Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Beauty
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices
Are you looking to keep your dry food fresher for longer? Whether it's flour, sugar, cereals, or something else, dry food can easily go stale before you have a chance to use it all. Dry food is also a magnet for pests. An airtight dry food storage container can solve these problems.
So, we've done the research for you and come up with a list of the 10 best dry food storage containers, including both sets and individual options. We picked the Airtight Food Storage Container Set by Chef's Path as our favorite because the containers are airtight and stack easily. Check out our other nine choices below, and scroll down to our buying guide reviewed by a professional chef for tips on how to choose the best containers on your own!
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Before buying any dry food storage containers, there are a few points you should take into consideration, such as size and material. To help you with your decision, we’ve put together this handy buying guide!
By far the most common materials for dry food storage containers are plastic and glass. They share some similar properties as they are often the same size, shape, and opacity, but there are also many differences between them that are worth taking note of.
If you’re looking for a dry food storage container that can be of use both in the home and outside of it, then plastic is a good choice. It’s more lightweight than glass and is more likely to survive a fall and some rough treatment.
Many plastic containers are airtight. This keeps the food from going stale and prevents any bugs and pests from getting into them. Additionally, when they're empty, they often nest inside each other so it's easy to stow them away. They can also be watertight, which protects your food from any moisture.
Keep in mind that some plastic containers hold onto smells, so keep this in mind if you're planning to store smelly food items like pungent spices.
Glass containers are heavier and sometimes more fragile than plastic. However, glass isn’t porous it won’t retain the smell of whatever you place inside. They are also almost always clear, making it easy to see your food.
Many glass containers are also decorative and make for great decor in your kitchen. They're more presentable if you have cabinets or a pantry you can see into. Although glass is fragile, it is heat-resistant and can be used in the dishwasher.
With the right lid and seal, glass containers can be just as airtight and watertight as plastic containers.
No matter what material you choose, it’s essential that the containers are airtight. This is usually achieved by a combination of the lid material, along with the use of silicone or rubber gaskets. With a silicone or rubber ring around the opening of the container, both glass and plastic can be made airtight.
Dry food storage containers are commonly used to prolong the shelf life of dry food once the original packaging has been opened, but they won’t do this if they let air in. Air can stop your food from tasting fresh, as well as speed up the growth of bacteria and mold.
A lot of dry food that is stored is also prone to attracting insects and pests. Things such as flour and grain are especially popular among pests, and small bugs can easily find their way into sacks or paper bags. However, they will not be able to find their way into a plastic or glass container that's fully airtight!
Dry food storage containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Typically, they’re round or square, but the sizes can vary from small enough for a single serving of nuts, to large enough to hold several gallons.
Square and rectangular containers are arguably the easiest to store. Their flat sides mean they can push up against each other without leaving any empty space, unlike circular containers.
However, many circular containers are narrow and tall, and great for things like spaghetti. If you have a small counter or cupboard space but room to stretch up, circular containers may be a better fit.
When it comes to the size of the containers, think about what you need them to hold. Do you need a storage container large enough to hold a 25-pound bag of rice, or are you looking for containers to hold a regular-sized box of cereal?
You may think that going bigger is better as you’re guaranteed to not run out of room, but remember, you will need room in your kitchen or pantry to store the containers! Also, trapping extra air and moisture inside will not help to keep your food fresh as long as if it's in a container with little extra space.
We’ve already mentioned the importance of an airtight container and that the fit is largely responsible for making a container airtight, but that isn’t the only lid consideration.
Some lids have an opening on top that can be used to pour out the contents without the need to take the entire lid off. This is especially useful for dry food that is frequently eaten or used, such as cereal. The smaller opening makes it easier to control how much pours out.
Other lids are attached to the containers via a hinge and can be lifted off, giving you full access to whatever is inside without the need to take the lid completely off. These are useful for contents such as flour, where you may need to scoop large amounts out and need space to move.
Many lids fasten through a locking system, where you push down flaps on the edge of the lid until they click and lock into place. This type of lid is usually airtight and the sound and feel of it locking in place will reassure you that the lid is fitted correctly. Other lids have a mechanism on top such as a ring that you push down that will ensure they are airtight.
Some of the dry foods that you store in your containers may look very similar. For example, cornstarch and flour can look virtually identical, so it can be difficult to tell foods apart if they’re all in the same size and style container.
You can solve this issue by buying a set of storage containers with different colored lids. Many sets come with labels and markers so you can label each container. If the set you choose has neither of these, you can always buy your own labels separately.
Although you won’t need to frequently clean your dry food storage containers, they will still need to be cleaned from time to time, so make sure this is easy to do. Check if they’re dishwasher-safe, and make sure that the containers or lids don’t have small and concealed crannies that can easily attract food particles but are difficult to reach.
If it comes with a silicone ring to make the container airtight, make sure it can be easily removed for cleaning. Depending on how you plan to use your containers, you also might want containers that are microwave-, oven-, and freezer-safe. Some smaller dry food storage containers can also double as lunch boxes or storage for bulk cooking, so this is something else to check for before you buy.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Chef's Path Airtight Food Storage Container Set | $68.99 High | Best Container Set for Variety | ||
2 | Venoly See-Through Glass Canisters | $29.99 Mid | Best for a Pop of Color | ||
3 | ComSaf Airtight Glass Canister Set | $29.99 Mid | Best for Secure Storage | ||
4 | IKEA Large Cereal and Dry Food Storage Containers | $8.99 Low Mid | Best for Pouring Cereal or Pet Food | ||
5 | OXO Airtight Container Set for Food Storage | $54.95 High Mid | Best for an Airtight Seal | ||
6 | LocknLock Stackable Kitchen Canisters Set | $27.99 Mid | Best for Scooping | ||
7 | Rubbermaid Extra Large Tall Food Storage Containers | $20.69 Mid | Best for Large Amounts of Food | ||
8 | Lenwi Leak-Proof Pantry Storage Containers | $33.99 Mid | Best for Rice, Grains, and Beans | ||
9 | IKEA Pantry Storage Containers | $3.99 Low | Best for Easy Access to Snacks | ||
10 | Tightpac Kitchen and Pantry Storage Containers | $29.99 Mid | Best Vacuum-Sealed Container |
Pros:
Cons:
If you're looking for a large number and variety of containers, this set may be for you. It has 24 containers in four different sizes. All sizes have the same length and width but differ in height from 3.5 to over 11.5 inches. The flat lids mean they can be stacked, and they also come with reusable measuring spoons and labels.
Some reviewers are disappointed the plastic of the containers is a little cloudy and not clear. On the other hand, many buyers praise the containers for how well they seal and say they are airtight. They're easy to clean and easy to stack. Many also highlight how convenient and neat they are. They're perfect for organizing the pantry!
Pros:
Cons:
These retro-looking turquoise canisters will look stylish in any kitchen. They are made from glass and steel, and the lids screw into place to make them airtight. The windows will enable you to see inside and as they are all the same width, they will look neat when grouped together.
Many reviewers feel the color really stands out in their kitchen! More recent reviewers praise the containers for being airtight, and they say that they are durable and sturdy. They like how the glass won't hold stains or odors.
Pros:
Cons:
This trio of glass containers is identical in size and shape. They have a silicone gasket around the rim so the lids can be secured in place to make the containers airtight. The lids are locked in place with old-fashioned steel locking clamps, so you can ensure that they'll stay in place.
The clamps have to be tight to keep them in place, and this can make it difficult to close and open them, according to reviewers. However, reviewers say the glass is thick and the containers are sturdy. They also confirm the containers are airtight and some have put them through the dishwasher with no issues.
Pros:
Cons:
This container is perfect for pouring, whether it's cereal or dog food. You can take the lid off to fill it, and open it halfway when it's time to pour. The containers are designed to grip easily, and the clear material makes sure you can see its contents at a glance.
Although some reviewers mentioned these containers crack easily when dropped, others say that they are easy to pour with and that the slim design makes them easy to store. They also say that it keeps their cereal fresh.
Pros:
Cons:
This container set offers a variety of sizes and has an airtight seal that can be activated with the push of a button. They're also stackable, and optional accessories like scoops can attach to the underside of the lids. Clean-up is easy, too, since they're dishwasher safe.
Although some reviewers mentioned the suction on the lids wasn't always strong, they agreed that the versatility in size was helpful. They also say that the airtight seal kept the food fresh and kept pests away. Reviewers also said that they were easy to clean and store.
Pros:
Cons:
LocknLock's 50-cup container is good for large amounts of food that you need to access regularly. The cup included allows you to easily scoop your rice or flour, using the flip lid, and measure the exact amount you need. It has wheels on the back, so you can slide it towards you even if the contents are heavy.
Although some reviewers mentioned that the lid doesn't always seal correctly, others noted that it holds a large amount of food and is easy to scoop from. Some reviewers ordered these in bulk and were able to re-organize their entire pantry.
Pros:
Cons:
If you need to store a large amount of food, such as a five-pound bag of flour or sugar, this is a great container to accomplish that. It fits 16 cups while keeping it fresh with its airtight lid that locks on each side. The lid opens all the way, making it easy to scoop ingredients out.
Some reviewers mention that the containers tended to break or scratch after a lot of use. However, they also say that the capacity is useful for baking essentials. They mention that the airtight lid keeps these ingredients fresh for a long time.
Pros:
Cons:
This container acts as storage and a dispenser. You can easily access your oatmeal, popcorn, rice, or beans without needing to lift a lid or scoop anything out. You can keep track of how much is still inside using the scale on the container.
If you buy 25-pound bags of rice, note that reviewers say this only holds closer to 20. Although the lid is not airtight, reviewers say that it's very convenient when they need to access the food they've stored. Some even mentioned that their kids can use it. They also agree that it can easily fit on counters or in cabinets as needed.
Pros:
Cons:
This container has a unique shape that allows you to position it on any side, and it will still rest steadily on a shelf or countertop. You can stand it straight upward, or keep it on its side for easier access. It's also transparent, so you can always see what you're reaching for.
Although the lid isn't airtight, reviewers agree that the jar makes it easier to access their food. They say that it's made with quality material and like that the jar opening is large enough to fit a hand.
Pros:
Cons:
This container is a great option if you need something for coffee, tea, or dry herbs. The lock is secure, being both airtight and using a push-button vacuum system so you won't have to worry about leaks. It comes in several colors, opaque ones to seal out light and keep foods fresher, or clear plastic to display them.
Some reviewers said that they had trouble getting the lid off, or that they struggled to line it up to put it back on. However, others said that it keeps their coffee fresh. They also mention that the container is sturdy and the handle on the lid makes it easy to grab.
If you're looking to store more than dry foods, there are more options available to you. We recommend some of these products to help you choose.
After looking through our list, if you want to check out a wider selection, consider Amazon's best-selling food storage containers for more options.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Chef's Path|Airtight Food Storage Container Set
No. 2: Venoly|See-Through Glass Canisters
No. 3: ComSaf|Airtight Glass Canister Set
No. 4: IKEA|Large Cereal and Dry Food Storage Containers
No. 5: OXO|Airtight Container Set for Food Storage
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Beauty
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices