Material

Plastic containers

Written by the VitaWhat editorial team · Medically reviewed by Steve Davis · Last reviewed 19 July 2026 · Editorial policy

Light and cheap, but choose food-grade and mind the heat.

Typical storage time: Fine for cool storage; replace when scratched or warped

Best for

  • Dry goods, fridge storage, packed lunches, freezing (freezer-safe types)

Avoid for

  • Heating fatty/acidic food in non-microwave-safe plastic
  • Old, scratched or cloudy tubs

Good to know

Use only food-grade, BPA-free, microwave-safe plastics for heating. Heat, fat and acidity increase chemical migration. Don't microwave takeaway tubs or cling film touching food.

Sources & references

  1. UK Food Standards Agency — Storage & food dates
  2. NHS — How to store food safely
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