Introduction
Are you tired of throwing away expired food? Are you looking for ways to store your food for longer periods of time? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are turning to long term food storage solutions to ensure that their food stays fresh and edible for months, if not years.
But, with so many different containers on the market, how do you know which one is the best for your needs? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best containers for long term food storage. From plastic to glass, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
Recommended Products for Best Containers for Long Term Food Storage:
- Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers – Made with high-quality, food-grade plastic that won’t absorb odors or flavors over time. The containers are stackable, dishwasher safe, and come in a variety of sizes.
Pros:
- Made with high-quality, food-grade plastic
- Stackable
- Dishwasher safe
- Come in a variety of sizes
Cons:
- May not be suitable for all types of food
- Ball Mason Jars – Made with non-toxic, reusable glass that won’t absorb odors or flavors over time. The jars are versatile and can be used for a variety of different types of food.
Pros:
- Made with non-toxic, reusable glass
- Versatile
- Can be used for a variety of different types of food
Cons:
- Heavy and breakable
- Can be more expensive than other options
- Mylar Bags with Oxygen Absorbers – Made with durable, vacuum-sealable mylar material that can keep food fresh for years. The bags come with oxygen absorbers to help prolong the shelf life of your food.
Pros:
- Made with durable, vacuum-sealable mylar material
- Can keep food fresh for years
- Come with oxygen absorbers
Cons:
- May not be reusable
- Can be more expensive than other options
- Vtopmart Airtight Food Storage Containers – Made with high-quality, food-grade plastic that is airtight and leakproof. The containers are stackable, dishwasher safe, and come in a variety of sizes.
Pros:
- Made with high-quality, food-grade plastic
- Airtight and leakproof
Recommended Products for Best Containers for Long Term Food Storage:
- Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers – Made with high-quality, food-grade plastic that won’t absorb odors or flavors over time. The containers are stackable, dishwasher safe, and come in a variety of sizes.
Pros:
- Made with high-quality, food-grade plastic
- Stackable
- Dishwasher safe
- Come in a variety of sizes
Cons:
- May not be suitable for all types of food
- Ball Mason Jars – Made with non-toxic, reusable glass that won’t absorb odors or flavors over time. The jars are versatile and can be used for a variety of different types of food.
Pros:
- Made with non-toxic, reusable glass
- Versatile
- Can be used for a variety of different types of food
Cons:
- Heavy and breakable
- Can be more expensive than other options
- Mylar Bags with Oxygen Absorbers – Made with durable, vacuum-sealable mylar material that can keep food fresh for years. The bags come with oxygen absorbers to help prolong the shelf life of your food.
Pros:
- Made with durable, vacuum-sealable mylar material
- Can keep food fresh for years
- Come with oxygen absorbers
Cons:
- May not be reusable
- Can be more expensive than other options
- Vtopmart Airtight Food Storage Containers – Made with high-quality, food-grade plastic that is airtight and leakproof. The containers are stackable, dishwasher safe, and come in a variety of sizes.
Pros:
- Made with high-quality, food-grade plastic
- Airtight and leakproof
- Stackable
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- May not be suitable for all types of food
- Gamma Seal Lids – Made with heavy-duty, food-grade plastic that can be used with any standard 5-gallon bucket. The lids are airtight and easy to open and close, making them a great option for storing large quantities of food.
Pros:
- Made with heavy-duty, food-grade plastic
- Can be used with any standard 5-gallon bucket
- Airtight and easy to open and close
Cons:
- May not be as stackable or space-efficient as other options
- May require purchasing a separate 5-gallon bucket
The Best Containers for Long Term Food Storage
- Plastic Containers
Plastic containers are a popular choice for long term food storage because they are affordable and come in a variety of sizes. However, not all plastic containers are created equal. When choosing plastic containers for long term food storage, look for ones that are made from high-quality, food-grade plastic that won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food over time.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Easy to find in stores
- Comes in a variety of sizes
Cons:
- Can absorb odors over time
- Not as durable as other options
- Can warp or crack over time
- May not be suitable for all types of food
- Glass Jars
Glass jars are a great option for long term food storage because they are non-toxic, reusable, and won’t absorb odors or flavors over time. They are also easy to clean and can be used for a variety of different types of food.
Pros:
- Non-toxic
- Reusable
- Won’t absorb odors or flavors
- Can be used for a variety of different types of food
Cons:
- Heavy and breakable
- Can be more expensive than other options
- May not be suitable for all types of food
- Can take up a lot of space
- Mylar Bags
Mylar bags are a popular option for long term food storage because they are lightweight, durable, and can be vacuum sealed to keep food fresh for long periods of time. They are also resistant to punctures and tears, which makes them ideal for storing food in a variety of different environments.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Can be vacuum sealed
- Resistant to punctures and tears
Cons:
- Can be difficult to find in stores
- May not be reusable
- Can be more expensive than other options
- May not be suitable for all types of food
- Metal Containers
Metal containers, such as stainless steel or tin, are a great option for long term food storage because they are durable and won’t absorb odors or flavors over time. They are also non-toxic and can be used for a variety of different types of food.
Pros:
- Durable
- Won’t absorb odors or flavors
- Non-toxic
- Can be used for a variety of different types of food
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than other options
- Can be heavy and difficult to transport
- May not be suitable for all types of food
- Can rust over time if not cared for properly
- Vacuum Sealed Plastic Bags
Vacuum sealed plastic bags are a popular option for long term food storage because they are lightweight, affordable, and can be used for a variety of different types of food. They are also easy to store and won’t take up a lot of space in your pantry or storage area.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Can be used for a variety of different types of food
- Won’t take up a lot of space
Cons:
- Can be prone to punctures or tears
- May not be as durable as other options
- Can be difficult to reuse
- Not suitable for all types of food
FAQs
Q: How long can food be stored in these containers? A: The length of time food can be stored in these containers varies depending on the type of food and the container used. However, with proper storage techniques, food can be stored for several months to several years.
Q: Are these containers safe for storing food? A: Yes, all of the containers listed in this article are safe for storing food. However, it’s important to choose high-quality, food-grade containers to ensure that no harmful chemicals leach into your food over time.
Q: Can I reuse these containers? A: Yes, many of these containers can be reused multiple times. However, it’s important to clean them thoroughly between uses to prevent any cross-contamination.
Conclusion
When it comes to long term food storage, choosing the right container is crucial to ensuring that your food stays fresh and edible for as long as possible. Whether you opt for plastic, glass, mylar, metal, or vacuum sealed plastic bags, each option has its own pros and cons.
Ultimately, the best container for long term food storage will depend on your personal preferences and the types of food you plan to store. By considering the pros and cons of each option, you can make an informed decision that will keep your food fresh and safe for years to come.