The best plastic-free ways to store all your food
Between prepping meals and saving leftovers, food storage is a critical (and often underrated) element of an eco-friendly lifestyle.
But food storage is not one-size-fits-all. From blueberries to rolled oats, the best plastic-free food storage options vary depending upon what’s in your pantry and fridge.
So, forget the plastic ziplocks and styrofoam containers — a world of sustainable storage options await you and your kitchen cabinets!
Plastic-free produce storage
Produce that can be stored plastic-free on the counter (at room temperature)
- bananas
- onions
- garlic
- cucumbers
- mushrooms
- tomatoes
- potatoes
- lemons
- limes
- squash
- eggplant
A bowl, cloth towel, and food wraps, such as Wrappa will usually do the trick. (Plus, the flexible material of Wrappa’s food wraps makes them a great tool for wrapping around bowls, plates, half-eaten avocados, you name it. )
Produce that must be stored plastic-free in the fridge
- carrots
- berries
- leafy greens
- brussels sprouts
- grapes
- celery
- broccoli
And they should be stored in a way that allows the produce to breathe (i.e. no sealed lid). We recommend containers like these porcelain ones from Crate & Barrel for berries, your favorite glass container sans lid, or a simple tea towel. However, cherries and grapes do better in sealed spaces — so keep the lids for those!
Also, washable produce bags like these ones from Ecology are breathable, biodegradable, and reusable. The trifecta for eco-friendly produce storage. They’re great for everything from arugula to strawberries.
**Pro tip: wash produce right before eating to avoid early spoilage (the skin sucks up the water making them more prone to mold).
Plastic-free vegan cheese storage
Food wraps are also a good choice for most vegan cheeses. Here are three of our favorite brands:
Plastic-free lunch to-go and leftovers containers
Brilliance Food Storage Containers are perfect for salads, grain bowls, pastas, and almost every other type of on-the-go meal. And they’re made of glass, which is BPA-free, leak-proof, and clear, so you won’t forget all the deliciousness is in your fridge.
For soups, we recommend Stanley’s Vacuum Food Jar, which can keep food hot for up to 15 hours. And it’s leak resistant for commute bumps and turns.
Plastic-free snack containers
Swell’s S’nack collection is perfect for overnight oats, yogurt & berries, and chia puddings. Your classic mason jar will also work for treats like these.
And we’re obsessed with Stasher Bags, which are silicone versions of classic ziplocks, for snacks like sliced apples, cookies, and crudités.
Plastic-free bulk food storage
Bulk ingredients like oats, beans, tea leaves, flour, and sugar should be kept in a space with an airtight seal. OGGI containers are ideal homes for kitchen staples. They’re easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and made of acrylic with an airtight clamp.
Plastic-free liquids storage
Cold brew, juices, smoothies, and sauces can be kept in glass bottles with leak-proof lids. As for salad dressing, you can pack your dressing to-go with these little silicone squeeze bottles from OXO.
Now that you’ve got all your food storage handled, check out these posts for foodie inspiration!
