Food Containers

In addition to providing a safe storage solution for your retail food products, plastic and glass food containers are also suitable for keeping your kitchen organized. Attractive glass bottles and jars make great pieces to show off on your countertop or cabinet. When selling your food products to the masses, glass and plastic containers make it easy to create an eye-catching display.

You can choose from a variety of container types for storing a vast array of foods or individual ingredients. Whether you need our large gallon-sized jugs, or containers for just a few ounces, you can find many unique container shapes and designs in our inventory. Popular options include economy round glass jars, clear plastic spice bottles, and HDPE plastic packer wide-mouth round bottles. If you sell or store food items in bulk, our large 3.5-gallon round plastic pails with a convenient handle are available as well.

Each food container can be fitted with a tight-sealing cap to keep your products fresh. You can also opt for a functional cap or closure for easy dispensing of food products, like condiments, sauces, dressings, spices, powders, and more. Feel free to peruse our vast selection of closures to find the one that’s perfect for your food containers.

If you’re ready to start manufacturing, but you’re not quite sure which food containers are right for your products, contact one of our BottleStore.com container experts today to learn more. We also provide assistance with labeling, if you’re looking for solutions for retail sale.

Are food containers safe and food-grade?

Not all containers are created equal when it comes to food safety. Food-grade containers are specifically manufactured and tested to ensure they won't leach harmful chemicals, alter taste, or contaminate your food. The FDA regulates these materials through extensive testing protocols.

• For plastic containers, look for recycling codes 2, 4, and 5 (HDPE, LDPE, and PP), which are considered safe for food contact.
• Avoid code 7, which may contain BPA, and codes 1, 3, and 6, which are designed for single-use only.
• If you're using plastic, always choose products labeled as BPA-free, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe—especially important since heat and repeated use can cause chemical leaching.
• Glass, stainless steel, and ceramic containers offer the safest alternatives.
• They're non-reactive, don't absorb odors or stains, and won't release chemicals into your food.
• While they're heavier and more expensive, they provide superior longevity and peace of mind.

Before storing food in any container, verify it's specifically marked as food-grade. When in doubt about older or unmarked containers, replace them with certified food-safe options to protect your family's health.

Can food containers be used in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer?

The short answer: it depends on the material and manufacturer specifications. Not all food containers are designed for extreme temperatures or appliance use, so always check the labels or symbols on your containers before use.

• Microwave safety varies significantly.
• Glass and ceramic containers are generally microwave-safe, while plastic requires specific certification.
• Look for a microwave-safe symbol—some plastics can warp, melt, or leach chemicals when heated.
• Never microwave plastic containers not explicitly labeled as microwave-safe.
• Dishwasher compatibility is common but not universal.
• Most glass, stainless steel, and microwave-safe plastics can handle dishwasher temperatures.
• However, repeated high-heat washing can degrade plastic containers over time, causing warping or reducing their lifespan.
• Freezer use requires containers that can withstand expansion and contraction without cracking.
• Glass containers specifically designed for freezing work well, but standard glass may shatter.
• Most plastics marked with codes 2, 4, or 5 are freezer-safe and flexible enough to accommodate frozen foods.

The safest approach? Purchase containers explicitly labeled for your intended use. Quality containers will clearly display symbols indicating microwave, dishwasher, and freezer compatibility, eliminating guesswork and protecting both your food and investment.

Glass vs. plastic food containers: which material is better?

The answer depends on your priorities and how you'll use the containers.

Glass containers excel in safety and longevity. They're non-reactive, meaning they won't absorb odors, stains, or flavors—even after storing pungent foods like curry or tomato sauce. Glass doesn't leach chemicals into your food and can go directly from freezer to oven to table. It's also 100% recyclable and environmentally friendly. The downsides? Glass is heavier, more expensive, and can break if dropped, making it less ideal for packed lunches or kids' meals.

Plastic containers offer unbeatable convenience. They're lightweight, shatterproof, portable, and budget-friendly—perfect for on-the-go meals and everyday use. However, plastic stains easily with pigmented foods and can retain odors over time. Even BPA-free plastics may contain other chemicals that could leach into food when heated or used with fatty foods.

The practical solution? Many people use both strategically: glass for home storage, reheating, and long-term freezing; plastic for portable meals, children's lunches, and situations where breakage is a concern. If choosing plastic, invest in high-quality containers with recycling codes 2, 4, or 5, and replace them when they become scratched or discolored.

How do I prevent food container staining and odors?

Staining and lingering odors are common frustrations, especially with plastic containers, but prevention is straightforward with the right habits.

Immediate action is key. Wash containers as soon as possible after use—the longer tomato sauce, curry, or oily foods sit, the deeper they penetrate the material.

• Rinse containers with cold water first to prevent heat from setting stains, then wash with hot, soapy water.
• For stubborn stains and odors, try these proven methods: Create a paste with baking soda and water, scrub gently, and let it sit for several hours or overnight.
• For odors, fill the container with a mixture of white vinegar and water, let it soak, then rinse thoroughly.
• Sunlight also works wonders—place clean containers in direct sunlight for a few hours to naturally deodorize and bleach out stains.

Choose wisely from the start. Glass containers simply don't stain or retain odors, making them ideal for tomato-based dishes and pungent foods. If you prefer plastic, reserve specific containers for stain-prone foods and accept that discoloration is inevitable over time.

Pro tip: Spray plastic containers lightly with cooking oil before adding tomato-based foods to create a protective barrier against staining.

What food container sizes and shapes work best for my needs?

Choosing the right sizes and shapes depends on how you'll use them—meal prep, pantry storage, or leftovers all have different requirements.

• For meal prep and portion control, containers in the 250-500ml (1-2 cup) range work perfectly for individual servings.
• Divided containers with compartments keep different foods separated, ideal for packed lunches that include proteins, vegetables, and grains without flavor mixing.
• For family leftovers and batch cooking, mid-sized containers holding 3-5 cups handle most dinner portions, soups, and casseroles.
• Larger 2-5 quart containers excel at storing bulk ingredients like flour, rice, or prepped salad ingredients.
• Shape matters for storage efficiency. Square and rectangular containers maximize refrigerator and pantry space since they nest together without gaps.
• Round containers waste space but are easier to clean since food doesn't get trapped in corners—making them better for sticky or thick foods.
• Stackability is essential for compact storage. Look for containers with uniform dimensions and flat lids that allow stable stacking.
• Containers with interchangeable lids across multiple sizes reduce clutter and frustration.

The ideal solution? Invest in a modular set with 2-3 size options that stack efficiently. This covers most everyday needs while keeping your storage spaces organized and accessible.