Can I Store Food In Glass Containers Instead Of Plastic?

“I’ve been trying to get away from using plastic containers for storing my food but I’m not sure if glass containers are a better option. I want to reduce chemicals, but also keep my food fresh as long as possible. I’ve just started preserving some of my vegetables and leftovers at home, so any information on whether I should switch to glass—especially for long-term storing—would be great.” thanks, Rebecca, Portland, USA.

Can I Store Food in Glass Containers Instead of Plastic?

Hey Rebecca! First off, I think it’s wonderful that you’re thinking about switching from plastic to glass. It’s a smart move, whether you’re preserving leftovers from dinner or stashing away a haul of home-grown vegetables. So let’s talk about **why glass containers could be a solid option for you**—pun intended! I’ll also fill you in on a few things to consider, because while glass has a lot going for it, there are a couple of quirks along the way. I’ve been using glass for ages and haven’t looked back, but I’ll share all the nitty-gritty details so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.”

Why Glass Containers Are Great for Storing Food

There’s a lot to love about using glass. Here are some of the best reasons to make the switch:

• No Harmful Chemicals — This is a big one for so many people. Plastic can contain chemicals like BPA (bisphenol-A) or other chemicals that could leach into your food over time, especially when heated. Glass, on the other hand, is naturally non-toxic and doesn’t contain any questionable chemicals. If you want fewer worries about what might be transferring into your preserved food—and it sounds like you do—glass is a great choice.
• Doesn’t Retain Flavors or Smells — Ever store something garlicky in a plastic container and find that the smell never goes away? No matter how much scrubbing you do, the odor sticks around! Glass doesn’t hold onto strong smells or flavors like plastic does. So you can switch from storing your pickled veggies to your leftover apple cobbler without dealing with weird flavor mixes. Not something anyone wants!
• Better for Long-Term Storage — Glass is inert, meaning it won’t interact with your food. That makes it a good option for long-term storage like when you want to keep your home-canned tomatoes fresh in the pantry or throw some leftovers into the freezer. Plus, if you’re canning or preserving, glass jars like mason jars are often a go-to for sealing in freshness (more on that later).
• Aesthetic Appeal — Okay, this one’s not about function, but I have to say it: food just looks prettier in glass jars. Whether it’s jars of bright red tomato sauce or a bowl of fresh salad, glass just has that something extra. Call me vain, but it makes opening my fridge or pantry a little more fun.

Are There Downsides to Glass Containers?

As much as glass containers are great, there are a few things to be mindful of. But don’t worry too much, Rebecca—these aren’t deal-breakers for most people, just things to be aware of.

• They’re Heavier — Glass is more substantial than plastic, and that weight can add up, especially if you’re carrying leftovers to work or school, or stacking them in your fridge. It’s something to consider if you’re always on the go.
• They Can Break — The obvious downside here: glass can shatter. If you’re clumsy (guilty over here!), it’s easy to drop a glass jar and have it break into a million little pieces. But, there are workaround solutions, like using silicone sleeves or storing food in thicker glass jars, which make things a little sturdier.
• Freezing Glass Requires Care — Glass and the freezer can be friends, but you’ve got to handle them carefully. You can definitely store food in glass in the freezer (I do it all the time!), but don’t seal it all the way until the food has expanded during the freezing process. Otherwise, you’ll risk cracking the glass. Also, leave about an inch of space at the top to give your food room to expand. And again, make sure to use freezer-safe glass.
• Cost — Glass containers can be pricier upfront than plastic. But since glass is more durable and can last literally decades with the right care, I’ve found it’s a good long-term investment.

When Should You Choose Glass Over Plastic?

So, let’s dig into *when* and *why* you might want to go with glass instead of plastic. Here’s what will help you decide:

• Long-Term Storage — Glass is ideal for long-term storage of dry goods (like beans or rice) or home-canned fruits and veggies. I mean, the jar of raspberry preserves I tucked away last summer still looks as fresh as the day I canned it! No funny taste or leaching chemicals like you might get with plastic over months or years.
• Storing Acidic Foods — Ever wonder why your tomato soup leaves stains on your plastic bowl? It’s the acid in tomatoes reacting with the plastic. Acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus, vinegar-based pickles, or fermented goods can often react with plastic. With glass, there’s no reaction—store away, Rebecca!”
• When Microwaving — Though it’s best to avoid microwaving plastic altogether, glass can withstand high temperatures and cook your food safely. A side bonus is that heated plastic can release chemicals into your food, so glass is a solid alternative when heating leftovers.
• Visible Storage — If you like to see what you have on hand, whether it’s in the pantry or fridge, glass is fantastic because it’s naturally see-through. No more digging around guessing which bowl has the chili—just grab the clear glass one!

Is It Possible to Preserve Foods in Glass Instead of Plastic?

Absolutely, yes! Glass is wonderful, particularly when you start moving into the realm of food preservation. That could mean using mason jars for canning (my personal favorite), but it’s also a great option for freezing foods as we mentioned earlier.

If you’re just starting with preserving, Rebecca, here’s how I approach it:

Using Glass for Canning

Canning is one of the best ways to store food for the long term, and it almost always uses glass. If you’re just starting out, make sure to invest in proper canning jars. You can even find a range of jar sizes to suit smaller or larger batches. I’ve canned everything from jams to sauces in my glass jars, and they’ve lasted for over a year or more, no problem.

• Pressure Canning works well with low-acid foods (e.g., beans, meats, and some veggies). It requires a pressure canner, and the glass jars used make sure that no plastic chemicals interfere. Plus, they handle the high heat like champs!
• Water-Bath Canning is used mainly for high-acid foods such as fruits, jams, pickles, and some tomatoes. This is a little less intimidating if you’re new to preserving, and glass jars work wonderfully here.

Freezing in Glass was a Game Changer for Me

• Choose the right glass — Most jars can handle freezing, but I go with wide-mouth jars because they’re less likely to crack under expanding pressure from the frozen food.
• Leave headspace — Be sure to leave about an inch of room at the top of the jar (called headspace) when freezing so food has space to expand without breaking the glass.
• Don’t seal too tightly — Close the jar, but don’t crank the lid on until the food is entirely frozen. You’ll save yourself a headache—and a cracked jar!

Reheating in Glass Containers

Now, I know we’ve already touched a bit on microwaving with glass, but let’s talk about reheating specifically. One of my all-time lazy-day tips is throwing some yesterday’s leftovers (which I’ve stored in glass) right back into the oven—they are oven-safe, after all! Just make sure you’re only reheating in tempered glass, which is designed to handle higher temperatures.

The beauty of heating or microwaving food in glass is that it won’t melt, warp, or release chemicals you don’t want in your meal. You get the same taste out of your fridge as you put into it.

What About Dry Foods and Spices?

Don’t forget about your pantry! If you’re moving away from plastic, Rebecca, you might also love glass for dry foods and spices. I keep my pantry stocked with glass jars full of grains, beans, flour, and all sorts of goodies because **glass keeps things airtight**. Fretting about pantry moths or bugs? That’s less of an issue with glass, trust me!

Final Thoughts…

Rebecca, thanks for sending in your question! I love that you’re thinking of switching to glass containers—it’s such a great choice, both for reducing exposure to chemicals and for keeping food fresh longer. Glass is especially useful for long-term food storage and preserving, though you’ll need to be careful when handling glass in the freezer or if you’re prone to dropping things (aren’t we all?).

Whether you’re storing pantry staples, canning tomatoes, or freezing some batches of soup, glass is a durable, versatile, and attractive option for preserving your food. I hope this helped make things clearer for you—enjoy the journey!