Transform your meal prep with containers that are way more durable and versatile than plastic.
Nina Bahadur is a writer and editor based in NYC who specializes in beauty, kitchen, and organizing content. Highlights: * Writing has appeared in SELF, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, The New York Times, Health, SHAPE, Food52, and more * Former Deputy Editor for HuffPost Women * Former Deputy Culture Editor for SELF.com Empty Glass Candle Jars
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If you’re tired of rifling through an overflowing drawer of dingy plastic food containers, consider upgrading to a quality glass set instead. Unlike plastic, glass food containers are typically oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, and more durable than their plastic counterparts (so they won't become stained or bent).
“Glass containers last longer (as long as you don't break them!) while plastic ones can easily get scratched and warped in the dishwasher,” says Talia Koren, founder of the meal planning subscription service and blog Workweek Lunch and author of The Workweek Lunch Cookbook. “Glass containers are less likely to retain odors and color from food as well.”
To find the best glass food containers, we tested 20 models in our Lab, evaluating their design, capacity, shapes, sizes, durability, and ease of use. We also spoke with Koren for her expert insight into how to best use glass food containers. From affordable sets for the meal-prep novice to compartmentalized picks for packing lunch, we tested and selected a range of glass food containers to suit different needs.
These leakproof containers are sturdy but not too heavy.
The gasket on the lid doesn’t pop out easily, making it a bit difficult to clean.
This set of nine containers and nine lids, with a capacity range from 0.7 cups to 6 cups, is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. You can pop the glass components of the containers into the oven and microwave, and the BPA-free polypropylene lids have rubber seals to lock in freshness.
We used these containers to store packed lunches, fresh lettuces, soups, salads, leftovers, and fresh fruit and found that the set is sturdy and high quality. These containers aced our leak test and freshness test and didn’t retain any odors or stains. One downside we noticed is that the rubber gaskets on the lids are challenging to reinsert—it may be easier to clean them with a small brush before putting the lids in the dishwasher.
This set contains various shapes and sizes, making it ideal for all your storage needs, from packing lunch to saving leftovers. The largest container, a 6-cup rectangle, was too small for big leftover meals, so shoppers who want to store batches of food might need an 8- or 10-cup container.
Price at time of publish: $50
Glass Type: Not listed | Lid Type: Plastic | Sizes: 6-cup rectangle (1), 3.5-cup rectangle (2), 1-cup square (1), 1-cup round (1), 3-cup square (1), 1.5-cup square (1), 3-cup round (1), 1.6-cup round (1), 0.7-cup round (1) | Care: Dishwasher-safe
These lightweight glass containers are oven-safe and freezer-safe.
The press-on lids are easy to use but may not be as leakproof as a snap-on lid with gaskets.
Pyrex is known for its durable yet lightweight food storage that can last a lifetime when properly cared for, and this set is no exception. “Pyrex glass containers are definitely my favorite,” says Talia Koren, founder of the meal planning subscription service and blog Workweek Lunch and author of The Workweek Lunch Cookbook. “They make oven-safe, freezer-safe glass containers that are significantly lighter in weight than other brands.”
This affordable 18-piece set features a variety of rectangular and round containers in varying sizes, ideal for storing leftovers and meal prep. The different colored lids make it easy to match them to their corresponding containers and color code for better fridge, freezer, and pantry organization. The set also stacks neatly together to maximize storage space.
Made from tempered glass—meaning the glass is heat treated to be more durable—the containers are microwave-, freezer-, oven-, and dishwasher-safe. Still, we don't recommend exposing them to extreme temperature changes, like going directly from the freezer to the oven. (The same goes for all tempered glass containers, as borosilicate glass has better thermal shock resistance.) However, tempered glass is less prone to breaking when dropped or bumped.
We loved these containers for storing leftovers and fresh produce. The containers aced our leak test, and we were pleasantly surprised by how well they performed in the freshness test. Our food was reheated evenly in the microwave, and overall the containers were sturdy and easy to clean.
This set is a great fit for home cooks who store leftovers or for family meal planning since the variety of sizes allows you to separate different ingredients. This pick is not the best option for bento-box-style food storage because anything you put in one container will likely mix together.
Price at time of publish: $38
Glass Type: Tempered | Lid Type: Plastic | Sizes: 7-cup round (1), 6-cup rectangle (1), 4-cup round (1), 3-cup rectangle (2), 2-cup round (2), 1-cup round (1) | Care: Top-rack dishwasher-safe
The divided containers are an excellent size for prepping meals.
This pick may be difficult to stack, and there’s no variation in size within the set.
During testing, these divided containers stood out as the perfect pick for weekly meal prepping. The set comes with eight 4-cup containers and eight lids, allowing you to prep weekly meals for one or two people. Each container is divided into three sections (one large and two small) to separate your ingredients or snacks.
The glass containers are microwave- and oven-safe, and the containers and lids are dishwasher- and freezer-safe. We found them highly effective at sealing air and keeping food fresh and were impressed by how easy they were to clean. The containers don’t easily nest inside each other for stacking due to the partitions in the containers, meaning they may not be the best selection for people tight on storage space. There’s no variation in size, which might be inconvenient for people who want to store various foods.
Overall, we thought these were well worth the price considering the high craftsmanship and sturdy materials. In fact, there was no chipping or breakage when we accidentally dropped a container on a granite countertop.
Price at time of publish: $50
Glass Type: Borosilicate | Lid Type: BPA-free plastic | Sizes: 4-cup rectangle (8) | Care: Dishwasher-safe
These divided glass containers are leakproof, making them great for packed lunches.
This set didn’t perform well on our freshness test, so it may not be the best pick for people storing cut or peeled fruits and veggies.
Divided containers are a game-changer for meal prep, allowing you to portion ingredients into separate compartments without using multiple containers. These glass food storage containers have two compartments and a leakproof locking lid, making them ideal for preparing and carrying lunches to work and school. Plus, their stackable, rectangular design helps you save precious fridge space during the week.
The thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass means the containers (which are safe for the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher) can safely go from one temperature extreme to the next. Plus, the vented lids release steam or pressure if you put hot food directly in the containers. While the lids are leakproof, the compartments are not, so we recommend storing liquids in a separate container to avoid spillover from one section to the other.
These sturdy containers are also pretty heavy. While we found they are great for home use, they might be too heavy for taking meals on the go. The set performed great on the leak test—spilling not even a drop of water!—but we were disappointed during the freshness test when peeled and pitted avocados were noticeably brown after three days. The containers were easy to clean, didn’t retain odors or stains, and were of great quality for the price point.
Price at time of publish: $32
Glass Type: Borosilicate | Lid Type: Plastic | Sizes: 2-compartment rectangle (5) | Care: Dishwasher-safe
These leakproof containers scored incredibly high on our freshness test.
The containers don’t nest or stack easily, meaning the set takes up a lot of storage space.
This set contains a versatile range of sizes, from a round 7-cup container down to a 2-cup container. We loved the 7-cup container for storing batches of ground chicken or grains and found the 2-cup sizes ideal for small portions of snacks, sides, and leftovers. However, these sizes aren’t the best option for batch cooking or storing leftovers for a crowd.
These containers earned a perfect score on our leak test, and we were impressed by how they performed on the freshness test—a pitted, peeled avocado was shockingly green and fresh after three days.
We found that the containers don’t nest or stack easily, so the best way to store them—stacked with the lids on—takes up some significant storage space. We also noticed that we needed to apply some pressure to lock and unlock the tabs on each lid. While the containers and lids are dishwasher-safe, we found that the rubber gaskets on the lids don’t remove for cleaning, which may lead to grease or crumbs accumulating over time unless you hand-clean the gaskets after use.
Price at time of publish: $40
Glass Type: Not listed | Lid Type: BPA-free plastic | Sizes: 2-cup round (2), 3-cup rectangle (1), 4-cup square (1), and 7-cup round (1) | Care: Dishwasher-safe
These containers, available at an adorable price point, are leakproof and keep food fresh.
Because of the varying sizes, the containers are difficult to store neatly.
Whether you're using your freezer to store superfoods or make-ahead meals for family dinners, keeping the contents organized will make your life easier. Oven-safe glass containers like this Amazon Basics set are ideal because you can bake, cool, and freeze all in the same dish—no washing necessary.
This set is quite the bargain, offering 10 containers and 10 lids at an affordable price. The containers performed excellently on our leak test and kept food fresh in the fridge and freezer—there was no freezer burn or other food degradation during use.
We think these containers are great for being on the go, thanks to the sturdy silicone and plastic lids. They’re also great for storing items in the freezer—you can move them directly into the fridge when it’s time to defrost. Plus, these dishwasher-safe containers cleaned up perfectly with no stains or odor left behind.
Price at time of publish: $45
Glass Type: Not listed | Lid Type: Plastic | Sizes: 1.3-cup round (3), 1.6-cup rectangle (2), 1.7-cup square (1), 3-cup round (1) 3.6-cup rectangle (2), 4-cup square (1), 7.8-cup rectangle (1) | Care: Dishwasher-safe (lids on the top rack)
The large size is excellent for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
There isn’t much variety in container size—people who want to store sides, dips, and leftovers may want smaller container options.
While nearly all of the food storage containers on our list are freezer-safe, this set is particularly ideal for those who like to batch cook and freeze meals in advance or store large quantities of ingredients in the freezer. The set comes with three square containers in sizes ranging from 3.4 cups all the way up to 9.3 cups—making them suitable for stacking to maximize fridge and freezer space. The leakproof lids feature a locking mechanism, so you can feel comfortable freezing soups without worrying about spills.
In addition to being freezer-safe, these containers are also safe for use in the microwave, oven, and dishwasher (just be sure to remove the lids before using the oven or microwave). Furthermore, the clear glass makes it easy to see what’s inside, even when frozen. Another reason we love this set is that it's made with borosilicate glass, which can withstand extreme temperature changes better than tempered glass.
We loved these heavy, substantial containers for home cooking projects, like storing double batches of bolognese or prepping meals for a potluck. The impressive seal also performed great during the leak test, and we noticed only slight browning during the avocado freshness test. Plus, these containers are pretty enough to double as serving dishes.
Price at time of publish: $36
Glass Type: Borosilicate | Lid Type: Plastic | Sizes: 3.4-cup square (1), 5-cup square (1), 9.3-cup square (1) | Care: Dishwasher-safe (top rack recommended)
The handles make this oven-safe dish an all-star for cooking, serving, and storing.
The lid isn’t completely secure, so it’s not ideal for storing saucier dishes.
The highlight of this 2-quart glass baking dish is the two wide handles, which help you keep a firm grip while baking and serving. It has a plastic press-on lid, so you can store (cooled) dishes in the fridge or freezer. We liked that it was large enough to cook food but slim enough to store easily, especially because it’s easy to stack and dishwasher-safe.
We particularly loved this dish for baking chicken, roasting vegetables, and preparing pasta dishes. That said, it’s probably not the best pick for particularly watery dishes, like soups, since the lid doesn’t seem as secure as lids with locking tabs. Overall, we found this dish easy and convenient for prepping, baking, serving, and storing.
Price at time of publish: $15
Glass Type: Non-porous | Lid Type: BPA-free plastic | Sizes: 2-quart rectangle (1) | Care: Dishwasher-safe (the lid on the top rack only)
The Glasslock 18-Piece Assorted Glass Container Set is our top pick for its sturdy design that is leakproof, dishwasher-safe, and great at keeping food fresh. Plus, the container sizes range from 0.7 cups to 6 cups in capacity, and the glass base of each container can be used in the microwave or the oven to heat or cook food. If you’re searching for a budget alternative, opt for the Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Glass Storage Set, which is made of durable tempered glass and performed impressively during our leak tests.
We tested 20 sets of glass containers by integrating them into our kitchen routines in real-world conditions. We also did a series of standard tests for continuity across all the products we tested.
First, we conducted a leak test by filling a container with water and sealing it with the included lid. After sealing the lid, we vigorously shook the container for a minute to see if any liquid escaped.
We also stored a peeled, pitted avocado in each container for three days to see if the avocado remained fresh and green or browned due to oxidation. Throughout the testing period, we also noted how the meals and ingredients looked and tasted after storing them in the containers, especially anything frozen and thawed.
We evaluated each container’s design, considering how well the lids worked, and checked if they were stackable for easy storage. We also looked at the materials of the containers and lids to see if they were sturdy and long-lasting and assessed the versatility of the sizes within each set. To evaluate baking dishes, we used them in the oven and stored the baked goods or other cooked food inside.
For any microwave-safe models, we reheated or cooked food in the containers at least once. We also washed the containers according to their instructions to see if any odors or staining remained.
Glass can vary in terms of durability, price, and function. Here are some of the most common types of glass you might come across in food storage containers:
Untreated soda lime glass is the least expensive type and most common for window panes, glass bottles, and food jars. Untreated glass is prone to shattering due to thermal shock, so untreated glass is not oven- or freezer-safe. Therefore, you're not likely to find food storage containers made with non-heat-treated soda-lime glass.
Tempered glass is soda lime glass that has been heat treated to make it more durable and heat-resistant. It's safer than untreated glass because if it does break, it crumbles rather than breaking into shards, so there's less likelihood of injury. Compared to untreated glass and borosilicate glass, tempered glass is much less likely to break when dropped or hit against something.
Borosilicate glass is the most resistant to thermal shock and can withstand extreme temperature changes. It contains boron trioxide, an ingredient that changes the nature of the glass, allowing it to go straight from the freezer to the oven without cracking. On the downside, borosilicate is more expensive and brittle than tempered glass, meaning it's more likely to break if you drop it.
So which type of glass is right for your needs? If you want to carry leftovers or work lunches on the go, tempered glass is the least prone to cracking if dropped. However, if you plan to move your containers from the oven to the fridge and vice versa, borosilicate glass is the least likely to crack under these conditions.
Most glass food storage containers feature a plastic or silicone lid (often a plastic lid with a silicone seal), though it is possible to find glass food storage containers with glass lids. Be sure to check the manufacturer instructions when it comes to your lid—the glass containers may be oven-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe, but the plastic lids will not be. Many plastic lids can be washed in the dishwasher on the top rack.
Glass food storage containers with snap-on or locking lids feature a lock-in-place mechanism that protects from leaks and odors, making them an excellent choice for on-the-go storage, such as school or work lunches. "Snap-on lids are ideal for food storage because not only does it help keep odors in the containers (and not in your fridge), but it also ensures food won't spill if you're taking food to work with you," says Talia Koren, founder of the meal planning subscription service and blog Work Week Lunch and author of The Workweek Lunch Cookbook.
When shopping for storage containers, consider what features are most important for your needs. If you plan to reheat leftovers at work, opt for containers that are microwave-safe. Want to bake, serve, and store all in one container? Double-check that your container is oven-safe and consider borosilicate glass for extreme temperature changes. Freezer-safe food storage containers are best for meal prepping because they allow you to prep and store meals weeks in advance.
How you plan to use your glass food storage containers will affect which sizes you choose. Whether baking a family-size lasagna or storing tiny portions of baby food, glass food storage containers can range from 1 cup to 7 cups, so you can find a size to fit any storage need.
"For most lunches and dinners I like to use a 30-ounce (roughly 3 cups) container," says Koren. "This size holds plenty of food for one portion and is easy to carry around."
When it comes to shape, rectangular containers are the best for optimizing fridge or freezer space, while round containers are ideal for storing liquids. For dry goods—bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. Some ingredients, such as whole grains, seeds, nuts, or ground spices, can go rancid when stored in bulk over long periods of time, so you may want to purchase smaller containers for certain ingredients.
When in doubt, opt for various shapes and sizes to suit any need. Variety sets often feature containers that easily stack to minimize the space they take up in your cabinets. If you want a container for a specific purpose, such as storing baby food, you can also find sets that include just one or two different sizes and shapes for a designated purpose.
Glasslock Duo 5-Piece Tempered Glass Container Set: These containers kept our avocado fresh and didn’t spill a drop of water during testing. However, we noticed that food got caught between the rubber gasket and the plastic lid, and that the lids required more muscle to open and close.
Rubbermaid Brilliance 8-Piece Glass Food Storage Container Set: These containers kept food fresh and performed well in the leak test. That said, the glass was heavy and the containers don’t nest well together for storage. We also noticed that water was trapped between the rubber seal and the plastic of the lid, making it difficult to dry properly after cleaning.
The type of food storage container you choose comes down to personal preference, but Koren recommends glass. “Glass and plastic food storage containers function the same when it comes to storing food, though I prefer glass and recommend them to people who utilize meal prep and leftovers often,” says Koren. Glass food storage containers generally have a longer lifespan (provided they don’t break), are oven-safe, and are less likely to retain odors or stains.
However, glass does have its disadvantages: Glass containers are heavier, more likely to break or shatter, and more expensive than plastic containers. With proper care, glass food storage containers will last longer than plastic containers, but you have to assess their potential drawbacks, especially if you plan to take containers on the go. People with kids may also want to consider plastic containers to eliminate any risk of glass breaking.
Tempered glass is one of the most common and reliable types of glass for food storage because it's affordable, heat-resistant, and the least likely to break when dropped or hit against something. However, borosilicate glass is better if your containers undergo extreme heat changes (namely while cooking and/or meal prepping).
Tempered glass containers can go in the oven and freezer, but you have to take special measures to avoid temperature shock: "If you plan on reheating food from frozen in glass containers, I recommend letting the container sit in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours to avoid the risk of shattering a cold container in a hot oven," says Koren. If you don't want to take these measures, opt for a thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass container.
This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content, and updated by Nina Bahadur, an enthusiastic home cook and writer with over a decade of experience covering home, health, and beauty topics. To compile this list, we assessed 20 different glass container models in our lab, checking how they performed in leak tests and freshness tests and reviewing their sizes, ease of use, ease of storage, and cleaning instructions. We also tapped Talia Koren, founder of the meal planning subscription service and blog Workweek Lunch and author of The Workweek Lunch Cookbook, for her expert tips on what to look for in glass food storage containers.
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