Looking for pantry storage containers to keep your space in order? Open sesame! If you're lucky enough to have cupboard space 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 for your cookies, crackers, rice, and pasta. While a pantry organizer (or four) will help you go a step further, let's kick things off first with pantry storage containers for your dried food.
Deciding how to organize a pantry isn't necessarily straightforward. From pickles to pretzels (and a few cartons of backup oat milk), our pantries can store a lot. So firstly consider what exactly you'll be storing, and choose your containers to suit.
I've chosen a selection of airtight jars to keep your cookies fresh, clear glass containers that'll make auditing your food inventory easy, and Tiktok-worthy canisters for your pasta tubes. There's a lot to choose from online, so we've saved you a job and relayed the best receptacles right here.
9 pantry storage containers to keep yours in working order
Size (in): H11.8 x W9.2
Material: Silicone
Yes, these might seem a li'l spendy at first, but I'd rather that than a sticky sitch with dried fruit. These pastel-colored silicone bags can be used to keep trail mix out of pests' reach and will stop crunchy pretzels from going soft. They're also dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe to 400 F, so super versatile for all-round kitchen use.
The best plastic kitchen storage containers
Size (in): H8 x W5.5 x D1
Material: Plastic
Holographic pantry storage containers? Now I've seen everything! These iridescent bags are smell-proof, leakproof, non-toxic, odorless, eco-friendly, durable, and reusable so you can store chips, crackers, cookies, and nuts in shiny style. Elevate even the most simple of snacks into a special treat.
The best glass pantry storage containers
Size (in): H4.33 x W4.33 x D4.33
Material: Glass/metal
You can't go wrong with a 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 (hello, pickles), so if you love to grow your own, this is the pantry storage container for you. Available in a range of sizes, this jar is perfect for a variety of foods including homemade jelly to complete your PB sandwich. Though the classic jars are iconic, this berry-inspired one reminded me of those viral strawberry vases. They also have raspberry, orange, and tomato designs.
The best cheap pantry storage containers
Size (in): H4 x W4 x D4
Material: Plastic
Anything that's cubed looks cute, period. So stack your virtual (or IRL) trolley with these stackable storage solutions. Made from BPA-free plastic, these containers can be popped into the dishwasher once they need washing.
The best OXO pantry storage container
Size (in): H6.3 x W4.13 x D6.3
Material: Plastic
If you're lucky enough to own a bean-to-cup coffee machine, you won't want your precious product to lose its flavor. So to keep your coffee beans from going stale — invest in a proper pantry storage container. This one will stop air from entering ensuring a better-tasting cup of joe.
The best airtight glass pantry storage containers
Size (in): H8.5 x W5 x L7.5
Material: Silicone/Plastic
Keep your cookies fresher for longer with this airtight cookie jar by Oxo. Simply pop in the lid and the jar will become airtight. This 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.
The best pantry storage jars
Size: H8.4 x W5.68 x D5.68
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 feels a li'l vintage.
The best glass kitchen storage jars
Size (in): H4.1-10.8 x W3.7
Material: High-borosilicate glass/bamboo
If you pride yourself on owning non-toxic cookware, then you'll probably choose an airtight glass container over a plastic one. These BPA-free vessels are perfect for dried pasta, grains, and legumes. And, going by reviews, customers love the different sizes and their aesthetic appeal!
The best Amazon kitchen storage containers
Size(in): H12.38 x W5.5 x L16
Material: Plastic
These food storage containers have airtight twist top lids (with built-in) gasket seals to keep your decanted food fresher for longer. Their stackable square shape is designed for even the smallest of kitchen pantries.
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 short — 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.
How we chose these pantry storage containers
Despite writing about all the options known to man, our pantries are on the petite side. So, in order to assess what's best for your space — we've relied on a healthy mix of reviews and ratings. First, we undertake a li'l bit of consumer research to see what y'all are searching for. Then, we cross-reference what people like you have Googled to curate a most-wanted list of must-have items.
What to consider when choosing pantry storage containers
Size: Is the container fit for purpose to store the food item in question? Well... you wouldn't put spaghetti in a short and stubby jar, so make sure your container measures up.
Material: Plastic and glass are usually the top two choices in a kitchen, but if you have butterfingers — you may be safer with the former. On the other hand, glass tends to look more expensive, and doesn't stain like plastic does.
Lid: Once you've shut food inside, how are you going to open the container? Think about what's going to be appropriate for your needs. If you're less able, a screw top may not be suitable. Also think about whether the cover can keep air out as cookies, cereals, and crackers can go stale.
Where to buy pantry storage containers
Still searching? Here's where to continue browsing for the perfect pantry storage containers...
