Polypropylene Food Container (#5 PP) vs. Glass Food Storage with Snap Lids

Materials

• Polypropylene (PP, recycling #5)

Common claims

• BPA-free
• Microwave safe
• Dishwasher safe

Concerns / watch-outs

• PP is generally considered one of the safer plastics, but some studies show leaching under microwave heat
• Scratched or old PP containers leach more; replace when visibly worn

Notes

Polypropylene (#5) is among the safer plastic types for cold food storage. Avoid microwaving fatty foods in any plastic container, including PP.

Cleaner alternatives

• borosilicate glass container
• stainless steel food container

Materials

• Borosilicate glass
• BPA-free plastic snap lids

Common claims

• Oven, microwave, and freezer safe
• Non-porous glass
• BPA-free lids

Concerns / watch-outs

• Lids are typically polypropylene (PP) — avoid microwaving with lid on
• Glass can break if dropped on hard floors

Notes

Best practice for food storage. Glass body is completely inert. Just don't microwave with the plastic lid on to avoid leaching.

Cleaner alternatives

• pyrex glass containers
• anchor hocking glass