Glass containers are my main way to store food at home. Unlike plastic, glass has been proven to not leech toxins into food and never retains the smell or color of yesterday’s leftovers.
Do not reuse restaurant takeout containers for food storage; they are designed to be single use and are not engineered to withstand dishwasher or microwave heat. Instead, hand wash these types of containers and re-purpose them for storing accessories or use them as drawer dividers. Here are my favorite containers to use at home.
My friend introduced me to these containers a few years ago and I have loved them ever since! They are very prevalent in Europe and come in a variety of sizes. The 0.5 liter jar is the perfect size for a hearty lunchtime soup or leftover spaghetti squash with meatballs. I also use these smaller 0.25 liter jars for homemade dips because it’s easy to take the top off and serve directly from the glass container. These containers are great for freezing foods such as single portion soups. Just remember to leave about an inch of space at the top because otherwise the glass can crack as the frozen liquid expands.
The gasket creates a pretty good seal once you fasten the metal parts. To break the seal, simply tug at the external gasket piece. Although Weck Jars are not necessarily leak proof, I generally do not have a problem if the jars are stored upright. I usually transport it in a reusable bag (such as a small Lululemon shopping bag with a rectangle bottom) so if it does spill, I can easily rinse the bag. The best feature is that if the rubber gasket gets smelly or if you lose a part, you can buy each piece separately.
Rubbermaid Glass Food Storage Container Set
These glass containers are stackable AND most of them share the same size lid — how exciting is that?! I love maximizing precious kitchen cabinet space! I use these containers for all sorts of leftovers. The containers also come in a stackable 1.5 cup size, which is a great size for freezing soups. Another great thing about these containers is that they work well for serving food for casual meals. After eating, it is easy to pop the lid on and store leftovers in the fridge.
I think it’s best to start with a set and then customize your set by buying additional containers you need individually. However, the lids are plastic, so I try not to fill the containers to the top with food and I never put the lids in the dishwasher. If the lid absorbs the scent of strong-smelling food, just sprinkle baking soda on it and let it sit for a day or two. This trick works like magic! I keep a baking soda shaker near my sink at all times. After you wash your lid, the smell will be gone.
Other Glass Containers
Did you know that typically the most expensive part of an item sold in glass is the packaging itself? Don’t forget about the glass containers you get for free! My favorite local honey comes in 8 ounce glass jars and, over the years, I have amassed a large set of the perfect glass jars to use for single portions of chia pudding and overnight oats. I bring my green smoothies to work in glass bottles that were originally filled with kombucha, and Trader Joe’s salsa jars make the perfect re-purposed cocktail glasses or small vases to store fresh herbs.
To remove stubborn labels, soak the glass jars in hot water for a few hours and then carefully peel the label off. If that doesn’t work, put on gloves and get to work with WD-40 and cotton pads. I typically use WD-40 as a last resort and then make sure to wash my glass jar reeaaalllyy well before using it with food.
How do you like to store leftovers at home?
