10 Best Food Containers for Home & Traveling in 2024
BornCute
Jessica Mentzer
Whether you are on a particular diet, you want to maintain healthy eating, or you want to cut back on food expenses when traveling, bringing your food is always an enviable decision. You get the option to pack your preferred meals in the right proportion, seasoning and the variety that you want. When keeping fit or losing weight, you get the advantage of sticking to your diet goals.
It is best to pick containers that are best suited to your food type and travel factors. There are so many options for food storage from thermos flasks, plastic containers, stainless steel to glass containers. In our list, we have all these types with different holding capacities, prices, and durability features. We have comprehensively reviewed each product for you to comprehend their features, strengths, weaknesses and its value. We went through a rigorous selection process to handpick these products.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 210 hrs of research
Food storage container with 16 oz capacity
Features double wall stainless steel insulation with couple coated
Keep foods cold or hot up to 12 hours
Includes folding stainless spoon for easy on the go eating
Extra wide mouth for easy eating or placing food inside
10 Best Food Containers Reviewed
1. DaCool Insulated
Food storage container with 16 oz capacity
Features double wall stainless steel insulation with couple coated
Keep foods cold or hot up to 12 hours
Includes folding stainless spoon for easy on the go eating
Extra wide mouth for easy eating or placing food inside
Folding spoon is not great quality or design
Container is not dishwasher safe
Keep food or liquid cold or cold throughout the day with this food container. It is completely leak proof and allows items to hot or cold for long periods of time. The extra wide mouth design makes it easy to put food in and take food out. It is perfect to be able to eat right out of the containers. Includes with the set is folding stainless steel spoon.
Read moreDesign
The designers of this food container are serious about what they do. They have even included a Lifetime safety and warranty on the product. It contains no BPAs, no PVCs, and has been approved by the FDA. The container has been constructed from 304 stainless steel which is a food grade material that makes this product great. Along with the vacuum insulation technology that features a double wall of stainless steel and a copper coating for insulation this container will be your ‘go to’ for traveling.
Brand
Keeping your food hot or cold is what this company aims to do and with this double insulated leak free container, they have seemed to achieve it. This company is so sure of their product that they encourage people to reach out to them regarding the container at any time. Their container is their promise.
Maintenance
When it is time to place your food in this container it is suggested that you actually prep the container by placing hot or cold water into the container. Placing the water into the container preheats or pre-cools the container for your food. This actually keeps things hotter or colder for even longer periods of time. Place the water in to prepare the air in the container, then dump out, place food in and enjoy for up to 12 hours, depending on the outside temperature.
Price Range
Coming right in at the middle range for quality food storage containers that are able to keep food warm or cold this container is a well-constructed container for the price. The hours that it is able to keep your food warm or cold is great plus the warranty is great.
2. Anchor Hocking Classic
Safe for food
Compact size for traveling
Tight seals that are leak proof
Small enough to pack different foods in each
No odor retention
Easy to wash
Stackable and take less space
The lids tend to wear out easily
Anchor Hocking is a USA-made product. It comes as a set of four containers. The containers are made of glass while the lids are BPA-free plastic.
Read moreDesign
If you are worried about plastic leaking in hot food, then a glass container is a good pick. They are microwave friendly, and so, you can always safely warm your meals.
Brand
These containers are also excellent for traveling as the lids are tight fitting and take very little space. Their small size makes them exceptional for packing a variety of foods.
Maintenance
They are dishwasher, freezer, microwave, and oven (4250F) safe. However, the lids are not meant for the oven. Each container has a capacity of approximately one measuring cup.
Price Range
These are a bit pricey considering their holding capacity, but they are a healthy choice. Their lids may not be that durable, so you will need to get other replacements. However, they are a great pick if you want to control your food portions. Overall, they are worth buying.
3. SOMIGA Insulated 17 oz
Unbreakable
Has a warranty
Effective in maintaining food temperature
Attractive soft colors
Easy to open
Wide mouth for scooping or adding food
Hard to clean
The Somiga set is unique in this list in that it is unbreakable. It is built of durable stainless steel with an insulated double wall vacuum to keep your food either hot or cold. The lid is made of polypropylene plastic and has a spoon attached at its top.
Read moreDesign
This product is good for you especially if you are traveling with kids. It comes with a spoon, and its lid is bowl-like, so you can eat from it without getting additional utensils.
Brand
Its durability and price are also something to consider. The best thing about it is that if it develops a malfunction, you can take it back.
Maintenance
The coating is also a standout as it is scratch resistant and antimicrobial. Quality is guaranteed with a one year warranty. The containers are available in two sizes; 17 and 26oz.
Price Range
The set is fairly priced for the features that it offers. You are assured of its quality as it comes with a warranty.
4. Rubbermaid Brilliance, 10 Piece Set
Great container set featuring 10 pieces (5 base containers and 5 lids)
Stack perfectly in the refrigerator, cooler, or lunch bag
Feature a crystal clear 360 transparent design
Lids are leak proof, airtight, and have built in vents under latches
Material is stain and odor resistant
Lids of the containers are hard to wash by hand
Not easy to pour liquids from the containers
When dinner turns into leftovers these containers are just perfect for a variety of different foods because of the different size containers that come in this set. They stack wonderfully with all Brilliance containers to keep things organized, see to see, and they have a great space saving design.
Read moreDesign
Each of the containers is constructed from a stain and odor resistant material that do great in the dishwasher, the microwave, and can even be placed in the freezer. The leak proof design along with the airtight lids make for a great container to take on the go or just to stay at home for your refrigerator. The lid and the base container both feature a crystal clear Tritan 360 degree transparency material that makes it easy to identify what exactly is in each container. Included in the set you will find five plastic container bases and five lids to match.
Brand
From one of the biggest names in the food storage industry comes one of the best set of containers that they have designed yet. The leak proof, airtight lids that also feature built in latches make warming up food simple. They stack like a dream in the refrigerator or cooler, then with the leak free design makes placing in a lunch box easily and leave you feeling confident throughout the day.
Maintenance
Keeping these containers clean is simple. They feature a stain and odor resistant material that washes up great in the dishwasher or in the sink. This set of containers is perfect for all occasions, from holiday cooking parties to lunch at work. When you use one of these containers you can feel safe knowing the food will stay in the container.
Price Range
When you look at the price of these containers and the quality materials and design that they feature the price is right on point. The set features two containers that are 1.3 cups, two containers that are 3.2 cup and one that is 9.6 cup. All the containers come with a matching airtight, leak proof lid.
5. ContainerFit 3 Pack
Excellent for food safety
Has compartments for different foods
Airtight and leak proof
Oven safe
Does not break easily
Large carrying capacity
Fairly priced
Fairly heavy
The ContainerFit product comes as a set of three glass containers with a total holding capacity of 32oz. The containers are compartmentalized into three portions for you to pack healthy balanced meals.
Read moreDesign
The glass material is one of the safest materials for food containers. The producer of this container puts this fact into practice through their high-quality food products. They are safe, durable and very well-priced. They are great for family traveling as they have a large holding capacity and are leak proof. What really intrigues us about this product is the containers are compartmentalized. If you are working out, the last thing you want is to be messed up by your diet. These containers allow you to watch the amount and type of food that you pack- carbs, proteins, veggies, nuts, salads, name them. Moreover, the segments discourage different types of foods from mixing, deterring the flavor and taste.
Brand
They are made of high-quality borosilicate glass that is fit for freezing, microwave, and dishwashing
Maintenance
The glass can be heated up to 5000F. The lids are made of safe propylene plastic that is free of BPA and phthalate. Moreover, they use a sure-lock design with a silicone-sealed cover that is leak proof.
Price Range
ContainerFit containers are very reasonably priced considering that they are high-quality glass that is heavy duty. Even more, the containers come with a one-year warranty.
6. Nicole Home Collection 36-Pack
Durable plastic
Easy to wash and stack
Do not slide over each other when stacked
Simple design
Suitable for both wet and dry food content
Lid fits tightly
Affordable
Can break if not properly handled
Nicole Home Collection comes as a package of 36 containers each 16oz. They are made of high-quality plastic that is reusable, dishwasher, microwave and freezer friendly. They are also BPA free.
Read moreDesign
If you prefer plastic food containers, then this collection is not only affordable but heavy duty and reusable.
Brand
You can use them for so many other purposes, not just travel- thus a great value for your money.
Maintenance
The containers are clear for you to identify the food content easily- you will not need food labels. The lids are airtight and leak proof.
Price Range
These containers are incredibly easy on the pocket for a 36 set that is heavy duty. The fact that they are reusable makes them more valuable. You can use them for traveling, and when you get back to your house, you can reuse them for other purposes.
7. U Konserve Mini
Durable and safe
Compact in size
A better alternative to plastic
Easy to wash
Does not leak
Good for portion control
Pricey
Difficult to open as the lid sticks
U Konserve comes as a set of three stainless steel containers. Each has a holding capacity of 3 oz. The steel is food-grade, recyclable, free of BPA, lead, and phthalate free. Also, it has undergone independent testing by a CPSIA accredited testing laboratory.
Read moreDesign
The containers are ideal for stacking snacks, nuts, berries, cookies, sliced fruits, hummus and much more.
Brand
Their compact size makes them ideal for portion control, and even better, they take less space in your travel bags. For kids, you can pack snacks for them to carry to school or a picnic.
Maintenance
These mini stainless-steel containers are a perfect pick for you to pack your snacks and vitamins.
Price Range
U Konserve containers are in the high price range of traveling food containers, but they are totally worth it if you want a safe alternative to plastic bags and containers. Moreover, they are independently tested to prove that they are food-grade and safe.
8. Herb Guard Airtight & Smell Proof
Sleek design
Airtight
Smell proof
Compact traveling size
Heavy glass material
Maintains appropriate humidity
Comes with a solid protective box
Has groove on the inside where food content keeps on accumulating
The Herb Guard set is for you if you need to travel with your herbs, coffee, spices, and teas. It is airtight and has UV coated protective glass that keeps your food content fresh for months. It is a small container with a 2.5inch width and height, and a capacity of 100ml (quarter oz) though there are other larger ones.
Read moreDesign
This container is for you if you cannot leave your spices, herbs, teas, or coffee behind when traveling. It keeps them fresh and protects them from moisture.
Brand
Furthermore, they are smell proof so you will not have to announce to everybody what you are traveling with. Its scoop and resealable travel bags even make it more convenient.
Maintenance
The container comes equipped with a two-way humidity control pack to prevent the content from either drying out or absorbing moisture.
Price Range
The Herb Guard product may look pricey for a quarter oz container, but then, it is high quality and even comes with a lifetime guarantee. It does what it is meant to do, and from the verified user reviews, we are convinced that you will get value for your money.
9. AKS Vacuum Insulated
Maintains food temperature
Preserves food flavor
Suitable for both soups and solid foods
Watertight
Comes with a carrying bag
Sturdy and firm construction
Large carrying capacity
Has a wide mouth that makes it easy to fill food
Good for thermos cooking on the go (saves time and fuel)
Difficult to open the lid (for kids)
If you need to keep your food hot, then the AKS vacuum-insulated stainless steel food jar would be a brilliant pick. It keeps food hot for eight hours and cold for 12 hours. The bottom is non-skid for steady standing in your bag and any surface. The jar is leak-proof and has a scald-proof rim if you want to take hot fluids. The container has a capacity of 16oz, which is a generous amount of space. It does not have a handle but a streamlined design that makes it easy to hold and carry.
Read moreDesign
For colors, you have the choice of a very appealing coffee brown, grass green, yellow, or baby pink. This food container is also excellent for thermos cooking.
Brand
The AKS set is an excellent pick if you need to travel with your homemade food. It is a good choice not only to promote your health but also if you are trying to achieve some level of fitness on a specific diet. You do not have to buy hotel food or indulge in unhealthy snacks when you can simply make your food, put it in this container and you will be good to go. Furthermore, it is leakproof, so you can carry smoothies and soups in it.
Maintenance
It also preserves food freshness and flavor. The material used is food grade steel that is BPA-free.
Price Range
This option is reasonably priced bearing in mind its ability to maintain food temperature for many hours, its high steel durability, safety, and convenience.
10. SELEWARE Portable and Stackable
Attractive and customizable
Leakproof and airtight
Can hold up to 30oz
Environmental friendly
Easy to carry
Great for portioning food sizes
Great for both snacks and formula as they are watertight
Odor resistant
Lightweight and compact
Easy to organize different types of foods
Bottom jar is not inter-lockable
Seleware product comes as a four-piece stackable set with a twist lock design. The jars are made of food-grade plastic of premium Eastman Tritan. The plastic material is microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, free of BPA and phthalate. They are scratch, stain and odor resistant too
Read moreDesign
These containers are not only good-looking to carry, but they also take less space in your bag and are air and watertight, making them excellent traveling jars. Moreover, their lids have a removable handle that enables you to either stack more or fewer jars.
Brand
When it comes to washing and warming your food, they make your work easier as they are microwave and dishwasher friendly. You do not have to worry about food odor sticking to the jars as they are smell-resistant.
Maintenance
The lids are attached to a removable handle, which enables you to carry the number of containers that you need. Moreover, they have a silicon ring attached to the lid, to make them 100% leak-proof and airtight.
Price Range
Seleware jars are fairly priced considering that they are made of high-quality plastic, convenient for packing and carrying, and their multipurpose characteristic. If you are traveling with kids or you are looking to lose weight, and you need to portion your variety of meals, then you will be more than glad to invest your money in it.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
Buying a product from a physical or online store can at times be tasking especially if you have never bought that product before. It even gets more tasking if you are not sure of its quality and durability. We have made choosing a traveling food container a little bit easier, in our review. We have chosen the best that you will currently find in the market. Making a selection was not easy for us too - we had to do a market search. This is the criteria that we used to pick these products.
Brand
A strong brand reputation was another critical consideration. We selected products from manufacturers that are renowned for their unmatched quality and durable products. These manufacturers are also known well for their excellent customer response and satisfaction. Their products also meet their advertisement claims. Some of the producers have even put a lifetime warranty on their products. Is there any other better way to prove the efficacy of a product?
Maintenance
Here are some tips to make your traveling food containers remain in tip-top shape and serve you longer
Plastic containers and lids
Go easy on the microwave
Only use the dishwasher for those labeled ‘dishwasher ’
If dishwashing, stick to the top rack to avoid melting the container
Keep the containers stain-free by spraying a light coating of cooking oil before adding food
If already stained, soak in a mild bleach solution for about thirty minutes
Always rinse (but it is preferable to clean with warm water) immediately after removing food to eliminate odor and stains
If the container has already absorbed the smell, freshen it up with a natural deodorizer like baking soda
Stainless steel containers
Use a soft cloth, sponge, or a scouring pad to clean. Avoid materials that may scratch the container.
For stubborn dirt, use a nylon non-abrasive pad or use a baking soda paste
If your container(s) has polish lines, scrub parallel to them
Use an alkaline, alkaline chlorinated or non-chloride cleaning material to prevent corrosion
Minimize use of hard water
Leave them to dry before storing
Clean and dry immediately after removing food
To remove stickers and labels soak in hot soapy water or soak with vegetable oil then gently scrape off
If you notice any rust, use a scratchless pad without water or a cleaning paste and a cloth to clean
Thermal control containers
Clean with warm water
Handwashing is recommended using a brush
For stubborn stains use baking soda or soak overnight with warm soapy water
Avoid bleaching products
Before using, prefill for about three minutes with hot water for hot food and cold water for chilled or cold
Do not use in the microwave
Do not exceed the recommended holding capacity
Do not use for milk products as there is a possibility of bacterial growth
Do not use for carbonated drinks
When storing, keep the container empty and open
Glass food containers
The glass is relatively easier to maintain.
Wash with mild detergent
For dishwashing, use the top rack on the low heat cycle
When handwashing, avoid abrasive materials
Avoid frequent impact and scratches
For the freezer and oven safe containers, do not place directly from the freezer to oven as extreme temperature changes may cause breakage
Do not overfill
Avoid stacking glass containers when storing them
Price Range
A research study conducted in early 2015 showed that more than 90% of customers rely on reviews and ratings to make a buying decision. It is prudent to see what others have to say about a product before buying it. However, you need to be careful as some sellers have gotten into the habit of unfairly soliciting positive reviews. We were much aware of this during our search. Thus, we only considered reviews and customer feedback from online sellers that filter their reviews. We only settled on feedback from verified, unbiased and objective customers. We then chose products that had the highest user ratings and positive reviews.
Design Brand Maintenance Price Range 
If you need a food container that you will use for just one trip, a disposable one would be more economical. However, if you will need to use it over and over again for trips, lunch, to carry kids’ snacks, then consider a reusable container. Some containers can also be used for other purposes, not just carrying food- for meal preparation or freezer, kitchen cabinet, microwave, oven, and as fridge containers.
Mostly, food goes hand in hand with quality. The pricier traveling food containers have had more workmanship put into them. So, they are more durable and convenient. The type of material used will also significantly influence the price of a container. If you need something that will last you longer, we recommend that you invest more. However, you should be careful as a high price does not always translate to quality. Consider doing a background search from other experienced users before buying.
Other Factors to Consider
Safety
Raw materials used in making food containers are a critical subject. Some materials have been shown to leak and into food, and others have substances like Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS). These two substances have been proved to have hormone-mimicking properties that are linked to chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Therefore, we made sure that the containers that we chose are made from food-grade materials.
Style
If you need to keep your food either hot or cold when traveling, a thermal food container will help maintain the temperatures until you are ready to dig in. These types of containers use the vacuum wall technology to prevent heat loss. Again, if you need your smoothie, drink or any other kind of food chilled, a thermal food jar will maintain that cool temperature and freshness. Most of them have wide openings, and you can eat directly from them, making them even more convenient. Most keep hot temperatures for six to eight hours and 12 hours, for cold food.
Ease of Use
The kind of food that you want to carry will also determine the type of container that you buy. Some food containers are meant for both solid and liquid food while others are only meant for one. Others have compartments to store different foods, and others have stackable dishes in which you can pack a variety of meals. If you need a container for soups, the mouth should not be too wide, and it should be watertight. For solid food, it should be wider to allow easy scooping. For snacks, nuts, and salads a small container is enough. Coffee, herbs, teas, and spices need a container that is preferably small, airtight, and moisture controlled.
If you are watching your diet, then small, portioned or partitioned containers would be an ideal pick. If you are traveling for a long time or with family, then larger containers are the best for you.
Materials
There is no perfect material for food containers since each has its pros and cons. What you should bear in mind when buying one is that some are safer, more durable and can be used for several other purposes.
Glass food containers are generally considered to be safer than most other materials. They do not leach unwanted chemicals when in contact with food, are non-porous and are safe to be used over and over again. Washing a glass container is very easy as it does not absorb stains and smells. The fact that glass can withstand high temperatures also makes it very easy to sanitize at high temperatures. When it comes to durability, glass food containers are built to last long. However, glass containers are heavier, take more space in your bag, are costly, and some are quite fragile.
Plastic food containers are less costly than most food containers. They are manufactured in high quantities, making them more readily available. They are therefore the most common packaging containers that you will find around. Some of the plastic containers are heavy duty and can last longer. They are also lightweight and take less space when traveling. It is also very easy to recycle plastic as it takes less energy. On the other hand, plastic absorbs food smells and flavors. It is also affected by scratches, and can easily dent or crack. Although it is easier to recycle plastic, some people do not pay attention to it. When disposed, plastic contaminates soil, and it becomes an expensive affair to manage the toxicity it creates.
Stainless steel containers are more durable as they have a good mechanical strength and are non-breakable. They can withstand heat too, and if you do not like using the microwave, you can put your stainless steel container right on the stove. They are also lightweight and take minimal space in your bag. On environmental friendliness, metallic containers are highly recyclable. Their drawback is that they are prone to corrosion and quickly lose heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Which is the best container material to buy?
It is hard to pinpoint a particular material to be the best. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and again, it depends on your needs. On the factors to consider when buying a food container, we have comprehensively discussed the pros and cons of each. It is best for you to weigh what works for you best.
q: What if I want to keep my food hot?
There are food containers that are designed to maintain the temperature of your food. They use vacuum technology for heat retention. On our list, we have several such products.
q: What about their pricing?
Prices of the containers vary depending on the material used, durability and multifunctionality. No matter your budget, be sure that you will get a container that will serve your purpose. If you want one that will serve you longer, invest more, but if you want a short-lived one, there is no need to spend much.
q: Can the containers be used for other purposes?
Most of the food containers on our list can be used for other purposes other than carrying food. They can be used for storing food in the freezer, fridge or kitchen cabinet, for prepping your meals, or baking if oven-friendly.
q: How should I wash them?
If dishwasher friendly, use the top rack on the low heat system. Do not use harsh detergents. For handwashing, use warm soapy water. Avoid abrasive cleaning pads.
Sources
- , Best Reusable Containers for School Lunches, Blog Article
- , Reusable, Waste Free Lunches: How to Save Your Money, Your Health, and the Environment, Informative Article
- , Lunch box tips, Informative Article
- , 6 GOOD REASONS TO SWITCH FROM PLASTIC TO GLASS FOOD STORAGE, Blog Article
