IKEA's £5 stainless steel food containers are so much better than heavy glass - and they're non-toxic too
Non-toxic, simple, and safe, stainless steel is making a play as the best food storage container on the market
Stainless steel boxes are a brilliant, non-toxic alternative to plastic food storage. They're lightweight, won't smash, stain or retain a smell. And, they can be used in the freezer and oven too.
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Lightweight and durable
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Dishwasher, oven, and freezer safe
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Won't stain or mark like plastic
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Some have valves and leak-proof options
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Can be used as an alternative to dishes in the oven and freezer
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Can't see through them like glass
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Not microwave friendly
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Everyone is talking about stainless steel food containers. They solve a lot of problems, especially as a simple, non-toxic alternative to plastic or heavy glass tubs - and don't break the bank in the process either. But which ones are the best? And should you make the switch?
I love my stainless steel pans, but investing in stainless steel food containers hadn't crossed my mind until I spotted this £5 IKEA launch. After doing some research, I convinced myself to overhaul my whole kitchen in favour of this set, because, unlike plastic, stainless steel won't absorb stains, odours, or flavours, and they're free from the chemical concerns that have prompted many people to rethink storing food in plastic altogether.
And while glass food storage containers also make sense if you're clumsy or looking for something that's a little lighter, stainless steel is a practical option. Stainless steel can also go in the fridge, freezer and oven, replacing dishes and tins too. After months of testing them in my own kitchen, I'm convinced they're one of the smartest, most versatile upgrades you can make, especially if you're looking to save space and simplify your cupboards while reducing your reliance on plastic.
IKEA's Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers
These are a classic set that fits the same IKEA lids that their glass tupperware comes with too. They are dishwasher, oven, and freezer safe, so can work with versatility and durability too.
The big bonus of a stainless steel food container like this one is that it can go in the microwave. Black + Blum also have containers in different sizes, from rectangle and square through to bowls.
With a secure lid and more space, Dunelm's stainless steel comes with a typically reasonable price tag. The lids are available in blue and black, so can be tweaked to work with your own kitchen style.
If you've been trying to create a more non-toxic home, you'll probably have noticed that many people are swapping plastic food containers for glass. One of the main reasons is that some plastics can degrade over time, particularly when exposed to heat, scratches, or repeated use, potentially increasing the migration of chemicals into food. Concerns around PFAS ("forever chemicals") have also prompted many households to take a closer look at the materials they use every day, switching to non-toxic air fryers as well as stainless steel pans.
For a long time, I thought glass was the obvious solution. It's non-reactive, easy to clean, and lets you see exactly what's inside. My family still prefers the reassuring heft and transparency of glass containers. However, the problem with me is that I'm constantly dropping things. More than once, I've shattered a food container on the kitchen floor, and I found carrying several glass containers in my work bag or picnic basket surprisingly heavy.
That's what led me to stainless steel food storage containers, and I think they're one of the most underrated kitchen upgrades I've made. High-quality food-grade stainless steel is durable, corrosion-resistant, and non-reactive, which means it won't absorb flavours, stains, or odours from your food. Unlike plastic, it won't warp or become discoloured over time, and unlike glass, it can survive being dropped without turning your kitchen floor into a hazard zone.
Stainless steel is also surprisingly versatile. Many of the containers I've tested are oven-safe, freezer-safe, fridge-safe, and dishwasher-safe. I've used them to bake traybakes, store leftovers, freeze meal-prep portions, set homemade jellies, and even make ice cream. Instead of needing separate baking tins, storage tubs, and lunchboxes, one container can do the job of all three, which is a surprisingly effective space-saving trick in a small kitchen.
They're also ideal for packed lunches and batch cooking. The models I recommend have airtight, leakproof lids that make them easy to throw into a handbag, gym bag, or backpack without worrying about spills. Some premium options, including designs from Black+Blum, even feature vacuum-release valves that help create a more airtight seal, keeping food fresher for longer.
After making the switch from plastic to glass, and now from glass to stainless steel, I feel like I've found the sweet spot. Stainless steel gives me the peace of mind I was looking for, without the fragility and weight of glass. It doesn't stain after storing tomato-based sauces, it doesn't retain lingering food smells, and despite what some people assume, it doesn't leave food tasting metallic either.
The only real downside is that stainless steel can't go in the microwave. For me, that's a compromise I'm happy to make. Durable, lightweight, versatile, and surprisingly affordable, these containers have earned a permanent place in my kitchen. It's a simple swap that I wish I'd discovered years ago. And if you're thinking about reducing your reliance on plastic, there's never been a better time to make the switch.
