Why I Switched to Glass Storage Containers

I grew up with using old-fashioned thick green, orange, and yellow Tupperware containers to store food, plus some little clear square containers with odd greenish-blue lids. In fact, I think my mother still uses that Tupperware, some of which is stained and pock-marked.

So, when I moved out, she went out and helped me get some cheap plastic storage containers which snap-on lids, which I used all through college and for several years afterwards. But I had the same problems: the lids were always disappearing, it was difficult to keep the cupboard organized, and after a couple years my love of Italian food left many of my containers stained.

So, about a year ago, there was a sale on glass storage containers at Big Lots and I decided to make the switch. After all, it couldn’t really be that much worse than trying to fight with my plastic containers, could it? Now, a year after I made the switch, I can’t believe that I didn’t realize sooner how much better it would be.

Here are some reasons why I switched, and you should too!

1. Glass containers clean easier

I love Italian food, but that red sauce always does a number on plastic containers. Back when I used plastic containers, I actually had a couple which were stained and they became my designated “red sauce containers” in the hopes of avoiding staining every container I owned. Glass, however, has none of those issues. Also, you know that lingering smell that plastic gets if you don’t rinse it out immediately? Glass washes 100% clean every time, meaning you have less cross-contamination.

2. Glass containers are free from chemicals

A few years ago, it came to the attention of the public that many plastic containers were made using bisphenol-A (BPA) which has been linked to possible health risks. While the FDA technically says that it’s safe, many people became worried about BPA leaking into foods and causing problems, especially in children.

As a result, many manufacturers no longer use this chemical in their manufacturing process. However, BPA has never been present in glass, so this is simply an added protection.

3. Food tastes better in glass containers

I didn’t realize this until I switched, but if you’re using inexpensive plastic containers, that “microwave” taste that food sometimes gets is actually not entirely from the microwave—it’s from your container! Using a glass container solves this issue, and food also heats a little more evenly. As a bonus, you can get one of the nice Pyrex or Anchor sets and throw them directly in the oven if you like, which is better and also tastes delicious. Win-win!

4. Glass containers store easier

Now, this might simply because I had really cheap Tupperware, but I purchased a bunch of glass containers all at once, in four different sizes and they all stack together ridiculously easy. I have a wooden box for the lids in my cupboard, and everything is within easy reach. It’s mind-blowing how simple it is to put supper away with everything right there and organized. There are even glass containers that have snap-on lids so you can store them all together.

5. Glass containers last longer

I am something of a klutz, so when I got my glass containers, I was really worried that I would drop them and they would shatter. I ended up getting some Anchor glass containers, and while they are a little heavier, they are actually pretty sturdy. I have dropped them several times, and none have broken yet which is pretty good. Additionally, with a year’s worth of use, they almost all still look like new. Because I got mine on sale from Big Lots, the lids look a little worn, but not ridiculously so. They’ve survived better than my plastic containers did and have had more use as I tend to take my lunch in them.

So, are you going to switch? Have you tried glass containers? Tell me your thoughts below!