7 Editor-Loved Food Storage Containers to Shop Now

If your food storage drawer is currently a chaotic avalanche of mystery lids and stained containers, this guide is your sign to finally fix it. Editors at major food and home publications spend their days testing glass containers, silicone bags, and pantry bins so you don’t have to – and a few clear favorites keep winning again and again.

Based on hands-on tests from trusted U.S. outlets plus real-world feedback from home cooks, we’ve rounded up seven editor-loved food storage containers that actually keep food fresh, stack neatly, and (very important) don’t leak soup all over your work bag. From glass sets that go from oven to fridge to table to reusable silicone bags that replace hundreds of plastic baggies, here are the MVPs worth adding to your kitchen right now.

What Editors Look for in the Best Food Storage Containers

Before we dive into specific products, it helps to understand why certain containers keep showing up on “best of” lists from test kitchens and product labs. Editors and pro recipe developers usually evaluate food storage containers on a few key criteria:

• Airtight, leakproof lids: A good seal keeps leftovers fresher, prevents spills, and stops onion smells from taking over your fridge.
• Durability over time: Containers are opened, closed, microwaved, frozen, and occasionally dropped. Top-rated sets hold up without warping, cracking, or clouding.
• Stain and odor resistance: Tomato sauce, turmeric, and curry are harsh critics. Editors notice quickly when plastic stains or starts to smell.
• Stackability and storage: Neat nesting, flat lids, and modular shapes are crucial if you don’t have a walk-in pantry (so… most of us).
• Material safety: Many testers now prioritize glass, silicone, or high-quality BPA-free plastic for people who reheat or store food frequently.
• Versatility: The best containers can handle leftovers, meal prep, pantry storage, and even packed lunches without needing a different set for every use.

With these criteria in mind, let’s look at the seven editor-approved food storage options that consistently earn top marks.

The 7 Editor-Loved Food Storage Containers to Shop Now

1. OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Container Set

If there’s a “celebrity” of the food storage world, it’s the OXO Good Grips Smart Seal glass set. Editors from cooking and lifestyle magazines love these for their sturdy borosilicate glass bases and lids that genuinely lock down tight. Independent tests often highlight how the silicone-lined lids click into place on all four sides and don’t leak, even when you shake them with liquid inside.

The glass bases can go from freezer to oven (without the lid), which makes them ideal for meal prep. Cook a lasagna or casserole, let it cool, add the lid, and move it straight to the fridge. The rectangular shape also stacks nicely in cramped shelves. If you’re transitioning away from plastic food storage containers, this set is a smart first upgrade.

• Best for: Meal prep, oven-to-fridge meals, saucy leftovers
• Why editors love it: Truly leakproof, versatile, and easy to clean

2. Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Food Storage Containers

Rubbermaid Brilliance containers pop up repeatedly in testing labs because they solve a few everyday annoyances at once. Editors praise the clear, stain-resistant glass bases and the extremely tight lids with side latches. Many reviews point out that these lids stay leakproof while still being easy to open with one hand.

The lids also include built-in vents under the latches, so you can microwave leftovers without removing the lid completely – just pop the latches and steam escapes without splatter. For office lunches, soups, or saucy leftovers, Brilliance is a favorite because you can see what’s inside at a glance, and the slim, modular shapes stack like a dream in the fridge.

• Best for: Work lunches, refrigerator organization, liquid-heavy dishes
• Why editors love it: Crystal-clear visibility, vented lids, and reliable leakproof performance

3. Pyrex Glass Containers (Simply Store & Freshlock)

Pyrex is the nostalgic grandma of glass food storage – but with modern tweaks that keep it at the top of many “best food storage containers” rankings. Editors often highlight Pyrex Simply Store and Freshlock containers because the glass is tough, the shapes are practical, and the price point is friendly.

Recent testing notes that Pyrex’s locking-lid designs perform especially well with juicy foods like cut watermelon and marinated meats. The 11-cup and 8-cup sizes are perfect for large batches of chili, washed berries, or prepped salad greens. The glass is oven-safe (without the lid), and the containers are dishwasher- and freezer-safe, so they slot effortlessly into busy family routines.

• Best for: Big-batch leftovers, large fruit or salad storage, everyday family use
• Why editors love it: Affordable, durable glass with simple, functional designs

4. Stasher Reusable Silicone Storage Bags

Silicone bags used to be a niche eco-swap. Now, Stasher bags are mainstream favorites, thanks in part to rave reviews from test kitchens and product labs. Editors love that these reusable bags replace hundreds of disposable plastic baggies per year, cutting both waste and long-term costs.

Stasher bags are made from food-grade silicone and seal with a pinch-lock top that, when pressed closed carefully, is impressively leak-resistant. They can go into the freezer, microwave, and even sous vide setups. Testers often use them for everything from frozen fruit and cheese to pre-marinated chicken and snack packs for kids. They’re also great for people with tiny kitchens because they don’t take up much space when empty.

• Best for: Snacks, freezer storage, marinating, plastic-free households
• Why editors love it: Eco-friendly, versatile, and surprisingly sturdy over time

5. Quintessential Deli Containers (Your New Secret Weapon)

Walk into almost any professional kitchen and you’ll see stacks of clear, round deli containers in various sizes. Food writers and editors have openly confessed their love for these “plain” containers, calling them the unsung heroes of organized kitchens.

These lightweight plastic containers usually come in standardized 8-, 16-, and 32-ounce sizes, which means any lid fits any container of the same diameter. They’re perfect for broths, chopped veggies, sauces, leftovers, and even dry goods like nuts and rice. Testers consistently praise their space-saving stackability and the fact that you can see everything inside at a glance.

• Best for: Batch cooking, prepped ingredients, freezer soups and stocks
• Why editors love it: Inexpensive, stackable, and endlessly practical

6. Amazon Basics Square Food Storage Containers for Pantry Organization

Not all food storage containers are about leftovers. Editors who focus on pantry organization and dry goods often spotlight square or rectangular canister sets that tame open bags of cereal, flour, and snacks. One popular budget-friendly favorite is the Amazon Basics square food storage set.

Independent testing notes that its airtight lids keep dry foods crisp and fresh, while the tall, space-efficient shapes line up beautifully on shelves. Because the containers are clear, you can see when you’re low on oats or pasta without playing “guess the bag buried in the back.” For anyone dreaming of a more Pinterest-worthy pantry without custom built-ins, a modular set like this is a game changer.

• Best for: Flour, sugar, pasta, cereal, and bulk dry goods
• Why editors love it: Affordable way to upgrade pantry storage with airtight, stackable containers

7. Tupperware Voila Glass Containers (A Modern Spin on a Classic)

Tupperware has been synonymous with food storage containers for decades, but many editors are especially excited about the brand’s recent pivot toward glass. The Voila glass containers blend nostalgia with modern preferences: glass bases with attractive navy lids and a familiar “burp” style seal.

These new containers are oven-safe (without lids), fridge- and freezer-safe, and designed with small steam-release valves for microwaving. Editors note that the glass avoids the staining and long-term odor issues common with older plastic designs, while still giving you that reliable Tupperware seal. They’re attractive enough to bring to potlucks or outdoor gatherings without feeling like you’re serving out of your “fridge leftovers” bin.

• Best for: Everyday leftovers, bringing dishes to gatherings, reheating single servings
• Why editors love it: Trusted brand, upgraded material, and multipurpose functionality

How to Choose the Right Food Storage Containers for Your Kitchen

With so many great options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and end up with a mismatched pile of containers again. A better strategy is to choose one or two “core” systems that fit your lifestyle:

• If you cook and reheat a lot: Prioritize glass food storage containers that are oven-safe and microwave-friendly, like OXO, Rubbermaid Brilliance, or Pyrex.
• If you meal prep: Look for sets with multiple sizes that stack neatly in the fridge and freezer. Leakproof lids are essential if you’re packing lunches.
• If pantry chaos is your main issue: Invest in modular, stackable dry food storage containers that fit your shelf height and deepen, rather than random jars.
• If you’re trying to cut plastic waste: Start with a few Stasher silicone bags and a good glass set, then slowly retire disposable baggies and older plastic containers.
• If you’re on a strict budget: Deli containers and basic clear canisters can go a very long way for a fraction of the price of designer brands.

Think about how you actually cook and eat during the week. Are you often reheating pasta sauce? Storing half an avocado? Freezing big batches of soup? Let your real habits – not Instagram – determine which containers earn a spot in your cabinet.

Care, Cleaning, and Safety Tips

Even the best food storage containers need a little TLC to perform their best and keep your food safe. A few tips editors often repeat:

• Cool food before sealing: Let hot dishes cool slightly before putting on airtight lids to avoid pressure buildup and condensation.
• Leave headspace for frozen foods: Liquids expand as they freeze, so leave a bit of room at the top to prevent cracks in glass containers.
• Wash lids on the top rack: Many plastic lids last longer and stay straighter when washed on the top dishwasher rack or by hand.
• Avoid harsh abrasives: Use non-scratch sponges to prevent clouding or scratching of plastic and silicone.
• Rotate leftovers: Label containers with contents and date, and observe recommended storage times (generally three to four days for most cooked foods in the fridge).

Following these simple habits helps your food storage containers stay clearer, cleaner, and safer for years instead of months.

Final Thoughts: Build a Container Lineup You Actually Like

The right food storage containers won’t magically cook dinner for you (we wish), but they do make everyday life noticeably easier. When leftovers stay fresh, lids actually match, and your pantry doesn’t resemble a snack landslide, cooking and eating at home feels far less stressful.

Start with one or two editor-loved heroes – maybe a glass set like OXO or Rubbermaid Brilliance plus a few Stasher bags – and build out from there. A small investment now can mean fewer food spills, less waste, and many more satisfying “look how organized my fridge is” moments later.

Real-Life Experiences with Editor-Loved Food Storage Containers

It’s one thing to read lab test results, and another to live with these containers through busy weeks, messy dinners, and hurried Monday-morning lunches. Here’s what tends to happen in real kitchens when people switch to editor-favorite food storage containers.

First, most households notice that food waste drops. When leftovers are stored in clear, well-labeled containers, they’re much more likely to be eaten instead of forgotten. Glass food storage containers, in particular, make it easy to see what’s inside from any shelf angle. A pan of roasted vegetables or a batch of cooked grains is suddenly visible and inviting, which means it gets used for quick lunches and weeknight grain bowls instead of turning into a science experiment in the back of the fridge.

Another common experience is how quickly people develop brand loyalty. Someone who starts with one Rubbermaid Brilliance or OXO Smart Seal container often ends up slowly adding more sizes because the performance difference is so obvious compared to older plastic tubs. Leakproof lids mean a soup or saucy stir-fry can be tossed into a work bag without fear, and that kind of reliability is hard to give up once you’ve experienced it.

Families with kids typically appreciate the combination of silicone bags and deli containers. Stasher-style bags are ideal for snacks, cut fruit, crackers, and cheese sticks. They slip easily into lunchboxes and backpacks, and when they come home, they go straight into the dishwasher instead of the trash. Deli containers, meanwhile, are perfect for prepped produce: washed and chopped carrots, sliced cucumbers, or ready-to-go salad toppings can live stacked in the fridge so that packing lunches or assembling dinners is faster and less stressful.

For people who enjoy entertaining or hosting holidays, a sturdy glass set from Pyrex, Caraway, or Tupperware’s newer glass line is another game changer. You can bake side dishes, casseroles, or desserts directly in the glass base, bring them to the table, and then store leftovers in the same container afterward. There’s no frantic search for foil or plastic wrap, and the dish still looks presentable if guests are taking some home. Many hosts appreciate that these containers are attractive enough for potlucks and casual gatherings without needing separate serving pieces.

Pantry-focused containers also change daily habits in subtle ways. When flour, sugar, oats, and rice are stored in matching airtight canisters, it’s easier to see what you have and avoid buying duplicates. That clarity often leads to more spontaneous baking or cooking, because ingredients are visible and ready to use. People who switch from torn bags and half-rolled boxes to a coordinated set of containers often say their kitchen feels calmer, cleaner, and more “grown-up,” even if nothing else has changed.

Finally, there’s the emotional satisfaction of opening a drawer or cupboard and seeing everything lined up, lids matched, and stacks neat instead of chaotic. That sense of order is a small but real form of self-care. Investing in editor-loved food storage containers isn’t just about keeping leftovers fresh; it’s about making your kitchen work with you, not against you, every single day.