Glass Food Containers
Also known as: Pyrex, Glass tupperware
Microwave and oven safe without leaching chemicals into food. Inert, durable, infinitely reusable.
How it works
Glass is primarily silicon dioxide (SiO2) — the same compound as sand. It's chemically inert, meaning it doesn't react with food, acids, or fats at any temperature you'd use for cooking or storage.
Why plastic is different: Plastics are long-chain polymers that break down over time, especially with heat. This releases monomers (like BPA, BPS) and microplastics into food. Glass doesn't have this problem — its structure is stable.
Thermal shock: Borosilicate glass (Pyrex in Europe, older US Pyrex) handles temperature changes better than soda-lime glass. Check what you're buying.
No staining or odour absorption: Glass's non-porous surface means tomato sauce won't stain and garlic won't leave lingering smells. Plastic absorbs both.
Uses
- -Food storage — fridge and freezer safe
- -Meal prep — see contents easily
- -Reheating — microwave without leaching
- -Oven cooking — most are oven-safe to 200C+
Why we recommend it
Glass is completely inert — nothing leaches into food regardless of temperature. Unlike plastic, it doesn't degrade or absorb odours.
Replaces / avoids
Caution
Can break if dropped. Some aren't oven-safe — check before buying.
Where to get it
IKEA has cheap options. Pyrex for durability.
Mid-range