The Evolving Food Storage Landscape: Embracing Innovation Beyond Tupperware

As the iconic Tupperware brand faces bankruptcy, the food storage industry is undergoing a transformative shift. Consumers now have a wealth of innovative and versatile options to keep their leftovers fresh and accessible. From sleek Ikea containers to durable Rubbermaid solutions, the market has expanded to cater to diverse needs and preferences. Eater's staff have shared their personal favorites, shedding light on the evolving landscape of food storage and the rise of new, compelling alternatives to the once-dominant Tupperware.

Discover the Cutting Edge of Food Storage Solutions

Ikea 365+: Customizable Convenience

Ikea's a-la-carte food storage collections offer a unique advantage, allowing users to curate their own set of containers. "While most other food storage systems come in sets, Ikea's vessels are mostly sold by the piece, which offers the opportunity to buy 10, 20-ounce soup containers if need be, or none at all," says Eater LA reporter Rebecca Roland. The snap-on lids and press-in wood varietals provide a secure, vacuum-sealed experience, keeping food fresh for longer. The tiny six-ounce containers are particularly versatile, perfect for storing leftover sauces or mirepoix. As Roland emphasizes, "glass is the way to go — it stacks better, and won't hold on to food scents."

Big Bee Little Bee: Streamlined Storage

For Eater's special projects director Lesley Suter, the struggle with mismatched lids and containers has been a persistent challenge. The solution came in the form of the silicone clamshell containers from Big Bee Little Bee. "They open fully flat, which is key for fitting in the dishwasher, are easier to load food in and out of than zipper-style silicone bags, and, most importantly, come with the lid attached," Suter explains. While not as leak-proof as some alternatives, these containers have become a new staple in her fridge, offering a convenient and organized storage solution.

Snapware: The Seal of Approval

Lesley Suter's quest for a cohesive food storage system led her to Snapware, a brand that has won her over. "A few years ago I asked for only one thing for Christmas," she recalls. "The opportunity to throw out every piece of mismatched jars and deli cups and replace it with one, huge, Costco-size pack of Snapware." The appeal lies in the secure, satisfying "snap" of the lids, as well as the glass construction, which provides a sense of reassurance when reheating food and minimizing potential leaching of microplastics.

Rubbermaid Brilliance: A Trusted Companion

Eater's deputy editor, Monica Burton, has a long-standing affinity for the Rubbermaid Brilliance containers. "Years ago, my sister-in-law gave me some food inside a Rubbermaid Brilliance container and it's still the storage container I reach for first," she shares. The lid's perfect seal, secured by satisfying click-in clips, ensures a reliable containment system. The rectangular shape accommodates a wide range of items, from slices of pizza to soupier substances, and the sturdy plastic has withstood the test of time, even in the dishwasher.

Ziploc Bags: The Versatile Choice

While many gravitate towards rigid containers, Eater Dallas editor Courtney Smith prefers the flexibility of regular Ziploc storage bags. "They're great for anything that is malleable and for when you need to make room in the fridge," she explains, highlighting the bags' ability to adapt to various food items and storage needs.

Deli Containers: The No-Frills Option

Eater staff reporter Amy McCarthy embraces a more utilitarian approach, opting for standard, restaurant-style deli containers. "I need something I'm not going to feel too guilty about throwing away when I inevitably forget it in the fridge," she says, acknowledging the practical appeal of these no-fuss containers.

Stasher Bags: The Sustainable Solution

Kaitlin Bray, Eater's director of audience development, has been a loyal user of Stasher silicone bags since 2018. "While I've flirted with other reusable containers in the last six years, I haven't found anything nearly as durable or lightweight," she says. Although the Stasher bags come with a higher price tag, Bray appreciates their longevity and the convenience they offer as a sustainable storage option.

Mepal Lidded Nesting Bowls: Stylish and Versatile

Eater editor-in-chief Stephanie Wu has found a stylish alternative to Tupperware in Mepal's lidded nesting bowls. "These bowls, which come with matching lids, are freezable, microwaveable, dishwasher safe, and leakproof," she explains. Beyond their functional attributes, these bowls also double as serving dishes, adding a touch of elegance to the kitchen. The nesting design allows for compact storage when not in use.

Cliik Containers: Stackable and Stylish

Eater New York reporter Emma Orlow recently discovered the Cliik containers, which have impressed her with their versatility. These jar-like containers come in a variety of oblong sizes and colors, and feature universal lids that magnetically stack, allowing for efficient organization. Crafted from "ultra-durable, BPA-free Tritan® plastic," according to the brand, these containers offer a sleek and practical storage solution.

OXO Good Grips: A Household Staple

Executive editor Erin DeJesus swears by OXO's Pop food storage containers, which she describes as "littered all over my house and pantry in varying sizes." The majority of her collection consists of the 1.1-quart "small" size, which she uses to store a diverse range of items, from couscous to dog treats. The larger containers excel at dry-goods storage, such as rice, flour, and sugar, and the hardy construction allows for frequent opening and closing without compromising the seal.