DEAL OF THE DAY: Here are the 21 best products from Walmart's spring deals
Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Storage for Leftovers

Last updated on March 15, 2024
food storage containers

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Whether you’re whipping up holiday favorites, packing lunches or saving leftovers from your favorite takeout joint, one thing’s for sure: You’re going to need a great set of containers to store your leftovers. You could toss your Thanksgiving stuffing into a Ziploc bag or stuff your midday work snack into a flimsy sandwich bag, but you — and your food — deserve better. A fantastic set of reusable storage containers for your food is the best way to keep it fresh.

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

Food storage containers come in an array of sizes, materials and colors. Glass containers are sturdy and generally safe to put in the microwave, oven and freezer. They’re also easy to see through, so you never lose track of that meal you cooked up a few days ago. However, they are heavier than plastic containers, and they can break or chip if you drop them.

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

You might end up spending more than you’d like to with glass containers. Luckily, hard plastic containers are quickly catching up to glass in terms of durability and longevity. Most new plastic food storage containers are also BPA-free. Some are dishwasher, oven, freezer and microwave safe, but they still might break down over time. They’re also more likely to retain odors or colors from your food, but this can be prevented with proper care. 

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

Locking lids are available on both glass and plastic containers. These lids offer a tighter seal that may keep your food fresher for longer. They can also prevent spills or leaks, which is vital when packing leftovers for lunch. 

Finding the right storage containers for your food will keep your tastebuds happy for days or weeks after you make your meal. Head over to our Tips & Advice for more hints on buying the right set.

Our Picks For The Top Storage for Leftovers

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
  The Best Overall

Bayco Glass Food Storage Containers With Lids, 24-piece

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Bayco

Glass Food Storage Containers With Lids, 24-piece

Consider this set your one-stop shop for all your food storage container needs. The 12 different sizes in circles, squares and rectangles include capacity from 1.4 cups to 4.5 cups. You can even choose blue, green, pink, gray or purple rimmed glass lids.

Overall Take

VarietyNot only does this come in three different shapes with four different sizes, it's available in five different colors.

 Best Plastic

Rubbermaid Leak-Proof Food Storage Containers

Rubbermaid

Leak-Proof Food Storage Containers

This lightweight container set holds plenty of leftovers. A leak-proof design and odor-resistant plastic sweeten the deal. They've also got vents under the latches for easy microwaving at lunchtime. In our test kitchen, we liked how lightweight these containers were, as well as the fact that they were easily stackable.

Overall Take

Rock-Solid StorageThe Rubbermaid Leak-Proof Food Storage Containers is a light but sturdy container set with snap-on lids and vents for microwaving

 Best Glass

Pyrex Glass Food Container Set

Pyrex

Glass Food Container Set

Pyrex is known for its sturdy kitchenware, and this food container set is no exception. The containers and lids can withstand drops onto kitchen tiles, microwaves, freezers and ovens. The color-coded lids also make organization easy. In our test kitchen, we liked the color-coded lids for organization, as well as the fact that we could use these gla...

Overall Take

Guaranteed DurabilityThe Pyrex Glass Food Container Set is a reliable set that's built to survive drops, microwaves, ovens and more

  The Best Value

Promoze 50-Pack Microwavable Food Containers

Promoze

50-Pack Microwavable Food Containers

Overall Take

What to Look For

  • If you want a container that you can pop directly in the microwave or oven, look for a glass container with built-in vents under the locking lid. This type of lid provides the airtight storage you need to keep your food fresh and the convenience you need to reheat food in seconds. 
  • Make sure that any plastic containers you buy are marked “BPA-free.” BPA is an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics, and it was common in plastic containers until a few years ago. It can seep into food over time and cause health problems.
  • Many plastic containers are marked safe for ovens, freezers and microwaves, but consumer reviews beg to differ. If you want a guarantee that your plastic containers will last, wash them by hand and let them air dry.
  • Airtight containers should have a silicone seal built into the bottom of the lid. Look for this feature before you plunk down cash for a set that isn’t truly airtight.

More to Explore

If it seems like your food goes bad within a day or two after grocery shopping, you might need to heed some food storage advice. 

When you buy bananas, take them apart from the bunch when you get home. You can use a leftover cardboard six-pack holder to keep each banana safe and fresh.

Storing a loaf of bread in the fridge will protect it from mold, but it will also make your bread go stale more quickly. Keep your bread tightly closed in its original wrapping for maximum freshness.

It’s fine to keep commercial maple syrup in the pantry, but pure maple syrup doesn’t have the preservatives to survive on the shelf. Keep it in the fridge, then pour out a serving size and heat it up in the microwave when it’s pancake time.

More to explore