Why you might consider glass food containers over plastic
They tend to cost more, but experts say there are benefits to buying glass food storage containers. (Adobe Stock)
There are so many choices to make when it comes to the kitchen, whether you're choosing a potato peeler or a set of measuring cups.
Containers are a staple in many households, and while plastic may have been the default, more glass options are becoming available.
We asked experts about the merits of glass food storage when compared to plastic. Here's what they had to say.
Do glass containers keep food fresher?
Some glass food container brands boast they "keep food fresher for longer", which you may have seen on social media.
Senaka Ranadheera is a food scientist and associate professor at the University of Melbourne in Naarm. Dr Ranadheera's expertise is in food microbiology, but he teaches food safety and quality as well.
Senaka Ranadheera says he prefers glass food containers. (Supplied: Senaka Ranadheera)
He recommends opting for glass rather than plastic "as much as you can".
Dr Ranadheera says glass containers with airtight lids have "many benefits in terms of keeping food preserved well, especially in the refrigerator", though he acknowledges more research is needed in this space.
Glass is a "non-porous and also non-reactive material". Dr Ranadheera says this helps prevent air and moisture from speeding up the decay of food.
For these reasons, he says glass helps food remain in "good condition".
But all leftovers should be consumed within two to three days, he cautions.
Fiona Mair, a home economist and kitchen expert with consumer group Choice, says it's the "air tightness and seal of the container that's the biggest priority".
On Gadigal land in Sydney, Ms Mair says "it doesn't matter if it's glass or plastic, you want that lid to fit tightly … that will keep your food fresher".
What about microplastic concerns?
University of Queensland researcher Cassandra Rauert focuses on "human exposure to micro and nano plastics".
In Meanjin/Brisbane, Dr Rauert says if you're using food containers to microwave food and you're concerned about microplastics exposure, there's an advantage to glass.
"So from studies that we're doing in the lab here, we've shown that when you are heating your food inside those plastic containers, they do shed plastics into the food inside them.
"When I'm reheating things, I try to have them in glass instead of plastic."
Dr Rauert says chemicals in plastic containers can also potentially leach or migrate into food, especially when containers are used in ways they're not supposed to be.
When it comes to the link between microplastics and harm, Dr Rauert says "It is actually a very new area of research, so there's so much that we don't know".
She says it is linked to some "inflammation effects", such as "inflammation in your stomach lining or things like that, but we really don't understand the full effects of that either".
Dr Rauert recommends looking for alternatives to plastic, such as glass or steel, and these products often have a longer life span as well. However, steel and other metals cannot be microwaved.
'Think about how you're going to use them'
Fiona Mair says it's usually worth paying more for better quality plastic containers. (Supplied: Choice)
Ms Mair owns a mix of plastic and glass containers, but says glass is her preference as it's more versatile and suits her kitchen habits better.
She uses her microwave a lot for reheating and defrosting food, and plastics containers can distort and deteriorate in the microwave or dishwasher due to heat.
"Think about how you're going to use them," Ms Mair advises.
Consider if you want to be able to freeze, microwave or reheat food directly in the oven and choose accordingly, she says. This information should be clear on the manufacturers' label.
However, Ms Mair says she handwashes her plastic lids and containers regardless of the manufacturer's instructions, as the heat of the dishwasher can distort lids and make containers difficult to seal.
While glass can be easier to break, Dr Ranadheera says it can also be easier to clean than plastic.
"You can clean it properly so there's no residues that those microorganisms can hide inside."
Consider value
Dr Ranadheera says cost is a factor: glass options are generally more expensive, but they tend to last much longer.
Ms Mair says when it comes to storage containers it can be worth spending more where you can afford it.
In regard to plastic, she says, "I would probably steer clear of the cheapies and look at the more expensive ones, they'll last a lot longer".
Dr Ranadheera says, "consumers need to weigh up all these pluses and minuses."