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
1. Oxo Pop airtight cookie jar
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
