Avoid countertop clutter, messy pantry shelves and lost food in the fridge with the right food storage solutions. Tuck away tonight’s leftovers and stash away dried goods in long-term food storage containers, including canisters, jars and bins.
Food Storage for the Pantry and Refrigerator
Consider these options for kitchen food storage to keep your food organized and fresher longer:
• Canisters. Dry food storage containers like canisters are ideal for cereal, rice and other foods with a long shelf life. Choose from metal or ceramic canisters or simple crocks that have a clear window to show you what’s left.
Plastic food storage containers are a lightweight, inexpensive option. Look for BPA and PVC-free plastic. Bamboo canisters are naturally antimicrobial and ecologically friendly.
• Glass Kitchen Storage. Large glass jars with rubber gaskets and metal clamps have an old-fashioned look. They’re airtight, so they’re great at keeping foods fresh. Glass food storage containers also make sense for dealing with leftovers. Take your meal out of the fridge and reheat the food without the danger of chemicals leaching into the food. Tempered and borosilicate glass won’t crack under changing temperatures.
• Food Storage Bins. Go with plastic bulk food storage containers for foods bought in large volumes. Often available in pairs, they can dispense breakfast cereal or other dried goods with no mess.
For storage options that fit nicely in a pantry or lined up on the counter, look for kitchen storage container sets. Many come in 3- to 24-piece matching sets. They’re great for stacking in the fridge or pantry. Some come in colorful options to keep you organized while adding to your kitchen decor. Select options with lids that have a “write-on” feature to mark them with a name and date.
Food Storage on the Go
Save money on lunches with portable airtight food storage containers. Plastic options include double-wall insulated polypropylene packs that keep food hot or cold. Or, choose tough glass containers with dividers. You can portion your healthy lunch ahead of time. Choose an option with a locking, leakproof lid.
Don’t forget your beverage. Bring your drink with you with a stainless steel double-walled thermos, glass bottle or travel mug.