To come up with our list of the best glass food storage containers, we spent hours researching top-rated products and reading user reviews, considering factors such as durability, thermal shock-resistance, versatility, and value. We also received tips and recommendations from Talia Koren, founder of the meal planning subscription service and blog Workweek Lunch and author of The Workweek Lunch Cookbook.
Our top pick, the Pyrex Simply Store Glass Food Storage Container Set, was chosen for its durable tempered glass construction, variety of shapes and sizes, stackability, and reasonable price. Below you’ll find more recommendations for the best glass food storage containers, and keep scrolling for information on how to buy the best glass food containers for all your needs. Pyrex is known for its durable yet lightweight food storage that can last a lifetime when properly cared for, and this set is no exception. “Pyrex glass containers are definitely my favorite!” says Koren. “They make oven-safe, freezer-safe glass containers that are significantly lighter in weight than other brands.” This affordable 18-piece set features a variety of rectangular and round containers in varying sizes, ideal for both storing leftovers and meal prep. The different colored lids make it easy to match them to their corresponding containers, and gives you the ability to color code for better fridge, freezer, and pantry organization. The set stacks neatly together to maximize storage space. Made from durable tempered glass, the containers are microwave-, freezer-, oven-, and dishwasher-safe—although we don’t recommend exposing them to extreme temperature changes, like going directly from the freezer to the oven (the same goes for all tempered glass containers). However, tempered glass is less prone to breaking when dropped or hit against something. For those with limited grip strength or arthritis, the airtight, press-on lids are easier to seal and remove than snap-on/locking lids, but the trade-off here is they might not be as leak-proof when carrying on the go. Lastly, we love that the Pyrex glass food storage containers have less of a “lunchbox” appearance than much of the competition, which means you can seamlessly bake, serve, and store, all from the same container. Product Details:

Type of Glass: TemperedLids: PlasticCare: Top-rack dishwasher safe

This affordable, catch-all set contains three different shapes—round, square, and rectangular—as well as a variety of different sizes for a total of 12 containers and 12 lids. The locking rubber-sealed lids make these containers 100 percent leakproof, so your leftovers can go straight from the fridge to your lunchbox without worry. This collection is a great starter set because it has a size or shape for virtually every need. The round containers are excellent for storing liquids like soups and stews, while the square and rectangular containers will maximize fridge space and fit nicely into a backpack or lunchbox. On the downside, the manufacturer warns not to stack these containers without using a layer of plastic to separate them, in order to avoid possible breakage. Those with limited storage space, like, say, in a dorm or small apartment, will want to keep this in mind when storing this set. Product Details:

Type of Glass: BorosilicateLids: PlasticCare: Containers are dishwasher safe; lids should be hand-washed

The clean, modern design of these food storage containers allows you to keep dry ingredients organized and visible—but that’s not all. The airtight bamboo lids not only add a clean, minimalist feel to any pantry, but they keep food fresh for longer. As you press down on the lid, you’ll hear the sound of the pressure as the rubber-sealed bamboo creates an airtight seal around your food, ensuring it’s safe from pests or dust. Available both individually and as a set of four, the sizes include a 4-inch jar that’s perfect for coffee, tea or spices; a 6-inch jar for nuts, seeds, or candy; an 8-inch jar for grains, beans, or rice; and a 12-inch jar for pasta or flour. The borosilicate glass is both dishwasher- and fridge-safe, so you can use these jars beyond just the pantry. Product Details:

Type of Glass: BorosilicateLid: BambooCare: Containers are dishwasher safe; lids should be hand-washed

For meal prep, divided containers are a game-changer, as they allow you to portion out ingredients into separate compartments without using multiple containers. The two compartments paired with the leak-proof locking lids make these containers ideal for preparing and carrying lunches to work, school, and elsewhere. Plus, their stackable, rectangular design helps you save precious fridge space during the week. The thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass means the containers, which are safe for the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher, can easily go from one temperature extreme to the next. Plus, the vented lids release steam or pressure if you put hot food directly in the containers. While the lids are leak-proof, the compartments are not, so it’s probably best to store liquids in a separate container entirely to avoid spillover from one compartment to the other. Product Details:

Type of Glass: BorosilicateLid: PlasticCare: Containers are dishwasher safe; lids should be hand-washed

These modular, stackable containers from Rubbermaid feature leak-proof and airtight locking lids, so you can toss them in a backpack or lunchbox with peace of mind. The trade-off here is that the locking lids can be difficult to maneuver for those with limited grip strength or arthritis. Although they’re meant for storage, the sleek glass base makes them suitable for baking and serving straight from the container. Each container is microwave-, dishwasher-, freezer-, and oven-safe (up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit), and features a vented, microwave-safe lid that allows for splatter-free reheating—a rare find in glass food storage containers. Product Details:

Type of Glass: TemperedLid: PlasticCare: Top-rack dishwasher safe

Most glass food storage containers don’t have glass lids, so Pyrex’s all-glass storage set is a rare gem for those looking for containers with as little plastic as possible. The glass lids feature silicone rims to ensure airtight and leak-proof storage, but the lids themselves are made entirely of glass. The minimalist design is just as functional as it is beautiful—the sizes range from 16 ounces to 56 ounces, and both the containers and lids are microwave-, oven-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe. However, these glass-on-glass containers are more heavy and cumbersome to transport than containers with plastic lids, so these may be best reserved for at-home use, as opposed to carrying to work or school. Product Details:

Type of Glass: TemperedLid: GlassCare: Top-rack dishwasher safe

If you make infrequent trips to the grocery store or prepare meals well in advance, these vacuum-sealed containers will keep food as fresh as the day it was prepared. Unlike most food storage containers that lock to keep air out, vacuum seal containers keep air out and remove any existing air. Here’s how it works: Dock the included vacuum pump onto the valve of the container or vacuum bag and push the button to extract air. Once enough air has been removed, the pump will automatically stop. The starter set comes with the rechargeable vacuum pump, four vacuum bags, and two glass vacuum seal containers, the latter of which are freezer- microwave-, oven-, and dishwasher-safe and made with thermal-resistant borosilicate glass. And although this is the most expensive set on our list, it more than makes up for it by helping to reduce waste and cut down on food costs in the long run. Product Details:

Type of Glass: BorosilicateLid: PlasticCare: Containers are dishwasher safe

Most of the time, food storage container sets feature small to medium containers for individual meal prep. But whether you’re batch cooking ingredients or making large quantities of soup ahead of time, having at least one glass food storage container for larger portions can come in handy, particularly for families. This 8-cup container (which is available in other sizes too) features four locking tabs and a silicone seal for leak-proof storage, as well as borosilicate glass construction that can go from the freezer to the oven. Product Details:

Type of Glass: BorosilicateLid: PlasticCare: Top-rack dishwasher safe

Ditch the plastic bags for good—these 5-ounce containers are ideal for storing small portions such as homemade or leftover baby food, pet food, sauces, dips, dressings, yogurt, snacks, and more. The borosilicate glass food storage containers can tolerate extreme temperature changes, and the locking lids provide an airtight seal around your food. We particularly love the multi-colored lids that allow you to color-code your containers for different needs, such as if you want to keep containers used for pet food separate. The glass containers are microwave-, dishwasher-, and oven-safe. Product Details:

Type of Glass: BorosilicateLid: PlasticCare: Top-rack dishwasher safe

How to Shop for Glass Food Storage Containers

Glass Type

Glass is glass, right? Turns out, depending on how it’s treated, glass can vary greatly in terms of durability, price, and function. Here are some of the most common types of glass you might come across in cookware or food storage: Untreated soda lime glass is the least expensive type of glass, and is most commonly used for window panes, glass bottles, food jars, etc. Untreated glass is prone to shattering as a result of thermal shock, which is why it’s not oven- or freezer-safe. Therefore, you’re not likely to find food storage containers made with non-heat-treated soda-lime glass. Tempered Glass is soda lime glass that has been heat treated to make it more durable and heat-resistant. It’s considered safer than untreated glass, because when it does break, it crumbles as opposed to breaking into shards, so there’s less likelihood of injury. Compared to both untreated glass and borosilicate glass, tempered glass is much less likely to break when dropped or hit against something. Borosilicate Glass is the most resistant to thermal shock, meaning it can withstand extreme temperature changes. It contains boron trioxide, an ingredient that changes the nature of the glass and allows it to go straight from the freezer to the oven without cracking. On the downside, borosilicate is more expensive and more brittle than tempered glass, meaning it’s more likely to break if you drop it. So which type of glass is right for your needs? For carrying leftovers or work lunches on-the-go, tempered glass is the least prone to cracking if dropped. However, if you plan to subject your containers to extreme temperature changes (e.g. going from the oven to the fridge and vice versa), borosilicate glass food storage containers are the least likely to crack under these conditions.

Lid Type

Most glass food storage containers feature a plastic or silicone lid (often a plastic lid with a silicone seal), although it is possible to find glass food storage containers with glass lids. Be sure to check the manufacturer instructions when it comes to your lid—oftentimes the glass containers will be oven-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe, but the plastic lids will not. Many plastic lids may be washed in the dishwasher on the top rack only. Glass food storage containers with snap-on or locking lids feature a lock-in-place mechanism that protects from leaks and odors, making them an excellent choice for on-the-go storage, such as school or work lunches. “Snap-on lids are ideal for food storage because not only does it help keep odors in the containers (and not in your fridge), but it also ensures food won’t spill if you’re taking food to work with you,” says Koren.

Features

When you think about how you plan to use your storage containers, consider what features are most important for your needs. Planning to reheat leftovers at work? Make sure your containers are microwave-safe. Want to bake, serve, and store all in one container? Double check that your container is oven-safe and consider borosilicate glass for extreme temperature changes. Looking for a meal-prep helper? Freezer-safe food storage containers allow you to prep and store meals weeks in advance. Be sure to consider how these features may differ when it comes to lids, which are generally made from plastic.

Size and Shape

How you plan to use your glass food storage containers will affect which size or variety of sizes you choose. Whether you’re baking a family-size lasagna or storing tiny portions of baby food, glass food storage containers generally range from 1 cup to 7 cups, so there’s a size to fit any storage need. “For most lunches and dinners I like to use a 30 oz (roughly 3 cups) container,” says Koren. “This size holds plenty of food for one portion and is easy to carry around.” When it comes to shape, rectangular containers are the best for optimizing fridge or freezer space, while round containers can be good for storing liquids. For storing dry goods, consider what you plan to store in them—bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Some ingredients, such as whole grains, seeds, nuts, or ground spices, can go rancid when stored in bulk over long periods of time, so it may make more sense to purchase smaller containers for these ingredients.

Variety and Quantity

When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a variety of shapes and sizes for any need. Oftentimes variety sets feature containers that will stack easily to minimize the amount of space they take up in your cabinets. If you’re looking for a container for a specific purpose, such as storing baby food, you’ll also find sets that include just one or two different sizes and shapes for a designated purpose.

Questions You Might Ask

Are glass food storage containers better than plastic?

This really comes down to personal preference, but Koren prefers glass: “Glass and plastic food storage containers function the same when it comes to storing food, though I prefer glass and recommend them to people who utilize meal prep and leftovers often,” says Koren. Glass food storage containers generally have a longer lifespan (provided they don’t break), are oven-safe, and less likely to retain odors or stains. However, glass does have its disadvantages: Glass containers are heavier, more likely to break or shatter, and more expensive than plastic containers. With proper care, glass food storage containers will last a lot longer than plastic containers, but you have to assess their potential drawbacks as well, especially if you plan to carry the containers with you on-the-go. People with kids may also want to consider plastic containers to eliminate any risk of the glass breaking and causing injury.

What type of glass is best for food storage?

Tempered glass is one of the most common and reliable types of glass for food storage because it’s affordable, heat-resistant, and the least likely to break when dropped or hit against something. However, borosilicate is the better choice if your containers will be undergoing extreme heat changes.

Can glass food storage containers go in the oven and freezer?

Tempered glass containers can go in the oven and freezer, but you have to take special measures to avoid temperature shock: “If you plan on reheating food from frozen in glass containers, I recommend letting the container sit in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours to avoid the risk of shattering a cold container in a hot oven,” says Koren. If you don’t want to take these measures, opt for thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with nearly three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To put together this list, she spent hours researching the best glass food storage containers and combing through user reviews. For expert recommendations, she consulted Talia Koren, founder of the meal planning subscription service and blog, Workweek Lunch and author of The Workweek Lunch Cookbook.