10 pantry storage containers – to make your organizational dreams come true

Invest in these pantry storage containers and keep your space in perfect working order

three pantry storage containers on a colorful background
(Image credit: Future)

Looking for pantry storage containers to keep your space in order? You're come to the right place. If you're lucky enough to have a pantry in your kitchen, you need to ensure it works as hard as possible. And the best way to do that is with the right storage containers. 

Deciding how to organize a pantry isn't necessarily straightforward. From dried foods and pickled vegetables to flour and silverware, our pantries can store a lot, so firstly consider what exactly you'll be storing, and choose your containers to suit. 

From super airtight jars to keep your cookies fresh, to rustic wooden boxes and decorative ceramic canisters, there's a lot to choose from, so we've saved you a job and compiled the best pantry containers right here.

10 pantry storage containers to keep yours in working order 

clear pantry storage container with white lid

(Image credit: Target)

Capacity: 2qt | Sizes available: 3qt and 5qt | Material: Plastic

Keep your cookies fresher for longer with this airtight cookie jar by Oxo from Target. Simply pop in the lid and the jar will become airtight. The cleverly designed jar includes a lid that faces diagonally outwards, so you can keep it on your pantry shelf and easily dip your hand in to grab a cookie, piece of candy, or whatever you choose to store in it.

three clear storage jars with wooden lids

(Image credit: ProCook)

2. ProCook round glass storage jar

Capacity: 1 ltr | Sizes available: one | Material: Glass and bamboo 

These simple glass jars are minimal in style. The bamboo lids have a strong silicon seal to keep your food fresh and safe. They come in a handy pack of three, so you can position them on your shelf and have an instantly curated feature. 

wooden box storage for a pantry

(Image credit: The Container Store)

3. Mini stacking bin 

Size: 7" x 5" | Sizes available:  14" x 5" and various shapes | Material: bamboo 

These are a real game changer for extra neat and organized storage in your pantry. They bamboo bins are designed to be stacked – with a raised base and thick sides, you can pile them up high without risk of them toppling over. They're available in a range of different shapes and sizes so you can curate the perfect layout for your needs. We love the bamboo look too for a nature inspired scheme. 

tall glass Kilner jar

(Image credit: Kilner )

4. Clip top round Kilner jar 

Capacity: 1.5ltr | Sizes available: several | Material: glass. 

You can't go wrong with a classic Kilner jar. Each design is guaranteed to be made of the highest quality soda-lime glass with consistent wall thickness so there are no weak points. The clip top jar is perfect for preserving foods, so if you love to grow your own, this is the pantry storage container for you. Available in a range of sizes, but this 1/5ltr jar is perfect for a variety of foods. 

clear containers with a gold geometric pattern and wooden lids

(Image credit: Amazon)

5. Decorative glass food storage canister 

Size: 20cm each | Sizes available: 26cm | Material: Glass and bamboo 

Who says pantry storage needs to be plain? Not us. We love the ornate art deco style pattern on these storage jars from Amazon. With a subtle gilded shine, they're a great way to add some glamor to your space, and the bamboo lids bring a touch of warmth too. Plus they'll hold a lot of cereals or dried foods.

white wire basket with two levels and fruit

(Image credit: The Container Store )

6. Scala wire stackable basket

Size: 9" x 11" x 7'' | Sizes available: one size only | Material: steel 

This white steel basket is the perfect way to store your fruit and veg and keep everything in a neat and orderly fashion. The stackable design means you can make the most of every inch of your space and the white steel brings a clean and fresh feel.

floral storage jar with red flowers and a wooden lid

(Image credit: Amazon)

7. Latter-Day Home floral canister

Size: 4.25'’ x 4.25’’ x 6.5''| Sizes available: this size only | Material: ceramic and bamboo 

Up the pretty factor in your pantry with a bold and beautiful floral design. This canister is made from ceramic so is perfect for storing everything from your dried foods to your tea bags and flour. The bamboo lid is complete with a rubber seal  for extra freshness. 

two wooden pantry storage boxes with mesh wire

(Image credit: Amazon)

8. Set of two wooden organizer crates 

Size: large – 11" x 8" x 4" small – 9.75" x 6.75" x 3.25"| Sizes available: one size only | Material: wood and wire 

This one's for those who love a rustic, country vibe. With a dark, rugged wood base and and wire metal inserts for ventilation, these simple boxes will make for a pantry that's a mixture between cottagecore and industrial chic. When not in use, they stack inside each other to take up minimal space. 

glass jar with pointed lid

(Image credit: `Walmart)

9. Anchor Hocking Heritage Hill clear glass jar with lid

Capacity: 2 gallon| Sizes available: half gallon and 3/4 gallon | Material: glass

Go for that whimsical candy store look with a large glass jar with a pointed lid. While not stackable, this style jar will bring a cute and quirky look to your space. The knob-style handle makes it easy to access and the glass is sturdy enough to being placed in a microwave, dishwasher, or even the freezer. 

two rattan baskets with a cream lining for pantry or kitchen storage

(Image credit: The Container Store )

10. Rectangular Montauk kitchen bins

Capacity: 12" x 5" x 4"  | Sizes available: 12" x 9" x 4" | Material: plastic and cotton

If you love the look of rattan, take it inside your pantry too with these rattan-look baskets. They're actually made of plastic so they're super durable, lightweight and inexpensive. With a simple cotton lining, they're a great way to store anything from bread, packaged foods and utensils. 

Is it better to store pantry items in glass or plastic?

While both glass and plastic have their pros and cons, without doubt glass is the better option. In terms of durability and longevity, glass will always last much longer than plastic. And of course, glass is much kinder to the planet – it's 100% recyclable and can be recycled over and over again without compromising on quality. 

That said, we've taken great strides to create hard wearing plastic that does last a long time. And being generally much cheaper, more lightweight and less breakable than glass, it can be the best option, depending on what you're looking for. 

Are airtight containers worth it?

In an answer, yes. It's worth investing in containers that have an airtight seal for many reasons. Of course, they help to keep air out so your food can remain fresher for longer. An airtight container can prevent bacteria growth, and also prevent any unwanted substances from contaminating your food. 

Not only does it keep the air out, but it also keeps any smells in. No matter how strong the scent - hello pickled onions - an airtight container will always keep the smell under wraps. This can be especially useful in highly urban or rural areas – if pests are a common occurrence, airtight containers can block the smell and make your pantry less attractive to pests.

Amelia Smith
Content Editor

After joining Real Homes as content producer in 2016, Amelia has taken on several different roles and is now content editor. She specializes in style and decorating features and loves nothing more than finding the most beautiful new furniture, fabrics and accessories and sharing them with our readers. As a newbie London renter, Amelia’s loving exploring the big city and mooching around vintage markets to kit out her new home. 

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