As someone who has many food challenges due to celiac and other food intolerances, I have pretty much always had to take my own food to go. Does this require some extra time and effort – sure, but this way I know everything I am putting into my body, which is super important to me. And this equation includes non-toxic food storage when I’m on the run.
As we have come to learn more about environmental toxins, it’s also now important to consider what non-toxic food storage containers you’re using to take your food and beverages with you (or what to-go containers you are being given at your favorite restaurant or coffee shop). And these days, we actually have several different options!
Initially, when I moved away from storing and heating things in “Tupperware” many years ago, the main option was glass. I still love using glass containers at home to store many things, but glass can sometimes be a little heavy to tote around and there is a risk of breakage unless you find options with silicone or other coverings. Thankfully there are now lighter non-toxic food storage options, such as silicone!
Silicone storage containers have the flexibility to go from the freezer to the fridge to the oven with ease. Aside: please try not to use a microwave in general if you can to preserve the health of your food!
Silicone also naturally has “non-stick” properties and washes up easily. Recently I came across these silicone storage containers when I was looking for something to store the paleo, non-dairy ice cream I have been making from scratch with my new compressor ice cream maker which I LOVE (and if you decide you’d like to make your own too, please look for a non-toxic one with a stainless steel bowl and NOT aluminum). As an added bonus, these silicone containers are collapsible so they take up less room in my cupboards when not in use.
At home, I’ve also become a big fan of bamboo dinnerware and use these, especially with my grandkids. The different colors let you mix and match or color-coordinate your plates, bowls, and snack bowls for each child. They also have divided plates for toddlers. Finally, they also make full-serving single sets. While we’ve had a few pieces break here and there (if they were dropped), overall they have held up very well to the rigors of energetic kiddos.
For beverages, I typically use stainless steel containers, such as Hydroflask which keep your liquids hot or cold for many hours. Many coffee/tea shops and juice bars will also let you bring your own reusable containers nowadays, which is great.
So if you’re on the hunt for some new portable (or home) non-toxic food storage containers for yourself (or a holiday gift for someone you love), look for old-school reliable choices such as glass, stainless steel, and wood, or some of the newer options such as silicone and bamboo!
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