includes an ice pack to snap under lid
- No shape variety
When deciding on the best meal-prep containers (or really any type of storage container, for that matter), space-saving and easy-to-organize are two features that should be top of mind. Which brings us to our top overall choice. Their nesting design ensures that they stack compactly, which is ideal for saving space, and the fact that they’re leak-proof with airtight lids is a big-time score, too. One more feature that gives these containers our number-one rating: They’re labeled with specific cup measures, so you can customize portions, too.
- Number of containers in set 11
- Material Crystal
- Dishwasher-safe Yes
- Microwave-safe Yes
- Freezer-safe Yes
Things to Know About Food Storage Containers
- Pantry staples can be vacuum sealed. Dried pasta, grains and cereal can be vacuum sealed to keep pests out and maintain optimal freshness. You'll also want a vacuum seal for odorous foods like coffee and spices that can taint the flavor of other foods if they mingle.
- Produce needs air circulation. You'll notice that many food storage containers for fruits and vegetables maintain a layer of breathability. These foods need to stay dry to maintain optimal freshness and air circulation helps with that.
- Size matters. A large OXO pop container can hold an entire 5-pound bag of flour without overflow. And you want to be able to store an entire pint of strawberries in one go. Look for properly sized containers that allow you to store seamlessly.
- Go for clear options. Being able to see what's in your storage containers can help keep you from overbuying and save you money in the long run.
How We Picked
We've tested out tons of storage containers over the years. In choosing the best ones for the pantry, fridge and freezer we considered the size, weight and variety of offerings for each model. We also took into serious consideration how long our food stayed fresh. Price and availability also played a role in our picks.
Related Links:
