Hear that sound? No, it’s not the burp of locked-in freshness. It’s Tupperware, the storied American MLM company and food storage brand, announcing its intent to file for bankruptcy. While there’s currently no plan to halt production — the brand has asked for court approval to continue operations while it morphs “into a digital-first, technology-led company” — it definitely seems that part of the “macroeconomic challenges” it has been facing include an influx of new, better, more readily available competition. When Tupperware debuted 70-some years ago, an easily washable, heatable storage container for food was a revelation. Today there are infinite, arguably better options to keep and reheat leftovers. With Tupperware Parties most certainly now a thing of the past, we asked Eater staffers to share their go-to food storage solutions. Here are some of their favorites.
Ikea 365+ Food Storage Containers
Eater LA reporter Rebecca Roland is a fan of Ikea’s a-la-carte collections. “While most other food storage systems come in sets, Ikea’s vessels are mostly sold by the piece, which offers the opportunity to buy 10, 20-ounce soup containers if need be, or none at all,” she says. “Both the snap-on lids and the press-in wood varietals are vacuum-sealed and very good at keeping food fresh. The tiny six-ounce containers tend to be my favorite for leftover sauces or mirepoix. As always, glass is the way to go — it stacks better, and won’t hold on to food scents.”
Big Bee Little Bee
Like most people, special projects director Lesley Suter struggles with storing and finding a bunch of mismatched lids. “It’s why I was so easily persuaded to buy these silicone clamshell containers from Big Bee Little Bee,” Suter says. “They open fully flat, which is key for fitting in the dishwasher, are easier to load food in and out of than zipper-style silicone bags, and, most importantly, come with the lid attached. They aren’t quite as leak proof as some other options out there, but they are definitely a new staple in my fridge.
Snapware
“A few years ago I asked for only one thing for Christmas,” says special projects director Lesley Suter. “The opportunity to throw out every piece of mismatched jars and deli cups and replace it with one, huge, Costco-size pack of Snapware. I like the fact the containers are glass, which makes me feel less squidgey about leaking microplastics when reheating, and as the name implies, the lids go on securely with a very satisfying ‘snap.’”
Rubbermaid Brilliance Container
“Years ago, my sister-in-law gave me some food inside a Rubbermaid Brilliance container and it’s still the storage container I reach for first,” says Eater’s deputy editor, Monica Burton. “The lid makes a perfect seal that’s further secured with clips that click satisfyingly into place. The rectangular shape allows it to hold all manner of items, including slices of pizza or cake as well as soupier substances, and the sturdy plastic has never warped in the dishwasher. For all of these reasons I have never returned it to its rightful owner, though, I admit, it would make sense to buy myself a few more. The glass version looks just as functional, if heavier.”
Ziploc Bags
Eater Dallas editor Courtney Smith eschews most hard-sided containers altogether and prefers regular old Ziploc storage bags instead. “They’re great for anything that is malleable and for when you need to make room in the fridge,” she says.
Deli Containers
Eater staff reporter Amy McCarthy goes the way of The Bear and opts for standard, restaurant-style deli containers. “I need something I’m not going to feel too guilty about throwing away when I inevitably forget it in the fridge,” she says. Yes, chef.
Stasher Bags
“I’ve been using the same set of Stasher snack bags since 2018,” says Kaitlin Bray, Eater’s director of audience development. “While I’ve flirted with other reusable containers in the last six years, I haven’t found anything nearly as durable or lightweight. The silicone bags are not cheap, but I be snag a set of the sandwich-size bags whenever they are on sale.”
Mepal Lidded Nesting Bowls
One of the nice things about Tupperware is the array of colors. Editor in chief Stephanie Wu has found something just as cute in a set of lidded nesting bowls. “These bowls, which come with matching lids, are freezable, microwaveable, dishwasher safe, and leakproof,” she says. “Plus, they’re stylish enough to double as serving bowls, and they nest easily when not in use.”
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Mepal Microwavable Nested Storage Bowls
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Mepal’s microwavable nested storage bowls are quite the talent. Use them to heat up and serve dinner, then store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. After you’re done, stick them in the dishwasher, then nest or stack them for compact storage.
Cliik Containers
Eater New York reporter Emma Orlow stocked up on the cute, stackable Cliik contaniers few months ago and has been generally impressed. The jar-like containers come in a variety of oblong sizes and colors, are made with “ultra-durable, BPA-free Tritan® plastic,” according to the brand, and feature universal lids that magnetically stack.
OXO Good Grips Storage Containers
“I swear by OXO’s Pop food storage containers, which are littered all over my house and pantry in varying sizes,” says executive editor Erin DeJesus, “though the majority of them are in the 1.1-quart ‘small’ size, which currently contain everything from couscous to a variety of dog treats. The bigger ones are great for dry-goods storage — rice, flour, sugar, the basics — and they’re also hardy enough for popping open and shut multiple times a day when necessary. See: those dog treats.”
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