Plastic food storage containers leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into our food, drink, and bodies. These endocrine disruptors are linked to weight gain, reproductive issues, and more.
The best food containers are non-toxic and made of safe materials like glass, ceramic, and stainless steel. They also need to be easy to clean and oven-safe.
Glass
Glass is a safe, non-toxic storage option that doesn’t leach chemicals into food. It’s also durable, easy to clean, and can be reused. Glass containers are non-porous, so they won’t absorb flavors, smells, or bacteria like plastic can. That’s why mason jars have been trusted by families for generations!
Unlike most plastics, which can release dangerous chemicals when exposed to heat, glass is extremely stable. It holds up to temperature changes (like when you reheat soup or make homemade pickles) and can be safely used in the microwave. You can even find glass containers that are tempered for maximum strength and heat resistance.
Glass is a popular choice among many non-toxic kitchen brands, including Caraway’s viral cookware line, and they often offer color options for their lids. These include dark Navy, off-white Cream, and pinkish-orange Perracotta. They’re a little pricey, but they’re incredibly durable and look great in your pantry. They’re also 100% recyclable, so you can rest assured that your purchase will have a minimal environmental impact. Plus, they come with a bonus: they’re airtight! That means they keep your food fresher for longer, which is a huge benefit of non-toxic food storage. Especially for those who love to cook and freeze large batches of food in advance.
Ceramic
For those looking for a non-toxic alternative to plastic food storage, ceramic is a solid option. It’s durable and can hold hot or cold food without leaking. Ceramic is also very easy to clean, and it comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles so you can find the perfect match for your home or office.
Like glass, ceramic is a hard, chemically inert, and heat-resistant material. It’s primarily made from mixtures of clay, earthen elements, and powders that are shaped and then fired in a high temperature oven known as a kiln. These products are then covered with decorative, waterproof, paint-like substances called glazes.
While most people associate ceramics with pottery, dishes, and other kitchen items, these materials are used for a wide variety of applications. They’re in your car’s catalytic converter to control harmful exhaust emissions, the optical fibers that enable high-speed communication across the globe, and even dental crowns.
Ceramics can withstand much higher temperatures than plastics. The lowest rated plastics start to melt around the 400°F mark, while ceramics can withstand up to 2800°F! Ceramics are also generally stronger and more durable than plastic, and they’re less likely to react with acids and alkalis.
The most common types of ceramic food storage containers include crock pots, mugs, bowls, and other baking dishes. They’re perfect for storing soups, stews, and other liquid-based meals. You can also use them to store chopped fruits and veggies for snacks or smoothies throughout the week.
As you shop for ceramics, look for products that are labeled as non-toxic or BPA-free to ensure that they don’t contain any endocrine disrupting chemicals. These labels are often found on the bottom or side of the container.
Choosing non-toxic ceramic storage is an excellent choice if you’re committed to replacing all of your single-use plastics with healthier alternatives. There’s not a huge difference between glass and ceramic in terms of environmental impact, so any one that helps you reduce your plastic waste is a good choice! Some of the best brands for glass and ceramic food storage include Adewnest, Chubacoo, and Kook.
Wood
As sustainability and environmental consciousness continue to rise, wood is becoming a popular choice in the food storage industry. The natural, renewable material is an environmentally responsible alternative to plastics and other synthetic materials, which leave behind a significant carbon footprint. In addition, wood decomposes quickly, reducing the burden on landfills.
The insulating properties of wood have historically been utilized to preserve foods, particularly in cold climates. This type of storage is suitable for dry foods, such as grains, nuts, and baked goods. Additionally, wood is easy to sanitize, which helps to reduce harmful bacteria and other microorganisms.
Because it is inert, wood is also free from leaching toxins into foods. Unlike plastics, which may release dangerous chemicals when heated or stored with certain types of food, such as acidic or high-fat, wood is a safe and natural option for food storage.
However, it’s important to note that not all wooden containers are created equal. When choosing a wooden container, it’s crucial to look for an ethical and sustainable manufacturer who uses food-safe glues and finishes. In addition, regularly oiling the surface of the wooden container with food-grade mineral oils will help to extend its lifespan.
ECOlunchbox is one of the leading producers of non-toxic, food-grade, wooden containers that offer an ideal combination of durability and aesthetics. The brand’s stackable, nesting seal cups are an excellent example of high-quality food storage that doesn’t contain BPA, BPS, or phthalates.
Beeswax
Beeswax wraps are a natural, non-toxic alternative to plastic food storage. They are made from organic cotton and beeswax, with additional ingredients such as tree resin, botanical oils and plant extracts. The result is a soft, flexible material that holds food well. It can be easily cleaned and reused, with the added benefit of being completely compostable. In contrast to plastic wraps, which can take hundreds of years to break down and pollute the environment, beeswax cloth can decompose in soil with no harmful chemicals left behind.
A natural, malleable wax, beeswax is water insoluble but chemically soluble. It has a low melting point, making it easy to mold into solid objects, or to liquefy and mix into solutions. It is also edible and flammable, making it suitable for use in candles and ornaments, and as an artistic medium in encaustic painting. Beeswax is produced by worker bees from wax-producing mirror glands on their sternites (the ventral shield or plate on each of the bee’s abdominal segments). It is commonly used since prehistory as a first plastic, as a lubricant and waterproofing agent, for lost wax casting of metals and glass, as a polish for wood and leather, to make candles and for cosmetics and medicines, such as creams, ointments and liniments.
When beeswax is harvested from the hive, it typically has a mild scent of honey and floral spices & resins. This odor can vary depending on the season and the location of the hive, as well as the type of nectar, pollen and other substances that bees come into contact with in the hive.
Beeswax has been shown to have antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help treat a wide range of dermatoses, including psoriasis and eczema. Its moisturizing components can keep skin supple, and its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects make it useful for addressing dryness and irritation. Although safe for most people, it’s important to avoid beeswax when pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.
