Quick answer: The best glass food storage container depends on how you use it. Rectangular airtight glass containers are ideal for meal prep, leftovers and re-heating, larger containers suit soups and batch cooking, smaller containers are useful for snacks and baby food, and glass-lid containers work beautifully for pantry storage.
Glass food storage containers are some of the hardest-working items in the kitchen. Whether you're meal prepping for the week, storing leftovers, freezing homemade soup or organising the pantry, the right container can make life easier. Plus, storing and reheating in glass is healthier for you and your family by reducing exposure to plastic chemicals.
Start with a few versatile sizes that suit the way you cook and you'll build a collection you reach for every day.
In this guide, we'll explain what to look for and share our recommendations for the best glass food storage containers for every use. We also include the reviews from real users who have tried and tested our range.
Why choose glass instead of plastic?
Most households have had the same experience: plastic containers that stain orange, hold onto smells and taste, warp in the dishwasher, get sticky to touch, or lose their lids.
Glass solves many of those everyday frustrations, while also helping reduce the amount of plastic touching your food.
Glass containers:
- ✔️ Won't absorb food odours or stains
- ✔️ Make it easy to see what's inside
- ✔️ Won't leach chemicals into your food
- ✔️ Don't become scratched or cloudy like many plastic containers
- ✔️ Can last for years with proper care
- ✔️ Help reduce the need for disposable food storage
For everyday food storage in your fridge, freezer, pantry and even on-the-go and camping, glass is a practical, long-lasting, low-tox choice.
How to choose the right glass food storage container
The best glass food storage container depends on how you'll use it.
Choose rectangular containers for meal prep and lunches, larger containers for soups and batch cooking, and airtight canisters or jars for pantry storage. Look for durable glass, leak-resistant lids and stackable shapes that make organising easier.
What makes a great glass food storage container?
When comparing glass food storage containers, look for:
✔️ Tempered or borosilicate glass
✔️ Airtight, leak-resistant lids
✔️ Stackable shapes
✔️ Easy visibility, so you can see what is inside
✔️ Dishwasher-safe materials
✔️ Suitability for the freezer, microwave, oven or air fryer, where applicable
Why we recommend these brands
At Biome, we've chosen glass food storage containers that are designed to last. We look for durable glass, reliable airtight seals, practical stackable shapes and products that work across everyday kitchen tasks. Many of the ranges we stock can move between the freezer, microwave, oven and air fryer, making them versatile enough for daily use. Find here our range for Freezing food in glass
Choosing the right size
✔️ 210–400ml – Snacks, dips, baby food, overnight oats and breakfast prep
✔️ 700–900ml – Lunches, leftovers and everyday meal prep
✔️ 1300ml+ – Family meals, soups, casseroles and batch cooking
Now let's look at which containers we recommend for each kitchen task.
Best glass containers for meal prep
If you meal prep regularly, you'll know your containers do a lot of heavy lifting. Whether you're preparing breakfasts, packing lunches or portioning dinners for the week ahead, having a few different sizes makes life much easier.
Rectangular glass containers are especially practical because they stack neatly, make the best use of fridge and freezer space, and are easy to pack for work, school or meals on the go.
✔️ Best for everyday meal prep
Glasslock rectangle containers
Perfect for single-serve lunches, meal prep and everyday leftovers.
Why we recommend them:
✔️ Leak-resistant clip-lock lid
✔️ Stack neatly in the fridge
✔️ Freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe
✔️ 710ml is a practical size for everyday meals
Also available in a 400ml size, ideal for overnight oats, yoghurt and fruit, chia puddings, snacks, dips, chopped vegetables and smaller leftovers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The perfect size for lunches, leftovers and freezing portions. The clip-lock lid seals really well and the clear glass makes it easy to see what's inside."
✔️ Best for breakfasts, snacks and smaller portions
Glasslock Rectangle Container 400ml
Perfect for overnight oats, yoghurt, chia puddings, snacks, dips and smaller leftovers.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Great breakfast portion size
✔️ Perfect for snacks and meal prep components
✔️ Compact and easy to stack
✔️ Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe
Also available in a 710ml size, ideal for single-serve lunches, leftovers, meal prep and freezer meals.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "These glass containers are brilliant. I have them in multiple sizes and use them for everything."
✔️ Best all-rounder with a glass lid
Glasslock Essentials Rectangle 700ml
A versatile everyday container for lunches, leftovers and meal prep.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Leak-resistant glass lid with minimal plastic
✔️ Stack neatly in the fridge
✔️ Microwave, oven and air fryer safe
✔️ Freezer, fridge and dishwasher safe
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "These ones in particular are the right size for so many things."
✔️ Best for larger lunches and generous leftovers
Glasslock Essentials Rectangle 900ml
Ideal for hearty lunches, family leftovers and larger meal prep portions.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Extra room for generous meals
✔️ Leak-resistant glass lid
✔️ Stackable rectangular design
✔️ Microwave, oven, freezer and dishwasher safe
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Most durable and long-lasting glassware on the market."
Best glass containers for storing and reheating leftovers
One of the biggest advantages of glass food storage containers is that you can store leftovers, then reheat them in the same dish.
Choose containers with a reliable seal, clear glass so you can easily see what's inside, and the ability to go from the fridge or freezer straight to the microwave, oven or air fryer. Remove lids before heating. It's a simple way to save time and reduce washing up.
✔️ Best for everyday leftovers
Glasslock Essentials Rectangle 1300ml
Ideal for family leftovers, larger meals and dishes you plan to reheat later.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Generous 1300ml capacity
✔️ Leak-resistant glass lid with minimal plastic
✔️ Microwave, oven and air fryer safe
✔️ Freezer, fridge and dishwasher safe
The Glasslock Essentials range is also available in other handy sizes, including 700ml and 900ml, so you can choose the best size for lunches, leftovers, meal prep or family portions.
✔️ Best for cooking, storing and reheating
Glasslock Oven Safe Container Set
Perfect if you like to cook, store and reheat in the same dish.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Microwave, oven and air fryer safe
✔️ Freezer, fridge and dishwasher safe
✔️ Great for pasta bakes, roasted vegetables and casseroles
✔️ Helps reduce washing up and food transfers
The red-lidded Glasslock Oven Safe range is available as individual containers and multi-piece sets, making it easy to mix and match the sizes you need for baking, storing and reheating everyday meals.
Best glass containers for freezing food
Freezing food in glass is a simple way to reduce plastic waste while making meal prep and storing leftovers easier.
All of our Glasslock and Neoflam food storage containers are freezer safe, so choosing the right one comes down to selecting the sizes that work best for your household.
Leave room for food to expand when freezing, and avoid sudden temperature changes to help protect the glass.
✔️ Best variety of sizes for freezing
Neoflam Clik Glass Food Containers – Set of 4
A practical starter set with a range of sizes for freezing everything from individual meals to family portions.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Four versatile sizes
✔️ Easy to stack in the freezer
✔️ Airtight, leak-resistant lids
✔️ Microwave, oven, air fryer, freezer and dishwasher safe
Also available as an 8-piece set if you'd like a complete collection for meal prep, leftovers and freezing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Quickly became indispensable. I use these all the time now. In the oven, fridge and freezer they've been great."
✔️ Best complete freezer collection
Glasslock Container Set – 10 Piece
Ideal if you regularly freeze leftovers, soups, batch-cooked meals and meal prep.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ A mix of practical everyday sizes
✔️ Stack neatly to maximise freezer space
✔️ Leak-resistant clip-lock lids
✔️ Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Using these is a domestic joy. Tough, good sized containers. Great to freeze leftovers in."
How full should you fill a glass container before freezing?
Leave around 20% of the container empty when freezing liquids such as soup, stock, curry or pasta sauce. This gives food room to expand and helps reduce the risk of the glass cracking.
Read our complete guide: Freezing food in glass.
Best glass containers for soup, stock and broth
Whether you're making homemade chicken stock, a hearty pumpkin soup or a big batch of minestrone, choosing the right container makes storing and reheating much easier.
✔️ Best for individual portions
Glasslock Oven Safe Round Container 450ml
A great size for a single serve of soup, stock, broth, curry or stew.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Perfect single-serve portion size
✔️ Round shape reheats evenly
✔️ Microwave, oven and air fryer safe
✔️ Freezer, fridge and dishwasher safe
The red-lidded Glasslock Oven Safe range is also available as individual containers in other sizes and shapes, as well as multi-piece sets, making it easy to build a collection that suits your kitchen.
✔️ Best for family-sized batches
Glasslock Essentials Rectangle 1300ml
Perfect for freezing larger batches of soup, stock, broth and other homemade meals.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Large capacity for family portions
✔️ Leak-resistant glass lid with minimal plastic
✔️ Microwave, oven and air fryer safe
✔️ Freezer, fridge and dishwasher safe
Also available in 700ml and 900ml sizes for smaller portions.
Always leave at least 3cm of headspace when freezing soups, stocks and broths to allow liquids to expand.
Best glass container sets for batch cooking
If you regularly cook extra meals to freeze or prepare food for the week ahead, a mixed-size container set makes life much easier. Having a variety of sizes means you'll always have the right container for family dinners, single-serve lunches, soups, leftovers and snacks.
✔️ Best all-round starter set
Neoflam Clik Glass Food Container Set of 8
A practical all-rounder with a range of sizes for meal prep, leftovers and batch cooking.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Eight versatile containers
✔️ Great mix of sizes for every meal
✔️ Helpful for family meals and single portions
✔️ Microwave, oven, air fryer, freezer and dishwasher safe
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Quickly became indispensable. I use these all the time now. In the oven, fridge and freezer they've been great."
✔️ Best premium collection
Glasslock Oven Safe Premium Container Set
Perfect if you want one matching collection that looks beautiful while making cooking, storing and reheating easy.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Premium oven-safe glass containers
✔️ Variety of practical everyday sizes
✔️ Leak-resistant coloured clip-lock lids
✔️ Microwave, oven, air fryer, freezer and dishwasher safe
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "These are my favourite kitchen containers. Handy sizes, easy wash, easy to use."
✔️ Best for cooking once and reheating later
Glasslock Oven Safe Container Set – 9 Piece
Ideal if you like to cook, freeze and reheat meals in the same containers.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Bake, freeze and reheat in one dish
✔️ A variety of practical sizes
✔️ Leak-resistant clip-lock lids
✔️ Microwave, oven, air fryer, freezer and dishwasher safe
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Fantastic bundle buy. Good value, excellent product and love the way they fit together."
Need something bigger?
If you regularly prepare large family meals, mix bread dough, marinate meat or make oversized salads, an extra-large glass container can make preparing and storing large quantities of food much easier.
Glasslock Round Handy Mixing Bowl 4000ml
✔️ Ideal for mixing, marinating and large salads
✔️ Generous 4L capacity
✔️ Leak-resistant clip-lock lid
✔️ Fridge, freezer and dishwasher safe
Glasslock Rectangular Handy Container 3700ml
✔️ Perfect for bulk meal prep and family-sized portions
✔️ Large rectangular shape stacks neatly in the fridge
✔️ Leak-resistant clip-lock lid
✔️ Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe
Best glass containers for homemade baby food
Making baby food in batches can save time, reduce waste and make busy days much easier. Smaller glass containers are perfect for freezing individual portions, while sets with a range of containers make it easy to prepare meals as your little one grows.
✔️ Best for starting solids
Glasslock 3 Piece Baby Set – 210ml
A great starter set for preparing and freezing individual portions of homemade baby food.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Handy 210ml portion size
✔️ Perfect for purées and first foods
✔️ Leak-resistant clip-lock lids
✔️ Freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great storage for baby food – can freeze and reheat in the glass. The right size for baby portions."
✔️ Best complete baby food set
Glasslock Baby Feeding Container Set – 9 Piece
A complete collection of practical sizes that grows with your family, from first tastes through to toddler meals and snacks.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ A variety of useful sizes
✔️ Great for preparing, storing and serving
✔️ Leak-resistant clip-lock lids
✔️ Easy to organise in the freezer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great variety of sizes and shapes, no leaks. I use them all the time."
Want to know more? Read our guide to freezing baby food safely without plastic for tips on portion sizes, freezing and reheating homemade baby food.
Best glass containers for baking and storing
If you love baking, choosing an oven-safe glass dish with a lid means you can bake, cool, store and reheat in the same container. It's a simple way to reduce washing up and avoid transferring food between dishes.
✔️ Best for bake-and-store convenience
Glasslock Oven Safe Loaf Baker 1750ml
Perfect for banana bread, loaves, slices, baked pasta, casseroles and meal prep.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Bake, cool, store and reheat in the same dish
✔️ Microwave, oven and air fryer safe
✔️ Freezer, fridge and dishwasher safe
✔️ Airtight lid keeps leftovers fresh
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I did a lot of research on the most non-toxic and safe baking option, and landed on this one. Does a great banana bread, and then after cooling, you whack the lid on and store it in the fridge. Easy!"
Best glass containers for pantry storage
Pantry storage has slightly different requirements to everyday food storage. Wide openings, reliable airtight seals and stackable shapes make it easy to keep pantry staples fresh, organised and easy to find, while clear glass lets you see exactly what's on hand at a glance.
✔️ Best for everyday pantry organisation
Glasslock Canister Set – 3 Piece
Perfect for storing flour, rice, pasta, cereal, baking ingredients and everyday pantry staples.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Three practical sizes
✔️ Airtight lids help keep food fresh
✔️ Clear glass makes it easy to see what's inside
✔️ Looks beautiful displayed on open shelving or in the pantry
"I have 4 sets of these, really great for keeping things fresh and have a nice big opening."
✔️ Best for pantry staples, preserving and fermentation
A timeless pantry staple that's perfect for storing dry goods, preserving and fermentation.
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Airtight clip-top seal helps keep ingredients fresh
✔️ Great for flour, rice, pasta, nuts and baking ingredients
✔️ Ideal for preserving and fermentation projects
✔️ Square shape makes efficient use of pantry shelf space
The Kilner clip-top range is available in a variety of sizes, making it easy to build a pantry that suits your kitchen. For herbs and spices, we also love the Kilner Square Clip Top Spice Jar Set, which keeps your spice drawer or shelf neatly organised and labels easy to read.
Fantastic product, sturdy and strong. High quality rubber seal."
At a glance
| If you want to... | Choose... | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Meal prep | Medium rectangular containers | Glasslock Rectangle 710ml or Glasslock Essentials 700ml |
| Breakfasts and snacks | Small rectangular containers | Glasslock Rectangle 400ml |
| Store and reheat leftovers | Oven-safe glass containers with lids | Glasslock Essentials 1300ml or Glasslock Oven Safe Set |
| Freeze meals | Mixed-size freezer-safe glass containers | Neoflam Clik Set or Glasslock 10 Piece Set |
| Store soup, stock and broth | Single-serve or large-capacity containers | Glasslock Oven Safe 450ml or Essentials 1300ml |
| Batch cook | Mixed-size container set | Neoflam Clik Set of 8 or Glasslock Oven Safe Sets |
| Make baby food | Small portion containers | Glasslock Baby Food Containers |
| Bake then store | Oven-safe glass baking dish with lid | Glasslock Oven Safe Loaf Baker |
| Organise the pantry | Airtight glass canisters and jars | Glasslock Canister Set or Kilner Clip Top Jar |
Not sure where to start?
A simple glass food storage collection that covers most kitchens includes:
✔️ Two medium rectangular containers for lunches and leftovers
✔️ Two large containers for batch cooking and freezing
✔️ One or two small containers for dips, snacks or baby food
✔️ A larger oven-safe dish for baking and storing family meals
How do you stop glass containers cracking?
Glass can crack when exposed to sudden temperature changes, overfilled before freezing, or weakened by chips and damage.
To help prevent cracking:
✔️ Let hot food cool before refrigerating or freezing
✔️ Leave space at the top when freezing liquids
✔️ Avoid placing frozen glass straight into a hot oven
✔️ Use freezer-safe glass for frozen food
✔️ Do not use chipped or damaged containers
Ready to build your collection?
The best glass food storage containers are the ones you'll reach for every day.
Start with a few versatile pieces that suit the way you cook, then build your collection over time. A couple of well-chosen containers can simplify meal prep, make leftovers easier to manage, help reduce food waste and replace a cupboard full of mismatched plastic.
Good-quality glass containers are designed to last for years, making them a practical investment for your kitchen and the planet.
Explore our range to find the sizes and styles that work best for your home.
Common questions about glass food storage containers
Are glass food containers better than plastic?
Glass is a more stable option for food storage because it does not absorb stains or odours in the same way plastic can. It is also ideal if you are trying to reduce plastic touching your food, especially when reheating.
Can you freeze food in glass containers?
Yes, if the container is freezer-safe. Leave space at the top for expansion, cool food before freezing, and avoid sudden temperature changes.
Can glass containers go from freezer to oven?
Only if the product is marked oven safe, and even then, frozen food should be thawed first. Sudden temperature changes can cause glass to crack.
Can you microwave glass food containers?
Many glass containers are microwave safe, but lids usually need to be removed or left unlatched. Always check the care instructions for your specific container.
What size glass container is best for lunch?
A medium rectangular container, around 700ml to 900ml, is usually the most useful size for lunches, leftovers and meal prep.
Why do glass containers sometimes crack?
Glass can crack when exposed to sudden temperature changes, when overfilled before freezing, or when chipped or weakened. Leave headspace, thaw frozen food before heating, and avoid using damaged containers.
How many glass food containers do I need?
Most households can start with three to five useful containers in different sizes. Add more once you know which sizes you reach for most often.
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