Glass Storage Containers

Glass food storage containers

Glass food storage containers are healthier and more eco-friendly to use.  They are reusable and  recyclable unlike plastic disposable storage containers, which generate a fair amount of cumulative environmental waste.  Glass containers on the other hand, can be conveniently recycled if they become broken or damaged, and if treated carefully can be used for longer than most plastic alternatives. Glass food storage containers are stylish and available in all different shapes and sizes.

Some common glass food storage containers are:

• Glass Bowl Containers available in a variety of sizes.
• 8x8, 9x9 or 9x14 glass casserole baking and storage containers.
• Glass storage jars- glass jars are available in a few sizes, however most glass storage jars are small.  Small glass jars are used to preserve and store vegetables, fruit, relish, mustard, jam, and jellies. Small glass jars are also used for candle containers and cosmetic jars. Often referred to as "jelly jars" or glass preserving jars.
• Large Glass Jars- also called canning jars are used to preserve and store larger amounts of vegetables and fruits.  Kosher dill pickles are usually made in large glass jars because of the cucumber size.
• Gallon Glass Jars- sold filled with food by restaurant wholesalers, bulk food stores like Costco and Sam's. Gallon glass jars are often filled with beans, cheese sauces, barbeque sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, relish, jalapeño peppers, pickled eggs, oats, flour, sugar, molasses, maple syrup, pancake syrup. These are also available as the type of glass "anqitue" candy or cookie jars.
• Small Glass Bottles- commonly used to hold essential oils, cooking extracts, olive oil, vinegar, vegetable oils and salad dressings.
• Glass Spice Jars-used to hold fresh and dried spices.

Glass food storage container vs. Plastic food storage container

Despite the initial cost of glass storage containers, they often offer a better deal in terms of long-term costs. Disposable containers are initially cheap, but do not last so you have to factor in the cost of continuous replacement. (not to mention the extra trash pile up in the landfills) eventually adds up. Also, plastic containers (labeled as re-usable containers) are prone to staining and melting. Most plastic food containers aren’t suited to microwave heating. Plastic storage containers are comparatively flimsy, safe handling will enable glass storage containers to be useful for far longer than most other alternatives.

Glass containers

Glass containers are convenient, and durable against heating and freezing. Another reputed benefit of a glass container arises from the possible health risks associated with the use of plastic containers during microwave heating. Despite the lack of any proven incidents directly linking plastic container contaminants with ill health, scientists have claimed that chemicals could theoretically enter food under certain temperatures, which could have adverse effects on the human body.
This should probably be taken seriously, as the chemicals within plastic could lead to increased levels of estrogen in the body, excess levels of which are strongly linked with breast cancer. The risk is perceived to be higher with liquids, where there is more surface area contact with the container. Another potential increase in risk involves acidic foods, which are proven to be more reactive with plastics than other types of food.

Glass containers with lids

Glass containers may come with all different types of lids. Depending on what you want to use the glass container for some lids may work better for you than others.  Common lids that are available with glass containers: stainless steel lids, glass lids, plastic lids, chrome lid, rubber lids, corks.  Glass lids (without some type of rubber or plastic seal) often do not have a tight seal, and could therefore be inappropriate for the storage of a variety of foods. The plastic lid solves these basic problems, and carries far less of a health risk as the lid will rarely come into direct contact with your food. The chances of chemicals transferring to your food through the air are considered to be very minimal. Stainless steel lids seem to be the choice among cooks and in restaurants for dry food storage such as rice, beans, flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, spices and seasonings.

Glass Container Review and Price Comparison

Snapware 18pc Glasslock Tempered Glass Storage Containers $34.00-46.00
Pyrex Storage 14-Piece Round Set, Clear with Blue Lids $20.00-23.00
Cuisine Magic Set of 2 8 ounce Rectangular Locking Glass Food Storage Containers by Wentworth
approx $12.00
Bormioli Rocco Frigoverre Round Tempered-Glass Food-Storage Containers with Blue Lids, Set of 4
about $30.00
Kinetic Glasslock 3 Piece Square Glass Food Storage Set With Locking Lids $24.00-$38.00
Anchor Hocking 1-Gallon Heritage Hill Jar with Glass Lid $11.00-$15.00
Anchor Hocking Glass Refrigerator Storage Container 2-c approx $12.00
Libbey 77440 Big Mouth 70-Ounce Round-Shaped Storage Jars, Set of 4 approx $40.00
Set of 6 Small Storage Soup Serving Glass Bowl Container with Plastic Lid approx. $20.00

Overall, glass storage containers appear to be the way forward when dealing with food. They are cost effective, healthy, and in many circumstances look far better than their plastic alternatives. Plastic containers still tend to win the battle for shelf space in the majority of retailers, but the discerning and knowledgeable customer, is perhaps more likely to opt for glass. The general necessity for plastic lids needn’t put people off, as current mainstream scientific opinion holds that plastic lids are safe. With all things considered, you’re better off with glass, and it’s probably about time we all said goodbye to wasteful, un-recyclable, melt-able and disposable containers.