We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The Best Dry Food Storage Containers to Keep Your Kitchen Organized

Store food, save space, stay organized

Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry organization and Food Storage Containers with Airtight Lids Set lab test spruce eats photo

The Spruce Eats / Meredith Food Studios

Whether you're looking for uniformity or something decorative, transferring dry goods from grocery packaging to airtight containers is not only a great way to organize the kitchen, but also helps ward off unwanted pests while maintaining the freshness of the product. To help you figure out which dry food storage containers are right for your needs, we tried some out side-by-side.

How We Tested Dry Food Storage Containers

We used each of the dry food storage containers on this list to store ingredients like brown sugar, flour, and cornflakes. We then tested the integrity of the seals by adding water. Containers were also used in our Testing Lab, going through hours of different tests and then rated on important attributes.

We Rated:

  • Performance: Apart from using the containers to store ingredients like brown sugar, flour, and dry cereal, we added an onion and tomato mixture to the containers and observed whether they retained any stains or residual smells. We also filled each container halfway with water and shook it over a sink to see how much water would leak.
  • Capacity: We noted whether any of the sets included containers with varying sizes and whether the mouth of the containers could accommodate tools like measuring cups for scooping.
  • Design: Containers gained extra points for any additional functionality or space-saving designs like stackability, easy-open lids, or airtight seals to maintain freshness. We also observed how easy or difficult it was to fill the containers, as well as scoop or pour ingredients from the containers. Additionally, each container was pushed onto the floor from the counter to assess the seal tightness and overall durability of the materials.
  • Cleanup: We washed the containers, both by hand and in the dishwasher, and noted any damage to the bases or lids after washing or nooks and crannies that retained food particles.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Airtight Food Storage Containers filled with food displayed on a marble counter

The Spruce Eats / Meredith Food Studios

What We Like
  • Modestly priced

  • Easy to scoop and pour from

  • Space-saving design

  • Airtight seal

What We Don't Like
  • May need additional pieces beyond set

  • Lid may be difficult to clean

When organizing your pantry is the end goal, a variety of container sizes and compatibility are vital. The Rubbermaid Brilliance containers—available individually or as a set—offer a stackable line with airtight lids that latch in place, and each has a slight rim that keeps the containers secure when stacked.

We particularly appreciate the line's sturdy plastic construction, which is also odor- and stain-resistant, meaning storing something more potent won't come back to haunt you weeks later. We even tested the container with a potent onion and tomato mixture and found that it remained clean and without a smell. Whether you use them for flour, snacks, or cereal, scooping and pouring is easy, thanks to the design. These Rubbermaid Brilliance containers are even safe to store in the freezer.

Another feature we appreciate: The small lip helps you open the lid more easily when sealed. It contributes to the clean attractive design of the container. This dishwasher-safe line comes in nine sizes with three interchangeable lids, but sets often need to be augmented with additional specialized containers to complete a pantry.

Material: BPA-free plastic | What's Included: 19.9-cup, 16-cup, 12-cup, 8.1-cup, 7.8-cup, 6.6-cup, 3.2-cup, and 1.3-cup containers with lids; (2) 0.5-cup mini containers with lids

What We Like
  • Doesn't stain or collect odors

  • Easily stackable

  • Seals tight when flipped over

  • Easy to sanitize

What We Don't Like
  • Not shatter-proof

In the realm of kitchen utensils, OXO has a reputation for quality, affordable products. It's a go-to brand for peelers, can openers, turkey basters, and so much more. OXO recently redesigned its beloved Pop Containers to improve upon the seal and stackability with a new button design that ensures an airtight closure when pushed. To test this, we filled the container halfway with water and shook it over a sink. It initially leaked a little when first turned over, but ceased pretty quickly, so the seal is quite tight.

We love the neat counter-worthy look of this set and all the containers' sizes and multiple uses. There was no staining from the tomatoes or onions during testing, and the set comes with convenient accessories, like scoops that attach to the underside of the lids. Say goodbye to digging through your canister for a measuring cup or having cumbersome parts to disassemble and clean by hand, since each cleans up well if placed in the top rack of a dishwasher. The lids also do not need to be taken apart to properly sanitize—another major bonus.

These containers also have handy fill lines for measurement and are made from sturdy BPA-free plastic. The set includes five containers in varying sizes, five matching lids, two scoops, and a brown sugar saver. The only thing to be careful of when pouring cereal or snacks into a bowl is to do so slowly to avoid major spills since the top needs to be completely taken off an individual container to get what's inside out.

Also, note that the containers did not pass the shatter test—when pushed onto the floor from the counter, they completely popped open and contents spilled everywhere.

Material: BPA-free plastic | What's Included: (2) 0.4-quart, (1) 1.1-quart, and (2) 4.4-quart containers; (2) 0.5-cup scoops; (1) brown sugar saver

What We Like
  • Slim design for easy storage

  • Pour spout for mess-free dispensing

  • Comfortable to hold while pouring cereal

What We Don't Like
  • Lid does not detach

Product-specific design wins again with Progressive’s 4.5-quart cereal dispenser. It has a spout for easy pouring and holds a family-size box of cereal. The container is made of food-safe, BPA-free plastic and boasts an airtight silicone seal to ensure freshness. Like other Progressive products, this one is designed for vertical storage to optimize space in your pantry, and it is dishwasher safe.

We found that the container was very easy to fill thanks to the wide opening. We were able to fit a dry measuring cup inside without difficulty. The top has an uber-tight seal, though, so we recommend washing by hand periodically to properly clean between the grooves of the lid. The rest of the container can be regularly sanitized in the dishwasher. If you have varying palates at home, these containers are slim enough to stock a couple of different types of cereal comfortably, and the design makes spill-free pouring a cinch.

We also conducted a test storing an onion and tomato mixture in this container and found that there were no streaks on the plastic and detected only a faint aroma of onion. Design-wise, the comfort of having an ergonomic spot for the hands with this container is a win. We also appreciate that there were two different openings, one to fill the container and another to pour out the cereal.

Material: Plastic, silicone seal | What's Included: (1) 4.5-quart container with lid

What We Like
  • Wide enough to fit measuring spoons

  • Set with varying sizes

  • Pieces sold individually and as a set

What We Don't Like
  • Breakable

  • Lids must be washed by hand

These glass containers are made of lead-free borosilicate glass with a tight-fitting bamboo lid. The set includes five containers of varying sizes, with capacities ranging from 16 to 54 ounces, and while the mouth doesn't particularly accommodate measuring cups for scooping flour and similar ingredients, we found dry measuring spoons can easily fit inside. Use them to store things like dried pasta, nuts, candy, oatmeal, popcorn kernels, or coffee beans.

We were impressed by how these glass food storage containers stayed fresh even after the tomato-onion stain and smell test. The containers can hold liquids, but we don't recommend having liquids inside for too long because the lids are not supposed to be wet for a prolonged period of time. Although the lids are meant to be hand-washed, we found that they endured just fine through a run in the dishwasher.

If you don't need all five, don't worry. A few of the sizes can be purchased as a set of three or individually. Another major advantage is the sleek style, allowing this practical set to do double duty as dry food storage and decorative kitchen elements. Be mindful that the fragility of the glass makes them moderately heat- and cold-resistant.

Material: Lead-free borosilicate glass, bamboo wood lid | What's Included: 6.75-cup, 5-cup, 3.7-cup, 2.8-cup, and 2-cup containers with lids

What We Like
  • Easily stacked

  • Designed for flour leveling and measuring

  • Lid clicks when it's sealed and secure

What We Don't Like
  • Attached label may be difficult to remove

Flour is one of those dry goods that benefit from a dedicated storage container; In addition to keeping out the bugs, the right vessel will make scooping and leveling easier. ProKeeper incorporates practical accessories, like the detachable leveler on this model, which helps make measurements exact and mess-free. Adding to its functionality are the cup measure marks on the side of the container, so you always know whether you have enough for a recipe or need to head to the grocery store.

There's much to love about the ProKeeper container, including its capacity. It comfortably stores up to 5 pounds of flour, and the easy-open lid is airtight. If you are a baker with many different types of flour in your pantry, you will appreciate the stackable design from a space-saving perspective.

We particularly appreciated that the container continued to open and close as expected after regular use. However, it is important to ensure the notch fully clicks into place when closing because that is a clear indication the lid is completely sealed and secure. To make sure it was airtight, we filled the container halfway with water and shook it. Not a single drop escaped.

A variety of dry measuring cups will fit inside this container without difficulty, and there is an included lever that can be inserted just below the top of the container to level off scoops before removing them from the container. This product is safe to store in the freezer, and it is dishwasher safe, too.

Material: BPA-free plastic, silicone seal, stainless steel hinges | What's Included: (1) 4-quart container with lid

What We Like
  • Seals tight but easy to open

  • Stylish

  • Wide mouth

What We Don't Like
  • Does not come with labels

  • Breakable

Spice drawers are notoriously disorganized—unless one is perusing Instagram posts created by interior designers—but a well-stocked home cook can also pull off a pro décor look in the kitchen with these mini Libbey jars. The versatility of this set equally matches how aesthetically pleasing they’ll look lined up in a pantry or on a shelf.

Each spice jar features a wide mouth to accommodate various measuring spoons. They’re food-safe, and the lids are BPA-free, designed with optimal freshness in mind. Spices can lose their potency when exposed to air, so having airtight storage at the ready is doubly important, and we loved how well these little jars sealed—especially since they are so easy to open, too. Whether grinding your own spices, buying in bulk, or purchasing from a grocer, these containers provide a chic, uniform, and tight seal for a plethora of herbs and seasonings.

Material: Glass | What's Included: (12) 4.5-ounce jars with lids

What We Like
  • Easily cleaned lids

  • Generous storage capacity

  • Easy stacking

What We Don't Like
  • Terracotta disk must be soaked weekly

Brown sugar offers unique challenges when storing. It has more liquid than white sugar, is slightly less sweet, and has more minerals because of the addition of molasses. The dark syrup causes it to harden faster than white sugar as the liquid evaporates. There are tricks to soften it, but finding the right container is proactive. 

This BPA-free canister can hold 2 pounds of brown sugar and has a strong seal (although it leaked a little from one side of the container after filling it with water and giving it a couple of shakes). From a functionality standpoint, it is a clear standout when compared to other storage options, thanks to the removable terracotta disk that comes attached to the underside of the lid. A quick soak in water (weekly) will lock moisture in the disk, which helps prevent the sugar from drying out or forming hard clumps inside the container.

We suggest occasionally hand washing to clean between the grooves of the lid. The rest of the container can go in the dishwasher.

Material: Plastic, silicone seal, stainless steel hinges | What's Included: (1) 1.5-quart container with hinged lid

What We Like
  • Holds full bags of pantry staples

  • Sold individually or as a set

  • Attractive design

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Breakable

If minimalist style is the kitchen vibe you’re looking to cultivate, a Kaloh Stoneware Kitchen Canister from West Elm is an ideal choice. Glazed stoneware is paired with a maple lid, which adds an elegant touch to any dining nook or countertop. The designer, Aaron Probyn, is passionate about sustainability and creating products with longevity to aid in combating reliance on disposable items.

These canisters come in four colors and can be purchased individually or as a set. Although the lid is not airtight, the ceramic base will retain moisture better inside than most plastic alternatives, making this home good a solid (if pricey) investment if you're looking to primarily use it to maintain the freshness of flour and other dry baking goods usually purchased in large or bulk quantities.

We found a 1-cup dry measuring cup can easily reach all the way to the bottom of the large, 114-ounce container. The wide opening at the top (and the equally wide shape of the rest of its base) make scooping and sweeping easy to execute. This container is meant to be washed only by hand with warm, soapy water and a nonabrasive cloth or sponge to avoid scratching.

Material: Stoneware with maple wood lids | What's Included: Sold individually or as a set of 3, 4, or 5 (12-ounce, 44-ounce, 65-ounce, 114-ounce, and 194-ounce canisters with lids)

Final Verdict

We crowned the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers Set winner thanks to its uniform, space-saving design that allows for neat stacking. If you prefer the look and feel of glass, these aesthetic air-tight Glass Kitchen Canisters from Le'raze have beautiful bamboo lids.

Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers stacked on a marble table

The Spruce Eats / Rebekah Joan 

What to Look for in Dry Food Storage Containers

Airtight Seal

Transferring sacks of flour and sugar to containers is not just about organization. It also adds to the longevity of the product and keeps pests like pantry moths out. The less contact dry goods have with air, the fresher they'll be, which is why it's important to purchase containers featuring an airtight seal. Sugar won't harden, cereal won't go stale, and all pantry products will maintain freshness.

“For baked goods, [storage] all depends on the item,” says Chef Martin Diez, Director of Chef Services Americas at Barry Callebaut. “For cookies, fill up your container to the brim for storage. Occupying more space helps to avoid air pockets and can increase shelf life."

Different Shapes and Sizes

One of the biggest considerations when purchasing canisters is capacity. Think about the products you want to store and choose containers that will replace the original packaging and fit all of the contents so nothing gets left behind to go stale.

Another consideration is space. If you have a small counter or pantry area, you need something compact. Square or rectangle containers stack easier, and slim, vertical-style vessels save space by stretching up instead of out. What you need all depends on the space you're working with, whether that's a countertop, kitchen cabinet, or pantry.

Usability

Ease of use and efficiency should be at the forefront of your mind when shopping for containers. Cereal keepers without a functional spout will cause an over-pour, and a canister that can't fit your measuring cup comfortably defeats its purpose; a wide mouth is essential if you plan on measuring the dry goods directly from the container.

Cleaning and Convenience

Frequent washing is not a consideration for most dry storage containers, but you do need to clean them before use, and occasionally throughout their life span to maintain a debris-free interior. The container you choose should be easy to wash, without intricate crevices or gaskets that complicate the process. Since the cleaning happens so infrequently, you don't necessarily need to eliminate hand-wash-only containers. Do allow them to fully dry before filling.

Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers inside dishwasher with plates

The Spruce Eats / Rebekah Joan 

FAQs

Why should dry food be kept in airtight containers?

There are two main reasons to store dry foods in airtight containers: unwanted pests and freshness. Transferring uncooked pasta, flour, sugar, cereal, and other dry goods to an airtight container extends the life of those products. A good seal also aids in impeding bacterial or mold growth. You can expect fresh, non-musty dry goods when you take measures to protect against air damage.

Pantry moths, flour mites, grain weevils, and ants can also pose a problem if you do not store products in an airtight container. Most of these pests can get in through cracks in paper sacks or even burrow through mesh, paper, and cardboard containers. A hard material, like plastic or glass, keeps them away from dry goods.

"Especially during hot and humid summer months, we have to be extra sensitive to our food storage methods, particularly with dry goods," says Todd Ferensak, the culinary director at Citizen Chicken & Donuts. "Although it is OK to store some dry products in their original packaging when unopened, I highly suggest investing in some clear, good quality, reusable food storage containers with airtight seals," he says. This will keep your products safe from getting damp, clumping from the humidity, or picking up any unwanted odors or pantry bugs.

Is glass or plastic better for dry food storage? 

The answer to this question depends on your intended use. If you have a large number of pantry items to organize, plastic is more modular and less expensive. You can purchase slimline, stackable containers made of heavy-duty plastic, which is lighter than glass options.

If you are looking to make an environmentally conscious decision, glass or ceramic are your best bet. These materials last an indefinite amount of time and can be recycled if broken or marred. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for all plastics. Glass is also nonporous and does not absorb food smells, but it is heavier and takes up more real estate on counters or in pantries; it is also susceptible to cracks and breakage.

For those looking to save space or invest in something a little more budget-friendly, look for a safe, recyclable plastic option. If you want something sustainable that adds style to your kitchen while storing goods, consider glass or ceramic. 

Can dry food containers store liquid?

Dry food containers are not manufactured to hold liquid for extended periods, especially hot liquid. Airtight seals on dry food containers are made for pantry goods, and though they may keep liquid in place, they are not meant for that.

About Our Testers

  • Our Lab team consists of testers with decades of experience in both professional and home kitchens. In addition to their testing, these sets were sent out to our food and commerce editors, who cook and meal prep consistently.
  • Carrie Honaker, a food writer, restaurateur, and avid home cook, tested the Kaloh Stoneware Kitchen Canisters and Libbey Vibe in her own kitchen—using the jars for the spice blends she creates herself.
  • Rachel Werner, a culinary writer with over seven years of experience, personally tested eight dry food storage containers for this list. Her work has also appeared in Barre 3 Magazine, Entrepreneurial Chef, and Fabulous Wisconsin.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Carrie Honaker is a food writer who has been on the hunt for the perfect dry storage container solution for over a decade. As a restaurateur and avid home cook, she knows the importance of finding the right container. She loves her Kaloh canisters for their beauty and functionality, and also swears by the Libbey Vibe jars for the spice blends she creates. Her work has appeared in many publications, including Basically, Allrecipes, and Wine Enthusiast.

Rachel Werner, who updated this article, is a culinary writer who has been profiling farmers, chefs, restaurants, and food-based businesses for more than seven years. Her work has appeared in a variety of regional and national publications, such as TheKitchn, Fabulous Wisconsin, BRAVA, and Hobby Farms. Rachel personally tested eight dry food storage containers for this list.

Sources

Article Sources
The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Food and Drug Administration. Bisphenol A (BPA): Use in food contact application.

  2. Food and Drug Administration. Bisphenol A (BPA): Use in food contact application.

  3. Safe Food Storage: The Cupboard. K-State Research and Extension

Continue to 5 of 8 below.