Shopping·8 min read

12 Essential Food Storage Containers Your Kitchen Needs ASAP

the best food storage containers for your kitchen
Design: theSkimm | Photo: W&P
July 12, 2021

Certain things about food storage containers can be true: Sometimes they’re hard to fit into your kitchen cabinets, and many aren’t as leak-proof as they claim. But have you met these?

These storage containers are the crème de la crème. We’re talking airtight options that are easy to clean — and plenty of microwave-safe ones too. Wanna ditch the box for a bag? We have stand-up food storage bags for ya too. We hate to brag, but we’re about to seriously upgrade your fridge. Without further ado...

This post was originally published in July 2021 and has since been updated.

soup cubes you can put in the freezer

A freezer tray for soups, sauces, and stocks to help you plan ahead…

Ah, the solution you’ve been looking for. Stop dumping liquids you don’t finish. Now you can freeze ‘em and eat them later. And this tray makes certain things way less awkward to store. The bottom is silicone, so you can easily push out the blocks. Aka no furious banging against the counter. We’re talking easy release. ($34+, Food52)

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microwavable leftover containers

Microwavable nesting storage bowls that can really do it all…

They can go from the freezer to the fridge to the microwave (sans lids). So you don’t have to dirty different plates and bowls while trying to eat one meal. They’re also leak-proof and airtight. So they’ll keep things tasting fresh. And to store, just stack them. No need to waste precious cabinet space. You’re welcome. ($55+, Food52)

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silicone food storage bags that can stand up in the fridge

Silicone storage bags that stand up…

No more foil, plastic wrap, or plastic baggies. These silicone bags can go in the microwave, dishwasher, fridge, and freezer. Use ‘em to store leftovers or ingredients like chopped veggies, fruit, or grains. They can even be used for household items or to marinate meat. ($32/2 pack, W&P)

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small airtight containers that can hold dressings

Dressing containers for your homemade vinaigrettes…

The silicone lids snap on to keep liquids inside, so you can store and transport condiments and dressings without a fear of spilling. They can go directly into the dishwasher when dirty. And they’re BPA-free. No more soggy, sad salads for lunch. ($15/2 pack, W&P)

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food containers that can regulate airflow and keep produce fresh

Produce savers that’ll prevent your food from molding too soon…

These containers regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide flow. So your fruit and veggies last longer. That’s right. Lettuce won’t wilt. Blueberries won’t soften. Plus, the built-in filter never needs to be replaced. Pro tip: don’t wash produce before putting it into the containers. Just drop everything in and store ‘em in your fridge. You can wash food before you eat it. ($16+, Amazon)

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airtight containers to store pantry foods

Storage containers that’ll whip your pantry into shape…

Dry goods like pasta, rice, flour, and sugar never looked so good. These containers are also great for pet food. And they’re easy to clean. The tight lids keep moisture out, and they stack nicely to keep your shelves compact. Since everything is clear, you’ll never have to question what’s stored where. ($29.94+/4 pack, Amazon)

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leftover containers that snap closed to keep food fresh

Leftover containers that snap closed and won’t trap odors…

So whether you’re storing pasta or veggies, these won’t stain. They’re awesome for meal prep, so you can portion out the food you cook Sunday evening. One container is the perfect size for an individual serving and can be placed directly into the microwave to be heated. Easy peasy. ($7.99+/2 pack, Amazon)

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food vacuum sealer

A vacuum sealer with built-in bag storage and cutter…

Need to keep things fresh for a while? This vacuum sealer has you covered. With the press of a button, it’ll seal anything you want. It also comes with two rolls of bags to get you started. Having trouble with it? The machine has a five-year warranty just in case you have technical difficulties. Phew. ($139.99, Amazon)

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bread box with a bamboo lid

A bread box made from recycled plastic bottles…

Ideal for all your sourdough, whole wheat, and multigrain loaves, this handy bread box will keep crust crisp and insides soft. If you wanna cut a slice, you can flip the lid over and use it as a cutting board. No more stale bread a few days after buying. You’ll finally be able to get through the entire loaf before mold sets in. ($69, Food52)

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clear butter dish with rubber stoppers on the bottom

A butter dish with a bunch of tiny helpful features…

Yes, it’s a butter dish, but hear us out. This one has stoppers on either side to keep the butter from sliding, tablespoon measurement markings, and a bottom with silicone edges that’ll keep the dish in place while you’re cutting. The clear lid means you’ll be able to keep an eye on how much you’ve got left, so you’ll know when to add it to your grocery list. It really is the little things in life. ($10.99, Amazon)

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clear egg containers

An egg holder that can fit up to 16 at once…

The lid is clear so you’ll know how many have left. And you can write directly on the top with an erasable marker to keep track of the expiration date. Simple solutions that will only make your fridge better. ($14.99, Amazon)

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cereal dispenser

A cereal dispenser that’s portioned at 1 ounce per twist…

You can also use it for nuts or candy. It’s an easy way to serve up breakfast without having to dig through the cabinet for the box of Cheerios. ($16.26+, Amazon)

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If you buy anything from this email, theSkimm may get something in return. Oh, and if something’s out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate too) when we published. Thanks.

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