The 9 Best Plastic Food Storage Containers, Tested and Approved

Best Overall: Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, 14-Piece Set

What we like: These clear, stackable containers snap tightly closed and are completely leakproof in our tests.

What to know: The set has two of various smaller sizes but only one container in the largest size, so if you regularly store big portions, this might not be your best bet. 

Our testers gave this set, which contains seven thick, BPA-free plastic containers, high marks in every category, but their leakproof lids really stand out. The lids seal in two ways: They press into the body of the container and also have clips that click down on the outside of the container to create a secondary barrier against leaks. The lids are so tight just with the sealing mechanism that if you were to forget to clip it on, it would still stay on. 

In addition to preventing leaks—even with very liquid-y ingredients like egg whites—these containers kept various foods, including berries, spinach and avocado, fresh for longer than expected. They performed well in the microwave and dishwasher and cleaned up beautifully. After storing notoriously hard-to-clean red and yellow sauces, these containers had no residual odor or staining.

Plus, the containers are stackable with their lids on and nest inside one another for storage—a huge room saver on both accounts.

Pieces included: Two 0.5-cup, two 1.3-cup, two 3.2-cup, one 9.6-cup containers, plus lids | Microwave safe: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Yes

Best Splurge-Worthy Classic: Tupperware Heritage, 36-Piece Set

What we like: These Tupperware containers are durable and leakproof, but it's their retro look that really won our hearts. 

What to know: All the containers are round, which makes them awkward to pack in a cooler or lunch box.

If you have fond memories of Tupperware parties—or you've just seen them in movies or on TV and wish you could have been to one—you'll love this classic-looking set of 18 bowls and lids in different sizes. The BPA-free set includes sturdy plastic bowls in pale pink, blue, yellow and green. 

Each bowl has a classic Tupperware "instant seal" lid that you have to press in the middle to seal the edges. At first, we found the lids frustrating to close correctly, but once we figured out the technique—you have to press down right in the middle of the lid—the containers sealed tightly and had no leaks. 

We appreciated the wide range of sizes in the set and that they're stackable, though only partially nestable since they come in so many shapes and sizes. Speaking of shapes, these bowls are a bit awkward to travel with since they are all bowl-shaped and tall, making them difficult to put in a cooler or lunchbox.

We did deduct points because these bowls are not labeled as microwave- or freezer-safe. While they are dishwasher safe, some of the containers can be difficult to fit in the dishwasher. In addition, the white lids stained easily in our tests. Still, this is a great set, especially if you're going for a vintage aesthetic in your kitchen—or if you love owning a set of containers that includes a designated "cookie bowl"! And while $100 might seem like a lot to spend on plastic containers, it's not bad considering how many pieces you get.

Pieces included:  Eight 1.45-cup (4 each in 2 shapes), four 2.5-cup, 7.5-cup cookie bowl, 3.5-cup, 5.25-cup, 8-cup, 11.75-cup, 17.25-cup | Microwave safe: Not indicated in product info | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Not indicated in product info

Best for Meal Prep: Fullstar Food Storage Containers with Lids, 51-Piece Set

What we like: With sizes and shapes to fit everything from single servings of dressing to a week's worth of chopped veggies, this container set is a meal prepper's dream. 

What to know: While most of the containers in this set were leakproof in our tests, the screw-cap dressing container leaked a bit when tested with water. Additionally, there are no large containers in this set, so if you have a lot of leftovers, you might need to divide portions into separate containers. 

If you are one of those super-organized meal-prep types, you will adore this heavy-duty rigid plastic set, which includes round, square and rectangular containers in sizes ranging from 1.2 ounces (about 1/6 cup) to 33.8 ounces (about 4 cups). It also provides label sheets and a chalk pen to keep track of what's in each container. These containers deserve praise for their sturdiness, how fresh they kept various kinds of food and their ability to neatly stack in the fridge for storage. 

Most of the containers have a clasp-type closure that takes a bit of force to close tightly and prevents leaks exceptionally well. However, the small, round containers for dressing have screw-top caps, and unfortunately, in our tests with water, they leaked tiny droplets. Because it was such a small amount, we weren't overly concerned with leakage, but it's worth noting. Still, we feel the set is secure enough that we’d feel comfortable commuting or traveling with the containers. 

The containers cleaned up quickly in the dishwasher and with handwashing and didn't stain, although a container used to store tomato sauce retained a faint odor. But for the utility, variety and price, this is an excellent set. 

Pieces included:  ‎Three 11.8-oz. rectangular containers, two 18.5-oz. rectangular containers, two 23.6-oz. round containers, one 8.1-oz. round container, two 33.8-oz. rectangular containers, one 10.8-oz. rectangular container, three 28.4-oz. rectangular containers, eight 1.2-oz. dressing cups, one 10.1-oz. round container, one 8.1-oz rectangular container, labels, chalk pen | Microwave safe: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Yes

Best for Families: Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Containers, 52-Piece Set

​​What we like: The wide variety of sizes in this set, plus the excellent price, make it perfect for families—or individuals who do a lot of meal prep. 

What to know: While these come clean eventually, it takes some scrubbing to remove strong odors and stains. 

We loved the size range represented by this  BPA-free plastic set, with containers ranging from 1/2-cup to 8-cup sizes ideal for storing leftovers, fruit, cake, gelatin desserts and more. The smaller containers are perfect for packing snacks for babies and kids, and they're tough enough for commuting, lunchboxes and travel. The easy-to-use lids audibly click when closed, so it's easy to tell when they're properly sealed—and they were completely leakproof in our tests. 

The set is stackable and nests nicely (the lids even snap together for storage), which is crucial since it's such a large set. The set is freezer-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe, all boons for busy families and individuals. However, when handwashing the containers, some had to be washed multiple times to remove odors and stains (we're looking at you, sardines and tomato sauce).

Pieces included: Four 0.5-cup, four 3.2-cup, four 2.1-cup, four 2.9-cup, four 5.2-cup, four 4-cup, two 8-cup containers and plus lids | Microwave safe: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Yes

Best for Kids: Snapware Meal Prep Mini, 16-Piece Set

What we like: These mini containers with screw-on caps are just the right size for kids' snacks, but they're also great for meal-prepping sauces and dressings for a week. 

What to know: The largest size in the set is 16 ounces (2 cups), so you'll need a separate set for larger meal-prep batches and leftovers. Plus, they don't stack well. 

These kid-friendly BPA-free plastic containers with screw-on lids practically scream, "Put Cheerios in me!" These containers from the makers of Pyrex range in size from 2 ounces to 16 ounces (2 cups), so you could put veggies in one of the larger ones and dip in a smaller one for a portable healthy snack. But they're not only perfect for snacks—our tester used them to meal prep dressings and sauces for their family of three for the week.

The screw-on lids seal very tightly and were completely leakproof in our tests. We even banged some around in the fridge for the whole week and there were never any spills. The containers kept food fresh in the fridge and locked odors in, so they didn't permeate the rest of the fridge, even with a particularly garlicky Caesar dressing. 

The containers were easy to clean and released stains and odors, although the lids showed scuffing after use. Because of their shape, the containers don't stack or nest well, so they take up more space than some of the other containers on this list. Our tester's only other complaint was that while the smaller sizes make them perfect for on-the-go meals and snacks, you'll need to pair them with another set in larger sizes if you have big batches of leftovers or meal prep in bulk.

Pieces included:  Two 2-oz., two 4-oz., two 8-oz., two 16-oz. containers with lids | Microwave safe: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Yes

Best Starter Set: Utopia Kitchen Plastic Food Containers, 24-Piece Set

What we like: This heavy-duty set of small, medium and large containers fills all but the most specialized storage needs, so it's perfect for those just setting up their first kitchen.

What to know: The smallest container holds about 2 cups, so if you want to pack up small amounts of dressings or snacks, you'll need to buy separate containers.

This stackable, nestable set includes three sizes, all equipped with lids with snap-on closures that seal incredibly well; in our tests, they handled leftovers and pack-and-go meals without a single leak. Our testers used them for energy balls, leftover pasta and salmon, cut fruit, pasta sauce, quinoa, packed lunches and to freeze muffins and cookie dough, and raved about how fresh and protected the contents were. 

The containers stood up well to the dishwasher, with no damage to the containers or seals, and released stains and odors well; our testers noticed no lingering smells, even after storing salmon. While this set is versatile, we feel a  smaller size for things like dressing would have improved it. That said, this set is hard to beat for the price and quality.

Pieces included: Four 500-ml (about 2 cups), four 1,200-ml (about 5 cups), four 2,250-ml (about 9.5 cups) | Microwave safe: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Yes

Best for Small Kitchens: Zoku Nested Food Storage, 11-Piece Set

What we like: This stackable little set has miles of style—we can picture the containers stacked up in a groovy vintage-style Smeg fridge. 

What to know: When tested with water, the largest containers leaked significantly in our tests.

This compact set has four sizes, ranging from 1/2 cup to 5 cups, with clip-down lids. It nests perfectly when not in use and easily stacks in the fridge or a lunchbox. And it looks good, so if you have a tiny kitchen, you won't be ashamed to store these out in the open instead of shoving them in a drawer with your used takeout containers. In addition to the containers and lids, the set has an ice pack that snaps into the larger lids to help keep the contents cool. 

The containers are made from extremely hard plastic (you could almost mistake it for glass), which means they're great for commuting with items like salads and snacks. They kept most foods (besides a cut avocado) very fresh and easy to clean, with no lingering odors or stains. We also thought having the cup capacity etched in large numbers on each container was a nice touch. 

These containers did not leak during everyday use, including transporting salads with dressing and storing various liquid items in the fridge. However, when tested with water and shaken upside down, the largest container leaked significantly. If you plan to use these mainly for storage in your fridge or transporting solid meals, you won't have a problem. But if you plan to transport liquids regularly, we'd opt for a different set.

Pieces included: One 5-cup, one 4-cup, one 3-cup, two 1.5-cup containers, 5 lids, freezer pack | Microwave safe: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Yes

Best for Entertaining: GladWare Lunch Variety Pack, 25-Count Set

​​What we like: While these aren't the sturdiest containers we tested, they're tough enough for transporting food and cheap enough that you wouldn't mind sending them home with a friend or family member. 

What to know: These are technically microwave-safe, but we found they got slightly soft when exposed to high heat.

If you host a lot of dinner parties or holiday meals or have kids (or adults) who frequently lose food storage containers, this inexpensive lunch set of plastic containers is the perfect solution. The set comes in various sizes: small ones for dressings and sauces, medium ones for sandwiches and large ones for salads or storing leftovers. 

Given the relative lightness of these containers compared to others we tested, we were impressed by how well these containers stood up to our leak tests. These containers also did an admirable job of keeping food fresh and were easy to clean in the dishwasher without lingering stains or odor. While the containers and lids nest nicely for storage, our tester complained that these didn't stack well.

They're not the most glamorous-looking receptacles, but for lunch preppers and frequent hosts, a set or two of these containers would be a great addition to your kitchen.

Pieces included: Five 24-oz. rectangular (3 cups), five 25-oz. square (about 3 cups), five 42-oz. square (5.25 cups), ten 4-oz. round (0.5 cups) | Microwave safe: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Yes

Editor's Pick: Snapware Total Solution 20-Piece Plastic Food Storage Container Set

What we like: These sturdy containers come in a nice variety of sizes, and the lids close easily, even with repeated use. 

What to know: While the lids seemed secure, we found these containers were completely airtight during our testing.

This set of containers earned high praise from EatingWell senior food features editor Carolyn Malcoun in a previous roundup of the best food storage containers. Malcoun loves the range of shapes and sizes for storing leftovers, the secure snap-on lids, and the fact that these are dishwasher-, microwave- and freezer-safe. 

We felt the range of sizes for this set was perfect and loved the stackability. The containers performed well in the microwave and dishwasher, with no damage, lingering odors or stains. 

The containers kept food relatively fresh; however, in our most recent tests, the seal was not 100% airtight and leakproof, so if you plan to transport things like soup, one of the other sets on this list might be a better pick.

Pieces included: Two 8.5-cup, two 5.5-cup, two 4-cup, two 3-cup, two 1.2-cup | Microwave safe: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Freezer safe: Yes