How to Choose the Right Food Containers (Boxes)
If there is one thing that you need a lot of in the kitchen, it is food containers. And they can’t all be the same kind, either. Whether you are looking to store rice, refrigerate leftovers or pack up those delicious goodies for a picnic, you need the right food containers for the job. Here are some styles of containers and pointers to pick the right ones when you go shopping.
1. Containers for Dry Food:
Tall and slim containers are great for storing tea, coffee, sugar and lentils in your cabinets and bottle racks. This way you can make the best use of the space available. Smaller glass jars with tight lids can be used for spices, to lock in their zest. Dry goods containers should be high quality, food -grade plastic, glass jars or even old-fashioned metal tins. Containers that are transparent or have a window to see the contents are most practical.
Types of Dry Food Containers:
- Airtight containers: Keep food dry and fresh for longer periods.
- Stackable containers: Save space by stacking them on top of each other.
- Labeled containers: Clearly label each container so you know what’s inside.
2. Boxes for the Fridge:
To store leftovers in the fridge you need containers that seal in aromas and flavors, and keep food fresh and tasty. See-through boxes are quite convenient since you can check the contents without opening them. Look for container sets in a variety of sizes. Stackable containers, that can go from the fridge to the microwave, and then to the table, are just perfect.
3. For Snack:
It is always nice to have a well-stocked snack shelf and for that you need lots of jars. Cookie jars, airtight tins, buckets with lids are all lovely to store snacks in. Breakfast muesli and cereal can be put in pretty jars to add cheer to your morning. Snack jars that store cookies, candies and cereals should have easy open and lock system, as these would mostly be handled by kids in the house.
Snack Container Ideas:
- Clear jars: See when you’re running low on snacks.
- Divided containers: Separate different snack types.
- Kid-friendly lids: Easy for little hands to open and close.
4. Boxes for On-the-Go:
When you travel, water bottles, vacuum flasks and travel drink mugs are a must have. Insulated lunch bags with coordinating boxes are great for packing lunch for kids and grown-ups alike. Food vacuum flasks are great for carrying soups, pasta and rice dishes since they keep them hot and fresh.
On-the-Go Container Tips:
- Insulated containers: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
- Spill-proof bottles: Prevent leaks and spills.
- Compartment containers: Separate different food items.
Tip:
Color-code your boxes to quickly find what you need. For example, you can use red boxes for snacks and blue boxes for drinks. Choice is yours, select your favorite color code.
Once you have a variety of food storage boxes in your kitchen, putting away the groceries will be a piece of cake, and cooking and clearing up even easier. And when hunger pangs strike at 4pm – you know which food container to raid!