Food Storage
*Originally published November 9, 2020, updated January 10, 2024
Switching to food storage made of reusable, long lasting materials is not only better for health but better for our planet. Reusable items may be more expensive than disposable options, but will save you money in the long run.
Why You Should Avoid Plastic Food Storage
Studies show plastic food storage can expose us to endocrine-disrupting bisphenol A (“BPA”). BPA leaches into the food and drink it packages and enters the bloodstream. The likelihood of BPA contamination increases as temperature increases, and other conditions that contribute to contamination include ph, exposure time, repeated use, and mechanical stresses (i.e. squeezing and scrubbing). Effects of BPA range from DNA damage at low doses, to destroying cells at high doses. Animal and in vitro studies show an association between BPA exposure and breast cancer. Additionally, BPA is considered a class 2 reproductive toxin.[1]
BPA Alternatives
BPS and BPF were introduced as alternatives to BPA, but unfortunately they too are not safe. While BPS and BPF have stability against high temperature and are resistant to sunlight, their estrogenic effects are equal to or great than BPA’s.[2]
How to Avoid BPA Exposure
In addition to food storage, there are other ways to avoid BPA exposure including the following:[3][4]
Avoid canned food and handling of receipts.
Limit use of plastic water bottles and opt for glass, stainless steel or ceramic instead.
Do not reuse plastic water bottles.
Avoid canned baby formula.
Do not heat food in plastic containers or use steamer bags.
Keep plastic containers out of the heat and sun.
Glass Storage Jars for Pantry Items
Transfer pantry items like beans, nuts, and grains, to airtight glass containers. Dry goods stay fresh in airtight containers, and it’s easy to see when you are running low. Tip: To keep cooking instructions handy, cut labels off of the package and tape to the bottom of the glass jar.
Having nuts in clear glass jars makes it more likely you will reach for them as a healthy snack. I notice this especially with my young kids who now serve themselves without prompting.
Consider buying in bulk at the grocery store (generally less expensive) and using reusable bags. This cuts down on plastic bags and the disposable containers that prepackaged food requires. Tip: Keep flour in the freezer to stay fresh longer.
These Bormiolo glass jars with airtight lids are my favorite. I keep several out in kitchen with items we use everyday like nuts and oatmeal.
On the Go Food Storage
Ziploc Bag Alternatives
Instead of using ziploc bags, try silicone bags like Re-Zip and Stasher for short term storage of dry food like nuts, . These come in a wide range of sizes and are dishwasher safe. I put mine in the top shelf of the dishwasher and drape them upside down on the rack.
Lunchboxes and Snack Boxes
For lunch and snack boxes, opt for stainless steel containers. LunchBots containers come in many sizes with or without compartments and a detached snap-on top. Planetbox makes wonderful, durable lunchboxes that are fantastic for kids. The stainless steel boxes are designed like a lunch tray with an attached lid that is easy for kids to open and close. Planetbox comes in several sizes. My kids currently use the Rover for a lunchbox. The accompanying bag pairs well with the unique thin shape of the Rover lunchbox, and it has two pockets on the outside plus a carrying strap.
Leftover Food Storage
For leftovers, swap plastic containers for glass like Pyrex Ultimate containers which have glass and silicone lids instead of plastic. These double wonderfully as serving dishes that you can transfer directly to the refrigerator for leftover food storage. Pyrex glass is thick and durable, and all parts are dishwasher safe. Also tempered glass mxing bowls are great for food prepping and serving.
Aluminum Foil, Wax Paper, and Parchment Paper
Aluminum is a metal neurotoxin that has been associated with neurological disorders in many studies over the years.[5] Therefore, it is best to avoid putting aluminum in direct contact with food. If you must use foil, first wrap food in parchment paper then foil so that the food does not come in contact with aluminum. Tip: Sweet potatoes cook well without being wrapped in foil. Simply prick sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 1 hour at 400 degrees.
Parchment Paper Versus Wax Paper
Parchment paper is heat resistant, coated with silicone, and is food safe. Wax paper is coated with wax and is not heat resistant, and therefore cannot be used in the oven.
Unbleached parchment paper is an excellent choice for lining baking sheets. Food does not stick to parchment paper, and it makes for an easy cleanup. Choose unbleached over regular parchment paper, which has been treated with chlorine to obtain a white color.
Beverage Containers
Glass pitchers are my favorite for serving water or juice. I also use glass pitchers and carafes when making green juice. For storing fresh squeezed juice, be sure to use airtight containers to preserve freshness and prevent oxidation. These airtight bottles have stainless steel lids with silicone.
On the Go Beverage Containers
I’ve tried countless brands of drink containers over the years, and these are my favorites in each category:
Kids Water Bottles
Yeti Rambler Junior 12 oz bottles are easy for kids to open and close on their own, and have a convenient carrying handle. Unlike many kids water bottles, Rambler Juniors are dishwasher safe and come with an extra straw.
Coffee and Tea
Yeti Rambler Tumblers come in various sizes and keep hot liquids hot. My personal favorite is the 20 oz with a MagSlide lid that allows the top to be completely sealed off when not drinking, making it the most effective lid for keeping the heat in.
Ecoffee Cups are a great non-insulated but lightweight option. They are nearly identical to a Starbucks cup in size and weight and are dishwasher safe. Ecoffee cups comes in 12 and 14 oz and a wide variety of colors and prints.
Water Bottles
My favoties include Hydroflask, Swell, and Yeti. Swell bottles are easy to open and close, are relatively lightweight and fit in just about any cupholder.
Have you switched to sustainable food storage? Please share you comments and questions in the comments section below!
References & Resources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5977157/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5323866/
[3] https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/plastic
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5977157/
[5]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6550484/#:~:text=Aluminum%20is%20an%20environmentally%20abundant,and%20DS%20(trisomy%2021).
