Glass: Glass containers are a durable and eco-friendly option for meal prep. They are microwave and dishwasher safe and can also be used for oven cooking. Glass containers are also non-toxic and non-leaching, making them a safe choice for storing food.
Plastic: Plastic containers are a lightweight and affordable option for meal prep. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and are often dishwasher safe. However, some plastic containers may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food, so it’s important to choose BPA-free options.
Let’s dive a little further into some research on plastic food containers. There is conflicting information provided about plastics and their safety when it comes to food. While many manufactures will boast that their products are BPA free that does not necessarily mean that the item does not leach other chemicals into food when reheating. What can a consumer do when deciding on plastic food containers?
Looking at the number on the bottom of the container may be a good place to start. Manufacturers of plastics are required to place a number with the recycling logo that discloses information about the components and processing of the materials used in making the product. According to the Association of Nutrition and Dietetics the safest choices are 1, 2, 4, and 5
Even when using the safest plastics possible, the rule of thumb in our house is we do not allow these containers in the microwave. Reheating or exposing plastics over time to heated conditions may encourage leaching of the materials.
When placing into the dishwasher the top rack is often recommended by the manufacturers for a reason and some people prefer to avoid the high heat exposure all together and simply hand wash their plastic items.