Not All Plastic Is Safe for Food Storage — These Types Are the Best

Plastic food containers look simple, but they are not all made for the same job. Some plastics are designed for cold storage, some for bottles, some for wraps, and only some are suitable for heat, acidic foods, or repeated use.

The safest way to think about plastic is not “plastic or no plastic,” but “which plastic, for which food, under which conditions.” Tasting Table’s guide highlights several plastics commonly used for food storage, while FDA guidance shows why food contact, heat, recycling, and chemical migration all matter.