Can I Store Food In Plastic Containers And Are There Risks?

“Hi! I’ve started growing my own veggies at home in Queensland and I’m getting into preserving food, which is really exciting. I’ve been using glass jars for a while, but I’ve got a pretty big stash of plastic containers that I’d like to repurpose for food storage. I’m wondering if it’s safe to store food in them? Are there any risks I need to worry about? I don’t want to do all this hard work only to ruin things by using the wrong type of container. What do you think? Is there anything I need to keep an eye out for if I use plastic containers?” Thanks, Kelly, Brisbane, Australia.

Can You Store Food In Plastic Containers? Risks and Things to Consider

Hey Kelly! It’s great to hear that you’re getting into food preservation—I’m all about those homegrown veggies too! Let me tell you, I have an entire cabinet full of mismatched plastic containers that I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with. The short answer is: Yes, you can store food in plastic containers, but there are some caveats. Let’s take a closer look at the details because some plastics are better than others when it comes to storing food safely long-term. Also, certain types of food might react to the plastic in ways we’d rather they didn’t.

Understanding Plastic Container Types

Not all plastic is created equal, and some types are safer for food storage than others. Most food-grade plastic containers will have a number inside a small triangle on the bottom (that’s the plastic identification code). Each number represents a different type of plastic, and without getting too technical, here’s the breakdown of which ones are safest for storing food:

• 1 (PET or PETE – Polyethylene Terephthalate): This is usually used for single-use bottles like soda or water bottles. While technically food-safe, it’s not great for long-term storage or repurposing because it can break down over time.
• 2 (HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene): A safer option for long-term storage. This plastic is often used for milk jugs and juice bottles, and it’s quite durable.
• 4 (LDPE – Low-Density Polyethylene): You’ll often see LDPE in bags (like in bread bags or frozen food packaging), and while safe, it’s mainly good for short-term storage.
• 5 (PP – Polypropylene): This is usually considered the safest for food storage. Most food containers, reusable plastic bags, and takeaway containers are made of PP plastic, which is stable and doesn’t leach chemicals.
• 7 (Other): Watch out for this one! Number 7 plastics often contain BPA (Bisphenol A), a chemical you do not want near your food. Be extra cautious when using anything with a “7” that’s not specifically labeled as BPA-free.

So, in your case Kelly, the numbers you’re looking for are 2, 4, or 5. If your stash of containers falls into these categories—with a particular bonus if they’re BPA-free—you’re off to a good start.

The Risks of Storing Food in Plastic

Even with the right plastic, there are some things you need to be aware of. Plastic can sometimes interact with food, especially if you’re planning to store acidic things like tomatoes or anything that’s high in fat like oils or cheeses. This can cause leaching—that’s when chemicals from the plastic break down and seep into your food. The main culprits you hear about are BPA and phthalates, which are linked to various health concerns.

Here’s how to avoid those risks:

• Use BPA-Free Plastics: Always go for containers labeled BPA-free. This eliminates one of the major chemical risks.
• Avoid Storing Acidic or High-Fat Foods for Long Periods: Even in the safest plastics, these foods can cause more leaching over time. If you’re big on making jarred tomato sauce or storing homemade pesto, it might be better to use glass or stainless steel for those particular foods.
• Mind the Heat: Storing food briefly in plastic containers in the fridge or freezer is usually okay, but never heat food in plastic containers (even if they say microwave-safe). The heat can trigger more chemical breakdown. This can be particularly sneaky because it isn’t just microwave heating that’s risky—it’s also leaving food in plastic in hot cars, or sitting near a heat source.

If you’re mindful about what food you store and under what conditions, your plastic containers should be just fine for short to medium-term storage, Kelly.

Plastic vs. Glass: Which is Really Better?

Oh, the eternal debate between plastic and glass! Maybe you’re like me and have shelves filled with a good mix of both. Each has its own pros and cons, but let’s compare them briefly:

If you’re storing dry goods like rice, beans, or pasta, plastic containers are perfectly fine. On the other hand, if you’re preserving something that is going to stay in your pantry for a while—or something with high acidity—glass may give you more peace of mind. That being said, I use both depending on what I’m storing.

Tips for Organizing and Storing Food in Plastic Containers

Now that you’ve got some background on the pros, cons, and risks, let’s talk organization! One thing I’ve learned over time is that it’s not just what you store food in, but how you store it.

• Label Your Containers: Don’t rely on memory alone. Slap a piece of masking tape on the side and note the contents and the date. This is especially important if you’re repurposing containers.
• Rotate Your Stock: First in, first out (FIFO) rule! To avoid accidental spoilage (and that moment where you’re squinting at a container wondering if it’s still safe), just make sure to use up older items first.
• Seal Tightly to Prevent Moisture and Air: Make sure your plastic containers seal snugly. Even the most durable plastic can let air in if the seal isn’t tight, and that can affect the quality of your stored food over time.
• Stack Clearly in the Fridge/Freezer: When I freezer prep, I always push excess air out and stack containers neatly. If your containers end up being all different shapes, things can get disorganized fast!
• Don’t Overfill: Especially if you’re freezing food—leave some space at the top of the container as frozen food expands.

Should You Reuse Plastic Containers?

I totally get wanting to repurpose some of those old yogurt tubs or takeout containers. I’ve been guilty of holding onto them myself because, hey, it feels good to not throw everything out. However, I would caution against repeatedly reusing certain plastics, especially flimsy ones. More often than not, those are designed for single-use and can start breaking down after being washed or exposed to different temperatures over and over.

For long-term food preserving—especially if you’re keeping these containers for several months in the freezer/pantry—it’s best to go for durable, food-grade plastics. Those yogurt tubs might be fine for storing dry goods or short-term refrigerator storage, but I wouldn’t use them exclusively.

Alternative Options to Plastic Containers

If you’re leaning more towards glass, stainless steel, or other alternatives, that’s worth considering too. Here are a few options that might suit you for long-term storing:

• Glass Jars and Containers: These are my go-to for canning and storing high-acid foods, and they’re eco-friendly.
• Stainless Steel: These are relatively new to my collection, but they’re perfect for cold storage or quick grabbing in the fridge without worrying about leaching chemicals.
• Silicone Bags: They’re reusable, durable, and don’t leach chemicals like plastic. They’re great for freezer storage, but just watch out for squeezing out extra air.

Each of these options has its own set of advantages, and depending on the type of food you’re storing, you may want to mix up your methods.

Final Thoughts…

Kelly, thanks for your question—it’s awesome to see someone thinking about preserving their home-grown veggies! You can absolutely store food in plastic containers, but like with everything, it’s important to pay attention to what type you’re using. As long as you’re using higher-quality plastics marked food-safe (especially 2, 4, or 5 plastics without BPA), and you’re being mindful about storing only low-acid, low-fat foods in them for longer periods, you should be good to go. Have fun preserving all that delicious homegrown goodness!