Kitchen Storage Swaps
Plastic containers, cling film and plastic water bottles all leach chemicals into the food and water inside them. The alternatives are simple, affordable and last considerably longer.
BPA, BPS and phthalates migrate from plastic containers into food, particularly when heated. Microwaving in plastic or filling a container with hot food significantly accelerates the leaching rate. Even BPA-free plastics have been shown to leach other endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Glass, stainless steel and organic cotton alternatives eliminate this exposure entirely. They are also more durable and represent better value over time.
Food Storage Containers
OUR TOP PICK
Kilner Glass Storage Jars and Containers
100% Glass · BPA Free · No Plastic Contact with Food · Airtight · Oven Safe · Dishwasher Safe · Lasts Decades · UK Brand
Kilner is a UK heritage brand making glass jars and containers since 1842. Glass is completely inert and leaches nothing into food under any conditions. Kilner containers are available in a wide range of sizes for everything from leftovers to dry goods, meal prep and lunch boxes. The glass lasts decades. Widely available on Amazon UK and in most kitchen shops.
Find on Amazon UK →FOR LUNCH BOXES AND MEAL PREP
Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes and Containers
Food Grade Stainless Steel · No BPA · No Plastic Food Contact · Lightweight · Durable · Dishwasher Safe
Food grade stainless steel is non-reactive and leaches nothing into food. Lighter than glass and more practical for packed lunches and on the go. Look for 18/8 or 304 stainless steel grade on the listing. Many come with silicone lids rather than plastic lids which further reduces plastic contact with food.
Find on Amazon UK →Food Wrap
OUR TOP PICK
BeeBee Wraps Organic Beeswax Food Wraps
GOTS Certified Organic Cotton · Soil Association Accredited Jojoba Oil · Food Grade Beeswax · UK Brand · Plastic Free · Compostable · Lasts Up To One Year
UK made beeswax wraps using GOTS certified organic cotton and Soil Association accredited jojoba oil. A direct replacement for cling film with no plastic contact with food whatsoever. The warmth of your hands softens the wrap to mould around bowls, cut fruit and cheese. Washable in cool water and compostable at end of life. Lasts up to one year with proper care. Available in multiple sizes on Amazon UK.
Find on Amazon UK →Water Bottles and Flasks
Plastic water bottles leach BPA, BPS and phthalates into water, particularly when left in the sun, filled with hot liquid or reused repeatedly. Microplastic particles have also been found in bottled water at concentrations significant enough to be a health concern.
OUR TOP PICK
Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle
Food Grade 18/8 Stainless Steel · No BPA · No Plastic Contact with Water · Keeps Cold 24 Hours · Keeps Hot 12 Hours · Durable
Food grade 18/8 stainless steel is completely inert and leaches nothing into water. A quality insulated stainless steel bottle keeps water cold for 24 hours and hot drinks hot for 12 hours. It will outlast dozens of plastic bottles and eliminates both plastic leaching and single use plastic waste simultaneously. Look for bottles where the inner surface is stainless steel rather than coated.
Find on Amazon UK →GLASS OPTION
Glass Water Bottle with Protective Sleeve
100% Glass Interior · No Leaching · No Plastic Contact with Water · BPA Free · Dishwasher Safe
For those who prefer the taste neutrality of glass, glass water bottles with silicone or neoprene protective sleeves are a practical option. Completely inert, dishwasher safe and easy to clean. The sleeve protects against breakage and insulates moderately. Best for desk or home use where knocks are less likely.
Find on Amazon UK →Plastic in the kitchen is so normalised that most people never question it. But the container your food sits in is part of what you eat. Glass and stainless steel cost more upfront and last far longer. Over five years they are cheaper, not more expensive.
Replace plastic as it wears out. Start with whatever you use most.
Sources: Environmental Health Perspectives | Endocrine Society | Some links on this page are affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we would genuinely use ourselves.