Learn About 3 Effective Food Storage Solutions

Looking for the best food storage solutions can be difficult due to the wide variety of products available for purchase online and in most stores. If you use food storage containers for meal prep purposes or to store leftovers from previous meals, investing in the right storage solutions can help you preserve food longer. There are advantages and disadvantages to each option and weighing the pros and cons of these containers can help you make the right choice for your storage needs.

Glass containers may be heavier, but they provide you with the ability to transition from storing food to cooking food with a few simple steps. Plastic containers are lightweight and easy to place into a backpack or work bag ahead of your commute. For those who like compartments in their containers, bento box storage options may be best for you.

You may choose to mix and match storage solutions as well, depending on your lifestyle and preferences. More information about selecting the best food storage option is covered below.

Learn About Bento Box Food Containers

People who enjoy having their food separated into different compartments can purchase bento box containers or similar items from several companies, either online or in store. Bento box food storage containers function like takeout containers by providing you with separate slots to hold numerous food items at once. You may need to be cautious about the way you transport these storage solutions as they can be prone to spills depending upon the type of food you are taking with you each day.

If you want to portion your meals to aid in weight loss or healthier eating habits, bento box containers are a beneficial investment to make. You can determine in advance what size protein, starch and carbs you want to consume throughout the day and then portion your bento boxes accordingly.

These storage containers come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose to pack a bento box for each meal you are eating away from home. For breakfast, you can portion out eggs, fruit, and bacon in your bento box and eat at your desk once you arrive at work. You can create snack options with your bento box, or you can pre-portion dinner for the week by purchasing seven different bento box containers and evenly distribute your meal prepped items into each container.

Learn About Glass Food Storage Containers

For those who are skeptical about plastic storage containers, investing in glass food storage solutions can help you avoid any potential issues from repeatedly using the same plastic containers. Glass containers are heavier than plastic options and can break easily if you accidentally drop them but generally, they are the more versatile selection. Glass storage containers can be placed directly into the oven, meaning you do not need to transfer the contents of your container before cooking or re-heating food.

This can significantly reduce the amount of time you spend cooking each day, as you can prep your meals in advance by storing them in a glass container and then you can transition the container from the fridge to the oven when you are ready to eat.

Glass food storage solutions are air-tight and can protect and preserve your food in the freezer as well as in the refrigerator. If you like to store leftovers for a later date, pack your food into glass containers, seal the lid completely and then place in the freezer until you are ready to use them again. You can purchase glass food containers in a variety of sizes which allows you to store any items you may need throughout the week. Snacking is made easier with glass storage containers because you can pack almonds, crackers and cheeses into the smaller container to leave at your desk or to enjoy on your commute.

Another benefit with glass containers is you can peer right into the container and identify what is inside, which is helpful if you normally have multiple leftover containers in your refrigerator.

Learn About Plastic Food Storage Containers

Plastic food storage containers are often the most popular because they are lightweight and are available for purchase in bulk options. Different manufacturers create different packages of plastic food containers for you to buy, with many manufacturers selling multiple sizes in each bulk set.

Common food storage solutions made of plastic are available in three, five or 10 packs with containers of various sizes in each. These containers are often easier to stack and store than the glass variety which allows you to declutter your kitchen cabinets within a few moments.

Food storage containers made of plastic are effective because they can be carried around in your bag without the added risk of breaking them if you accidentally drop them in your home or on the go.  There are downsides to this option and you must consider all aspects of these containers before ultimately making your purchase.

Plastic food storage containers are often seen as a temporary solution, as repeatedly using, cleaning and heating plastic can leave your food with a strange taste over time. It is not unsafe to consume food from a reheated plastic container, but you may not find it appealing to eat your leftovers if they smell and taste like plastic.

An additional drawback to using plastic containers in lieu of glass containers is the plastic variety cannot be placed into the oven. You run the risk of melting or warping your plastic containers by attempting to heat them in the oven or by reheating them in the microwave for a long time or at a high heat. When using plastic containers as your go-to storage solution, you may want to consider only storing cold items or snacks, as this extends the lifespan of your containers. You can transfer the contents of your container to a microwave-safe bowl or oven-safe dish if you want to reheat leftovers or prepare a meal.

You may want to consider the idea of purchasing both plastic containers and glass containers for your food, as this provides you with the ability to store cold items in plastic and reheat leftovers in glass to ensure you are getting the most effective results for each option.

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