Styrofoam / Polystyrene Food Container vs. Glass Food Storage with Snap Lids

Materials

• Expanded polystyrene (EPS, recycling #6)

Common claims

• Lightweight insulation
• Cost-effective packaging

Concerns / watch-outs

• Styrene — the building block of polystyrene — is classified as a possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B)
• Leaches styrene into fatty or hot foods
• Essentially non-recyclable and environmentally persistent

Notes

One of the worst food contact materials for both health and environmental impact. Avoid using for hot or fatty foods. Opt out whenever possible in favor of glass, stainless, or even HDPE.

Cleaner alternatives

• borosilicate glass container
• stainless steel food container
• paper lunch bag

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