You likely have storage containers in your cupboard for safe food storage. This is especially true if you prepare your meals in advance, save leftovers after a big meal, or cut fruits or vegetables. I have an entire cabinet full of storage containers for safe food storage!
Storing your food properly is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from harmful bacteria that causes food poisoning. One of the best ways to do that is to refrigerate or freeze food as quickly as possible in containers with tight-fitting lids.
Did you know the type of food containers is just as important? It may seem as simple as choosing what’s convenient. However, the type of food container really does matter for safe food storage. I will tell you the difference between plastic and glass containers and why you should always use glass food containers for safe food storage.
Glass is non-porous and doesn’t release any harmful chemicals into your food. So, by switching to glass, you are adding a layer of safety to your and your family’s meals and not worrying about potential health hazards associated with plastic containers.
Safe Food Storage
Food storage containers are designed to safely preserve food, organize kitchen space, and make cooking easier. Any of us that are on unique or special diets know that meal prep is key to success. I try to prep my meals for the week so that I know I’ll have healthy food that doesn’t cause inflammation or a reaction even if my friends decide to go out to eat or the office orders lunch. Safe food storage containers come in handy in all of these cases.
The benefits of safe food storage goes well beyond convenience. Some of the benefits of safe food storage containers include:
- Keep food clean, fresh, and tasty – some food comes in containers that let in air or aren’t easy to store in the fridge or in your pantry (I’m looking at you bags of spinach). Putting that food into safe food storage containers helps keep things organized and the food fresh!
- Protect the nutrient levels in food – we already know that the nutrient levels in our foods are declining every year so it’s important to do whatever we can to protect them.
- Help avoid food waste – when food spoils we tend to throw it out. If we can store it properly we avoid that excessive waste.
Without the proper safe food storage, there is potential for bacteria or toxins to grow on food that could lead to food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
However, did you know that bacteria is already present in most of your food? It’s true. Bacteria gets into our food during processing, packaging, or when it is grown.1
Even organic foods are likely to be equally contaminated with bacteria.2
However, a simple washing of the food can clean off most bacteria. What’s more important is that bacteria that has contaminated your food goes into hibernation when put in the refrigerator or freezer until it is either washed off or dies when cooked properly.
Temperatures for safe food storage are 39 degrees fahrenheit or below for the refrigerator and 0 degrees fahrenheit or below for the freezer.3 Next I will tell you about the foods that put you at a higher risk for food poisoning and safe temperatures to cook them to kill bacteria.
If you’re following The Myers Way®, you’re not eating processed foods, GMOs, or preservatives. The chemicals used on these foods are designed to increase their shelf-life. While that may sound like a good idea when we’re talking about safe food storage, these chemicals are full of toxins that lead to autoimmune disease.
I always recommend a diet full of organic fruits, vegetables and meats. However, these foods are not immune to bacteria and don’t contain the toxic ingredients meant to keep them “fresh” so proper care in cooking and storing is still essential to keep them safe to eat. Eggs, prepared salads, and meat are considered high-risk foods. Even dairy substitutes are at risk for bacteria that can lead to food poisoning.
The best way to kill bacteria in food is to cook it to a safe temperature. Invest in a good food thermometer to ensure your food is cooked to the proper temperature. The CDC recommends the following temperature guidelines for food safety:4
- Poultry: 165 degrees fahrenheit
- Whole cuts of meat: 145 degrees fahrenheit
- Ground meat: 160 degrees fahrenheit
- Fresh ham: 145 degrees fahrenheit
- Fish: 145 degrees fahrenheit
- Leftovers or casseroles: 165 degrees fahrenheit
Now that you know the high-risk foods and the safe temperatures for cooking and safe food storage, let’s discuss the differences between plastic and glass containers for safe food storage.
Cons of Glass Food Containers
Glass is extremely fragile and that should be considered. If you drop a glass container, it will likely break and could cause injury or get glass into your food. It’s also expensive to replace. On a positive note, glass is 100% recyclable if it breaks.
Glass is significantly heavier than plastic, which can make it hard to travel with. It also makes storage more difficult, as glass containers are harder to stack and take up more space in your cabinet than plastic containers.
Glass containers are typically more expensive and typically aren’t sold in bulk. You won’t find a deal of 5 containers for less than $10. Good glass containers can cost up to $50 for a set of 5. On the upside, glass containers last longer so you won’t have to replace them often. Sometimes if you do the math they even come out less experience over the long term!
Don’t buy a Glass Food Storage container until You see This!
FAQ
Is glass containers better than plastic?
Does food keep better in glass containers?
Is it better to store food in glass or stainless steel?
Why you should use glass containers?
Are glass containers good for food storage?
Glass containers for food storage: Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without any loss in quality. Glass containers have a longer lifespan compared to plastic, reducing waste. The production of glass containers requires less energy and resources than plastic containers.
Are glass storage containers better than plastic?
While glass tends to cost more than the average plastic container alternative, you’re paying for a longer lifespan and a higher-quality product to keep your food fresh. We tested 16 glass storage container sets, considering factors like capacity, glass type, and lid design. Here’s how they stacked up.
Should you use plastic or glass containers?
Whether you’re taking lunch to work or packing snacks for the kids, plastic is a favorable solution. Plastic containers can release chemicals when frozen just as they can when heated. For better food safety, opt for glass.
Are glass containers recyclable?
Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without any loss in quality. Glass containers have a longer lifespan compared to plastic, reducing waste. The production of glass containers requires less energy and resources than plastic containers. Plastic containers for food storage: