As part of the journey to living a healthier lifestyle, one simple change you can make is how you store your food. If you’re still using plastic containers for food storage, it’s time to consider switching to glass—they’re safer for your health.

Many plastic containers, even ones labeled “BPA free,” can leach harmful chemicals into your food, especially when exposed to heat or used for long periods of time. Plastics contain chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates, which have been linked to health issues like endocrine disruption and an increased risk of certain cancers. Even though manufacturers now offer BPA-free options, research indicates that these alternatives may still pose health risks. When you heat food in plastic containers—like in the microwave—chemicals can seep into your food. Even pouring hot liquid or hot food into plastic containers is an issue. Additionally, plastic containers degrade over time, which increases the likelihood of plastic leaching into your food.

Glass containers on the other hand are non-reactive, which means they won’t leach chemicals into your food, regardless of how long you store them, how you heat them, or which temperature foods you store in them. Glass containers are safe for both food storage and reheating as they’re made from food grade borosilicate glass which is basically sand, soda ash, and boron oxide. Essentially, you can use them in the microwave or pour hot liquids into them without worrying about harmful plastic chemicals. 

Switching from plastic to glass may seem like a daunting and expensive task, especially if your pantry is currently packed with plastic containers. Just start small by replacing a few of your most used containers, like meal prep or leftover containers, and gradually make more replacements over time. Afterall, doing something is better than doing nothing.

When purchasing new glass containers, look for products with plastic free lids. Food could come into contact with plastic lids and the whole point is to move away from plastic. If you aren’t able to find glass food storage containers with plastic-free lids, never heat or microwave the lids, and try to avoid contact with food (e.g., don’t fill the containers to the top).  

After years of using glass food storage containers, I’ve found they’re worth the investment, especially considering the health risks associated with plastic. Plus, they don’t retain stains or odors and are durable—I’ve had mine for many years without any issues. After reading this, you may start to worry about other plastic items in your pantry, like cutting boards, ice trays, and water bottles. In short, it’s important to phase out plastic, but one step at a time—food storage is a great place to begin.