Zero waste food storage is one of the first considerations when transitioning to a non-toxic and eco-friendly kitchen. Not only is choosing plastic-free food storage safer for you and your family, but it’s better for the planet and usually your wallet in the long-term too.
With an ever-growing number of low waste storage options available, it can be difficult to navigate through it all so I’ve created this guide to share the best reusable food storage options available and what their best used for.
Note that this guide includes affiliate links, which means I will earn a commission on qualifying purchases. As always, all brands featured meet strict standards for sustainability.
1. Stasher Bags
Stasher gets the first spot on this list because their reusable silicone bags are my favorite plastic-free food storage option! Made from 100% platinum-grade silicone, Stasher’s bags can be safely put in the freezer, microwave, oven, or dishwasher. Plus, I love that they’re transparent so I can always know what’s in them without having to open up each container/bag. (Stasher also has bags in different colors!)
Best for… snacks, leftovers, produce to freeze, and anything you’d otherwise put in a plastic bag
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2. Food Huggers
Food Huggers will soon be the hero of your zero waste kitchen with their flexibility and functionality. Great for sealing up half-eating avocados and apples or covering those jars you lost the lid to, Food Huggers will be your trusty sidekick on your mission to reduce food waste.
Best for… preserving cut produce, covering jars without lids
3. Glass Jars
Great for refrigerating and freezing smoothies, soups, jams, and more or for storing away just about anything in your pantry, glass jars are among the most versatile zero waste food storage containers available. The most sustainable option is to use jars you already have from sauces, nut butters, and other foods that come in glass from the store. But if you don’t have enough glass jars, Wayfair has an incredible selection of options.
Best for… storing dry goods or liquids, refrigerating/freezing food
4. Frego Glass and Silicone Containers
If you’re looking for the benefits of glass (safe, long-lasting, eco-minded) but nervous about dropping — or your kids dropping — and cracking the glass, Frego has just the solution. Their sustainable storage containers feature three components: a glass bowl, silicone sleeve that covers the bowl, and a silicone sleeve.
Best for… families; storing prepared meals and leftovers in the fridge
Use code CONSCIOUSLIFE for 10% off
5. Stainless Steel Containers
For ultra-durable, 100% plastic-free storage, stainless steel containers are the perfect match. No matter the size you need, Package Free Shop has these zero waste food containers in a wide variety of sizes, from 8 to 26 centimeters. The only problem I’ve had with stainless steel containers is that it’s easy to forget what you actually put in them so I find them to be best for using as a lunch box rather than using them to store a bunch of food in the fridge.
Best for… packing lunches and snacks to go
6. U Konserve Stainless Steel Containers
To solve the problem stainless steel containers often present of not knowing what’s inside of them, U Konserve has stainless steel containers with transparent silicone lids. For smaller amounts of food (like packing snacks to go), check out their medium-size container.
Best for… lunches and snacks to go, leftovers
Use code CONSCIOUSLIFE for 10% off
7. Reusable Food Wraps
Reusable food wraps are a more flexible and minimal form of zero waste food storage. They can be used to wrap around sandwiches, half-eaten avocados, or a freshly baked pie. Most are made with beeswax, but Khala & Company has a vegan reusable food wrap option made from a cotton-hemp fabric, responsibly-sourced soy wax, jojoba and coconut oil, and tree resin.
Best for… wrapping around produce and baked goods
Use code CONSCIOUSLIFE for 10% off
8. Bamboo Storage Jars
With containers made from recycled bamboo and lids made from renewable cork, these jars are the ultimate eco-friendly food storage. The small jar sets are great for storing snacks like nuts and dried fruits, and their large jars are ideal for holding flours, sugar, or other dry goods.
Best for… storing snacks and other dry goods
9. Organic Cloth Produce Bags
Safe for your food and better for the planet, organic cotton produce bags are a great way to shop for and store away fresh produce like carrots, apples, and broccoli without using plastic bags. They can also be used to purchase and store dry goods at bulk stores!
Best for… shopping for and storing produce
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